How to Plan Your Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Guided Tour
Kyoto, a city located on the island of Honshu in Japan, is known for its beautiful Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. Planning a trip to experience the city’s rich cultural heritage can be overwhelming, especially if you have limited time. However, a guided tour can take the stress out of traveling, making it easy to navigate through the city’s top attractions with a knowledgeable guide. This post will detail how to plan your Kyoto one day sightseeing guided tour, so you can maximize your time in the city and enjoy a stress-free experience.Overview of the Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Guided Tour
The Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Guided Tour is a comprehensive tour that takes you through some of the city’s most famous attractions. The tour itinerary includes six stops:- Nara Park – 1 hour (Admission Ticket Free)
- Todai-ji Temple – 1 hour (Admission Ticket Not Included)
- Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine – 1.5 hours (Admission Ticket Free)
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple – 1.5 hours (Admission Ticket Not Included)
- Gion District – 1 hour (Admission Ticket Not Included)
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – 1 hour (Admission Ticket Free)
Booking Your Tour
Booking your Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Guided Tour is easy; simply visit https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Kyoto-one-day-sightseeing-guided-tour/d332-229125P3?pid=P00070472&mcid=42383 and click the “book now” button. You will receive confirmation of your booking within 48 hours, subject to availability.Meeting and Pickup
The meeting point for the Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Guided Tour is Kyoto Station. The guide can also pick you up from your hotel, but you will need to make arrangements in advance. If you want them to pick you up from a different location or the Cruise Ship Port, you must pay for the guide’s time and transportation, and the itinerary may change accordingly. An alternative option is to arrange for a car to bring you from the port to Kyoto and back, but you will have to inquire about a quote.What to Expect on the Tour
The Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Guided Tour is a full-day tour that takes about 8 hours. You will visit six different attractions and experience the city’s rich history and culture.Nara Park
The first stop on the tour is Nara Park, which is home to over 1,000 wild sika deer. You can purchase crackers to feed the deer and take pictures with them.Todai-ji Temple
The second stop on the tour is Todai-ji Temple, which is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples. It houses the largest wooden Buddha statue in the world, which is almost 50 feet tall.Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
The third stop on the tour is Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, which is famous for its thousands of bright orange torii gates. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and foxes.Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The fourth stop on the tour is Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its wooden stage, which offers panoramic views of the city.Gion District
The fifth stop on the tour is the Gion district, which is famous for its traditional Geisha houses, tea houses, and restaurants.Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
The final stop on the tour is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which is a natural wonder that offers the opportunity to take a peaceful walk amidst towering bamboo stalks.Additional Information
The Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Guided Tour is wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed. If you have any additional questions or concerns, reach out to the tour operator in advance.Book Your Tour Now
Kyoto is a city rich in history and culture, and the Kyoto One Day Sightseeing Guided Tour is an excellent opportunity to experience and explore the city’s top attractions. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can plan your tour, book your tickets, and enjoy a stress-free day exploring the city. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience; book your tour today!
Frequently Asked Questions About Kyoto
Kyoto is a must-visit city in Japan, attracting millions of visitors every year. While it is a popular tourist destination, it can also be overwhelming to plan a trip to Kyoto, especially for first-time visitors. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip.1. What is Kyoto known for?
Kyoto is known for its rich history, culture, and traditions. It was the imperial capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, and during that time, it served as the center of Japanese politics, economics, and culture. Today, Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, each with its own unique history and architecture. It is also known for its traditional Japanese arts such as tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and pottery.2. When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
The best time to visit Kyoto is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) months. These seasons offer mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. The cherry blossom season, which usually occurs in late March to early April, is also a popular time to visit Kyoto. However, be aware that these seasons can also be crowded and prices may be higher. Winter in Kyoto can be chilly, but it offers a unique and tranquil atmosphere.3. How many days should I spend in Kyoto?
The number of days you should spend in Kyoto really depends on your interests and what you want to see and do. For a general visit, I recommend spending at least three full days in Kyoto to explore the top attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and the Arashiyama bamboo forest. If you want to take your time and explore the city thoroughly, plan to spend five to seven days in Kyoto.4. What are the must-visit attractions in Kyoto?
Kyoto has numerous must-visit attractions, but here are some of the top ones:- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion)
- Gion district
- Arashiyama bamboo forest
- Nijo Castle
- Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion)
5. How do I get around Kyoto?
Kyoto has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, subways, and trains. The easiest and most convenient way to get around is by bus or subway. You can purchase a one-day or two-day Kyoto City Bus & Subway Pass which allows unlimited rides on buses and subways within the city. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive.6. What should I eat in Kyoto?
