• Kyotokimono Rental Wargo - Gionshijo Regular Store - Experience Wargo’s Standard Kimono Plan, a budget-friendly option perfect for those new to kimono wearing. The simple yet charming designs blend cuteness and elegance, appealing to all.
• Kinkakuji Temple - Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto, with its top two floors entirely covered in gold leaf. Originally the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji inspired the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu’s grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the opposite side of the city.

Kinkakuji is an impressive structure overlooking a large pond and is the only remaining building of Yoshimitsu’s former retirement complex. It has burned down multiple times, including twice during the Onin War and once in 1950 by a fanatic monk. The current structure was rebuilt in 1955.

• Ginkakuji Temple - Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple in Kyoto’s eastern mountains (Higashiyama). Built in 1482 by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as his retirement villa, it was modeled after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather’s villa. The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa’s death in 1490.

Ginkakuji became a center of contemporary culture, known as the Higashiyama Culture, contrasting with the Kitayama Culture of Yoshimasa’s grandfather. Unlike the aristocratic Kitayama Culture, Higashiyama Culture had a broad impact on the entire country, influencing the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, noh theater, poetry, garden design, and architecture.

• Honen-in - Honen-in captivates visitors from the start with its scenic approach leading to a moss-covered gate. Inside, you’ll pass between two sand mounds believed to purify visitors, cross a stone bridge over a pond, and navigate a moss-covered garden to discover a secret grotto behind the main hall.
• Nanzen-ji Temple - Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺), located at the base of Kyoto’s forested Higashiyama mountains, is one of Japan’s most important Zen temples. It is the head temple of one of the Rinzai sect’s schools and includes multiple subtemples, making the large complex even more extensive.

Nanzenji’s history dates back to the mid-13th century when Emperor Kameyama built his retirement villa at the current temple site, later converting it into a Zen temple. The temple grew steadily but was destroyed during the late Muromachi Period civil wars. The oldest current buildings were constructed after that period.

• Tofuku-ji Temple - Tofukuji (東福寺, Tōfukuji) is a large Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto, renowned for its stunning autumn colors. Founded in 1236 by the powerful Fujiwara clan, its name combines those of two great Nara temples, Todaiji and Kofukuji. Tofukuji is a principal Zen temple in Kyoto and a head temple of one of the Rinzai sect’s schools.

In autumn, visitors flock to Tofukuji to see its vibrant foliage. The most popular view is from the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which spans a valley of lush maple trees. The view from the bridge is equally spectacular, and the 100-meter-long covered walkway becomes crowded when the colors peak, usually in mid to late November.

• Taizo-in - The garden at Taizo-in, a subtemple of Myoshin-ji Temple in northwest Kyoto, is one of Kyoto’s most famous and is highly recommended in any season.
• Shugakuin Imperial Villa - Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyū), built in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno, is managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It consists of Upper, Middle, and Lower Villa areas, each featuring traditional imperial-style gardens and buildings.

Shugakuin’s name comes from a former temple on the same site in the tenth century. The Imperial Villa was constructed between 1655 and 1659, with a palace for Gomizuno’s daughter added ten years later. In 1964, the surrounding farmlands were acquired by the Imperial Household Agency and are leased to local farmers who continue to work the fields.

• Ryoanji Temple - Ryoanji Temple (龍安寺, Ryōanji) is home to Japan’s most famous rock garden, attracting hundreds of visitors daily. Originally an aristocrat’s villa during the Heian Period, it was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 and belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.

The history of Ryoanji’s rock garden is uncertain, with its construction date and designer unknown. The garden features a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks arranged in small groups on moss patches. An interesting design feature is that from any vantage point, at least one rock is always hidden from view.

• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - The Fushimi Inari Shrine is more than its famous tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. While many are content with a scenic view, your guide will take you deeper.

Discover how politics influences worship, the balance between ritual and spontaneity, and the impact of Indians, Koreans, and Americans on the Inari faith. After this hike, you’ll see shrines and temples differently, spotting hidden symbols, practices, and stories everywhere.

