Kyoto Early Bird Walking Tour: Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Temple KC0003

JPY 11,900
Departure Place
Departure Period
- 2026.12.31
Tour Length
1 day
Language
English,

Highlight

  • 【What to expect】Experience the quietest and most magical moments in Kyoto before the city awakens, creating unforgettable memories that will stay with you forever. With the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide, you will explore two of Kyoto’s most iconic areas. First, visit Gion, the historic district famous as the home of geisha. Here, traditional townhouses and stone-paved streets have been preserved, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of centuries past. The soft morning light transforms the streets into a scene unlike any other, offering a timeless experience as you wander with your camera in hand. Next, the tour continues to the Higashiyama area, renowned for its breathtaking scenery. You will encounter the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with historic buildings and charming hillside streets. In the peaceful morning hours, you can admire the temple’s majestic presence and enjoy the harmonious blend of torii gates, stone steps, and traditional architecture that make this area so picturesque. Throughout the tour, you will experience the fresh morning air of Kyoto while exploring a city where history, culture, and natural beauty come together. In addition to famous landmarks, the tour includes hidden gems known only to locals, offering a deeper and more memorable experience than typical sightseeing. The early-morning atmosphere in Kyoto is not only perfect for photography but also leaves a lasting impression that will stay in your heart for a lifetime.
  • Experience Kyoto at its most peaceful – Enjoy the city before it awakens and create unforgettable early-morning memories.
  • Guided by a knowledgeable local – Discover hidden gems and learn insider insights from an expert guide.
  • Explore Gion – Stroll through Kyoto’s historic district, famous as the home of the geisha.
  • Discover Higashiyama & Kiyomizu-dera Temple – Wander charming streets leading to the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site.

Itinerary

Departure Place
Statue of Izumo-no-OkuniGoogle MapsDownload
Meal(s)Breakfast : 0 / Lunch : 0 / Supper : 0
07:30Please arrive 10 minutes early.
This tour begins at Kyoto's famous meeting place, "Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni." Your guide will be waiting in front of the statue with a board displaying the OTAKU hopper logo.(After booking, we will provide detailed meeting location information with images)
07:35Gion
Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and preserved historic streets. It’s a place where visitors can experience the charm of old Kyoto and sometimes catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko on their way to an evening engagement
Sightseeing 10 minutes
07:50Hanamikoji Street
Hanami-koji is a famous street in Kyoto's Gion district where you may have the chance to encounter geisha and maiko. Known for its traditional teahouses, historic ambiance, and wooden machiya houses, it offers a glimpse into Kyoto's elegant past and geisha culture. 
Sightseeing 10 minutes
08:05Yasui-Konpiragu
Yasui Konpira Shrine in Kyoto is known as one of Japan's most powerful shrines for severing bad relationships. Visitors come to the shrine to pray for the end of negative ties and to find new, positive connections.
Sightseeing 10 minutes
08:20Yasakanoto
Yasaka Pagoda(Hokanji temple) is one of the oldest wooden structures in Japan. Its overwhelming scale makes it hard to believe that it was built without using nails. It is undoubtedly a symbol of Kyoto.
10 minutes sightseeing
08:35Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka are charming stone-paved streets lined with souvenir shops and restaurants nestled in historic wooden buildings. Strolling through them feels like stepping back in time.
Sightseeing 10 minutes
08:50Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the most popular place for tourists and a must visit when in Kyoto. Located on top of a mountain, it commands a panoramic view of Kyoto City. Because of its history and scenery, it is one of the few temples recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Sightseeing 60 minutes
09:55Yasaka Koshin-Do
Yasaka Koshindo is a mysterious temple of unknown date of construction. The colorful decorations here are astonishing, as many temples are of subdued colors. The beauty of the colors makes it a popular photo spot for young people.
Sightseeing 15 minutes
10:15Yasaka Shrine
Our final destination is Yasaka Shrine, the headquarters of 2,300 related shrines throughout Japan. This historic shrine, dedicated to the gods of prosperity and protection, has been a vital part of Kyoto's cultural heritage for centuries.
10 minutes sightseeing
10:30Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni

Tour Plans

Start Booking !Start Booking !AgencyAgencyPer person

Adult
12 or above
JPY 11,900
Child
3 to 11
JPY 8,900
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Sightseeing

Detail

Destination Kyoto
Language English
Language Support
Minimum number of participants for operation 2 persons
Notes
  • Not wheelchair accessible.Service animals allowed
  • If you are late for the meeting time, you will not be able to join the tour or receive a refund.
  • The sightseeing time is an estimate and may vary depending on your walking speed.
  • What's Included Passionate Local English-Speaking Guide.Stunning professional photos will be taken during the tour. *Admission to Kiyomizu-dera Temple is not included (500 yen per person).
  • This walking tour may involve sharing with other participants.

Cancellation Policy

1th day prior to the tour date100% of the tour fee
On the day the tour starts100% of the tour fee
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