Kyoto Private Customizable Walking Tour with Guide

The Tenryuji is the main temple of the Rinzai Zen Buddhism sect of the same name and is located in the Arashiyama district in the northwest of the city of Kyoto. It is the most important Zen temple in the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built in 1339 by Shogun Ashikaga Takauji, who dedicated it to the recently deceased Emperor Go-Daigo. Both men were former allies until Takauji rebelled against the emperor in the struggle for supremacy in Japan. The temple should pacify the spirit of the deceased. The buildings of Tenryuji have been repeatedly destroyed by fire over the centuries, so the current complex largely dates from the Meiji period (1868-1912). In contrast, the surrounding garden, which was designed by the well-known master of gardening, Muso Soseki, is still almost entirely original. Especially in autumn, when the foliage of the trees there and the Arashiyama mountains visible behind them turn red and yellow, the Tenryuji and its garden are a popular destination.

Kimono Forest is a collection of gorgeous cylinder-shaped pillars framing the laneway to Randen tram station on Kyoto’s Keifuku Arashiyama line, which was installed as part of the renovation in 2013. It is called a "forest" since the pillars are clustered like a forest and the kimono is displayed on each pillar. The Kimono Forest consists of pieces of textile displays dyed in the traditional Kyo-yuzen style. Each of the 2-meter-high pillars is covered with acrylic fiber. There are about 600 of them all installed all over the station grounds. The Kyo-yuzen textile used for this exhibition was created by Kamedatomi, a long-standing textile factory whose history dates back to the Taisho period. These days they also produce aloha shirts with bright kimono-inspired patterns.

The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants, and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.

Considered one of Kyoto's very best sights, the garden enveloping Tenryu-ji Temple seamlessly blends elements of nature to create a harmonious landscape. White sand, arranged in wave patterns, intermingles with moss, flowers and trees, punctuated by an impressive collection of rocks set upon a tranquil pond. The sole survivor from the temple's original design, the pond itself forms the shape of the Chinese character "kokoro", meaning "enlightened heart". Intended to be admired from the veranda of the Abbot's Quarters, it presents a three-dimensional tableau, featuring a waterfall, peninsula, and rocky shoreline mimicking a seascape, all framed by the distant hills. A leisurely stroll along the path on the pond's far side guides visitors past shrubbery carefully positioned to obscure direct views of the pond and heighten focus on the surrounding flora. For Muso Soseki, the garden's designer and first temple abbot, it served as a conduit to realizing one's inner Buddha nature, emphasizing contemplation as a path to enlightenment. Take your time to wander the garden, soaking in its breathtaking vistas and capturing memorable photos. Despite its compact size, exploring alongside the temple (which requires a combined ticket) can be completed in under an hour, even at a leisurely pace. And even if you opt not to enter the temple buildings, glimpses into some of them can be enjoyed while circling the pond.

Adashino Nenbutsu-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan. In 811 Kūkai is said to have founded a temple, then Honen altered it to the present Nenbutsuji

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is hidden in the hills in far western Arashiyama. It is most famous for its collection of 1200 Rakan statues that represent the disciples of the historical Buddha. These statues are a relatively recent addition to a temple, which has a long and rather unfortunate history

Well known as the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji is a three-story Zen Buddhist temple in northern Kyoto. Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) were built in the 13th century and were originally intended as noble villas for the Ashikaga shoguns. Today the building is also known as Rokuon-ji. Kinkaku-ji houses several important Buddhist relics and is a sacred place for the Rinzai sect of Japanese Buddhism. Each floor of the temple conveys a different architectural style. The first floor is in the Shinden style, the second floor in the Bukke style and the third floor in the Chinese Zen style. Thus became one of the most photogenic temples in all of Kyoto. The temple was once the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death in 1408 he wanted to give the building to the Rinzai sect as a Zen temple. The grounds of the Kinkaku-ji Temple used to consist of several other buildings, but unfortunately burned down in the fires and destruction during the Onin War in the 1400s. The building you see today was also rebuilt in 1955.

