5-Day Cultural Heritage Sightseeing Tour of Kyoto

Discover the splendid cultural and historical highlights of Kyoto on this incredible 5-day best of Kyoto tour! Step into Kyoto’s spectacular cultural tapestry and experience the best of the city - explore the popular attractions and iconic landmarks, admire the incredible scenic landscapes, interact with the locals, get an insight of Japan's culture and history, and taste the mouth-watering local specialties.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the Cultural Capital of Japan in 5 days

• See the majestic Kinkakuji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple

• Visit the spectacular Fushimi Inari Shrine and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

• Admire the beautifully preserved Machiya Houses in Gion district

• Get a taste of incredibly delicious Japanese specialities

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kyoto

Arrive at Kyoto Station. Your local guide will meet you at the train station and take you to the hotel. Take time to freshen up before heading out to explore the city.

Tour the Historic Gion District

Step into the nostalgic charm and historical atmosphere of the Gion district. Walk along the bustling Hanamikoji Street packed with beautifully preserved wooden machiya houses. Hear fascinating stories behind the ancient district from your knowledgeable guide as you appreciate the magnificence of traditional Japanese architecture.

Enjoy a Fascinating Maiko Performance 

Get an insight into ancient Japanese customs as you interact with maikos, the apprentice geishas, and enjoy an evening of traditional Japanese entertainment with a delightful kaiseki-style dinner.

Day 2

Visit the Magnificent Kiyomizudera Temple

One of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Kiyomizudera Temple is best known for its large wooden stage juts out over the hillside, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city. Feel free to drink a cup of the Otowa Waterfalls’ stream water for good health, longevity, success, and auspicious love life. 

Explore the Historic Higashiyama District

Walk along the steep and bustling Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka alleys of the well-preserved Higashiyama district packed with traditional shops and restaurants offering a selection of local specialities. 

Stop by the Beautiful Marayuma Park

Take in the scenic and tranquil view of Marayuma Park. The oldest park in Kyoto, Marayuma Park is the perfect place to sit and rest after exploring the area.

Experience the Delightful Japanese Cuisine at Nishiki Market

Find your way around the historic Nishiki Market and get a taste of the fascinating Japanese culture. Visit family-run food stalls, interact with the local shopkeepers, explore the distinct flavors of Japanese cuisine, and get an insider’s perspective on the Kitchen of Kyoto. Try some of the mouth-watering local specialities, such as sashimi, dashi, and tamagoyaki, and feel free to ask your expert guide for some recommendations on the best stalls and restaurants to check out.

Walk into the Endless Torii Gates Passage in Fushimi Inari Shrine

Head to the magnificent Fushimi Inari Shrine and make your way through the fascinating tunnel of seemingly endless path of vermilion torii gates. Learn the story behind the torii gates and try the delicious Inari Sushi (Rice Stuffed into Pockets of Aburaage) and Kitsune Udon (Wheat Noodles in Broth Topped with Aburaage) that are considered as the favorite food of the divine messengers of the deity Inari.

Day 3

Admire the Picturesque Tenryuji Temple

Visit the beautiful and breathtaking Tenryuji Temple, the most important Zen temple in Kyoto’s Arashiyama area. See the attractions within the temple grounds, take in the serene atmosphere of the temple, and enjoy the enchanting scenic landscape garden. 

Take in the Enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Enjoy the serene atmosphere as you walk along the magical, scenic path of the towering bamboo stalks of the mesmerizing Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. One of the most photographed places in Kyoto, make sure to capture the scenic beauty of Japan’s most famous bamboo forest.

See the Japanese Macaques at the Monkey Park Iwatayama

Climb the steps up to the Monkey Mountain and get to see the wild Japanese macaques up close in their natural habitat. Afterwards, board a row boat and cruise across the river to explore the valleys in traditional Japanese style.  

Marvel at the Grandiose Kinkakuji Temple

One of the must-see tourist attractions in Kyoto, the Kinkakuji Temple is also known as the Golden Pavilion. Stroll around the beautiful gardens surrounding the grand Kinkakuji Temple and admire the stunning Japanese architecture showcasing the opulent traditional culture during Ashikaga Yoshimitsu’s rule. 

Visit the Tranquil Daitokuji Temple

Experience the Zen life as you take a relaxing stroll around the peaceful Daitokuji Temple, take in the serene atmosphere, enjoy the natural scenery, and learn more about Zen culture and architecture through the temple’s beautiful Zen gardens. 

Day 4

Visit the Elegant Ginkakuji Temple

One of the structures that represents the Higashiyama Culture of the Muromachi period, Ginkakuji Temple is also known as the Silver Pavilion. See the interesting Sea of Silver Sand, admire the wabi-sabi elements of the temple, and enjoy a serene stroll along the fascinating Path of Philosophy. 

See the Famous Nanzenji Temple

Explore the magnificent Nanzenji Temple, one of the most famous Rinzai Zen temples in the country. Originally a retirement villa of Emperor Kameyama, the temple includes a temple hall and garden centered around a pond. Marvel at the exquisite European-style canal, see the great Sanmon gate that holds significance within Japanese Buddhist temples, and tour the multiple charming temples in the complex.

Visit the Famous Yasaka Shrine

Tour the most famous shrine in the Gion area and see the iconic vermilion gate of the Yasaka Shrine. One of the most important shrines in Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine is also considered as the Spiritual Heart of Kyoto. Ring the large bells at the main sanctuary to notify the gods of your presence and feel free to offer your prayers for beauty and love. 

Explore the Popular Shopping Area along Shijo Street

Do some last minute shopping on Shijo Street at the heart of central Kyoto and check out the modern, trendy shops and boutiques selling an incredible selection of traditional crafts, latest fashion trends, specialty food, and unique souvenirs. 

Day 5

Depart from Kyoto

Check out from the hotel after breakfast. With the help of the local guide, take the shuttle bus or train to your next destination.

Inclusions

• Pick Up and Drop Off

• 4 Nights Accommodation in High International Standard Hotel 

• Breakfast (5)

• Dinner (1)

• English-Speaking Local Guide

• Transportation as Per Itinerary

• Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary

Exclusions

• Local and International Flights

• Airport Shuttle

• Local Hotel Tax

• Meals Not Mentioned

• Drinks

• Visas

• Travel Insurance

• Personal Expenses

• Gratuities (Optional)

Additional Information

• The tour operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.

• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level.

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• Arrival time at each location may vary depending on the season and the day of the week due to traffic conditions.

• If there is insufficient time for all attractions on the itinerary, the tour guide will adjust the length of time spent at other attractions. 

• Delays, shortening of the tours, or omissions to the itinerary due to traffic, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances are not subject to refund.

• Itinerary is subject to change and the attractions may be closed due to traffic, weather, and force majeure. An alternative itinerary may also be omitted depending on road conditions.

• Please note that on days in which no activities are planned, you are free to explore at your leisure; all activities and purchases will be at your own expense. You will have your tour guide's mobile number in case of emergency.