• Entoku-in - A sub-temple of Kodaiji Temple and Kenninji Temple, often referred to as the “Temple of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Nene.” Nene resided in this beautifully restored castle from Fushimi Castle for 19 years until her passing. The temple houses a three-sided Daikokuten statue, known as a “Nenjibutsu,” which serves as a memorial to Hideyoshi. The ink paintings by Hasegawa and others on the 32 sliding doors are recognized as an Important National Cultural Property, with a digital replica currently on display. The North Garden is also designated as a Special Site of Scenic Beauty. The front garden, originally an Ikeizuma-style pond garden from Fushimi Castle, was transformed into a dry landscape garden by Masakaza Kobori when it was relocated here. Visitors can also view Nene’s actual hand bowl and enjoy Matcha in the tea room.

• Gion Shirakawa - Located in the entertainment district near Yasaka Shrine, Gion Shirakawa is known for its traditional wooden houses, restaurants, and teahouses lining the stream, creating a unique atmosphere. In spring, the pink cherry blossoms and fresh green weeping willows provide a stunning contrast. Visitors might catch a glimpse of wedding couples in kimono, geisha, or maiko on the streets. A light-up event is held during the sakura season.

• Kyoto Imperial Palace - Steeped in tradition, the Kyoto Imperial Palace maintains the appearance and ambiance of the Palace as it was during Japan’s ancient imperial dynasties. Rebuilt in 1855, the Palace includes several structures such as the Shisinden, the Seiryoden, the Kogosyo, the Ogakumonjyo, and the Otsunegoten, each reflecting the architectural styles of different periods.

• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Fushimi Inari is the most significant of the many shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice. Foxes, believed to be Inari’s messengers, are represented by numerous fox statues throughout the shrine grounds. The shrine’s origins date back to before the capital’s relocation to Kyoto in 794. At the rear of the main grounds is the entrance to the torii gate-covered hiking trail, beginning with two dense, parallel rows of gates known as Senbon Torii (“thousands of torii gates”). Each torii gate along the trail is a donation from individuals or companies, with the donor’s name and donation date inscribed on the back of each gate.

• Kinkakuji Temple - Known for its iconic Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku), a pagoda designed to house sacred Buddha relics, this temple is popularly called Kinkaku-ji (“Temple of the Golden Pavilion”). However, its official name is Rokuon-ji, a branch temple of the Rinzai-sect Zen temple of Shokoku-ji. The temple was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

• Private transportation
• English speaking Japanese Guide Service
• On-board WiFi
• Private Car service with no mileage limitation
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Bottle of water/sparkling water
• Entrance tickets (Those sites mentioned in the sample itinerary)

• Parking fee (20USD)
• Lunch

I would like to enhance your excitement to be in the ancient capital of Japan. In March 2024, there was official announcement from the Ministry of Transport and Tourism that it is now possible for tour guides to provide tour services in private vehicles. I will do our best to provide a comfortable stay in Kyoto for both first-time visitors and repeat visitors.
Itinerary is just one of the example for the day and it is possible to add more places to visit along the way. Due to the rear seat space limitation, recommended number of guests are up to 3 with all adult guests or 4 with one child guest.

• We accept dietary request

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