The Ginkakuji, also known as the“ Silver Pavilion ”, is a Buddhist Zen temple in the Higashiyama area in northeastern Kyoto. The surrounding gardens from the Edo period were designated a special historical site in 1952, and UNESCO took the Ginkakuji together with others Buildings in 1994 in the World Heritage Site Historic Kyoto. Construction of the complex began in 1482 and was intended to be the retirement home of the then shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. However, it was not completed until his death, so it was converted into a temple according to his request. Two buildings have been preserved in their origins, of which the Kannon den is the symbol of the temple and is usually called the "Silver Pavilion", while the Togu-do contains one of the oldest rooms for the tea ceremony. The complex is also known for its moss garden and the extraordinary sand garden known as the “lake of silver sand”. In contrast to the “Golden Pavilion”, the Ginkakuji is not covered with silver. The name probably came from the similar architecture of the two buildings.

Ryoanji Temple is home to Japan’s most famous Zen stone garden and one of Kyoto’s most iconic scenes. Believed to be built back in the Muromachi period (14th - 16th century), the origin and designer of the garden is still unknown to this day. The stones in the garden are intentionally placed so that one cannot view all 15 stones from any one angle. The meticulous design of this karesansui (Japanese rock garden) leads many to credit the celebrated artist, Soami, as the garden’s creator—albeit unproven. The 248-square meter garden bears little trace of greenery, and is instead immaculately lined with raked white gravel. The seemingly random placement of the stones adds to the mystique of Ryoan-ji, its abstract layout leaving visitors questioning the meaning and purpose of the garden. While the garden remains a mystery, the history of Ryoanji Temple is well documented. The temple buildings were originally a Heian Period villa, and were converted into a Zen temple in 1450. Now, Ryoanji is part of the Myoshin-ji school in the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. In 1994, Ryoanji’s immaculate zen stone garden was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is also designated as a Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto.

Fushimi Inari, officially known as Fushimi Inari Taisha, is a beautiful Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii. The torii gates along the way are donations from individuals and companies and on the back of each gate is the name of the donor and the date of the donation. The trails lead into the wooded forest of the sacred mountain Inari, which is 233 meters high and is part of the shrine grounds. The hike to the top of the mountain and the way back takes about 2-3 hours. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice. Since it is believed that foxes are Inari's messengers, there are numerous fox statues throughout the shrine grounds. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is the main shrine of all 30,000 Inari shrines in Japan.

Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow, five-block-long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food-related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.

Pontocho (先斗町, Pontochō) is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. It is a narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of Kamogawa River. The alley is packed with restaurants on both sides offering a wide range of dining options from inexpensive yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, foreign cuisine, and highly exclusive establishments that require the right connections and a fat wallet.

One of the must-visit spots in Kyoto is Hanamikoji Street, located in the Gion district. This 360-meter-long cobblestone street is lined with traditional townhouses featuring distinctive red latticework and wooden fences, capturing the essence of Kyoto’s old-world charm. The street is home to long-established ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants) and teahouses, some of which date back to the Edo period. If you’re fortunate, you might even catch a glimpse of a maiko or geisha gracefully passing by. During the day, you can enjoy a stroll and soak in the picturesque scenery, while at night, the street transforms into a magical scene illuminated by lanterns. Hanamikoji Street offers an authentic Kyoto experience and is a must-see on any trip to the city.

The Philosopher's Path (哲学の道, Tetsugaku no michi) is a pedestrian path following a canal lined by cherry trees between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji. The path earned its name because an influential 20th-century philosopher, Nishida Taro, is thought to have used it for daily meditation.

The Yasaka Cry, located in the Gion district in Kyoto, is often referred to as the Gion Shrine. The shrine is one of the most famous shrines in the city of Kyoto and is located at the end of Shijo-dori Street. The grounds of the shrine include several buildings and gates. Including the main hall and also a stage. Every year, Yakasa Shrine hosts numerous events and festivals that are important to the Japanese and is a popular destination for many visitors to Kyoto City. The Yasaka Shrine respects the gods Susanoo-no-mikoto, Kushiinadahime-no-mikoto, and Yahashira-no-mikogami. Above all, Susanoo-no-Mikoto is an important god in Japanese mythology, known for his victory over Yamata-no-Orochi (a great serpent with eight heads: a symbol of numerous disasters).

