Detra Alton

Bellaire, TX
The Mom & Traveler - Family Travel Specialist

Travel is more than just a pastime or a hobby for me; it is something that it is always on my mind. My passion and my life, travel is the activity to which I have devoted more hours than anything else. A mother, a wife, a travel agent, a travel in...
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Kyoto Luxury Travel Expert

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city steeped in history and culture, known for its stunning temples, beautiful gardens, and traditional tea houses. The city offers a serene atmosphere, with iconic sites like the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage is also reflected in its art, cuisine, and annual festivals. It’s a place where ancient traditions meet natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for anyone wanting to experience Japan’s timeless charm.   


 


Here are the top 5 restaurants, shopping spots, and activities in Kyoto: 


Top 5 Restaurants



  • Kikunoi – A Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant offering traditional multi-course meals prepared with seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting.

  • Ganko Sushi – A popular spot known for fresh, delicious sushi and its long-standing reputation for quality and service.

  • Nishiki Warai – A cozy spot in the Nishiki Market, known for its savory okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) and takoyaki.

  • Hyotei – A historic, three-Michelin-star restaurant offering traditional Japanese kaiseki with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients.

  • Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama – Known for its luxurious kaiseki dining, this restaurant offers an exquisite multi-course experience in a beautiful setting.


 


Top 5 Shopping Spots



  • Nishiki Market – A bustling, 400-year-old market known as “Kyoto’s kitchen,” offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and unique souvenirs.

  • Gion District – A historic neighborhood offering a variety of shops selling traditional goods, such as kimono, tea, and hand-crafted souvenirs.

  • Shijo Street – Kyoto's main shopping street lined with department stores, boutiques, and shops selling both traditional and modern goods.

  • Kyoto Handicraft Center – A great spot for picking up traditional handmade crafts, such as pottery, textiles, and woodwork.

  • Teramachi Shopping Arcade – A covered shopping street offering a variety of stores, from fashion boutiques to stores selling traditional Kyoto goods.


 


Top 5 Activities



  • Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) – A must-see Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, set amidst beautiful gardens and a reflective pond.

  • Explore Fushimi Inari Shrine – Famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates leading up to the sacred Mount Inari.

  • Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – A stunning bamboo forest that offers a peaceful, natural experience near the Arashiyama district.

  • Tour the Kiyomizu-dera Temple – An iconic UNESCO World Heritage site, with a wooden stage offering incredible views of Kyoto.

  • Take a Boat Ride on the Hozu River – A scenic boat ride that offers beautiful views of the countryside, especially during the cherry blossom or autumn seasons.


 


Kyoto offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Allow me to create a tailored experience that’s perfect for you. Contact me now, and let’s start planning your once-in-a-lifetime trip!    


 

My Reviews

25 of 31 people found this review helpful
15th Wedding Anniversary Trip
I have finally caught up to reality, and wanted to say "Thank You" for helping us to plan a perfect vacation for our 15th wedding anniversary.

Italy was wonderful! Both hotels were perfect, and the transportation service was excellent.

Though we had one minor off experience with the staff at the tour company, the tours themselves were pleasant and informative. Additionally, the tour guides were funny and engaging.

Again, thank you to Almeda Travel!
By  R. Snipe  from  Miami, Florida
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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28 of 39 people found this review helpful
Wonderful Family Disney Vacation
Excellent Service
By  Jamie M  from  Missouri City, TX
Traveled to  Orlando ~ Florida ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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23 of 30 people found this review helpful
A spiritual experience I will never forget
She was attentive to every need, want and wish. She listened to all my wants & needs.
By  Charlie Marcol  from  Houston, TX
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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22 of 29 people found this review helpful
Simply amazing!
I absolutely appreciated Detra and her work ethics from the very beginning to end. She was very informative and detailed about the trip down to the small details. After talking with other ladies during our Italy trip I feel like she held every woman's hand at some point to ensure their experience would be amazing and smooth as possible if she could help it.
By  Ronnie   from  Missouri City, TX
Traveled to  Rome ~ Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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27 of 45 people found this review helpful
Great Girls Trip
Detra was willing to go the extra mile to ensure everything ran smoothly.
By  Taylor  from  McKinney, TX
Traveled to  Italy ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends

Detra Alton responded:
Thank you Ms. Taylor for joining us our women's group trip! I enjoyed experiencing Italy with you! Ciao!

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Destination Expert:

  • Kyoto
  • Japan
  • East and Southeast Asia

Travel Specialist:

  • Luxury
  • Holiday Travel
  • Couples & Romance
  • Honeymoons

Certifications/Awards:

  • Hawaii Destination Specialist
  • Monograms Booking Agent Specialist
  • Italy Specialist
  • Certified Autism Travel Professional

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