Itinerary

1. 8-Hour Kyoto À La Carte Itinerary

   • 9:00 AM – Begin with Hotel Pickup
     Meet your private, English-speaking guide at your hotel in Kyoto. Review the day’s flexible plan based on your personal interests and preferred pace. Receive expert advice and hidden tips for the journey ahead.
   • 9:30 AM – Visit Cultural Icons of Kyoto
     Explore 2 to 3 of Kyoto’s most treasured landmarks:

   • Walk through the thousands of vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha.

   • Admire the golden brilliance of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).

   • Stroll the bamboo groves and riverbanks of Arashiyama.
     Let your guide share historical stories and cultural insights along the way.

   • 12:30 PM – Savor a Traditional Kyoto Lunch (Optional)
     Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant chosen to suit your taste and dietary needs.

   • Try kaiseki for an elegant multi-course dining experience.

   • Sample handmade soba noodles or

   • Delight in yuba (tofu skin) specialties in a peaceful setting.
     Receive guidance on regional etiquette and food culture.

   • 2:00 PM – Continue the Exploration
     Visit more destinations tailored to your interests:

   • Take a scenic walk through Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district.

   • Step inside the grand halls and gardens of Nijo Castle.

   • Browse handcrafted items in a local artisans’ market.
     Adjust the pace depending on your curiosity and comfort.

   • 3:30 PM – Discover Hidden Japan: Slice of Life
     Venture into your guide’s personal neighborhood, a place untouched by mass tourism.

   • Walk quiet backstreets and residential alleys.

   • Visit family-run stores and greet local residents.

   • Observe daily rituals at small shrines.

   • Experience Kyoto not as a destination, but as a lived-in home.
     Capture the heart of the city in its most intimate form.

   • 5:00 PM – Conclude with Drop-Off
     Return to your hotel or a preferred drop-off location. Receive personal recommendations for dinner, shopping, or evening strolls to enrich the rest of your Kyoto stay.