Kyoto Afternoon and Night Tour With Japanese Traditional Dinner

Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, beckons visitors to enjoy its timeless elegance. This tour whisks travelers through the city’s iconic sites, from the awe-inspiring Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine to the enchanting Gion district, where traditional arts and a maiko encounter await. But the true highlight may lie in the exquisite Buddhist vegetarian feast that caps off this unforgettable journey, leaving one to wonder what other culinary and cultural delights Kyoto has in store.

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Key Points

This comprehensive Kyoto tour combines visits to the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion district, followed by a traditional vegetarian Buddhist dinner.
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours and 40 minutes, with a maximum group size of 24 travelers.
Inclusions cover admission fees, guide services, transportation, and a traditional vegetarian dinner, but exclude any additional fees.
The tour begins at the JTB SUNRISE TOURS DESK KYOTO and concludes at the Ryokan Yoshi Ima in the Higashiyama district.
Highlights include a walk along the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and a performance program showcasing Kyoto’s traditional arts at Gion Corner.

Tour Overview and Details

This tour provides a comprehensive exploration of Kyoto’s cultural treasures, combining an afternoon visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine with an evening immersion in Gion’s traditional performing arts.

Lasting 7 hours and 40 minutes, the tour accommodates up to 24 travelers and is priced at $240.88 per person.

Inclusions cover admission fees, a traditional vegetarian dinner, guide services, and transportation.

The tour departs from central Kyoto, culminating at a ryokan in the Higashiyama district.

Highlights include a guided walk through Fushimi Inari and a performance showcase at Gion Corner, capped by a photo opportunity with a maiko.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a range of offerings to enhance the traveler’s experience. Admission fees, dinner, transportation, and a government-licensed guide are all included. However, some exclusions apply, such as any fees not explicitly listed.

Inclusions	Exclusions
Admission fees	Fees not listed in inclusions
Dinner (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine)	–
National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter fee	–
Transportation costs	–
Dinnertime drink charges	–

The comprehensive inclusions and limited exclusions provide travelers with excellent value and convenience for this Kyoto cultural tour.

Meeting and End Points

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour begins at the JTB SUNRISE TOURS DESK KYOTO, located on the B1 floor of the AVANTI building in central Kyoto.

Travelers must arrive at 13:20 for a 13:30 departure.

The tour concludes at Ryokan Yoshi Ima, a traditional Japanese inn situated in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto.

The length of the full tour, including travel time, is approximately 7 hours and 40 minutes.

Participants are responsible for making their own way to the starting point and from the ending location at the conclusion of the experience.

Tour Activities and Highlights

The tour begins with a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, where guests embark on a 15-minute walk along the shrine’s famous vermilion torii gates that wind up the mountainside. Next, the group transfers to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, followed by a 25-minute walk to Gion Corner. Here, travelers enjoy a program showcasing traditional Kyoto arts, including:

Performance	Description
Tea Ceremony	Refined, ritualized preparation and presentation of matcha tea
Flower Arrangement	Ikebana, the art of minimalist yet elegant floral displays
Koto Music	Traditional Japanese zither performance

The tour culminates with a commemorative photo opportunity with a maiko, or apprentice geisha.

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

As visitors ascend the shrine’s iconic vermilion torii gates, they’re greeted by the serene ambiance and rich history of Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Kyoto’s most renowned Shinto shrines.

This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and industry. Visitors can explore the shrine’s winding trails, which are lined with over 10,000 vermilion torii gates, offering a visually stunning and spiritual experience.

Along the way, they may encounter stone foxes, believed to be Inari’s messengers, as well as small subshrine shrines and peaceful meditation spots.

Vermilion torii gates create a captivating visual experience
Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, and industry
Winding trails lined with over 10,000 torii gates
Stone foxes, Inari’s messengers, and small subshrine shrines

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Gion Corner Program

After the tranquil visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, the tour then takes visitors to Gion Corner, where they can witness a captivating performance showcasing some of Kyoto’s most revered traditional arts.

Guests are treated to a rotating program that may include a traditional Kyoto dance, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, koto music, bugaku, kyogen, bunraku, or noh play, depending on the season.

This immersive cultural experience allows travelers to gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate craftsmanship and centuries-old traditions that have shaped Kyoto’s artistic heritage.

A commemorative photo opportunity with a maiko, or apprentice geisha, completes this unforgettable Gion Corner program.

Commemorative Photo Opportunity With Maiko

At the conclusion of the Gion Corner program, travelers are treated to a commemorative photo opportunity with a maiko, or apprentice geisha. This unique experience allows guests to capture a moment with the elegantly-dressed maiko, who gracefully poses for the photos.

Maiko are recognized by their exquisite kimono, elaborate hairstyles, and distinctive white makeup.

The maiko’s makeup and hairstyle can take hours to perfect, a testament to the dedication and artistry of these young geisha in training.
Guests may have the chance to interact with the maiko, learning about their cultural significance and the centuries-old traditions they uphold.
This photo souvenir serves as a cherished memento of the tour’s authentic culture.
The maiko’s poise and charm leave a lasting impression, providing a truly memorable finale to the Kyoto evening adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Group Divided Into Smaller Groups?

The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 24 travelers. While the tour itinerary suggests the group may split during certain activities, the exact group dynamics are not explicitly specified in the overview details provided.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, participants cannot bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes a traditional Buddhist vegetarian dinner, and beverages are provided during the meal. Bringing outside items is not permitted.

What Should I Wear for the Traditional Dinner?

The tour provides a traditional Japanese dinner, so participants should wear smart casual attire that’s comfortable and respectful. Avoid overly casual clothing like shorts or t-shirts. Opt for slacks, collared shirts, or traditional Japanese garments if you have them.

Is There an Option to Extend or Shorten the Tour?

Based on the tour details provided, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend or shorten the tour. The itinerary specifies a fixed 7 hour 40 minute duration, with no mention of flexibility in the length. Travelers must adhere to the set schedule.

Can I Take Photos During the Traditional Performances?

Yes, participants can take photos during the traditional performances. However, they’re encouraged to be respectful and avoid using flash or distracting the performers. Photos are a great way to capture the cultural experience.

The Sum Up

This Kyoto tour offers a captivating blend of cultural exploration and culinary delights. Visitors will enjoy the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, witness traditional arts in Gion, and culminate the experience with a memorable photo op with a maiko and a delectable Buddhist vegetarian dinner. This comprehensive itinerary provides an unparalleled opportunity to embrace Kyoto’s rich heritage and timeless charm.