Below is a sample itinerary of our One-Day Kyoto Tour in the summer season (10h). Kyoto is a historic city known for its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and scenic nature. In summer, you can enjoy seasonal beauty, shaded paths, and refreshing cultural experiences. Each tour is customized to your preferences and the weather, so please let us know what interests you!
●8:00 Leaving the Hotel (Kyoto City Area):
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Kyoto. We will also send you a WhatsApp message the evening before the tour to confirm the details. Please make sure WhatsApp is installed for smooth communication.
●8:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
Start your day at one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding through a wooded hillside. Arrive early to beat the heat and crowds. The shaded paths offer a cool and spiritual walk through this sacred mountain.
●10:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
One of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples, Kiyomizu-dera offers sweeping views of the city from its wooden terrace. In summer, the surrounding greenery is lush and vibrant. Don’t miss the charming Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets nearby, filled with shops and traditional sweets.
●11:30 Gion District
Take a stroll through Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. The narrow lanes, wooden machiya townhouses, and hidden tea houses provide an authentic glimpse into old Kyoto. In summer, you may see yukata-clad locals on their way to seasonal festivals.
●12:30 Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy lunch at a Kyoto-style kaiseki or tofu restaurant, such as Yudofu Sagano or Gion Karyo. Kyoto cuisine emphasizes delicate seasonal flavors—perfect for a hot summer day. Cold soba, yuba (tofu skin), and chilled matcha desserts are highly recommended.
●14:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Escape the heat in Arashiyama’s famous bamboo forest. Walking through the tall bamboo stalks provides a sense of coolness and tranquility. You can also visit nearby Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or take a short walk along the Katsura River.
●15:30 Togetsukyo Bridge & Riverside Stroll
Enjoy the view of mountains and river from the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. In summer, you might see traditional boats gliding along the water. Stop by a riverside café or grab shaved ice (“kakigori”) as a refreshing afternoon treat.
●17:00 Nishiki Market (Optional)
If time allows, visit Kyoto’s lively Nishiki Market. This narrow shopping arcade is full of seasonal ingredients, pickles, sweets, and local crafts. A great place to find souvenirs and try summer specialties like cold tsukemono (pickled vegetables).
●18:00 Return to Your Hotel
Your driver will drop you off at your hotel after a culturally rich and refreshing summer day in Kyoto.
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.
