This tour is designed for those who would like to visit major scenic sites in Kyoto and off-the-beaten spots as well in a single day. The route is the one that has been favored and admired by many of my guests for the past few years. The itinerary mainly consists of three areas; Kitayama, Arashiyama and Fushimi areas. You will surely have unforgettable memories through the tour with me.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
At Kyoto Station or your hotel in Kyoto area
Kinkaku-ji built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third Shogun of Muromachi Shogunate, in 1397. Ryoan-ji Temple with the Rock Garden said to be the masterpiece of dry landscape gardens. Ninna-ji Temple built by Emperor Uda in 888 with a weeping cherry tree garden.
Jojako-ji Temple standing on a moss-covered slope. Bamboo Grove borders on the north exit of Tenryu-ji Temple built by Ashikaga Takauji, the first Shogun of Muromachi Shogunate.
Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, the headquarters of more than 30,000 Inari sub-shrines across the country, has been selected No 1 tourist attraction in Japan for five consecutive years by Trip Adviser.
At Kyoto Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee
transportation fare ( you and guide ), lunch and entrance fee for four temples ( 2,100 yen )
You use mainly trains but partly taxis to save time. During the tour you walk in and around the sites you visit, so wear sneakers or walking shoes, please.
It is desirable to carry overseas travel insurance because the guide is not liable for any damage or loss incurred during the tour. It is also requested to bring enough Japanese yen with you because some restaurants and taxis do not accept credit cards.
Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest.
Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise.
One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?
“The golden tour ”
We had a wonderful day with Toshi. He took us to see the most interesting and famous places in Kyoto, and he also explained the cultural and historical aspects of what he was showing us, as well as aspects of life in general in Japan.
Yoshihisa T.
(211 reviews)Hi Devi. Thank you so much for your nice review for my tour yesterday. I also had a great time, explaining historical back grounds of each site we visited. Especially I was pleased that Matteo enjoyed my silly jokes and Japanese puns. I hope he will continue learning basic Japanese phrases. Best wishes. Yoshie
“Amazing guide and tour ”
I am so pleased we booked this tour for our short stay in Kyoto Yoshi was incredible he was knowledgeable, friendly and very professional and the Golden tour was just magical. If you are ever in Kyoto you should book this tour
Yoshihisa T.
(211 reviews)Hi Gerry. Thank you so much for your superb review for my tour yesterday. It was very nice meeting and talking with you two. I hope you will return home safe with lots of good memories of Japan. With best wishes. Yoshie
Kim and bob C.
An Eight-hour Tour in Kyoto for Kim's Family
Customized
“Most amazing, lovely, guide”
There cannot possibly be a better, more gracious, helpful guide in Kyoto than Yoshihisa. We had an amazing, busy day, seeing exactly what we wanted to see (we don’t like too many temples but he chose ones we adored) and helped us learn the train and purchase IC cards. Highly recommend. From a family of four Canadians, including two adult children
Yoshihisa T.
(211 reviews)Hi Kim. I appreciate your superb comment on my tour today. I had a very pleasant time, guiding and talking with you all. I hope our paths will cross again someday soon during the cherry blossom or autumn foliage season. Would you give my best regards to Richard, please? Best wishes. Yoshie