The Beauty of Kyoto - Historical Walking Tour of Higashiyama Area
4.8
88 Ratings
Kyoto

During the Kyoto day walking tour, you will experience the beauty of Kyoto; its nature, religion, history, and culture. This tour covers everything you’ll need to know when you visit Kyoto. ​If you are looking for a real local experience and perspective, why don’t you stroll this quiet and beautiful neighborhood with our local guide.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Tatsumi Bridge - We will walk through the Gion shibashi, one of the most beautiful place in Kyoto.

  • Chion-in Temple Sammon - Chionin Sanmon is a majestic Buddhist temple gate in Kyoto, Japan. It’s one of the largest wooden gates in the country, standing as a symbol of the temple’s grandeur and spiritual significance. As you approach, its towering presence commands attention, inviting visitors to enter the sacred grounds beyond.

  • Chion-in Temple - Chion-in Temple, located in Kyoto, Japan, is a renowned Buddhist temple known for its grandeur and spiritual significance. Founded in the 13th century, it’s one of the largest temples in Kyoto and serves as the headquarters of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism. The temple complex features impressive architecture, including the Sanmon gate, spacious gardens, and serene prayer halls. Chion-in is a place of worship, reflection, and cultural heritage, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its tranquil atmosphere and rich history.

  • Maruyama Park - Maruyama Park, situated in Kyoto, Japan, is a picturesque urban oasis renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance. As one of the city’s oldest parks, Maruyama Park offers a serene escape from the bustling streets, featuring lush greenery, tranquil ponds, and meandering pathways. It’s particularly popular during cherry blossom season, attracting locals and tourists alike to admire the stunning displays of sakura blossoms. The park also houses notable landmarks such as the iconic weeping cherry tree (shidarezakura) and the Yasaka Shrine, adding to its charm and historical allure. Whether for a leisurely stroll, a peaceful picnic, or a moment of contemplation, Maruyama Park provides a delightful retreat in the heart of Kyoto.

  • Nene-no-Michi - Nene no Michi, also known as “The Path of Nene,” is a historic stone-paved path in Kyoto, Japan, named after Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a prominent historical figure. This scenic path winds through the Higashiyama District, offering visitors a glimpse into Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage and traditional architecture. Lined with quaint tea houses, charming shops, and well-preserved machiya (traditional wooden townhouses), Nene no Michi evokes a sense of nostalgia for Japan’s feudal past. Strolling along this atmospheric pathway, visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of old Kyoto, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.

  • Hōkan-ji Temple - Hokanji Temple, also known as Yasaka Pagoda, is an iconic Buddhist temple located in the Higashiyama District of Kyoto, Japan. This historic temple is distinguished by its towering five-story pagoda, which stands as a symbol of Kyoto’s cultural heritage and architectural prowess. Originally built in the 6th century, Hokanji Temple has undergone several reconstructions over the centuries, yet it retains its ancient charm and spiritual significance. Visitors can ascend the pagoda to enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto’s skyline and surrounding landscapes, or explore the temple grounds to admire its serene gardens and historic artifacts. With its timeless beauty and cultural importance, Hokanji Temple is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to experience the essence of Kyoto’s rich history and traditions.

  • Ninen Zaka Path - Ninen-zaka, or “Two-Year Slope,” is a historic cobblestone pedestrian path in Kyoto, Japan, renowned for its preserved traditional architecture and nostalgic ambiance. Lined with traditional tea houses, souvenir shops, and charming machiya townhouses, Ninen-zaka offers visitors a journey back in time to the Edo period. This picturesque path connects to Sannen-zaka (“Three-Year Slope”) and leads to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, making it a popular route for tourists exploring Kyoto’s cultural treasures. Whether for leisurely strolls, souvenir shopping, or capturing timeless photographs, Ninen-zaka beckons visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of Kyoto’s ancient streets.

  • Sannen-zaka Slope - Sannen-zaka, or “Three-Year Slope,” is a historic cobblestone pedestrian path in Kyoto, Japan, renowned for its preserved traditional architecture and nostalgic ambiance. Lined with traditional tea houses, souvenir shops, and charming machiya townhouses, Sannen-zaka offers visitors a journey back in time to the Edo period. This picturesque path connects to Ninen-zaka (“Two-Year Slope”) and leads to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, making it a popular route for tourists exploring Kyoto’s cultural treasures. Whether for leisurely strolls, souvenir shopping, or capturing timeless photographs, Sannen-zaka beckons visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of Kyoto’s ancient streets.

