• Arashiyama - TOGETSUKYO BRIDGE Arashiyama’s most iconic landmark is the Togetsukyo Bridge, also known as the “Moon Crossing Bridge.” It was last reconstructed in the 1930s, having originally been built during the Heian Period (794-1185). The bridge is particularly beautiful against the backdrop of the wooded slope. Nearby, a riverbank park is adorned with numerous cherry trees. HAMMOOSE GROVES Enjoyable walks and bike rides can be taken along the paths that wind through the bamboo groves. When a gentle breeze causes the tall bamboo stalks to sway, the scenery becomes exceptionally picturesque. For generations, bamboo has been used in local workshops to craft various items, such as mats, cups, boxes, and baskets.

• Sanjusangendo Temple - Sanjusangendo is the common name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto renowned for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and rebuilt a century later after the original structure was destroyed by fire. At 120 meters, the temple hall is Japan’s longest wooden structure. The name Sanjusangendo, meaning 33 intervals, refers to the number of spaces between the building’s support columns, a traditional method of measuring a building’s size.

• Kiyomizu - Kiyomizudera, translating to “Pure Water Temple,” is one of Japan’s most famous temples. It derives its name from the pure waters of the Otowa Waterfall, located on the forested hillsides east of Kyoto, where it was founded in 780. Initially associated with the Hosso sect, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist schools, the temple established the Kita Hosso sect in 1965. In 1994, Kiyomizudera was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most prominent feature is the wooden stage that extends 13 meters over the hillside from the main hall, offering visitors a delightful view of the cherry and maple trees below, which burst into vibrant colors.

• Kinkakuji Temple - The Zen temple Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), situated in northern Kyoto, has its upper two floors entirely covered in gold leaf. Originally named Rokuonji, the temple served as the retirement villa for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his passing in 1408, the shogun left it as a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect. A few decades later, Yoshimitsu’s grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, constructed Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) on the opposite side of the city after being inspired by Kinkakuji. Kinkakuji is the only remaining structure from Yoshimitsu’s former retirement complex, an elegant temple overlooking a large pond. Throughout its history, it has been rebuilt several times, including twice during the Onin War, a civil conflict.

• Nishiki Market Shopping District - Nishiki Market (Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow, five-block-long shopping street lined with over one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this bustling market specializes in all things food-related, such as fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware. It’s an excellent place to discover seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, including Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi. Nishiki Market has a lively yet welcoming atmosphere, perfect for those eager to explore Kyoto’s renowned culinary offerings. The market’s shops range from small, narrow stalls to larger, two-story establishments, with most specializing in a specific type of food. Nearly everything sold at the market is locally sourced and produced.

• Kyoto Imperial Palace - The Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) was the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located within the expansive Kyoto Imperial Park (Kyoto Gyoen), a beautiful park in the city’s center that also includes the Sento Imperial Palace and other attractions. The current Imperial Palace was rebuilt in 1855 after being repeatedly relocated and rebuilt over the centuries due to fires. The complex is surrounded by long walls and consists of several gates, halls, and gardens. The enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho and Showa were still held in the palace’s main hall. Today, the Tokyo Imperial Palace is used for enthronement ceremonies.

• Gion - Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, located along Shijo Avenue between the Kamo River to the west and Yasaka Shrine to the east. The area is filled with shops, restaurants, and ochaya (teahouses) offering entertainment by geiko (Kyoto’s term for geisha) and maiko (geiko apprentices). Gion’s high concentration of traditional wooden machiya merchant houses attracts many visitors. These houses were built with narrow facades, only five to six meters wide, but extend up to twenty meters from the street, as property taxes were once based on street frontage. Hanami-koji Street, running from Shijo Avenue to Kenninji Temple, is Gion’s busiest area, lined with charming and upscale dining establishments.

• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha) is a major Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto, famous for its thousands of red torii gates that form a network of trails behind the main buildings. These paths lead into the forested area of the sacred Mount Inari, which rises to 233 meters on the shrine grounds. Fushimi Inari is the most important of the many shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice. Foxes, believed to be Inari’s messengers, are represented by numerous statues throughout the shrine grounds. The history of Fushimi Inari Shrine predates Kyoto’s establishment as the capital in 794. Exploring the mountain trails is the primary reason many international visitors come to Fushimi Inari Shrine.

• Private transportation
• Complimentary pickup from Kyoto, Nara, Osaka
• English-speaking driver
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Lunch
• Admission fees

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.