How to Plan Your Local Style Kyoto Day Trip with a Native English Speaker in Japan

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, Japan, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture. What better way to do it than on this small-group walking tour with a knowledgeable guide, who’s also a native English speaker?

During this tour, you’ll visit some of Kyoto’s most ancient and sacred shrines and temples, including Nanzen-ji Temple, Kiyomizudera Temple, and Yasaka Shrine. Your guide will show you how to respectfully cleanse yourself and offer prayers before entering these sacred places, after which you’ll have a chance to learn about each site’s history, which goes back 2677 years.

The tour includes lunch, which means you don’t have to worry about where to eat or what to order, and tasting some of the best sake in the Gion district of Kyoto. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore the Japanese market and other shopping districts in the area.

What’s Included?

• Professional guide
• Hotel pickup
• Private tour
• All Fees and Taxes
• Lunch
• Alcoholic Beverages

Itinerary

Your guide will meet you at your hotel in Kyoto or Kyoto Station to start your small-group walking tour of Kyoto’s historic shrines and temples. From there, you’ll visit:

Nanzen-ji Temple

Nanzen-ji is one of the most important Zen temples in Japan and was founded in 1291. The temple grounds consist of several sub-temples, each with its own unique features and design.

Kiyomizudera Temple

Located in the eastern part of Kyoto, Kiyomizudera is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Japan. The temple’s main hall sits on a steep hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding cherry blossoms during the spring season.

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine is located in the Gion district of Kyoto and is one of the city’s most iconic shrines. The shrine is known for its annual Gion Matsuri festival in July, one of the most famous festivals in Japan.

Exploring the Japanese market and shopping district

After visiting the shrines and temples, you’ll explore some of the local markets and shopping districts in Kyoto, where you can try local delicacies and shop for souvenirs.

Sake Tasting in the Gion District

Finally, the tour ends with some of the best sake tasting in the Gion district of Kyoto, where you may see Geisha and Maiko (apprentice Geisha). It’s the perfect way to end your day exploring the city.

Details

Book Your Tour

Ready to plan your local style Kyoto day trip with a native English speaker in Japan? Book your tour online here and get ready to immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich history and culture.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Kyoto

Kyoto, the heart of Japan, is known for many things- its rich history, breathtaking natural beauty, and exquisite culture, among others. No wonder it attracts millions of tourists from all around the world every year. However, planning a trip to Kyoto can be overwhelming; there’s so much to see and do in the city. In this post, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the city, which will help you plan your trip better.

1. What is Kyoto known for?

Kyoto is known for its rich history and culture, which is evident in its temples, shrines, and various historical sites that have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is also known for its traditional Japanese cuisines such as Kaiseki, and its beautiful cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons.

2. When is the best time to visit Kyoto?

The best time to visit Kyoto is during the spring and autumn seasons. Spring, which is from late March to early May, is the cherry blossom season, while autumn (late November to early December) is the foliage season. The city is crowded during these seasons, and accommodations can be expensive. The summer months (June – August) can be hot and humid, while winters (December – February) can be cold, with occasional snow.

3. How many days do you need in Kyoto?

It depends on your travel style, but I recommend at least three to four days to explore the city fully. However, if you have more time, you can easily spend a week or more exploring Kyoto and its surrounding areas.

4. What are the must-visit tourist attractions in Kyoto?

Kyoto has so many tourist attractions, but some of the must-visit places include:

• Fushimi Inari Taisha
• Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Gion District
• Nijo Castle
• Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Philosopher’s Path
• Nishiki Market

5. What is the best way to get around Kyoto?

The best way to get around Kyoto is by public transportation such as buses, subways, and trains. The city has an extensive bus network that covers most tourist attractions, and the Kyoto Subway is also convenient for getting around the city center. Taxis are also an option, but they can be expensive.

6. What is Kaiseki cuisine?

Kaiseki cuisine is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that originated in Kyoto. It comprises various dishes, including soup, sashimi, grilled fish, boiled vegetables, and rice, served in small portions. The meal is prepared using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients and is often presented beautifully, reflecting Japanese aesthetics.

7. What is the etiquette when visiting temples and shrines?

When visiting temples and shrines, visitors are expected to follow some etiquette rules, including:

• Remove your shoes before entering the temples’ halls.
• No photography is allowed in some of the temples and shrines.
• Avoid loud talking and noise.
• Do not touch or lean on the temple’s objects, such as the Buddha statue.
• Respect the rules, customs, and traditions of the temples and shrines.

8. How can I experience the traditional Japanese culture in Kyoto?

You can experience traditional Japanese culture in Kyoto by doing many things, such as:

• Participating in a traditional tea ceremony at a tea house.
• Walking along the picturesque Philosopher’s Path while viewing cherry blossoms or autumn leaves.
• Dressing up in a traditional Japanese Kimono and strolling around Gion geisha district.
• Watching or participating in a traditional Japanese martial art (Kendo, Karate) demonstration.
• Visiting a traditional Japanese garden such as Ryoan-ji, Katsura Imperial Villa, or Saihoji (Moss Temple).

9. Is it safe to travel to Kyoto?

Yes, Kyoto is generally safe for tourists, and the crime rate is relatively low. However, just like any other city, you should still take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially when carrying valuables such as cameras, mobile phones, and wallets.

10. What souvenirs should I buy in Kyoto?

Kyoto is known for various souvenirs, including:

• Traditional Japanese crafts such as pottery, textiles, and lacquerware.
• Japanese sweets and snacks such as matcha green tea, wagashi, and senbei (rice crackers).
• Japanese sake and tea, which are popular beverages in Kyoto.
• Japanese green tea powder (Matcha) for making traditional Japanese tea.
• Japanese knives, which are known for their precision and quality.

Conclusion

Kyoto is a beautiful city with a rich culture and history that attracts millions of tourists every year. Planning a trip to Kyoto can be overwhelming, but by answering some frequently asked questions about the city, I hope I’ve made the planning process more manageable for you. Remember to observe temple and shrine etiquette, try traditional Japanese cuisine, and buy some souvenirs to take back home. Have a fantastic trip to Kyoto!