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an iconic Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, dating back to the 8th century. Perched on a hillside overlooking the city, it offers breathtaking views of Kyoto’s skyline and surrounding mountains. Renowned for its wooden stage, which juts out from the main hall, and its majestic architecture, Kiyomizu-dera is a symbol of Kyoto’s cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the temple complex, admire its stunning gardens, and partake in traditional rituals such as drinking from the Otowa waterfall for health, longevity, and success. With its rich history, spiritual significance, and stunning vistas, Kiyomizu-dera is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Kyoto.

What's Included
  • Walking tour
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Gratuity to local guide
  • Admission Fee
Location
Ben's Cookies Kyoto Shijo
In front of Ben's Cookies Kyoto Shijo. Guide is holding a sign.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(88 Ratings)
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Jonathan_h
May 29, 2024
Ben was terrific. Highly recommend - Ben was an excellent tour guide. Knows Japan and Kyoto extremely well. Good mix of history, food, and avoiding crowds. Learned more in 3 hours here than the three other tours taken in Japan so far. Highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Anetka_1111
May 14, 2024
Amazing afternoon activity - Excellent tour! We had tour guide Ben, who was extremelly educative, full of interesting stories. He didnt bore us with history, and he kept tour very captivating. It was quite a lot of walking, but it was perfect for arternoon stroll. He gave us great recomendations for food, drinks, activities, etc. We loved this tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M4296wlkristinap
May 12, 2024
Great tour with Ben - Ben is an amazing guide. So informative and but. Tour goes to great locations and shows different sides of tokyo. Thank you Ben
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sylvias250
Nov 22, 2023
Great walking tour! - Fantastic tour! Rina was a great tour guide, very informative and so sweet. She did a great job explainingany aspects of Kyoto history and culture. We saw lots of cool spots and she did a good job keeping our group together even in crowded spots. I liked the balance of walking, listening, and many break stops to take photos/get snacks/use the restroom. Great tour that I would highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hazeld398
Nov 17, 2023
Great tour with Hana! - Hana did an amazing job sharing the history of Kyoto in a 3-hour tour. She was fun and handled our big group really well!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jet31973837003
Nov 11, 2023
Don't miss this 3 informative, entertaining tour! - Ben made the 3 hours fly past and we were sorry when the tour ended. His historical and social knowledge of Kyoto and Japan, coupled with his ability to express it all within a 21st century context helped all that he highlighted come alive. A great tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathy194017
Oct 28, 2023
Definitely Recommend This Tour with Ben! - Ben was an incredible tour guide! He not only showed us the sights, but he talked a lot about the history of Japan and Kyoto. The walk was 3 hours and went about 2 miles, but it flew by as we heard about Japan. We were very happy with this tour and I highly recommend it to anyone that wants to learn about Japan and Kyoto. This was one of the best tours I’ve taken in the last decade!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielamw4999sl
Oct 28, 2023
Perfect tour for first time visitors - Our Guide Hiroka, who lives in Kyoto, was wonderful! She did a excellent and fun tour with lots of interesting facts on religion, history and local customs. It was nice to have a local with English skills as guide. We visited many beautiful spots, which is perfect for first time visitors who might not have a lot of days to see Kyoto on their own.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Andreapaoloferraresi
Oct 12, 2023
Wonderful Ben - Ben did a great job in explaining lots of details of Kyoto. I enjoyed the tour a lot . He enriched the walk with historical and modern details
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Love2travel_uk_f
Oct 5, 2023
Perfect introduction to Kyoto - We very much enjoyed the evening Night Free Walking Tour whilst visiting in Kyoto in September. Our guide was very knowledgeable, passionate and interesting. We visited the beautiful Yasaka Shrine and were guided through the picturesque Gion Geisha District. It was the best introduction to Kyoto and gave us a real insight to the world of the Geiko and Maiko. Would 100% recommend to anyone visiting the city!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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