Discover the Secrets of Fushimi Inari and Gion with a Local Guide
Explore Kyoto Like Never Before: A small group Half-Day Tour Discover the best of Kyoto, blending famous landmarks with hidden gems, on Sparrow travel’s exclusive half-day tour through the city's historic east side.
A Perfect Day in Kyoto From Shinto shrines to geisha culture, Buddhist temples to beautiful gardens, this walking tour offers a perfect mix of Kyoto’s past and present. Why follow the crowds when you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture at your own pace? Let us show you the hidden side of Kyoto, and share its stories with you in a way no one else can. If you’re interested in a private tour or pick up, please let us know via message.
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Discover the Secrets of Fushimi Inari and Gion with a Local Guide
What's included in Discover the Secrets of Fushimi Inari and Gion with a Local Guide
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Gion
Gion is one of Kyoto’s most famous historic districts, known for traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and cobblestone streets. Nestled around Shijo Avenue, Gion is best known as the home of Kyoto’s geisha culture. In the evenings, if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a geiko (Kyoto’s term for geisha) or a maiko (an apprentice) gracefully making her way to an appointment. The area is filled with high-end restaurants, ochaya (teahouses), and small shops selling traditional crafts, sweets, and souvenirs. Hanamikoji Street is especially popular—it’s lined with beautifully preserved buildings and exudes the charm of old Kyoto. Just a short walk away, you’ll find Yasaka Shrine and the scenic Shirakawa Canal, stunning during cherry blossom season. Despite its popularity with tourists, Gion retains an air of elegance and mystery. It’s a place where centuries-old traditions are still alive, offering a unique window into Japan’s cultural heritage.
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine, located at the eastern end of Kyoto’s Gion district, is one of the city’s most famous and historic Shinto shrines. Founded over 1,350 years ago, it is dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto, known for protection against disease and disasters. The shrine is especially vibrant during the annual Gion Matsuri in July, one of Japan’s most famous festivals, featuring elaborate floats and lively parades. Its iconic vermilion gate and lantern-lined paths create a striking and welcoming atmosphere year-round. Yasaka Shrine is also a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to pray for good fortune, health, and successful relationships. Its location near the bustling streets of Gion makes it an essential cultural and spiritual landmark in Kyoto.
Kodai-ji Temple
Kōdaiji Temple is a beautiful Zen Buddhist temple located in eastern Kyoto, near the famous Gion district. Founded in 1606 by the wife of the powerful warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, it was built to honor his memory. The temple is renowned for its elegant architecture, serene gardens, and stunning seasonal views, especially during the autumn foliage and cherry blossom seasons. One of the temple’s highlights is its illuminated garden and bamboo grove, which attract many visitors in the evenings. Kōdaiji also houses important cultural treasures and traditional tea houses, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. With its blend of history, nature, and art, Kōdaiji provides a memorable glimpse into Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.
Inclusions
- Personal guide
- Admission fees (Kodaiji and Kiyomizu temple)
- All guide costs
- Transportation by train (¥220 per person)
- Food and drinks
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- We will meet in front of Minami-za Theatre, a famous kabuki theatre located near Gion-Shijo Station. It's right by the intersection at the south end of Shijo Bridge. You’ll see a large traditional building with a distinctive facade—Minami-za is one of Kyoto’s cultural icons and easy to spot.
End Points
- We will finish the tour at Fushimi Inari Station, which is just a short walk from the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. It’s on the Keihan Line and easy to access.
