Half Day City of Culture Kyoto

General information

Destination	Category
Kyoto, Japan	Sightseeing Tours

Program details

Experience the temples, shrines and gardens that make Kyoto Japan’s capital of culture on this unique tour of the city. Founded as the national capital more than 1,200 years ago, Kyoto originally developed as a centre of aristocratic culture, and is most famous for its Zen gardens and Geisha traditions.

Highlights
- Sit back and relax in the Zen garden at Tofukuji Temple
- Follow in the footsteps of too many to mention and take a stroll under the traditional Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Get to grips with everything Geisha related in the old town of Gion

On this Kyoto tour, you'll discover some of the magic of the city through cultural explorations and local experiences. First we'll head to one of the city’s must-see sights, the Tofukuji Temple. Originally built in the 13th century, and famous for its traditional, yet modern, Zen garden, this is a great place to escape to a relaxed atmosphere in the city. Learn about the origin and inspiration for the garden, and what it means to the Monks who continue to live and study here.



Next we walk through a nice local residential neighbourhood to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Home to a seemingly endless stretch of iconic red torii gates spread across a thickly wooded mountain, this shrine is a world unto itself. Walk through snaking corridors of red gates, made famous in the film ""Memoirs of Geisha"", stopping to admire the shrines and many fox statues. Major photo opportunity alert!



As the sun begins to set on the Toriis, we leave behind the foxes and head to Gion, famously known as Kyoto’s Geisha district. This area was the model for Memoirs of Geisha, and it comes alive with people and lights in the evening. Stroll past the 17th-century traditional restaurants and teahouses, many of which are still exclusive establishments for Geisha entertainment, see the theatres and traditional shops, and soak up the atmosphere of this historic quarter.



This iconic neighbourhood makes for the ideal end to this Kyoto city tour, and is sure to leave you completely enthralled with this dynamic city.





Languages: English.



Redeem information
Voucher type: Printed
Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.

Location
Starting point:
Post Office On The North Side Of Kyoto Station - JP
"Chu-o yu-bin-kyo-ku" (Central post office) is less than a minute walk from the station. Please meet in front of the door closer to the convenience store "Lawson".

End point: Same as starting point

Schedule
Opening dates
14:00 - 17:30

Duration: 3,5 Hours

Guiding options
Guiding type: Guide