Kyoto Early Bird Walking Tour: Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Temple

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3 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Experience Kyoto at its quietest and most magical time—before the city awakens. Guided by a knowledgeable local, you’ll explore two of Kyoto’s most iconic areas. Begin in Gion, the historic geisha district, where traditional townhouses and stone-paved streets glow beautifully in the soft morning light. The peaceful atmosphere offers a timeless setting perfect for photography.

Next, visit the scenic Higashiyama area, home to the UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu-dera Temple and charming hillside streets. In the calm early hours, you can admire the temple’s majestic presence and the harmonious blend of torii gates, stone steps, and traditional buildings. Along the way, you’ll also discover hidden local spots, making the experience richer than typical sightseeing. This early-morning tour captures Kyoto’s history, culture, and natural beauty in a way that leaves a lasting impression.

What's Included

Passionate Local English-Speaking Guide
Professional Photos will be Taken During the Tour/Experience!

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Gion

    Gion Gion is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and preserved historic streets. It’s a place where visitors can experience the charm of old Kyoto and sometimes catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko on their way to an evening engagement

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Hanamikoji Street

    Hanami-koji is a famous street in Kyoto's Gion district where you may have the chance to encounter geisha and maiko. Known for its traditional teahouses, historic ambiance, and wooden machiya houses, it offers a glimpse into Kyoto's elegant past and geisha culture. 

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Yasui-Konpiragu

    Yasui Konpira Shrine in Kyoto is known as one of Japan's most powerful shrines for severing bad relationships. Visitors come to the shrine to pray for the end of negative ties and to find new, positive connections.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Yasakanoto

    Yasaka Pagoda(Hokanji temple) is one of the oldest wooden structures in Japan. Its overwhelming scale makes it hard to believe that it was built without using nails. It is undoubtedly a symbol of Kyoto.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

    Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka are charming stone-paved streets lined with souvenir shops and restaurants nestled in historic wooden buildings. Strolling through them feels like stepping back in time.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kiyomizu-dera Temple is the most popular place for tourists and a must visit when in Kyoto. Located on top of a mountain, it commands a panoramic view of Kyoto City. Because of its history and scenery, it is one of the few temples recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

    1 hour • Admission ticket not included
  • 7

    Yasaka Koshindo is a mysterious temple of unknown date of construction. The colorful decorations here are astonishing, as many temples are of subdued colors. The beauty of the colors makes it a popular photo spot for young people.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Yasaka Shrine

    Our final destination is Yasaka Shrine, the headquarters of 2,300 related shrines throughout Japan. This historic shrine, dedicated to the gods of prosperity and protection, has been a vital part of Kyoto's cultural heritage for centuries.

    10 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Admission to Kiyomizu-dera Temple costs an additional 500 yen per person.
  • If you are late for the meeting time, you will not be able to join the tour or receive a refund.
  • The sightseeing time is an estimate and may vary depending on your walking speed.
Supplied by Tour&Charter International

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Attractions & Museums
Religious Sites
Small Group
Zombie
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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