Discover Kyoto’s hidden gems with a local guide. Explore Geisha districts and iconic Torii gates. Perfect for families and curious travelers.
Discover Kyoto’s hidden gems with a local guide. Explore Geisha districts and iconic Torii gates. Perfect for families and curious travelers.
- Higashi Hongan-ji Temple - Established in 1602, Higashi Hongan-ji is a significant Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple in central Kyoto. Its expansive grounds and magnificent main hall, the Goeido, draw numerous visitors. The Goeido is one of Japan’s largest wooden structures, offering a truly awe-inspiring sight.
- Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine -…
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Higashi Hongan-ji Temple - Established in 1602, Higashi Hongan-ji is a significant Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple in central Kyoto. Its expansive grounds and magnificent main hall, the Goeido, draw numerous visitors. The Goeido is one of Japan’s largest wooden structures, offering a truly awe-inspiring sight.
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Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Located in southern Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine is the principal shrine among over 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan. It is renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that create a tunnel along the mountain paths. Visitors come to seek blessings for business prosperity and family safety, and the hike to the summit is highly recommended.
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Komyo-in Temple - As a sub-temple of Tofuku-ji, Komyo-in Temple is celebrated for its serene garden. The autumn foliage is breathtaking, harmonizing beautifully with the moss-covered grounds. It is an ideal tranquil spot to escape the city’s hustle and unwind.
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Tofuku-ji Temple - Tofuku-ji’s Tsutenkyo Bridge is a renowned location for viewing autumn colors. The long bridge spans a valley, providing panoramic views of vibrant red and orange maple trees. It is a popular destination every fall, epitomizing Kyoto’s stunning autumn scenery.
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Hōkan-ji Temple - Experience the feeling of stepping into a living postcard of ancient Japan! Its graceful silhouette against the historic Higashiyama district of Kyoto is simply breathtaking.
Picture-Perfect Moments
Don’t forget your camera! The pagoda and its surroundings offer endless opportunities for stunning photographs. Whether it’s cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant autumn leaves, or the gentle glow of evening light, each season provides a new magical backdrop for your memories. -
Yasui-Konpiragu - Yasui Konpiragu Shrine is famed for deities associated with ending bad relationships and fostering good ones. Many visit to pray for severing negative ties or attracting positive connections. The stone monument with a hole to crawl through is well-known — a truly powerful spiritual site.
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Hanamikoji Street - Hanamikoji Street is a delightful alley in Kyoto’s Gion district. It is lined with traditional tea houses and restaurants, offering a glimpse into geisha culture. Visitors can enjoy the historic ambiance and may even spot geisha or maiko in the evening.
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Tatsumi Bridge - A hidden gem that will captivate your heart.
Irresistible Charm of Tatsumi Bridge
Situated along the picturesque Shirakawa River, Tatsumi Bridge is a small yet stunning wooden bridge that will take your breath away. With its vibrant vermilion railings and traditional Japanese design, it’s like stepping into a living postcard!
Cherry Blossom Magic
Can you imagine anything more enchanting? In spring, the bridge transforms into a pink paradise as cherry blossoms bloom, creating a dreamy tunnel of petals. It’s so romantic, you’ll feel like you’re in a movie!
Photo Ops Galore
Prepare your camera because Tatsumi Bridge is a photographer’s dream. The combination of the charming bridge, flowing river, and traditional tea houses in the background creates picture-perfect scenes that will make your Instagram followers envious. -
Shirakawa Lane - Gion Shirakawa is a scenic historic district, featuring traditional machiya houses, willow-lined canals, and a peaceful atmosphere where geisha occasionally stroll. It captures the elegant essence of old Kyoto, offering a quintessential Japanese landscape.
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River Terrace - The Shirakawa Shinsui Terrace is a riverside walkway along the Shirakawa River in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area. It’s an excellent spot to enjoy the soothing sound of flowing water up close. The stone-paved paths and benches make it a perfect place to relax while taking in seasonal scenery. Nearby cafes and shops add to the charm, making it ideal for sightseeing and breaks.
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Heian Jingu Shrine Otorii - The Great Torii of Heian Shrine in Kyoto is a massive vermilion gate standing 24.2m tall. Built in 1929 to commemorate Emperor Showa’s enthronement, it’s made of reinforced concrete and marks the approach to the shrine.
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Nanzen-ji Temple - Nanzen-ji, located in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto, is a prominent temple of the Rinzai sect, known for its rich history and beautiful gardens. Established in 1291 by Emperor Kameyama, it has become one of the most significant Zen temples in Japan.