Maruyama Park is the oldest public park in Kyoto and a popular springtime cherry blossom viewing spot. It opened in 1886 and is located next to Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama District. The park was laid out by the well-known gardening expert Ogawa Jibee (1860–1933). As it is one of the most popular places for hanami in Kyoto, it can get quite crowded during the high season in April. The main attraction of the park is a beautiful weeping cherry that is illuminated at night. In the southwest of the park is the Chorakukan Villa, which the Japanese tobacco king Murai Kichibee had built. This property is now used as a hotel.

Chionin (知恩院) is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism, which has millions of followers and is one of the most popular Buddhist sects in Japan. The temple has spacious grounds and large buildings. Visitors will surely notice the temple when they come across its massive Sanmon Gate.

Kawaii though it may be, there’s a lot more going on here than meets the eye. Officially named ‘Daikoku-san Kongo-ji Koshin-do’, Yasaka Koshindo is a Koshin temple, a folk faith with links to Taoism, Buddhism, Shinto, and others. This faith dates back around a thousand years but has since fallen out of popularity. Though I can’t imagine why; it sounds wild. One of the main customs that occurs every 60 days entails staying awake all night to prevent the three corpses who inhabit your body from floating out of your sleeping form to tell your sins to the gods. It is also customary to eat konnyaku on this night because the three corpses hate that stuff. You know, all pretty normal kind of faith stuff.

Hokan-ji Temple is known colloquially as Yasaka-no-to (Yasaka Pagoda). It is a 46-meter tall pagoda with graceful, sloping roofs on each tier, which lies in the middle of an old Kyoto neighborhood, between Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka-jinja Shrine. It is one of the unexpected treasures that reward the person on a casual stroll through the Higashiyama District. Visitors are allowed inside to marvel at the tower's architecture, statues, and fading paintings. Originally built by the Imperial Prince Shotoku in 589, the pagoda is said to have been inspired by a dream.

Nanzenji (南禅寺), established in 1291 was converted from a former residence of Emperor Kameyama upon his death.

Kodaiji (高台寺) is located northeast of the Yasaka Hokanji Temple at the foot of the Higashiyama Ryozen Mountains in Kyoto. The official name of the temple is Kodaiji-Jushozenji Temple. In 1606, the temple of Kita-no-Mandokoro was dedicated in memory of her late husband. Kita-no-Mandokoro was also known as nene. The Kaisando (Founder's Hall), Otama-ya (Sanctuary), Kasatei (Tea House), Shiguretei (Tea House), Omotetmon (Gate to the Sanctuary), and Kangetsudai (Moon Viewing Pavilion) are designated as important cultural assets in Japan. The temple garden is said to have been designed by the landscape gardener Kobori Enshu (1579-1647). The Japanese government has designated the garden as a historic site and a place of scenic beauty. The interior of the main building was originally painted with lacquer and covered with exquisite gold decorations. However, the current building was rebuilt in 1912 after several fires. Kodai-ji hosts modern art exhibitions in spring and fall. These are set up in the rock garden in front of Houjyo and are creatively illuminated at night.

Ninenzaka is a cobblestone slope located in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto, renowned for its charming, historical atmosphere. This street, developed from the Muromachi period through the Edo period, is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Lined with souvenir shops, teahouses, and restaurants, the area showcases Kyoto’s distinctive townhouse architecture. Especially bustling during the cherry blossom season in spring and the autumn foliage season, visitors often stroll the street in traditional kimono. Combine a visit to nearby temples like Kiyomizu-Dera and Kodaiji to fully experience the allure of Kyoto.

Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya is the world's first Starbucks store in a traditional Japanese house with tatami seating. We'll introduce the unique features of this location inspired by tea ceremony culture, along with tips on avoiding congested periods.

