Starting at Higashiyama Station, this walking tour takes you through quintessential Kyoto landscapes, including Yasaka Shrine, Nene-no-Michi, Kodaiji Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, and Kiyomizu Temple, showcasing the beauty of the Higashiyama district. Crossing the Kamo River, you’ll explore Pontocho, known for its geisha culture and traditional machiya houses, and Honnoji Temple, a pivotal site in Japanese history. Along the way, enjoy a matcha tea break in Gion or indulge in shopping at Shinkyogoku Street. This tour is designed to maximize Kyoto’s charm, offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Pandora Walking Tour ~East Route~
Stroll through the historic Higashiyama district and embark on an enchanting journey through the timeless charm of Kyoto.
The main areas of Kyoto to explore on this cycling tour
Tour Course
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Metro Higashiyama Station
Meet at Higashiyama Station
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Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine, famous for the Gion Festival, is one of Kyoto's highlights. The surrounding area includes Shijo Street and Maruyama Park.
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Kodaiji Temple
Kodaiji Temple, located along the shop-lined Nene-no-Michi, is known as the memorial temple of Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. With its beautiful gardens, historic halls, and tea houses, it is a renowned Kyoto landmark where visitors can enjoy the seasonal charm throughout the year.
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Yasaka Pagoda
The five-story pagoda of Hokanji Temple, a symbol of Kyoto commonly known as Yasaka Pagoda, is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Its graceful appearance blends seamlessly with the historic streetscape, offering a stunning view. A popular photo spot, strolling along the surrounding stone-paved paths allows you to fully experience the charm of Kyoto.
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Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple, famous for its "Kiyomizu Stage," is one of Kyoto's iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites. The breathtaking view of the western horizon from the stage and the temple’s seasonal beauty are its highlights, with cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves creating particularly stunning scenery.
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Ponto-cho District
Pontocho is one of Kyoto's most iconic geisha districts, featuring a narrow, stone-paved alley lined with traditional ryotei restaurants and eateries.
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Honnoji Temple
Honnoji Temple is a historic site known for the "Honnoji Incident," where Oda Nobunaga met his end at the hands of Akechi Mitsuhide. While it has since been relocated from its original location, it still houses a memorial tower dedicated to Nobunaga, offering a sense of historical intrigue. Visitors can also explore the treasures of the Sengoku period, such as samurai armour and famed swords, displayed in the Taihoden Hall, bringing the atmosphere of the Warring States era vividly to life.
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Metro Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station
End at Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station
Tour Detail
- Tour type
- Tour type
- Meeting location and time
- Metro Higashiyama Station
Morning tour: 9:00
Afternoon tour: 13:45 - Ending location and time
- Kyoto Station
Morning tour: 12:30
Afternoon tour: 17:15 - Time required
- About 3.5 hours
- Distance
- 5.5km
- Price per person
- 14,600 yen
- Inclusive of
- Guide fee and rain gear
- Recommended for
- Those that want to explore the iconic Higashiyama and Gion districts of Kyoto. By travelling on foot you can visit some of the smaller streets and traditional shops more flexibly.
- Notes
- ・Please wear comfortable clothes and suitable footwear, according to the weather and temperature of the day. Gloves, warm headwear and scarves are highly recommended since there is the possibility of very cold temperatures and snow.
・Luggage cannot be stored during the tour. Please ensure that any personal belongings can be carried on your personal throughout the walk.