Kyoto Private Tours

“Wonderful day with Mana”

My husband & I had a fantastic day with Mana, she did a terrific job in seeing many sights and taking us to interesting places to sit and enjoy delicious Japanese food. Her assistance in learning some Japanese with useful pictures was also appreciated. Thank you Mana for your kindness and generosity. Janelle and Andrew

Mana F.

(110 reviews)

Dear Janelle, Thank you for remembering to send me a high-rated review. I’m so glad we were able to do the tour on such a beautiful day — it became a fun and memorable day for me as well. Please come back to Japan again anytime with your wonderful husband. Mana

“A truely personalised tour of Kyoto ”

Leo was an amazing guide, was very engaging in the lead up to the tour creating an itinerary that worked for us. The tour was amazing, was able to see all of the key sights around Kyoto and having someone to navigate all of the public transport made for an enjoyable day. A hi light was going though the Nishiki markets and having Leo act as an interpreter for us to buy some sake to bring home as a souvenirs.

“Temple Tour in Kyoto”

We booked tickets in advance to visit Kokedera, a magical moss garden at Saiho-ji temple in the Nishikyo Ward. We met Nori at a nearby train station and took a taxi to the temple. The tour began with Sutra copying which served to put us in a peaceful mindset. The fall foliage along with the moss was beautiful and we couldn’t stop taking pictures! Nori then did a great job of orchestrating visits to Nisonin, Jojyakkouj, Ryoanji and Daitokuji where we learned a lot about the history and meaning of the temple zen gardens. The placement of rocks, the presence of all three elements (rock, water (represented by gravel), soil (represented by moss or trees), turtle and crane formations are all intentional and contribute to the feeling of balance and peace when viewing the gardens. Nori was prepared, patient, kind, knowledgable and flexible about walking vs taxi’s and stopping for a quick lunch. Highly recommend!

Nori I.

(72 reviews)

Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate it. Since you two had been to Kyoto so many times, I was a bit worried to make you totally satisfied. I am so relieved and glad that you two enjoyed my tour. Saihoji is truly a special place and especially this time of year it is definitely one of the best gardens in Japan. It was great that you were able to be there and experience it including Sutra copying. Hopefully you can come back and enjoy other amazing places of Kyoto as well someday. Take care!