Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Guided Tour – Your Ultimate Guide
If you are looking to explore the wonders of Kyoto in a single day, the Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Guided Tour is your best option. This tour is designed for first-time visitors, and you will have the chance to visit all of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks, including shrines, temples, and palaces, all in just one day. This ultimate guide will provide you with all of the necessary information about this tour to help you plan your visit.Overview of the Tour
The Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Guided Tour is a comprehensive journey through the city’s historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural wonders. The tour takes approximately 9 hours and starts in the morning, ending in the late afternoon. The tour includes transport by van, entrance fees, and lunch.What’s included in the tour?
- Guiding and management
- Pick up inside Kyoto city
- Transportation: van rent (up to 5: ¥ 150000 /more than 5 please inquire)
- Entry fees and Lunch
Meeting and Pick Up
You can head directly to the meeting point or request a pick-up inside Kyoto city. The meeting point is in Kyoto Japan, and you can choose a pick-up point that suits you best. The tour ends back at the meeting point.What to Expect?
During this tour, you will visit the following attractions:- Nara Park – 1 hour – Admission Ticket Free
- Todai-ji Temple – 1 hour – Admission Ticket Not Included
- Fushimi Inari Taisha – 2 hours – Admission Ticket Free
- Kinkaku-ji Temple – 1 hour – Admission Ticket Not Included
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple – 1 hour – Admission Ticket Not Included
Nara Park
Nara Park is known for its free-roaming deer, which are considered a national treasure in Japan. The park is also home to many temples, shrines, and museums, all surrounded by beautiful gardens.Todai-ji Temple
Todai-ji Temple is one of the most famous landmarks in Nara, and it is home to the Daibutsu or Great Buddha statue, which is over 50 feet tall. The temple complex is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is one of the most significant cultural sites in Japan.Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most visited shrines in Kyoto. It is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that lead up to Mount Inari. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice and prosperity.Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kinkaku-ji Temple is also known as the Golden Pavilion due to its gold leaf exterior. The temple’s stunning architecture and beautiful Japanese gardens attract visitors from all over the world.Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is located on a hill surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms and maple trees. The temple’s balcony offers a stunning view of Kyoto and is a popular spot for visitors.Additional Information
Before you book your tour, please note the following information:- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed
- Transportation is included in the tour
Book the Tour Here
Book the Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Guided Tour from Viator at https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Kyoto-one-day-sightseeing-guided-tour/d332-229125P3?pid=P00070472&mcid=42383. This tour is an excellent opportunity for first-time visitors to explore all of Kyoto’s main attractions in just one day. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto is a beautiful and cultural city located in the central part of Japan. Known for its stunning temples, serene gardens, and traditional Japanese cuisine, it’s no wonder that Kyoto is a popular destination for tourists. Before you plan your trip to Kyoto, it’s important to have all the information you need. Here are some frequently asked questions about Kyoto that might be helpful:1. What is the best time to visit Kyoto?
Kyoto has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm. The best time to visit Kyoto depends on what you want to do and see. – Spring (March to May) is the best time to see cherry blossoms. The city is covered in pink and white flowers, and there are many cherry blossom viewing spots throughout the city. – Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, but this is also the festival season, so there are many events and fireworks displays. – Autumn (September to November) is known for its stunning fall foliage. The city is covered in shades of red, yellow, and orange, and there are many autumnal festivals. – Winter (December to February) can be cold, but it’s also the time when you can see a traditional Japanese landscape covered in snow. Plus, there are many winter illuminations that light up the nights.2. What are the must-see attractions in Kyoto?
Kyoto is home to many attractions, and it’s hard to choose just a few. However, here are some of the must-see attractions in Kyoto: – Kinkaku-ji Temple (The Golden Pavilion): This temple is covered in gold leaf and is one of the most iconic sights in Kyoto. – Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine: This shrine is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that lead up to a mountain. – Kiyomizu-dera Temple: This temple is located on a hill and offers stunning views of the city. It’s also known for its wooden stage that juts out from the main hall. – Arashiyama: This district is located on the outskirts of Kyoto and is known for its bamboo groves, monkey park, and beautiful scenery. – Nishiki Market: This is Kyoto’s largest traditional food market, where you can find everything from fresh seafood to sweets and snacks.3. What is the best way to get around Kyoto?