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto's historic Gion district, the Ryozen Kannon Temple stands as a striking testament to peace and remembrance. This unique Buddhist temple, established in 1955, serves as a solemn memorial to those who lost their lives during the Pacific War. With its towering 24-meter concrete statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, overlooking the grounds, Ryozen Kannon offers visitors a profound space for reflection and contemplation. Unlike many traditional Japanese temples, this site blends elements of Buddhist architecture with modern design, creating a distinctive atmosphere that sets it apart from other religious landmarks in Kyoto. As we explore the history, features, and significance of Ryozen Kannon Temple, we'll uncover how this memorial has become an important symbol of reconciliation and a poignant reminder of the costs of conflict

Sannenzaka, located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, is a charming stone-paved path leading to the renowned Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Developed during the Taisho era, this slope is beloved for its nostalgic scenery. Both sides of the slope are lined with traditional souvenir shops and teahouses, creating an atmosphere that feels like a journey back in time. The origin of the name “Sannei-zaka,” also known as “Sannen-zaka” or “Three-Year Slope,” is surrounded by various theories, including a curious legend from the Edo period. Take a stroll here, and immerse yourself in the history that surrounds this unique path.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple was founded in 778. Its history dates back over 1200 years. As a sacred place where the great compassion of the deity Kannon prevails, the temple has long been open to citizens of all classes. Thirty Buddhist buildings stand on the site, which extends over 130,000 square meters along the central slope of Otowa Mountain in the eastern part of Kyoto, including the Main Hall of the National Treasure and many other important cultural assets. Most buildings have been destroyed by fire more than ten times since their inception. Thanks to the help of the temple believers, they have been rebuilt over and over again. Most of the current buildings were rebuilt in 1633. In 1944, the Kiyomizu-dera Temple was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the historical monuments of ancient Kyoto.

Tofukuji temple (東福寺), particularly known for its autumn leaves, was founded in 1236 and is the head temple of the Tofukuji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism.

The Toji Temple is one of the original three Buddhist temples that were built in Kyoto at the beginning of the Heian period. In the year 796, the Toji Temple was built together with the Sai-ji and Shingon-in temples. Unfortunately, Toji Temple is the only one that has survived to this day. The historic 5-story pagoda building is home to several significant artifacts and treasures, which resulted in Toji Temple being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. About thirty years after the temple was built, Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, was appointed high priest of Toji, and the temple became one of the most important Shingon temples alongside the sect's headquarters on Mount Koya.

The Kyoto Imperial Palace is the former ruling palace of the Emperor of Japan. Since the Meiji Restoration in 1869, the Emperors have resided at the Tokyo Imperial Palace, while the preservation of the Kyoto Imperial Palace was ordered in 1877. A reservation is required to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Nijo Castle is one of the most accessible UNESCO spots in Kyoto, being just a short walk from Nijojo-mae Station. The former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, the sprawling castle grounds are surrounded by a wide moat and massive stone walls. Spanning over 275,000 square meters, Nijo Castle is one of the biggest historic sites in all of Kyoto. Established in 1626, Nijo Castle was built by a combined effort from all the feudal lords in Western Japan at the time. Since then, multiple buildings have been damaged by fires or storms, and extra effort is taken by the city to preserve and restore this cultural site. Nijo Castle is designated as a Historic Monument of Ancient Kyoto, making it one of the prefecture's most significant sites. Within the castle grounds is Ninomaru Palace, a 3,300-square-meter complex made almost completely out of Hinoki cypress wood. The palace interior is adorned with gold leaf-plated decor and exquisite wood carvings, making it a fitting place to entertain powerful political visitors during the shogunate's ruling period.

The Kyoto Railway Museum opened to the public on April 29, 2016, and is an opportunity to experience Japan's progress in modernization through its railway history in the city of Kyoto, where tradition is both valued and innovation is sought to continue. The basic concept of the museum is to become the "center of the railway culture that advances along with its community. As a holistic railway museum, a multitude of cultural activities are offered, which not only delight railway fans but also help visitors deepen their understanding of the railway. This includes the design of subject areas in which one can find out about the safety and technology of the railway. In addition, guided tours by the museum staff and workshops prepared by JR-West staff.

Kyoto Tower is an observation tower located in Kyoto, Japan. The steel tower is the tallest structure in Kyoto with its observation deck at 100 metres and its spire at 131 metres. The 800-ton tower stands atop a 9-story building, which houses a 3-star hotel and several stores

Heian Shrine (平安神宮, Heian Jingū) has a relatively short history, dating back just over a hundred years to 1895. The shrine was built on the occasion of the 1100th anniversary of the capital's foundation in Kyoto and is dedicated to the spirits of the first and last emperors who reigned from the city, Emperor Kammu (737-806) and Emperor Komei (1831-1867). Heian is the former name of Kyoto.

