Kyoto Highlights & Hidden Gems in Nature (Private Van Eng-Guide)

5.0 (27 reviews) Kyoto, Japan
Duration6h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesJapanese, English
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Explore the historic Kyoto more deeply with a local Japanese guide, comfortably in a Japanese minivan!

Round trip Kyoto city from east to south!

•Avoid crowds, find off-the-beaten spots to relax, meditate and get spiritual in sacred areas with no other tourists

•Visit bamboo forest, Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari "Red Gates" Shrine in best timings with the least tourists

•Drive to deeper mountain area of Kyoto for breath-taking scenes like movies of Kifune Shrine, where hard to get without a car

The tour is led by a experienced local Japanese Guide with expert knowledge of Japanese religions and history, who will enhance your experience and support your trip with fluent English guide

Book this tour now for an unforgettable experience and have a transcendent trip in alter world, Kyoto!

Options

Convertible Car (1 guest only)

Mini Cooper Convertible: Limited Edition (HighGate)
Pickup included

Private Van (6 max)

Nissan Serena
Pickup included

What's included

  • Fuel and Toll Fees
  • Pick-up and Dropping off at anywhere in Kyoto City
  • Knowledgeable Guide with Fluent English
  • Parking Fees
  • Comfortable Private Van
  • Total entry-fees (approximately)

What to expect

  1. 15m
    The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest,
    Walk the most iconic path of Arashiyama and hear the sound of Japan!
    Your guide will explain Japanese bamboo’s origin and how it’s related to the invention of lights by Edison.
  2. Gio-ji Temple
    15m · Admission ticket not included
    This temple, located in Arashiyama, is small but a compilation of true Japanese scenery in one place. The serene Japanese garden covered in moss and modest thatched hut surrounded by a bamboo grove and maple trees make tourists want to stay here forever.
    The guide will give you a story of its origin, the tragic love story of a nan "Gio" in Japanese history.
  3. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    15m · Admission ticket not included
    This small temple is located in the most well-maintained "old-Kyoto-view" area, the northern part of the Arashiyama historical district. The temple is much less crowded than the main area of Arashiyama because of its distance from the station despite its stunning view of countless Buddha statues.

    The guide will explain its unique history and basic information about Japanese traditions of funerals.

    (10min Transfer Time + 30min Walk Around)
  4. Kinkakuji Temple
    45m · Admission ticket not included
    Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a must-see destination in Kyoto. Located in the northern part of the city, it's easily accessible by car, even though the public bus takes about an hour from the main area of Kyoto.

    The temple's main attraction is the stunning golden pavilion that shimmers in the sunlight and is surrounded by a tranquil pond and meticulously maintained gardens.
    The pavilion is a prime example of the traditional Japanese Zen style, which emphasizes simplicity and natural beauty despite its gorgeous color. You’ll be guided by a local guide with plenty of knowledge about Zen Buddhism and its influence on Japanese culture. (30 min. Transfer Time - 30 min. Walk Around)
  5. Kifune Shrine
    30m
    Kifune Shrine is counted as one of the most scenic Shrine with a river in Japan, located in deep mountain area of Kyoto city. It's very famous for the view of the stare way with red cute lanterns gets lit up at evening, attracting from Instagramers to professional photographers from all over the world.
    You can also test your fortune (おみくじ omikuji) using the holy water fountain at the main building. The holy dragon will show your fortune on your paper once you float it on the sacred fountain
  6. Shogunzuka Seiryuden Temple
    10m
    This is the best city view spot of Kyoto, for not just for modern young couples, named after the first Shogun who visited here first about 1500 years ago, and also famous that even the emperor visited here first to build his capital in 794.
    You can see the whole Kyoto city from western end to the southern end, and even 50 km (35 miles) away Osaka city high-rises so clearly.
  7. Heian Jingu Shrine Otorii
    5m
    The biggest torii gate (red shrine gate) of Kyoto built for Heian Jingu Imperial Shrine.
    The height is 24.4 meters (80 feet), one of the biggest torii gate in Japan
  8. Hanamikoji Street
    Pass by
    Experience the 600-year-old street known for Geishas by car! Avoid walking in crowds, and take photos from the car. (Taking pictures of Geishas need their permission)
  9. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
    40m
    Fushimi-Inari Shrine is the most popular and iconic tourist attraction in Kyoto, with its famous path of "SenbonTorii" (thousands of gates, but actually it has more than 10,000 gates dedicated now), visited and beloved by Japanese people since 711 A.C. Starting from the giant gates, as the gates get smaller, your ego is believed to get smaller, and you start to feel the unity with nature when you have rounded back to the main shrine. Even while on the way, in the super-spiritual atmosphere, you will meet many unique objects and small shrines to be introduced by the guide leading the way.
    (60 min Transfer Time + 70 min Walk Around)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Nissan white minivan no.(53-35) will pick you up from your hotel, so please be outside to wait for your car by 1 pm
If the car arrives earlier or later, we will notify you via e-mail so please be available to check your e-mail box
If you prefer iMessage (iPhone) or WhatsApp, please contact once to the number +81 08031386328

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Some temples need walks and walking up stairs to visit. Please ask the guide if you need to avoid those
  • Parts of itinerary may change or update by the season or other circumstances

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0 (27)
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35,000.00 JPY per group
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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