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Nanzenji Suirokaku - Nanzen-ji Aqueduct, known as Suirakukaku, is a significant historical structure located within the grounds of Nanzen-ji Temple. Completed in 1888, this brick aqueduct was built to transport water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto, showcasing a blend of modern engineering and traditional Japanese aesthetics.
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Philosopher’s Walk - Philosopher’s Path is a picturesque walkway located in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto, stretching approximately 2 kilometers along the banks of the Biwa Canal. This scenic route connects the southern end at Wakaoji Shrine to the northern end at Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and is renowned for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn leaves.
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Honen-in - Honen-in Temple is a peaceful Zen temple nestled in a forest, said to be founded by Honen Shonin in the 13th century. Surrounded by nature, the temple grounds offer a calm atmosphere with beautiful seasonal changes. It’s a quiet spot, perfect if you want some serious tranquility.
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Shimogamo Jinja - Shimogamo Jinja Shrine, officially known as Kamomioya Shrine, is located in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto, Japan. It is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the region, with roots tracing back to around 90 BC. The shrine is dedicated to two main deities: Kamo Taketsunumi (the god of land development) and his mother, Tamayori-hime, who is also associated with fertility and protection for women.
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Kamogawa Delta (Kyoto Prefectural Kamogawa Park) - The Kamogawa Delta, where the Kamo and Takano Rivers meet, is a popular spot for locals and tourists. Known for its stepping stones shaped like turtles and birds, it offers scenic views, seasonal beauty like cherry blossoms, and opportunities to relax in nature. Featured in novels and anime, it’s a cultural landmark. Easily accessible from Demachiyanagi Station, it’s perfect for a peaceful stroll or sightseeing.
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Kyoto Gyoen National Garden - Kyoto Gyoen is a large park area surrounding the old Imperial Palace, offering beautiful nature all year round. It’s a popular spot for locals to relax, with historic buildings sprinkled around. Famous for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, it’s a peaceful oasis right in the city.
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Stepping Stones at Kojin - Ebisugawa Tobiishi are stepping stones across the Ebisugawa, a tributary of the Kamo River. It’s a fun spot where locals and tourists hop across the stones or snap photos. The stones blend naturally with the flowing river, and the scenery changes beautifully with the seasons.
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Teramachi-dori Street - Teramachi Street runs north-south through central Kyoto and is a lively shopping street filled with traditional Japanese goods, cafes, and fashion shops. It’s a bustling area loved by both locals and visitors, perfect for a stroll to soak up Kyoto’s vibe.
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Kyoto Sanjo Shopping Street - Sanjo Street is one of the main east-west streets in Kyoto city, lined with restaurants, cafes, and historic buildings. It’s close to Kawaramachi and the Kamo River, making it a convenient hub for sightseeing. The area is lively both day and night.

- Passionate and fun tour guide
- Guide with photography skills
- Electric bike provided
- Option for normal cycle
- Guide embodies Japanese ‘omotenashi’ hospitality
- Passionate and fun tour guide
- Guide with photography skills
- Electric bike provided
- Option for normal cycle
- Guide embodies Japanese ‘omotenashi’ hospitality
- Food and drink
- Paid entrance to temples and shrines (not planned either)
- Gratuities
- Food and drink
- Paid entrance to temples and shrines (not planned either)
- Gratuities
Hello, Kiyoto here from Kyoto! Yes, this beautiful city is my namesake - quite unique, isn’t it?
I enjoy guiding visitors to the best of Kyoto, from its renowned landmarks to the hidden treasures nestled in its lively neighborhoods. Forget the guidebooks - let’s craft an unforgettable adventure together!
By partnering exclusively with enthusiastic guides…
Hello, Kiyoto here from Kyoto! Yes, this beautiful city is my namesake - quite unique, isn’t it?
I enjoy guiding visitors to the best of Kyoto, from its renowned landmarks to the hidden treasures nestled in its lively neighborhoods. Forget the guidebooks - let’s craft an unforgettable adventure together!
By partnering exclusively with enthusiastic guides who share my vision, and collaborating with a small team of guides I have personally trained and approved, I assure you the finest day trip experience that transcends typical sightseeing.
If you’re keen to explore off-the-beaten-path locations like local pottery shops and family-run izakayas, we’ve got you covered. You’ll discover Japanese dishes and delightful street sweets that you might miss on your own! Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s world of scenic beauty, unique customs, history, and culture through our guides’ captivating storytelling. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned Kyoto explorer, I promise a magical experience.
Are you ready to uncover the heart of Kyoto together?
- Participants must be able to ride a bicycle.
- We have kids’ bikes (non-electric). Availability is limited; please request at booking.
- Kids’ seats are available for children who cannot ride on their own. Limited units; please request when booking.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.