Kyoto has an excellent public transportation system, which includes buses, subways, and trains. The most convenient way to get around the city is by bus, as they can take you to most of the attractions. If you plan on using public transportation frequently, you might want to consider getting a Kyoto City Bus One-Day Pass, which allows unlimited travel on city buses for one day. Another option is to rent a bicycle, as Kyoto is a very bike-friendly city. There are many rental shops throughout the city, and biking is a great way to explore Kyoto.4. What is the best food to try in Kyoto?
Kyoto has a rich culinary culture, and there are many foods that you should try when you’re in the city. Here are some of the must-try foods in Kyoto: – Kaiseki ryori: This is a traditional multi-course meal that features seasonal ingredients and is served in traditional Japanese style. – Yudofu: This is a hot pot dish made with tofu, which is a specialty of Kyoto. – Matcha: Kyoto is known for its high-quality matcha, which is used in many desserts and drinks. – Obanzai: This is a type of traditional Kyoto cuisine that features side dishes made with local ingredients.5. What are some etiquette tips to keep in mind when visiting Kyoto?
Japan has a unique culture and etiquette, and it’s important to be respectful when you’re visiting. Here are some etiquette tips to keep in mind when visiting Kyoto: – Remove your shoes when entering temples, shrines, and traditional Japanese buildings. – Bow when greeting someone, and use titles like “san” to show respect. – Avoid eating or drinking while walking, as it’s considered impolite. – Always dispose of your trash properly, and separate it into burnable and non-burnable items. – Be quiet and respectful when visiting temples and shrines, and avoid taking photos of people without their permission.6. What are some off-the-beaten-path attractions in Kyoto?
Kyoto is full of hidden gems, and there are many off-the-beaten-path attractions that are worth visiting. Here are some of our favorites: – Gio-ji Temple: This temple is located in a quiet forest and is known for its moss garden. – Kurama-dera Temple: This temple is located in the mountains and offers stunning views of the city. You can also take a cable car to visit the nearby Kurama Onsen hot springs. – Philosopher’s Path: This is a peaceful walking path that follows a canal and is lined with cherry trees and temples. – Kamigamo Shrine: This is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and is known for its beautiful architecture and natural surroundings.7. Where can I stay in Kyoto?
Kyoto has a wide range of accommodation options, including traditional ryokans, modern hotels, and guesthouses. Here are some areas to consider when choosing where to stay in Kyoto: – Downtown Kyoto: This area is convenient for exploring the city and has many dining and shopping options. – Gion: This is Kyoto’s old geisha district and is full of traditional architecture and charm. – Arashiyama: This area is located on the outskirts of Kyoto and is known for its beautiful scenery and natural surroundings. – Higashiyama: This is one of Kyoto’s most historic areas and is full of temples, shrines, and traditional buildings.8. What souvenirs should I buy in Kyoto?
Kyoto is known for its traditional crafts and souvenirs, and there are many things that you can buy to remember your trip. Here are some souvenirs to consider: – Kyoto ceramics: Kyoto is known for its ceramics, including Kiyomizu-yaki and Kutani-yaki. – Japanese sweets: There are many traditional Japanese sweets that you can buy in Kyoto, including wagashi and yatsuhashi. – Nishijin textiles: Nishijin is Kyoto’s famous textile district, and there are many shops where you can buy handmade textiles and fabrics. – Furoshiki: A furoshiki is a traditional Japanese cloth that is used for wrapping gifts or carrying items.9. Is it safe to travel to Kyoto?
Kyoto is generally a safe city, and crime rates are low. However, it’s still important to take precautions when you’re traveling, especially if you’re traveling alone or at night. Here are some tips to stay safe in Kyoto: – Keep your valuables close to you and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. – Stick to well-lit and populated areas at night. – Follow traffic laws and pedestrian signs when walking or biking. – Keep your passport, cash, and other important documents in a safe place in your hotel room. – If you need help, ask a police officer or someone who works at your hotel or a nearby store.
