Kyoto Highlights & Hidden Gems in Nature (Private Van Eng-Guide)

Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a must-see destination in Kyoto. Located in the northern part of the city, it's easily accessible by car, even though the public bus takes about an hour from the main area of Kyoto. The temple's main attraction is the stunning golden pavilion that shimmers in the sunlight and is surrounded by a tranquil pond and meticulously maintained gardens. The pavilion is a prime example of the traditional Japanese Zen style, which emphasizes simplicity and natural beauty despite its gorgeous color. You’ll be guided by a local guide with plenty of knowledge about Zen Buddhism and its influence on Japanese culture. (30 min. Transfer Time - 30 min. Walk Around)

This temple, located in Arashiyama, is small but a compilation of true Japanese scenery in one place. The serene Japanese garden covered in moss and modest thatched hut surrounded by a bamboo grove and maple trees make tourists want to stay here forever. The guide will give you a story of its origin, the tragic love story of a nan "Gio" in Japanese history.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Walk the most iconic path of Arashiyama and hear the sound of Japan! Your guide will explain Japanese bamboo’s origin and how it’s related to the invention of lights by Edison.

This small temple is located in the most well-maintained "old-Kyoto-view" area, the northern part of the Arashiyama historical district. The temple is much less crowded than the main area of Arashiyama because of its distance from the station despite its stunning view of countless Buddha statues. The guide will explain its unique history and basic information about Japanese traditions of funerals. (10min Transfer Time + 30min Walk Around)

Arashiyama-Takao Parkway is a tourist toll gate starting from north Arashiyama The road gets covered with the 2,000 cherry-blossom trees in April and maple trees in November The beautiful mountains and the Hozu Gorge are breath-taking and experience the nature the Japanese people have been worshiped since ancient era

The whole city of Kyoto from the mountain!

The Hozu Gorge, is the iconic nature view of Kyoto, also known for the traditional hard-stream boat rafting

"Nakagawa Hachiman Shrine" A local shrine build as a guardian of the area, but it has the oldest Japanese Cedar tree of this area, and it's worshiped as a lord. Touch the tree and get the power the spirit

***Secret spot! "Kitayama Giant Platform Cedar Trees" This area is located in much northern area of Arashiyama, hidden by a narrow cliff road where no strangers will brave to go. But soon you will realize the view gets really weird with all the unique shaped trees, so many skinny and strait Japanese cedar trees coming out from single giant platforms. These 200,300-year-old bonzai cedars are grown by the local farmers, generations to generations, showing the unity of art and nature. This area is famous for the world oldest timber factory, offering sacred wood to imperial buildings until now. The pictures of this area are often introduced on instagram or other medias but people have never actually seen it! Adventure for explorers!

Experience the 600-year-old street known for Geishas by car! Avoid walking in crowds, and take photos from the car. (Taking pictures of Geishas need their permission)

The biggest torii gate (red shrine gate) of Kyoto built for Heian Jingu Imperial Shrine. The height is 24.4 meters (80 feet), one of the biggest torii gate in Japan

Fushimi-Inari Shrine is the most popular and iconic tourist attraction in Kyoto, with its famous path of "SenbonTorii" (thousands of gates, but actually it has more than 10,000 gates dedicated now), visited and beloved by Japanese people since 711 A.C. Starting from the giant gates, as the gates get smaller, your ego is believed to get smaller, and you start to feel the unity with nature when you have rounded back to the main shrine. Even while on the way, in the super-spiritual atmosphere, you will meet many unique objects and small shrines to be introduced by the guide leading the way. (60 min Transfer Time + 70 min Walk Around)