Kyoto City of Culture

Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:

• Promoting Respectful Tourism: Walking through local neighborhoods and learning about local customs (Zen, Shinto, Geisha culture) fosters deep respect for the community's lifestyle and heritage.

Founded more than 1200 years ago as Japan's imperial capital, Kyoto was once the centre of Japanese aristocracy and religious thought. Kyoto may no longer be Japan's capital, but it's still the nation's cultural heart. Today, you'll uncover the spiritual traditions of Zen buddhism and see how history and modernity live in harmony in Kyoto's neighbourhoods and its fascinating geisha district.

Start your tour at the Central Post Office, near Kyoto station, where you'll meet your guide and make your way to Tofukuji Temple. Built in the 13th century, this temple houses one of Kyoto's most striking Zen rock gardens. See the carefully raked sand and arrangement of rocks as your guide shares the symbolism behind the garden's design. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere and pause for a moment of quiet reflection.

Walk through a neighbourhood for a glimpse of local life on your way to Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up to the wooded forest of Mt Inari. Learn about the deity these gates are dedicated to – Inari, the Shinto god of rice. You'll notice fox statues throughout the shrine's grounds – these foxes are said to be Inari's messengers. Your leader will also teach you about the difference between Buddhism and Shintoism.

Next up is the Gion district. This historic entertainment district is the central hub of Kyoto's geisha culture. As you stroll through narrow streets past wooden buildings, you might spot geisha in traditional dress and makeup. Learn the difference between geiko (geisha) and maiko (geisha in training). Make a stop to try a local drink like green tea or a traditional sweet made from seasonal ingredients. During this tasting, your guide will share the significance of sweets and tea culture in daily life in Kyoto. Your tour comes to an end at Gion Corner, a theatre where you can watch traditional Japanese performing arts like kyogen (comedic theatre) or kyomai (Kyoto-style dance performed by geisha).