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Kyoto
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular destinations, renowned for its historic temples, beautiful gardens, and traditional arts and crafts. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming for tourists to plan their Kyoto itinerary. This guide will provide you with an itinerary for a week-long trip to Kyoto, highlighting the best places to visit, eat, and stay.Day 1: Exploring the Temples
Kyoto’s famous temples are a must-visit for any tourist. Begin your day with a visit to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, located on a mountainside overlooking the city. After exploring the temple and taking in the stunning views, walk or take a bus to the nearby Chion-in Temple, renowned for its impressive gate and beautiful gardens. For lunch, head to Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto’s Kitchen, with over 100 food vendors selling local delicacies such as grilled skewers, sushi, matcha sweets, and much more. After lunch, visit the Fushimi Inari-Taisha, the famous red torii gates that stretch over 4 kilometers up the mountainside. It will take around 2 hours to complete the hike, but the panoramic views from the top are worth it.Day 2: Discovering Japanese Culture and Artistry
Start your day by visiting the Gion district, Kyoto’s famous geisha area. Stroll around the alleys and admire the traditional houses with wooden lattice windows, bridges, and stone pavements. Next, take a short train ride to the Arashiyama district and visit the Tenryu-ji Temple, with its beautiful garden and a serene atmosphere. After lunch, take a scenic boat ride down the Hozugawa River or rent a bike for a leisurely ride around the bamboo groves. In the evening, head back to Kyoto and attend a traditional kabuki theater performance or take part in a tea ceremony, an essential cultural experience in Kyoto.Day 3: Experiencing the Natural Beauty of Kyoto
Kyoto is known for its natural beauty, and the best way to experience it is by visiting the Sagano-Arashiyama area. Start your day by visiting the famous Togetsukyo Bridge, with views of the winding river and surrounding mountains. Next, head to the Okochi-Sanso Villa, a tranquil oasis with beautiful gardens and hilltop views. After lunch, visit the Arashiyama Monkey Park, where you can feed and interact with the wild Japanese macaques. In the evening, take a stroll around the Gion Shirakawa area, with traditional wooden houses and a beautiful flowing canal.Day 4: Exploring Kyoto’s Ancient History
Kyoto is steeped in ancient history, and Nara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your day at the Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa Shogun, and explore the beautiful gardens and castle interiors. Next, visit the Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its iconic rock garden, before heading to the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. In the evening, experience a traditional Japanese dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy the intricate flavors and presentation.Day 5: Visit the Western Area of Kyoto
The western area of Kyoto is often overlooked by tourists, but it has many hidden gems worth discovering. Start your day at the Katsura Imperial Villa, a magnificent palace with a beautiful garden, which visitor access is restricted to a small number of people daily. Next, visit the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to the god of scholarship and learning, and stroll around the beautiful shrine gardens. After lunch, explore the Nishijin Textile Center, where you can learn about Kyoto’s traditional fabrics and textiles, see demonstrations, and try your hand at dyeing and weaving. In the evening, visit the Funaoka Onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring bathhouse, and soak in the warm mineral water to relax and rejuvenate.Day 6: Shopping, Markets, and Food
Kyoto is renowned for its unique shopping experiences, especially traditional crafts and souvenirs. Begin your day at the Kyoto Handicraft Center, where you can watch artisans at work and purchase beautiful gifts. Next, explore the nearby Nishiki Market, a narrow shopping street packed with food vendors and local delicacies such as pickles, sweets, and fresh seafood. After lunch, head to the distinctive Teramachi and Shinkyogoku shopping arcades, packed with shops selling traditional crafts, fashion, and souvenirs. In the evening, visit the Pontocho alley, a narrow street filled with traditional restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy a drink and a meal as you overlook the flowing river.Day 7: Enjoying Kyoto’s Karaoke and Nightlife
Kyoto’s nightlife is varied and exciting, with plenty of options for karaoke, bars, and clubs. Start your day at the Kyoto Tower, where you can take in panoramic views of the city. Next, visit the Sanjusangendo Temple, with its impressive 1001 Kannon statues, before heading to the nearby Tofuku-ji Temple, known for its vibrant autumn foliage. In the evening, head to the Karaoke-kai, a popular karaoke spot with private rooms and plenty of English songs to choose from. Alternatively, visit the Toji Temple flea market, held on the 21st of every month, where you can browse for rare antiques, clothing, and local snacks.Final thoughts
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most intriguing and beautiful cities, with something exciting and new to discover at every turn. By following this itinerary, you can experience the best of Kyoto’s temples, gardens, shopping, and culture, making the most of your time in this awe-inspiring city.Table of Contents
