Kyoto: Private Full-Day Early Riser Platinum Walking Tour

Kyoto’s private full-day early riser platinum walking tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the city’s rich cultural heritage. Guided by an English-speaking expert, you will embark on an eight-hour journey, exploring iconic landmarks, from the mesmerizing Fushimi Inari Taisha to the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. With a local lunch and a visit to the bustling Nishiki Market, this tour promises an enriching cultural adventure that’ll leave you yearning for more.

Key Points

• This private full-day walking tour in Kyoto showcases iconic landmarks like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and Nishiki Market.
• The tour is priced at €126.71 per person and lasts 8 hours with an English-speaking guide.
• Highlights include a visit to the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple) and a local lunch.
• The tour starts at Kyoto Station and is not suitable for those with mobility issues.
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Kyoto: Private Full-Day Early Riser Platinum Walking Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Kyoto’s iconic landmarks and cultural sites.

Priced at €126.71 per person, the 8-hour tour provides a private experience led by an English-speaking guide.

Highlights include visits to Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kitano Tenmangū Shrine, and Nishiki Market.

The tour also includes entry to Kinkaku-ji Temple.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues.

Comfortable shoes and an early start are recommended to avoid crowds and summer heat.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at Kyoto Station, the tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

The first stop is the Fushimi Inari Taisha, where guests can explore the mesmerizing rows of vibrant red torii gates.

Next, they’ll venture into the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, marveling at the towering, swaying stalks.

After a local lunch, the tour moves on to the Kitano Tenmangū Shrine, known for its impressive architecture and significance in prayers for academic success.

The day concludes with a visit to the bustling Nishiki Market, offering a delightful array of local street food and shopping opportunities.

• Fushimi Inari Taisha
• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
• Kitano Tenmangū Shrine
• Nishiki Market
• Local lunch

Key Attractions

Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a must-see attraction in Kyoto. The temple’s stunning golden pavilion reflects in the surrounding pond, set against a backdrop of lush greenery. Nearby, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its rows of vibrant red torii gates winding up a mountain. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, with its towering stalks, offers a serene and tranquil experience. At the Kitano Tenmangū Shrine, visitors can pray for academic success. The bustling Nishiki Market, nicknamed "Kyoto’s Kitchen," provides a lively atmosphere and a chance to sample local delicacies.

Key Attraction	Description
Kinkaku-ji Temple	Golden pavilion, reflecting pond, well-kept garden
Fushimi Inari Shrine	Rows of red torii gates, significance of fox statues
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest	Serene atmosphere, historical significance
Kitano Tenmangū Shrine	Imposing architecture, prayer for successful examinations
Nishiki Market	Local street food, shopping opportunities

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Although the Fushimi Inari Taisha is most recognized for its iconic rows of vibrant red torii gates, the shrine also holds deep cultural significance.

Dedicated to the Shinto deity Inari, the shrine is known for:

• Its association with foxes, considered Inari’s messengers
• The tradition of donating torii gates to pray for business prosperity
• The spiritual significance of hiking the scenic trails up the mountain
• The unique atmosphere created by the thousands of torii gates lining the pathways
• The shrine’s long history dating back to the 8th century

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

As visitors walk through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, they’re enveloped by the towering green stalks that sway gently in the breeze.

The forest’s historical significance dates back centuries, as it was once used as a source of materials for the local community.

Today, the bamboo grove offers a tranquil respite from the bustling city, with its peaceful atmosphere and dappled sunlight filtering through the lush foliage.

Visitors can stroll along the winding paths, taking in the unique sights and sounds of this natural wonder before continuing their exploration of Kyoto’s cultural treasures.

Kitano Tenmangū Shrine

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto’s historic Kamishichiken district, Kitano Tenmangū Shrine stands as a revered institution dedicated to the study and success of examinations.

Visitors are drawn to its imposing architectural beauty, with the shrine’s distinctive red torii gates and ornate buildings commanding attention.

This shrine holds particular significance for students, as it’s believed to bestow good fortune and blessings upon those seeking academic achievement.

• Impressive architecture with ornate buildings and red torii gates
• Spiritual significance for students and scholars
• Serene atmosphere in the historic Kamishichiken district
• One-hour stop on the full-day walking tour
• Opportunity to experience Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage

Nishiki Market

After exploring the serene Kitano Tenmangū Shrine, the tour now heads to the bustling Nishiki Market.

Known as "Kyoto’s Kitchen," this lively food market offers a feast for the senses. Visitors can browse stalls selling a vast array of local produce, seafood, and traditional Japanese delicacies.

The narrow streets are lined with shops selling everything from handcrafted knives to pickled vegetables. Travelers can sample street food and purchase unique souvenirs.

With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse offerings, Nishiki Market provides an immersive glimpse into Kyoto’s rich culinary culture and local way of life.

Important Information

The tour starts at the central ticket gates to the JR lines at Kyoto Station, where you will meet their guide.

Comfortable shoes are a must for this full-day walking tour, and bringing water and a camera is recommended.

Cash is advised for any purchases at the Nishiki Market.

This tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

To make the most of the tour, it’s best to start early to avoid crowds and the summer heat.

• Comfortable shoes
• Water
• Camera
• Cash for purchases
• Tour not suitable for mobility impaired or wheelchair users

FAQ

Will the Tour Guide Provide Restaurant Recommendations for Lunch?

Yes, the tour guide will provide recommendations for a local restaurant where the group can have lunch. The guide is knowledgeable about the area and can suggest a suitable dining option that fits the tour’s schedule and preferences.

Does the Tour Include Transportation to the Starting Location?

The tour does not include transportation to the starting location. Participants are responsible for getting themselves to the meeting point at Kyoto Station Building on their own. The tour starts and ends at this central location.

Are There Any Restroom Breaks Scheduled During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention scheduled restroom breaks, but it’s likely you will have opportunities to use facilities at the various attractions visited. The tour’s early start and pace suggest planning for such breaks may be advised.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Sites or Activities?

The tour can likely be customized to include additional sites or activities, though this may incur extra costs. Customers should discuss any desired changes with the tour provider prior to booking to ensure the itinerary meets their preferences.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites Visited During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed at most sites on the tour, but visitors should check with their guide and respect any restrictions. Some locations, like temples, may have limited photo policies to preserve the atmosphere.

Sum Up

This Kyoto walking tour provides an immersive cultural experience, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks over eight hours. Travelers can explore the vibrant Fushimi Inari Taisha, serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and golden Kinkaku-ji Temple, while enjoying a local lunch and the bustling Nishiki Market. Led by an expert guide, it’s an ideal tour for those seeking an enriching adventure in Kyoto.

You can check if your dates are available here: