Kyoto Full Day Private Custom Tour With National Licensed Guide Inactive: How to Plan Your Tour

If you’re visiting Kyoto for the first time, you’re in for a treat. The ancient Japanese city is home to countless historical and cultural landmarks, from magnificent castles to traditional temples and shrines. To make the most of your trip, consider booking a full-day private custom tour with a National Licensed Guide inactive who knows the ins and outs of Kyoto. With this full-day private guided tour, you’ll get an insider’s view of Kyoto as you travel by public transportation and explore both the modern and traditional sides of the city. You’ll have the freedom to customize your itinerary based on your interests and preferences, making for a truly personalized experience. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Kyoto full-day private custom tour:

What to Expect

During this tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit three to four of Kyoto’s most celebrated sights from the following list:

• Nijo Castle: This UNESCO-listed castle was built in the 17th century and served as the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, shogun of the Edo period.
• Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion): This Zen temple is known for its stunning gold leaf exterior and breathtaking reflection in the pond.
• Kiyomizu Temple: This popular tourist attraction is known for its impressive wooden stage that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine: This shrine is famous for its thousands of orange torii gates that form tunnels over the hiking trails.
• Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion): This beautiful temple and garden is named after its silver appearance, although it was never actually coated in silver.
• Higashiyama neighborhood: This well-preserved area of Kyoto is full of narrow streets, traditional townhouses, and charming shops and cafes.
• Gion district: This famous district is known for its traditional tea houses and geisha culture.

Your guide will provide valuable insights into the history and cultural significance of each site, giving you a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s rich heritage.

What’s Included

Your full-day private custom tour includes:

• Licensed Local Guide
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
• Food and Drink (for yourself)
• Entrance fees where applicable (for yourself)
• Transportation fees (for yourself)

Please note that this is a walking day tour, and a private vehicle is not included. Public transportation is the preferred mode of transportation for this tour.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting and pickup points can be arranged based on your convenience.

How to Book

Ready to book your Kyoto full-day private custom tour? You can reserve your spot online at the Viator website by clicking the following link: book the tour here. For more information about the tour or to ask any questions, please reach out to the National Licensed Guide inactive directly.

Final Thoughts

With a full-day private custom tour in Kyoto, you’ll enjoy an immersive and personalized experience of one of Japan’s most fascinating cities. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, culture, food, or anything in-between, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you in Kyoto. So, book your tour today and get ready to discover all that this amazing city has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kyoto

Kyoto is a beautiful and historic city located in central Japan. As one of the country’s most popular destinations, many people have questions about what to expect when visiting Kyoto. To help answer some of those questions, we have put together this FAQ guide to Kyoto.

1. What is Kyoto famous for?

Kyoto is known for its numerous heritage sites that include temples, shrines, and gardens. It was the former imperial capital of Japan and still retains much of its traditional architecture and culture. Kyoto is also known for its traditional cuisine, particularly kaiseki, which is an elaborate multi-course meal that highlights seasonal ingredients.

2. What is the best time to visit Kyoto?

The best time to visit Kyoto is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) seasons. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery due to cherry blossoms in the spring and changing leaves in the fall. Winter can be quite cold in Kyoto, while summer is often hot and humid.

3. How do I get to Kyoto?

Visitors can reach Kyoto by plane, train or bus. The nearest airport is Osaka’s Kansai International Airport, and from there, visitors can take a train or bus to Kyoto. Kyoto has excellent train connections to other major cities in Japan, including Tokyo and Osaka. Visitors can also reach Kyoto by bus from other cities, although this is often a slower and less comfortable option.

4. What are the top things to see and do in Kyoto?

There are many things to see and do in Kyoto, but some of the must-visit places include:

• The Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• The Yasaka Pagoda
• The Nishiki Market

5. What is the cost of living in Kyoto?

The cost of living in Kyoto is generally high. Accommodation and transportation costs can be particularly expensive, particularly in the peak seasons. However, there are many affordable options for food and drink, including local street food and izakaya (Japanese pubs), that offer good value for money.

6. What is the local food like in Kyoto?

Kyoto has a unique and traditional cuisine that is known for its subtle flavors and presentation. Some of the local specialties include:

• Kaiseki cuisine
• Yudofu (hot tofu)
• Kyo-ryori (Kyoto-style cuisine)
• Soba noodles

7. Is Kyoto safe for visitors?

Kyoto is generally a safe city for visitors. However, like in any city, visitors should take basic precautions such as keeping an eye on their belongings, particularly in crowded areas, and not walking alone in unlit areas at night. The crime rate in Kyoto is relatively low compared to other major cities in Japan.

8. How long should I spend in Kyoto?

The ideal amount of time to spend in Kyoto is at least three days. This will allow visitors to see the main sites and also have some time to explore and experience the city’s unique culture and cuisine. However, visitors could easily spend a week or more in the city, particularly if they want to take day trips to nearby destinations such as Nara.

9. What are the must-try experiences in Kyoto?

Some of the must-try experiences in Kyoto include:

• Attending a tea ceremony
• Trying kaiseki cuisine
• Exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Attending a traditional Japanese festival, such as the Gion Festival
• Taking a walking tour of the city’s historic neighborhoods, such as Gion or Higashiyama

10. How can I experience Kyoto like a local?

To experience Kyoto like a local, visitors should:

• Eat at local restaurants and izakaya
• Attend local festivals and events
• Explore the city’s quieter neighborhoods, such as Philosopher’s Walk or the Kamo River
• Use public transportation, such as the bus or subway, like the locals do
• Stay in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) to experience traditional Japanese hospitality

Overall, Kyoto is a beautiful and unique city that is well worth a visit. With its rich history, culture, and cuisine, there is something for everyone in this magical city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Kyoto

Kyoto is undoubtedly one of Japan’s most fascinating cities, boasting a rich history, stunning traditional architecture, and world-renowned cuisine. If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, it can be challenging to know where to start and what to see. With so many cultural landmarks and tourist attractions, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, so we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you make the most of your time as a tourist in Kyoto.

Step 1: Visit the Temples and Shrines

Kyoto is famous for its many temples and shrines that have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Some of the must-visit temples include:

Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

One of the most famous temples in Kyoto is Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. The temple’s top two floors are covered entirely in gold leaf, giving it an impressive and almost magical appearance. It’s a must-see attraction for any tourist who visits Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, leading up to the top of a sacred mountain. It’s an incredibly popular destination in Kyoto, but as it’s open 24/7, you can visit at any time of day or night to avoid the crowds.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Another well-known temple is Kiyomizu-dera. The temple has a stunning wooden platform that is said to offer visitors a breathtaking view of the surrounding city.

Step 2: Explore the Historic Districts

Kyoto is home to many historic districts, some of which are so well-preserved that it’s almost like stepping back in time.

Gion District

Gion is a historic district that was once the center of the entertainment and geisha culture in Kyoto. Nowadays, it’s well-known for its traditional teahouses, restaurants, and cute cobbled streets that are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Higashiyama District

Higashiyama is known for its beautifully preserved historic buildings and traditional Japanese architecture. You can explore the area on foot, taking in the quiet alleys, temples, and shrines that dot the district.

Step 3: Sample Kyoto Cuisine

Kyoto’s cuisine is renowned for its delicate balance of flavors and presentation. When in Kyoto, you must sample some of the dishes that are unique to this region.

Kaiseki Ryori

Kaiseki Ryori is Kyoto’s traditional multi-course dining experience. It typically consists of around twelve small dishes, all carefully prepared to showcase the local ingredients and flavors.

Tofu

Tofu is one of Kyoto’s most famous dishes, and it comes in many different forms. One of the most popular varieties is yudofu, tofu boiled in hot water and served with soy sauce dip.

Step 4: Relax in a Japanese Garden

Kyoto is home to some of the most stunning Japanese gardens in the world, perfect for taking in the peace and tranquility of this beautiful city.

Kinkaku-ji Temple’s Garden

The garden surrounding Kinkaku-ji Temple is as stunning as the temple itself. It’s a famous example of a strolling garden, allowing visitors to walk around and enjoy the carefully crafted scenes and landscapes.

Ryoan-ji Temple’s Garden

Ryoan-ji Temple’s garden is famous for its simplicity and perfectly placed rock formations. The garden is rigorously maintained to ensure that it continues to represent a perfect example of karesansui, or Zen rock garden.

Step 5: Attend a Traditional Japanese Performance

Kyoto has a long history of traditional Japanese arts and performances, and when visiting the city, it’s a must to experience at least one.

Kyoto Geisha Performance

Geisha performances are one of the things Kyoto is famous for, and there are many venues to watch them perform. You can also take part in a traditional tea ceremony while listening to the geishas’ beautiful music and conversation.

Kabuki Theatre

Kabuki is a traditional Japanese theatre style that originated in Kyoto during the Edo period. It’s still popular today and offers tourists the chance to experience an authentic performance complete with elaborate costumes and makeup.

Book Your Tour Now

Kyoto is a city rich in history and culture, and there is always something to see and do. Whether you’re interested in exploring the historic districts, tasting the local cuisine, or attending a traditional performance, Kyoto has it all. Use this step-by-step guide to help you plan your perfect trip and make the most of your time as a tourist in this stunning city.