Kyoto is known for its traditional Japanese cuisine, especially Kyo-ryori, which is a refined and delicate cuisine that emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients. Some must-try dishes in Kyoto include:- Kaiseki Ryori (multi-course meal)
- Tofu dishes
- Yuba (tofu skin)
- Matcha desserts
- Kyo-wagashi (Kyoto-style sweets)
7. Where should I stay in Kyoto?
There are many options for accommodation in Kyoto, including traditional ryokans (Japanese-style inns), hotels, and guesthouses. It is recommended to stay in a central location, such as the Gion district or near Kyoto Station, for easy access to attractions and transportation. Some recommended accommodations in Kyoto are:- Hiiragiya Ryokan
- Kyoto Tokyu Hotel
- Kyoto Higashiyama Hale Temari
- Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
8. Is it necessary to book tickets in advance for attractions?
It is recommended to book tickets in advance for popular attractions, especially during peak seasons. This will save you time waiting in line and secure your spot. Some attractions, such as Kiyomizu-dera, offer online ticket purchases. Other attractions, such as restaurants and tea ceremonies, also require reservations in advance.9. What is the currency in Kyoto?
The currency used in Kyoto and throughout Japan is the Japanese yen (JPY). It is recommended to exchange your currency to Japanese yen before arriving in Japan. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and credit cards are accepted at many establishments.10. Is Kyoto safe for tourists?
Kyoto is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas or at night. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, so it is recommended to secure your valuables and be cautious. Emergency services such as police and medical assistance are widely available.
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Kyoto
Kyoto, known as Japan’s cultural capital, is a beautiful city that attracts millions of tourists every year. The city is famous for its Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, imperial palaces, traditional wooden houses, beautiful gardens, and cherry blossoms. If you are planning to visit Kyoto, this guide will help you to plan your trip better and make the most of your time in the city.1. Visit the Famous Temples
Kyoto is famous for its temples, and one of the highlights of any trip to the city is visiting them. Here are some of the most famous ones:Kinkaku-ji Temple
Kinkaku-ji temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions. The temple is covered in gold leaf and appears to “float” on a large pond, which makes it a beautiful sight to behold. The temple is open year-round, but it is busiest during the cherry blossom season.Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Another famous temple is Kiyomizu-dera, which is one of the oldest and most celebrated temples in Kyoto. The temple is located on a mountain slope and offers stunning views of the city. The temple is also famous for its large wooden stage, which is suspended over a cliff and offers amazing panoramic views.Ginkaku-ji Temple
Ginkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is another popular temple in Kyoto. The temple was designed to be covered in silver, but it was never completed. Nevertheless, it is still an impressive sight with its beautiful gardens and unique architecture.2. Visit the Imperial Palace
The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the home of the emperor until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The palace is surrounded by beautiful gardens and wooded areas, making it a lovely place to stroll around. It is open to the public, but visitors must book a guided tour in advance.3. Take a Stroll in the Gion District
The Gion district is a historic district located in the heart of Kyoto, famous for its traditional wooden buildings, teahouses, and geisha culture. Visitors can stroll around the narrow streets and appreciate the traditional architecture or have a drink at one of the many teahouses.4. Attend a Tea Ceremony
The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as Chanoyu, is a traditional practice that involves the preparation and serving of green tea. Visitors can attend a tea ceremony in Kyoto and experience this unique and elegant tradition. Some of the best places to experience a tea ceremony are in temples, tea houses, or traditional Japanese gardens.5. Visit the Bamboo Grove
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is a natural forest located on the outskirts of Kyoto. The grove is famous for its tall bamboo trees, which create a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along the pathway and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.6. Explore the Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine is an important Shinto shrine located on a mountain in Fushimi, near Kyoto. The shrine is famous for its thousands of torii gates, which form a pathway that leads up to the mountaintop. Visitors can hike up the path and admire the beautiful scenery along the way.7. Visit the Philosopher’s Walk
The Philosopher’s Walk is a pleasant walking path that follows a canal lined with cherry trees. The walk is named after the famous philosopher, Nishida Kitaro, who used to walk along the path while he was contemplating his ideas. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll amidst the cherry blossoms while taking in the beautiful scenery.Book Your Tour Now
Kyoto is a beautiful and unique city that offers a wide range of activities for tourists. This guide provides just a few of the many things that visitors to Kyoto can do to make the most of their time in the city. With these ideas in mind, visitors can plan a trip that suits their interests and explore everything that the city has to offer.Table of Contents
