Kathleen S.
“Mount Koya and Koyasan Temple complex ”
Shuji was an exceptional guide for our excursion to Mount Koya. He met us in Kyoto and road the bus up with us (3 hours) then provided a very thorough tour. Sushi is very knowledgeable and a charming companion. Our tour included the Danjo Garan complex of temples, the Chuman and Daiman Gates, Kongobubuji and then an unexpected hike along a section of the Nyonin-michi Trail, which links the original 7 entrances into the complex. I had expressed an interest in doing this and he managed to incorporate a rather rigorous section of the trail for about an hour. We stayed the night in a Shukubo but Shuji helped us plan our agenda for the next day and purchased our tickets for us and made sure we knew how to get back on our own. The communication in advance of the trip was excellent. Shuji reserved the bus tickets and took care of all the details. It is an out of the way place and it was comforting to have him taking the lead. I always received a reply from Shuji very promptly as we planned the trip. It was an exceptional excursion and Shuji made it very memorable. He followed up with pictures and some additional advice for our travels. Highly recommend the destination and Shuji as a guide.
Shuji O.
I am so thrilled to receive such a wonderful review! Although the Mount Koya tour from Kyoto is inherently time-sensitive, you had done such thorough research on Mount Koya that I just needed to pull everything together to create the itinerary. It was like a treasure chest full of treasures. You certainly know how to enjoy a trip. You turned even a little hard Nyonin-michi walk into a nice hike surrounded by the sounds of wild birds. You also enjoyed the lunch, which made me enjoy it too. Yes, we had a great time! Travelling is really fun!
Alex B.
“An Excellent guide and a very kind person”
A very knowledgeable tour guide and a very kind person. She took very nice pictures from me as I asked her. I would Highly recommend her. Thank you very much for giving me this tour.
Karlien R.
“Serene beauty”
We originally booked a 6 h tour to Kurama, but as it was going to rain the whole day, and hiking there wouldn’t be safe, Mary proposed us an alternative with the same ‘vibe’. We visited two beautiful and serene zen temples (no other tourists around). Rin was our guide, her English was very good though she was rather shy and not very talkative - maybe because the original tour was altered just the day before, there was less information to share. We really appreciated all the effort Mary put in finding a good alternative for the Kurama tour and can definitely recommend her!
Discover Kyoto's hidden gems with a private tour guide! Navigate the city's rich history, culture, and food like a local with a tour guide that knows the way.
Push beyond tour favorites like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Taisha, and the crowds they attract, towards hidden gems waiting to be discovered with the help of a private tour guide. One such place is the Tofuku-ji Temple, known for its stunning autumn foliage and serene atmosphere. A private tour guide can provide insights into the temple's architecture, Zen gardens, and historical significance, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty beyond the surface level.
With calmer crowds, you and your loved ones can create the kind of memories you want, with no interruptions. In Kyoto, your private guide will ensure you have the time, knowledge and space to savor moments of tranquility and reflection and soak in the spiritual ambiance of this lesser-known gem.
On average, 2-3 days in this historic city will introduce you to places like the Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Arashiyama bamboo forests. If you've got a bit more time on your hands, exploring Kyoto can be stretched out into a 5-day tour experience with these highlighted destinations;
Have more you'd like to see? Check out our Kyoto Private Tours
March to May and October to November are the best times to visit Kyoto as the weather reaches that sweet spot of cool, slow winds and warm days. The calm weather, cherry blossoms, and festivals make these months popular for travelers, so expect larger crowds. For a different experience, try;
For more information on weather, festivals, and travel tips, check out our Japan Tourism Statistics 2023: The Ultimate Guide.
Absolutely! Kyoto has achieved the perfect balance of remaining close to its historical roots as Japan's original capital, rich in culture and customs, while including modern conveniences and tourist-friendly services. It's one of Japan's most tour-conscious cities, next to Tokyo.
That's a tough one! Kyoto has history, slow living, and breathtaking landscapes. Osaka has fantastic food and modern conveniences and is slightly more affordable.
Osaka is great for;
Kyoto is ideal for;
The greatest thing about these two cities is that they're just a train ride away from one another. So whichever you decide, the other option is only 15 minutes away.
Kyoto is often considered more beautiful than Tokyo because of the visually stunning architecture and Edo period buildings, especially those that highlight the nagare-zukuri style. It’s almost like a time machine. City lovers will consider Tokyo more beautiful thanks to its glowing billboards, high-end hotels, buzzing restaurants, and nightlife. Our recommendation? See both and decide for yourself. Tokyo and Kyoto are only 2 hours apart.
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