Nishi Honganji (西本願寺) and Higashi Honganji (東本願寺) are two large temples in the center of Kyoto. As headquarters of the two factions of the Jodo-Shin Sect (True Pure Land Sect), one of Japan's most popular Buddhist sects, they are a good place to experience contemporary Japanese Buddhism.

Founded in 874, Daigo-ji Temple is one of Kyoto's most scenic religious sites. The hillside temple grounds make it a prime spot for cherry blossom and fall foliage, and its traditional buildings add to the rustic charm of the landscape. The main temple grounds are located at the foot of the mountain and are connected to several other temple buildings around the summit via a hiking trail. The Daigo-ji also plays an important role in the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism. Its main buildings are home to dozens of valuable cultural artifacts, which has resulted in the Daigo-ji Temple being named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The main area of ​​the temple is home to the Reihokan Museum, which preserves and exhibits the temple's vast collection of historical documents and art objects, including statues and paintings.

Kifune Shrine, nestled in the picturesque mountain town of Kibune, is said to be over 1,300 years old and is dedicated to the god of water. The complex has three shrine buildings along the mountainside: the main shrine (front shrine), Yui no Yashiro (middle shrine), and Okunomiya (rear shrine). A common pilgrimage path is to visit the main shrine first and then go to the rear one, before ending your journey at the middle shrine. One of the shrine’s most notable features is its lantern-lined stone steps. The brilliant coloring of the red lanterns compliments the surrounding nature during all seasons—whether it's the verdant foliage of spring and summer, the fiery leaves of autumn, or the pure-white snow of winter. No matter the season, the ascension to the shrine is always a magical one. The first and main shrine building has a modest wooden facade with sparse gold accents that perfectly reflect the encircling forests. Located in front of the building is a stone wall with a small fountain of sacred water (goshinsui) where you can sip the crisp mountain water. The shrine also offers a unique form of fortune-telling called mizuura mikuji. After you purchase the fortune-telling sheet, place the paper in a fountain near the shrine. As the water seeps through the paper, it will reveal your fortune! The middle shrine (Yui no Yashiro) is smaller in size and is known as a shrine for love. Legend has it that Ninigi no Mikoto, great-grandfather to Emperor Jinmu, did not receive the hand of the woman he wished to marry. As a result, he proclaimed that he would remain at the temple and bless people with good relationships. The last shrine (Okunomiya) is the location of the original main shrine before it was flooded in the 11th century. According to the legend of Kibune’s founding, a goddess landed at the area that is today Okunomiya on a holy boat. The stones to the left of the shrine are said to contain the goddess’s boat. The shrine is also built over what is said to be a ryuuketsu, or a dragon’s den. The ryuuketsu, coupled with the sacred boat, make the area a spiritual power spot.

The Byodoin Temple in the city of Uji near Kyoto adorns the reverse of the Japanese 10 yen coin and is best known for its distinctive “phoenix hall”. The original building was built in 998 as a nobleman's villa and later by a member of the then Influential Fujiwara clans acquired and converted into a temple. Over the centuries the temple complex has been expanded and expanded, among other things, by the phoenix hall, inside of which there is an Amida Buddha statue and which thus forms the heart of the temple complex. Even if its official name is Amida Hall because of this statue, it is mainly referred to as the Phoenix Hall because of the representations of the Chinese firebird on the roof. The Byodo-in Temple has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and is a popular tourist destination because of its special architecture and the surrounding garden. Visitors can also admire the interior of the hall on a guided tour.

Uji (宇治) is a small city situated between Kyoto and Nara, two of Japan's most famous historical and cultural centers. Its proximity to these two former capitals resulted in Uji's early development as a cultural center in its own right. At the height of political power of the Fujiwara clan in the Heian Period (710-1185), buildings such as Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrine, the oldest extant shrine in Japan, were contructed in Uji. Uji is also famous for its green tea. While Kozanji Temple in Kyoto is believed to be the original site of tea cultivation in Japan, Uji's tea became known for its superior quality in the 1200s.