Below is a sample itinerary of our One-Day Kyoto Tour in spring season (12h). We organize each tour based on our customer’s interests and preferences, as well as the weather and the season. Please feel free to let us know what you like and we will customize tour plan just for you!
●6:00 Leaving the hotel:
Your driver will come to your hotel to pick you up. Also, your driver will attempt to establish a direct line of communication with you via WhatsApp the night before the tour. So, if you do not already use WhatsApp, please download the free app to prepare for the tour.
Recommendation: To avoid merciless traffic jams and suffocating congestion at the tour sites, we highly recommend leaving early on Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays. On those days, you will be asking for trouble if you insist on a leisurely departure time, like at 08:00. Just how early is early? Well, the earlier is better. How early can you wake up? This is why it is important for you to establish a direct line of communication via WhatsApp so that you may discuss your options with your driver the night before.
●6:30 Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha, located in Kyoto, Japan, is renowned for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that form pathways through a forested mountain. This sacred Shinto shrine is dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice, prosperity, and business. Visitors ascend through the torii tunnels, passing by stone fox statues, which are messengers of Inari. The shrine offers picturesque views of Kyoto city and is a popular destination for both spiritual seekers and tourists.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.html
●8:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace
During cherry blossom season, Kyoto Imperial Palace, or Kyoto Gosho, becomes a haven of natural beauty and cultural significance. The palace’s expansive grounds are adorned with cherry blossoms, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Visitors can stroll through the meticulously landscaped gardens and along the palace’s tranquil moat, all while being surrounded by the delicate pink petals of sakura. It’s a time when the historical elegance of the palace merges seamlessly with the ephemeral beauty of Japan’s most beloved flower, offering a truly enchanting experience.
●9:30 Grab your coffee at Kyoto’s signature cafe
Near Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you’ll find a variety of charming cafes serving delicious coffee. These cozy establishments offer a welcome respite for weary travelers exploring the temple grounds and surrounding area. Whether you prefer a traditional Japanese-style cafe or a modern, hipster-inspired coffee shop, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee while taking in the serene atmosphere of Kyoto’s historic streets. It’s the perfect way to relax and recharge before continuing your exploration of this culturally rich and beautiful city.
@ %ARABICA Kyoto Higashiyama
●10:00 Kiyomizudera Temple
During cherry blossom season, Kiyomizu-dera, a historic temple in Kyoto, Japan, offers an enchanting experience. The temple’s grounds, adorned with cherry blossoms in full bloom, create a stunning backdrop for visitors. As the delicate pink petals dance in the breeze, visitors can enjoy strolling through the temple’s gardens and taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The main hall, with its wooden veranda overlooking the city, becomes even more picturesque during this time. It’s a magical opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of Japan’s iconic sakura while exploring one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks.
Entry fee : 500yen
●12:30 Lunch at Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market, located in Kyoto, Japan, is a bustling culinary hub renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of food offerings. Often referred to as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” the market features narrow lanes lined with stalls selling fresh produce, seafood, traditional snacks, and specialty ingredients unique to Kyoto cuisine. Visitors can sample local delicacies such as skewered grilled fish, pickled vegetables, and fresh sushi, all prepared with exquisite attention to detail. The sights, sounds, and aromas of Nishiki Market provide an immersive sensory experience, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and travelers seeking a taste of authentic Japanese culture.
●14:00 Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a renowned Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. Its iconic three-story structure is covered in gold leaf, shimmering brilliantly against the surrounding landscape. Originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun, it was later converted into a Zen temple. Visitors can admire the pavilion’s stunning reflection in the tranquil pond, surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens. Each floor of the pavilion showcases a different architectural style, reflecting the influence of various historical periods. Kinkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most treasured landmarks, drawing visitors from around the world to marvel at its beauty and tranquility.
Entry fee : 500yen
●16:00 Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple located in Kyoto, Japan. Despite its name, the temple is not actually coated in silver, unlike its counterpart, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji). However, its simple and elegant design, set against the backdrop of a meticulously maintained Japanese garden, makes it a stunning sight nonetheless. The temple’s main hall, built in the Higashiyama architectural style, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also explore the temple’s moss garden, sand garden, and unique Togudo building. Ginkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility and beauty in Kyoto.
Entry fee : 500yen
●18:00 Toji temple (Night illumination)
The night cherry blossom illumination at Toji Temple is a mesmerizing experience in Kyoto, Japan. During this event, the temple grounds are adorned with vibrant pink sakura blossoms, which are delicately lit up with colorful lights after dark. Visitors can wander through the temple’s gardens and enjoy the ethereal beauty of the illuminated cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the historic pagoda. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with the soft glow of the lights, creates a magical ambiance that captures the essence of spring in Kyoto. It’s a truly enchanting sight that should not be missed during the cherry blossom season.
Entry fee : 1000yen
●18:30 Back to hotel:
Time to go back to the hotel/ restaurant for dinner.
*There are lots of things to do and see in Kyoto, so it is highly recommended to book a “12h One-Day Tour” to visit the Kyoto area.
Q&A
Q. When does the tour start and end?
– A. The tours start and end when the driver picks you up from your accommodation in Kansai and drops you off at the end of the day. In the case of your accommodation being outside of Kansai, your tour will start and end when the driver departs and arrives in Kyoto /Osaka at the end of the day.
Q. What if there are several pickup/drop-off points?
– A. That’s no problem as long as the tour finishes in time.
Q. Can we cancel the tour when it rains for free?
– A. You can cancel the tour without a cancellation fee by the day before. We also check the weather forecast everyday and may suggest rescheduling the tour if the forecast isn’t good enough.
Q. Are there any extra fees if the pickup/finish time is late at night/ early morning?
– A. There will be no extra fee depending on the pickup/finishing time of the tour.
Q. Can our pets also join the tour?
– A. Sure, but please keep them in carrier bags/ travel crates.
Q. What does the price include?
– A. The price includes toll fees, gas, parking lot fees, tax, etc. It doesn’t include fees for such as: lunch/food/beverage, entrance fees of tourist spots, fee of boats/cable cars, etc.
Q. What would the price be if we want to extend the tour?
– A. The extension fee is 5,000 yen/30 minutes.
Q. Will there be a refund if we finish the tour earlier than booked?
– A. There will be no refunds in case the tour finishes early. If the tour will finish earlier due to accidents, natural disasters, sudden sickness, etc., please contact us and we can discuss about it.
