Kyoto Heritage Path - From Fushimi Inari's Mystery to Kiyomizu Temple Majesty

Kyoto is undoubtedly one of the most famous cities in Japan. Unlike the urban and modern atmosphere of Tokyo and Osaka, Kyoto is an iconic image of traditional Japan for most tourists. Not only being symbolic, Kyoto is one of the oldest municipalities in Japan, the capital of Japan and the residence of the Emperor from 794 to 1868, is home to countless temples, shrines, and other historically significant structures that still stand today. With so much to explore and experience, it is worth spending a few days travelling here in Kyoto.

This tour will focus on the eastern part of the prefecture. Many of the centres of the 15th century Japanese cultural development known as Higashiyama Culture are located here. The Gion entertainment district in front of Yasaka Shrine and the cobblestone streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka that lead to the world heritage site Kiyomizu Temple have been designated as protected areas to preserve traditional-style buildings.

Wandering through narrow streets and alleys and discovering beautiful gardens, majestic shrines, and dazzling temples. You can fully feel the historical atmosphere along with the glory of olden times. Come and discover this priceless experience. Start your journey with us today!

Highlights

• This is a one-day tour that visits carefully selected famous sightseeing spots in eastern Kyoto. We will guide you around with explanations.
• We will not only show you around the city, but also tell you about its history and culture. We will do our best to help you understand this city more deeply.
• It is also a tour where you can enjoy traditional Japanese dry landscape gardens at a slightly slower pace.

Description

Our journey begins at 09:00 at JR Kyoto Station. The first destination is Fushimi Inari Shrine. The highlight of this shrine is the row of torii gates called Senbon Torii. The custom of donating torii gates has spread since the Edo period as a way to make wishes come true, or to express gratitude for having a wish come true. To this day, successive torii gates have been built by donors to show their gratitude. Approximately 800 torii gates line the approach.

After spending some time at the temple, we will head to the city centre and visit the Nishiki market. The market, which is steeped in history and tradition, is known for stocking many of Kyoto’s specialties, and is home to approximately 130 stores selling a wide range of produce, fish, dried goods, and more, earning it the nickname “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” It is your lunch time! If you don’t want to have lunch inside the market, you can also eat at a restaurant around the city centre. There are many food options. 

Once you have had your fill of delicious food, our afternoon begins with Kenninji Temple. Kenninji claims to be Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple. Zen Master Eisai, who is said to have brought Zen to Japan, served as the founding chief priest of Kennin-ji Temple and is buried within the temple grounds. Kennin-ji Temple was built in the style of Baizhang-ji Temple of the Tang Dynasty in China.

After some quiet time, we are ready to return to the crowded centre. As you pass through the Gion area, you will see all the old buildings of Kyoto’s old entertainment district, allowing you to imagine what it was like in its heyday. We walk slowly through this area until we reach our next destination, Kodaiji Temple. It was built in 1606 by Hideyoshi’s wife Nene in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the great figures in Japanese history.

It is almost time to say goodbye. Our final destination is Kiyomizu temple. Its name comes from the waterfall within the complex that cascades down from a nearby hill. Shimizu means clear or pure water. This temple was founded in 778 in the late Nara period by Enchin Shonin, a monk from Nara. Many of the current temple buildings were built in 1633 by order of Tokugawa Iemitsu.

We will return to JR Kyoto Station together to say goodbye. However, if you would like to spend the rest of your day in the city centre, you are more than welcome. We will do our best to help you have a wonderful time in Kyoto.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

JR Kyoto Station @ 09:00

You can see us immediately after exiting the JR Kyoto Station central gate. We are waiting in front of the directory. We will be holding up a sign that says “Snow Monkey Resort.”

NOTES

• The times listed in the itinerary are for reference only and the actual tour may vary depending on actual conditions such as weather and trains.
• This is a walking tour that takes you outdoors for hours. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. Please bring sunshade and rain protection if necessary.
• If you feel uncomfortable during the tour, please let us know. We will do our best to help you.
• This tour includes free time. We will make sure you know when and where to meet again. If you get lost or forget your meeting point, please call us immediately.

Included

• Entrance fees for each spot during the tour
• Train tickets required for the tour 
• Guided tour with an English speaking guide

Excluded

• Food and drinks
• Transportation costs before and after the tour