Train Travel to Kyoto on Your Own (tickets from Tokyo to Kyoto reserved and included):
Please check out of the hotel and get to Tokyo train station to take the bullet train to Kyoto. Please rest assured that our guide will inform you of the details in advance. The whole journey takes about 2.5 hours this morning.
► Tip: You are advised to travel light. If you have super big luggage, please let our guide know in advance, as some trains may charge extra for oversized baggage.
Kyoto Essence TourUpon arrival in Kyoto, our local guide will meet you at the train station. As you exit the station, you will be greeted by the
Kyoto Tower. Drop off your luggage at the hotel, and then the guide will accompany you on a short taxi ride to the
Pure Water Temple. In addition to the Buddhist architecture, you will marvel at its huge wooden Kiyomizu Stage built on the hillside without a single nail. Climb up the stage, and you can get a panoramic view of Kyoto.
► Tip: If you're looking for a unique experience, consider renting a kimono to wear and take photos, which is in keeping with Kyoto’s ancient style.
Pure Water Temple, Kyoto
Yasaka Pagoda
Out of the temple, we’ll start a
Gion walking tour. Stroll from
Sannenzaka to
Ninenzaka, both of which are bustling ramped pedestrian streets lined with traditional Japanese architecture, teahouses and souvenir stalls. Stop before the five-story
Yasaka Pagoda of the Hokan-ji Temple to take photos. Continue down to the
Maruyama Park, a popular cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, where you can see a huge weeping cherry tree that is more than 200 years old. Visit the
Yasaka Shrine and then enter Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district, where you might happen to see a kimono-clad geisha walking past. Finally, the guide will escort you to the
Gion Corner Theater for a traditional geisha performance.
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Enjoy Geisha Show at Gion CornerNo visit to Japan is complete without experiencing a traditional geisha performance. We will specially arrange a wonderful geisha show for you at a famous local theater. Dressed in kimonos, with delicate oshiroi makeup and elegant manners, these geishas or maikos (apprentice geishas) specialize in traditional dance of the Kansai region, offering a great feast of Japanese culture and crafts.
► Instead of informal shows held in small teahouses on regular tours, our luxury tour arranges this prestigious theater for our distinguished guests to enjoy a formal geisha performance.
► VIP tickets for premium seats will be arranged for you, allowing an up-close experience.
► Watch seven authentic traditional art performances in one go, including Kyomai dance, ikebana flower arranging, tea ceremony, koto music, bugaku dance, kyogen comedy, and bunraku puppet show.
► Tip: After the show, you can walk around Gion to enjoy the night view and then take a taxi for 10 minutes back to the hotel at your own expense.
Yasaka Shrine
Geishas in Gion, Kyoto
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station (4 stars) or The Thousand Kyoto (5 stars)
► Lunch & Dinner Suggestions: (at your own expense)
The Nishiki Market, in the heart of Kyoto, is a proper place for lunch recommended by many gourmets; while the Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, and Gion areas are full of snack bars that are good for dinner. Our guide will be willing to give you advice on what and where to eat. You can try dango dumplings, matcha ice cream, tempura, croquette or other local food.