Geisha Towns, Temples, Shrines, Old Cobblestone Streets
Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old Kyoto, as we walk these historic streets. Passing through two geisha towns, stopping at shrines, exploring temples, window shopping, meeting Totoro, and enjoying a local Kyoto lunch in a charming eatery.
* No payment required at this time. Osaka Day Tours will soon contact you and confirm tour date availability. If your chosen date is available, you will be able to lock in your tour at that time.
Tour Time: 9:00-17:00 (8-hour tour)
Tour Guide: Kevin Riley
Included: All transportation, entry fees, lunch, and pickup & dropoff at your accommodation in Kyoto or Kyoto Station.
Historic Kyoto Walking Tour
- Step back into another era, as you wander through two of Kyoto’s historic geisha towns, passing scenic old teahouses and machiya. Come back here in the evening and you might catch a glimpse of a maiko or geisha heading to a teahouse.
- Stop at the protective shrine where you can pray to the resident kami to protect you from evil and disaster. Discover how this shrine stopped an epidemic in Kyoto and enjoy the legend of a dragon.
- Enhance your beauty at the shrine visited regularly by the local geisha. All it takes is a short prayer and a splash of the special spring water.
- Visit the temple that was established by the wife of one of Japan’s greatest historical figures. Enjoy the beautiful gardens, temple buildings, and a bamboo forest.
- Stop to rub the heads of the three tiny Buddhist characters who will grant you positivity.
- Savour a tasty local dish at a picturesque eatery set behind a quiet garden.
- Wander past shops, restaurants, and a large Totoro as we follow old cobblestone streets with lots of history.
- Stop in at an antique shop that resembles a museum, where you can view an authentic collection of Japanese art and traditional items. It’s a great look back into the history of Japan.
- Visit the impressive Kiyomizu Temple and look out over Kyoto from it’s large wooden terrace. Find out about the bizarre story attached to this terrace.
- Drink from the pure waters and choose one of three wishes to come true.
- If one of your group is expecting, a visit to the pagoda that houses the kannon for easy childbirth is a popular stop. It’s also a quiet place to enjoy a look back at the main temple and enjoy a short break.
- A walk down Chawanzaka (literally Rice Bowl Slope) takes you past many pottery shops. Be on the lookout for the giant plate on display in one window.
- Before taking our last walk, I have a small surprise in mind for you. I think you’ll like it.
* No payment required at this time. Osaka Day Tours will soon contact you and confirm tour date availability. If your chosen date is available, you will be able to lock in your tour at that time.