Experience a Fushimi Inari-taisha that others miss and gain a new perspective on Buddhism and Shintoism!

• Kyoto Imperial Palace - The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) was the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868 when the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), a central city park that also includes the Sento Imperial Palace and other attractions.
• Daitoku-ji Temple - Explore the Zen temple complex of Daitoku-ji in northern Kyoto, where you’ll find temples within temples. Michael Lambe guides you through its rich history and the significance of its many meditative gardens.
• Kokedera Suzumusidera - Kokedera Suzumusidera, Matsuomangokucho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto, 615-8287, JapanSaihoji (西芳寺, Saihōji), commonly known as Kokedera (苔寺), is one of Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Reservations are required well in advance to visit this temple.

Kokedera, meaning Moss Temple, refers to the garden’s estimated 120 varieties of moss. Visitors can walk through this spectacular garden, which has greatly influenced Japanese garden design.

Originally the site of Prince Shotoku’s villa, it became a temple in the Nara Period. In 1339, the temple was renovated and converted into a Zen temple by priest Muso Soseki, who is also credited with creating Kokedera’s gardens.

• Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Discover one of Kyoto’s most popular temples—Kiyomizu-dera Temple on a comprehensive 1-hour guided tour. Exploring the temple grounds with a guide allows you to learn about Japan’s history and culture while admiring the magnificent building. Enjoy commentary from your English-speaking guide to ensure you don’t miss any important features.
• Nishiki Market Shopping District - Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow, five-block-long shopping street with over a hundred shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this lively market specializes in food-related items like fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.

Nishiki Market has a pleasant yet busy atmosphere, inviting those who want to explore Kyoto’s culinary delights. The market’s stores range from small stalls to larger two-story shops, most specializing in a particular type of food, with almost everything locally produced and procured.

• Pontocho District - Pontocho (先斗町, Pontochō) is one of Kyoto’s most atmospheric dining areas. This narrow alley runs from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of Kamogawa River, and is lined with restaurants offering a wide range of dining options, from inexpensive yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, foreign cuisine, and exclusive establishments requiring connections and a fat wallet.

Business hours and closing days vary by establishment, but most places are open from around 17:00 to 23:00, with some also open for lunch. An increasing number of establishments offer English menus.

• Gion - Navigating the narrow alleyways of Kyoto’s Geisha District—Gion can be daunting for first-time visitors. A guided tour eliminates the worry of getting lost and helps you discover hidden local spots while learning about Kyoto’s ancient past. Highlights include insights into Geisha culture and rituals, and visits to Gion, Pontocho, and Miyagawacho.
• Nijo Castle - Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).
• Togetsukyo Bridge - The Togetsukyo Bridge (lit. “Moon Crossing Bridge”) is Arashiyama’s most iconic landmark. Originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and reconstructed in the 1930s, the bridge is particularly attractive with the forested mountainside in the background. A riverside park with dozens of cherry trees is located adjacent to the bridge.
• Bamboo Forest Street - The walking paths through the bamboo groves offer a pleasant walk or bicycle ride. The groves are especially attractive when a light wind causes the tall bamboo stalks to sway gently. For centuries, the bamboo has been used to make various products like baskets, cups, boxes, and mats at local workshops.
• Kennin-ji Temple - Kenninji Temple (建仁寺), located near the bustling Hanamikoji and Shijo streets, offers expansive and pleasant grounds to explore. The two karesansui (dry landscape gardens) provide an oasis of tranquility. It is considered the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.

• Wearing a Kimono experience (standard plan only)
• Licensed Local Guide
• Meet up with a guide in Kyoto on foot
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• Entrance fees (for yourself)
• Transportation fee (for yourself)
• Other personal expenses
• You cannot combine tour groups
• You can not visit all places on the itinerary, please coose 2-3 sites
• We can not pick you up in Kobe