Kyoto Station

Transform the way you travel and make it as much about the people you meet as the places you see. Get a welcome to Kyoto from a local host eager to share all the tips and tricks to help you make the most of your stay. Meet at your hotel or accommodation and get familiar with your local neighborhood. Learn about the best places to eat, buy groceries and the easiest ways to get around. Alternatively, arrange to meet at a central landmark or intersection to start your walking tour. Hear about the top things to do, customized to your interests. By the end of the tour, you will feel more comfortable navigating the city on your own with all the information you need.

Meet your guide at the JR Kyoto station and get on the bus to start the tour. Arrive in the Gion area and walk along the Ajikiroji path with its traditional Japanese houses that have been there for more than 100 years and is now a popular area with artists. Head to Miyagawa-cho Street, a traditional entertainment district where Geishas and Maikos work. Enjoy traditional Japanese townhouses and stone walls and learn about this area from your guide. Visit Kennin-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. The temple is famous for its dragon painted on the ceiling, its peaceful garden, and paintings on its sliding screens. Next, head to Hanamikoji street, located in the middle of the district of Gion. During this tour, the guide will share their highly recommended local spots for sweets and restaurants along the way, so you can visit after the tour. The final path of the tour is Shirakawa-Minami Street, which will make you feel like you've stepped onto a movie set.

Explore the Kansai region, the spiritual heart of Japan which is home to some of the country's most interesting cities. Once you’ve picked up your pass, you’ll be able to ride the JR West railways and buses throughout the Kansai region down to Hiroshima.  Discover the vibrant city of Osaka and its amazing food scene. Visit the ancient temples and shrines of Kyoto. See Nara's natural beauty, try the beef in Kobe, visit Himeji castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or connect with nature in the forests and waterfalls of Wakayama. Walk the UNESCO Kumano Kodo in Kishi, admire the best dunes in Tottori, relax in the Kinosaki Onsen's hot spring, or take amazing photos in the top Japanese garden of Okayama's Korakuen.  Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima by ferry. Take the road-less traveled and use the JR West bus network to see cities such as Kyoto, Shiga, Tsuruga, and Iga-Ueno.

Even though you will pass by the Kyoto station when visiting Kyoto, you may not realise what is around it. Kyoto city is full of history even around the modern station. This tour will take you to the historical spots nearby as well as modern architecture and cultural spots around the station on foot. This private tour also shows you the charm of Kyoto Station. Packed with sweets stores, ramen, and an observatory deck, you could spend a whole day here. Kyoto station is famous for its modern, trendy architecture, so you can feel both the historic and modern in a day. The first stop is Higashihongan-ji temple which was awarded a one-star on Michelin Green Guide for the world's largest wooden temple. Take some time to relax here. There are interesting spots to see, such as "Kezuna," made from one's hair used during the construction. The next stop is Nishihongan-ji temple which is a world heritage site, often called 'Onishisan' by locals. There is a hostility to the history of Nishihongan-ji temple so learn what happened there while enjoy walking around the temple. If you are visiting Kyoto Station after dark, you will enjoy graphical illumination. This is a grand illumination at the staircase of the station. There are many variations of illumination all representing Kyoto's popular spots. Finish the tour by visiting Kyoto Station Air Route where you can see the iconic Kyoto Tower and the city. Come and see this protected historical landscape. There are many recommended places for lunch or dinner depending on your tour time. Examples are a cafe offering a burger using only Kyoto vegetables, a tea shop offering premium Uji matcha and its sweets, and the ramen restaurant which is loved by locals.

Meet your friendly guide and journey to Ohara by bus. On your way, listen to fascinating stories about your destination. First, visit Sanzen-in Temple which is famous for its many flowers such as cherry blossoms, hydrangea, and autumn leaves. Then, move on to the Hosen-in Temple with its 700-year-old Japanese white pine. Observe the garden through an imaginary picture frame. After, explore Jakko-in Temple located deep in the mountains. Marvel at the many beautiful plants of the mountains and in the garden around the temple. Visit a pottery shop and design your own plate. You can also enjoy a relaxing foot bath here. For dinner or lunch, try some of the amazing vegetables Ohara is also famous for (not included). Your guide will provide you with the best recommendations on where to eat.

Take the fast route to Kyoto from Kanazawa with a trip on the Thunderbird Express. Book a one-way ticket in advance and enjoy a hassle-free ride to the beautiful city of Kyoto. Simply redeem your ticket at JR Kanazawa Station, then enjoy the comfortable express train. Along the way, admire scenic views of the Fukui Prefecture and Ishikawa Prefecture countryside before you arrive at Japan's old capital city.

Take the fast route to Kanazawa from Kyoto Station with a trip on the Thunderbird Express. Book a one-way ticket in advance and enjoy a hassle-free ride to the well-preserved Edo-era district. Simply redeem your ticket at JR Kyoto Station, then enjoy the comfortable express train. Along the way, admire scenic views of the Kyoto countryside before you arrive at the capital city of Ishikawa Prefecture.