Product Description
Discover the spiritual and architectural heart of Kyoto with a private guided walking tour from Yasaka Shrine to Kiyomizu Temple. Learn about the city’s cultural history while visiting shrines, Zen gardens, and iconic pagodas—all with personal insights from a knowledgeable local guide.
Highlights
- Visit a serene Zen temple with dry landscape gardens
- Walk along Nene-no-michi, a charming historic street
- View the five-storied Yasaka Pagoda, a famous photo spot
- Admire the sweeping views from Kiyomizu Temple‘s wooden stage
- Learn about Kyoto’s spiritual traditions, architecture, and history
Full Description
Begin your journey at the west gate (red gate) of Yasaka Shrine, where your guide will provide a brief historical overview of Kyoto using a map. You’ll learn proper Shinto shrine etiquette and how to respectfully worship.
Continue through Maruyama Park and into Nene-no-michi, a historic street named after the wife of 16th-century leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Visit Entoku-in, a tranquil Zen temple known for its dry gardens and beautifully painted sliding doors. Inside, experience the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional Japanese residence.
Next, walk toward Yasaka-no-to (Yasaka Pagoda), a five-storied pagoda near Koshindo Temple. This area is a popular photo stop thanks to its preserved architecture and scenic streets.
The final stop is the majestic Kiyomizu Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally founded in the 8th century. Admire the famous wooden stage—constructed without nails—and enjoy breathtaking views over Kyoto. Learn about Kannon Bodhisattva, the temple’s principal deity, and visit the Koyasu Pagoda, believed to bless women with safe childbirth.
Before concluding, the guide will introduce Jishu Shrine, located on the temple grounds and known for matchmaking blessings. You’ll also encounter the famous “pure water” stream and may test your strength with the heavy iron stick donation.
This tour is rich with storytelling, symbolism, and architectural wonder—perfect for travelers seeking depth over tourist checklists.
Itinerary
Starting Point:
Yasaka Shrine – Nishiromon (West) Gate
- Entoku-in Temple (40 min, entry fee applies)
- Yasaka Koshindo & Yasaka Pagoda photo spot (25 min)
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple (35 min, entry fee applies)
- End Point: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Total walking distance: ~2.5 km
Pricing
- From ¥11,818 per group (up to 5 people)
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Includes
- Private local guide
- Cultural and historical commentary
Meeting Point
Yasaka Shrine – Nishiromon Gate
625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan
Access:
- 8 min walk from Gion Shijo Station (Keihan Line)
- 10 min walk from Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Line)
- Bus Stop: “Gion” (stone steps lead to gate)
Reviews
“Out of words to describe Hisako’s kindness. This wasn’t just a walking tour, but a deep conversation on culture, religion, history, and more. Absolutely unforgettable.”
“Our guide used her own illustrations and notes to teach us the history of Kyoto in a way that was engaging and personal.”
“Fantastic tour. The context provided about each temple truly enriched our visit. Highly recommended.”