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Yasaka Pagoda
Gion
Ninen Zaka Path
Gion
Kenjinji Temple

Gateway to Kyoto Walking Tour for First Time Visitors

By Localized Walking & Food Tours
Free cancellation available
The previous price was AU$56 and current price is AU$44 per adult
See tickets
Features
  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview

Uncover the timeless beauty of Kyoto with our exclusive walking tour of Yasaka Shrine and its enchanting surroundings. Steeped in over 1,300 years of history, Yasaka Shrine is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the vibrant Gion district. Wander through its lush gardens, admire the striking vermilion torii gates, and experience the tranquil atmosphere of this sacred Shinto site, dedicated to Susanoo, the god of storms.

As you explore, immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. Meander along Ninenzaka, a picturesque cobblestone street lined with traditional teahouses, artisan shops, and local delicacies. This charming lane offers the perfect blend of Kyoto’s ancient charm and modern-day craftsmanship.

This isn’t just a tour—it’s an unforgettable journey into Kyoto’s soul. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, join us for an enriching experience that will leave you with lasting memories of the city’s spiritual heart. Book your tour today!

Activity location

  • Gion
    • 605-0074, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Kyoto Tourist Lounge Gion
    • 小松町
    • 605-0811, 京都市, 京都府, Japan

Check availability

Gateway to Kyoto Walking Tour for First Time Visitors
  • Activity duration is 2 hours2h
    2h
  • English
Language options: English
Price details
AU$55.20
AU$44.16 x 1 AdultAU$44.16
Total
The previous price was AU$55.20 and current price is AU$44.16
20% off
Until Fri, 21 Feb

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedIn-person Guide
  • What's includedWhat's includedAll Fees and Taxes
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedSnacks

Know before you book

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Gion
  • 20m
Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district, renowned for its preserved wooden machiya townhouses, traditional teahouses, and charming cobblestone streets. Located near Yasaka Shrine, this historic area offers a window into Japan’s traditional arts and entertainment. Strolling through Hanami-koji Street, visitors are transported back in time as they pass ochaya, where geiko (Kyoto’s term for geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) perform elegant music and dance. The district is especially enchanting in the evening when lanterns cast a warm glow over the streets. The Shirakawa Canal area, with its cherry trees, stone bridges, and serene ambiance, adds to Gion's timeless beauty. Nearby, Yasaka Shrine serves as a vibrant cultural hub, particularly during festivals like the renowned Gion Matsuri. Gion is a captivating blend of Kyoto's old-world charm and living traditions, making it an essential destination for experiencing the city’s cultural heritage.
Kennin-ji Temple
  • 15m
Kennin-ji Temple is one of Kyoto’s oldest Zen Buddhist temples, founded in 1202 by the monk Eisai, who introduced Zen Buddhism and tea culture to Japan. Located near Gion, it is a serene oasis amidst the bustling streets of the city, offering a tranquil escape for those seeking peace and reflection. The temple is renowned for its exquisite Zen gardens, including the Twin Dragons ceiling painting, an awe-inspiring masterpiece that symbolises protection of the temple. Visitors can also explore its rock gardens, designed to inspire meditation and contemplation, and its carefully preserved wooden halls adorned with historic art and calligraphy. Kennin-ji Temple is a testament to Kyoto’s spiritual heritage and provides a profound experience for those interested in Zen philosophy and traditional Japanese aesthetics. Its quiet beauty and historical significance make it a must-visit for those exploring Kyoto’s cultural heart.
Yasui-Konpiragu
  • 15m
Yasui Konpiragu Shrine is a small yet significant Shinto shrine tucked away in the heart of Kyoto, near the bustling streets of Gion. The shrine is best known for its unique enkiri/enmusubi stone (a stone for cutting bad ties and forming good ones), which draws visitors seeking to improve their personal relationships or start anew. The ritual involves writing your wish on a special paper, crawling through the large, symbolic stone, and leaving the paper behind. This act symbolises severing bad connections and fostering positive ones. Surrounded by lush greenery, the shrine has a peaceful and intimate atmosphere despite its location in a busy area. It also features a serene torii gate and traditional architecture, making it a charming stop for those exploring Kyoto’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Yasui Konpiragu Shrine offers a unique and meaningful experience, perfect for anyone looking for a blend of tradition and personal introspection.
Hōkan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)
  • 10m
Yasaka Pagoda, officially known as Hōkan-ji Temple, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. This elegant five-story pagoda rises gracefully above the surrounding traditional streets of the Higashiyama district, creating a quintessential Kyoto skyline. Originally built in the 6th century, the pagoda has been rebuilt multiple times, with its current structure dating back to the 15th century. Visitors can explore the interior on select days, where they’ll find wooden beams and artefacts that reflect its rich history. The pagoda offers stunning views of Kyoto when approached from the surrounding narrow streets, particularly Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, which are lined with charming shops, cafés, and teahouses. As a symbol of peace and spirituality, Yasaka Pagoda is a serene and photogenic destination, ideal for immersing oneself in Kyoto’s timeless beauty and cultural heritage.
Ninenzaka
  • 10m
Ninenzaka is a charming, historic slope in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and vibrant atmosphere. This gently sloping stone-paved street connects the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple to Yasaka Shrine, making it a popular route for visitors exploring the area. Lined with wooden machiya houses, Ninenzaka is home to quaint shops, traditional teahouses, and cosy cafés offering local delicacies such as matcha sweets and yatsuhashi (cinnamon rice crackers). Visitors can also find artisan souvenirs, from handcrafted ceramics to Kyoto-style fans and textiles. Walking along Ninenzaka feels like stepping back in time, especially in the early morning or evening when the crowds thin, and the soft glow of lanterns lights up the street. Together with the nearby Sannenzaka, it creates an enchanting experience that captures the essence of Kyoto’s historical charm and cultural legacy.
Yasaka Shrine
  • 10m
Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine, is one of Kyoto’s most important and revered Shinto shrines, located in the heart of the vibrant Gion district. It is famous for its vibrant vermilion gates and lanterns that light up the streets during festivals, creating a striking and lively atmosphere. Founded over 1,300 years ago, Yasaka Shrine is dedicated to Susanoo no Mikoto, the Shinto god of storms and seas, as well as his consort, Inada-hime, and their daughter, Yoshino-hime.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESGion
    • 605-0074, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEKyoto Tourist Lounge Gion
    • 小松町
    • 605-0811, 京都市, 京都府, Japan

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