Kyoto: The City of a Thousand Temples – RY Marketplace

– Day Trip to Kyoto
– Visit a UNESCO world heritage site
– Eat at one the most famous udon noodle restaurants in Kyoto
– Explore Gion, the area known for the mysterious Geisha

Experience Description

Full of mysterious back alleys and more temples than you can possibly visit in a life time (it’s actually 1600), Kyoto remains one of the top travel destinations in the world, with 17 UNESCO world heritage within the city. In this day trip, you will be exploring Higashiyama, the historically preserved side of the city by the foothills of the eastern mountains, starting at Sanjisangendo, a temple known for its 1001 statues, before heading up to Ginkaku-ji, the famous silver pavilion and home to one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Many famous cultural practises such as Ikebana (flower arranging), Tea Ceremony, and much of what is part of the Japanese Zen aesthetic was developed at Ginkaku-ji during the 15th century. Eat a traditional Udon and Tempura lunch at Omen (one of the few places that can offer vegan tempura), before heading down to Gion, where if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the mysterious Geisha. End the day exploring the many tastes and smells of Nishiki Market, also known as Kyoto’s Kitchen.

Who This Experience Is Good For

This experience is great for anyone who wants to explore Kyoto, is interested in history and traditions, and would like to try some delicious udon and tempura.

Meet Our Local Host

Born in Japan to an American father, Matt is one of the best guides in Kyoto today, having guided over 500 clients since 2009, including the US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, and various famous musicians. Matt lives by the phrase 一期一会 (Ichigo Ichie) which is a Japanese saying that translates as “one encounter of one opportunity”, meaning that each meeting, everything we experience, is a unique moment never to be repeated again. His goal is to cherish Ichio Ichie with everyone he crosses paths with!

Itinerary 

-Meet at 8:40 in front of accommodations

-Walk to Tanimachi 9-chome Station-Take the Tanimachi line to Temmabashi, change to the Keihan line-Keihan line to Shichijo Station, where our guide will meet us-Walk to Sanjusangendo Temple-Taxi to Ginkaku-ji (The Silver Pavilion)-Walk down the Philosophers Path to Honen-In-Tempura Udon lunch at Omen, a traditional udon noodle restaurant (pre-ordered, able to accommodate vegan options)-Taxi down to Gion, the famous geisha distric-Walk through Gion to Kenninji Temple

-Walk through Nishiki Market, also known as the Kitchen of Kyoto

What’s Included

– Entrance fees to temples
– Lunch
– Taxi
– Professional Tour Guide

Know Before You Go

– Minimum Needed: 10
– Maximum Capacity: 12 people
– Booking Deadline: 1 week in advance
– Weather Dependent: No – the trip will happen rain or shine. If it’s raining, please be prepared with an umbrella.
– Bring your own water to save plastic
– Difficulty Level: Medium (There will be walking, but none of it strenuous)
– Special Clothing Required: Yes – Comfortable walking shoes
– Special Dietary Restrictions: Yes – We will be eating at a udon restaurant, the broth will have soy sauce. If you are vegan, we can make special arrangements for the tempura batter, which normally has egg in it.
– Extra Cash: Needed for subway and Keihan line to Shichijo Station and back ¥1,180, also for any snacks at Nishiki market! 
– Transportation: You will be taking the Tanimachi Line subway to Temmabashi, before changing got the Keihan line to Shichijo. The rest of the day is either walking or taxis.

What is the refund policy?

For questions concerning refunds, please email [email protected]. Please note most bookings made within 24 hours are fully refundable. Bookings made outside the 24 hour policy are not eligible for a refund. Please keep in mind, we will automatically refund bookings that are disrupted by extreme weather conditions, last minute cancellations from our suppliers or the minimum number is not met by the booking deadline.

What happens if my booking is changed/cancelled due to weather?

We’ll control the weather. Just kidding! Remote Year can’t control the weather or many other factors that go into planning events. In the event of a change due to weather, the City Manager will do their best to provide a make-up option. Due to last minute changes and busy monthly schedules, we cannot guarantee it works for everyone but we’ll do our best! If you are not able to attend the make-up date(s), we will fully refund your booking.

I have a discount or gift code, can I use it to complete my purchase?

Yes, once you add your item to your cart and check out, you will be able to input the code before completing the purchase. If you need help finding your code, please double check your inbox. You received an email from Marketplace with the code.

Can I book for a friend / family member?

Yes! We welcome your friends and family coming to visit you while you travel the world. Please refer to our Friends and Family policy: Friends & Family (visitors of active Remotes and active Citizens) may be granted access to private Remote Year events, Local Experiences, Side Trips, Community Events, Local Amenity and Services at an extra cost determined by the Marketplace or City Team. Remote Year reserves the right to deny access to Friends / Family who are over using Remote Year services. To avoid abuse of services, non-active Citizens, op-out Remotes, or Remotes who have left a Program can not use services as Friends & Family of Active Remotes or Active Citizens.

I haven’t received a booking confirmation email, can you help? If I cannot attend, can I transfer my ticket to someone else?

Yes, you may transfer your ticket to another Remote, Citizen or Family/Friend. Please notify the City Manager as soon as possible to confirm the change. Please note, in the case of special dietary requirements, we might not be able to accommodate special requests on last minute changes. Any bookings that require advanced ticketing linked to an individual’s ID might not be approved.

I’m not currently an active Remote Year participant, can I still book?

As a non-active Remote or Citizen, you forego access to any private Remote Year events including Core Experiences, Local Experiences, Community Events, Local Amenity and Services through the Marketplace. Exemptions will be made on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the City Manager.