This tour is recommended for the first timers to Kyoto. Kyoto had been the capital of Japan for 1000 years and has many old temples and shrines to visit. You can visit three famous and popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto. All of these three places are registered as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites.
At your hotel (lobby)(in Kyoto)
This castle was built as a residence for shogun where he visited and stayed in Kyoto in the 17th century. You can see the authority of Tokugawa shogunate in this castle. The Ninomaru Palace in this castle has 33 rooms and 800 tatami mats. Mannequins displayed in the largest room (this room was actually used on the last day of Tokugawa shogunate) shows you how they looked like in those days. The corridor of Ninomaru Palace has a special security system called 'Nightingale Corridor' which creaks noises when someone walk on the corridor. You can also see many wonderful wall paintings. Please note that nobody is allowed to take pictures inside of the building.
In spring, you can enjoy walking around in the garden with stunning cherry blossoms.
You may have seen the picture of this pavilion in the book about Japan or Kyoto before. This temple is well known as 'Golden Pavilion' covered with pure gold leaves. 200,000 pieces, 20 kilo grams of the gold leaves are used for this 3-storied pavilion! It was first used as the villa of retired shogun in the 14th century. Gorgeous golden pavilion stands in the pond gives you such a stunning world! I will take good pictures of you here!
This temple is a 'Must see spot in Kyoto.'
This temple is very famous for its Zen rock garden. There are 15 rocks in the dry landscape garden, however, the last 15th rock is said to be seen only when you attained spiritual enlightenment. In this temple, you can also enjoy walking in its strolling type garden. In spring, you can enjoy many beautiful cherry blossoms in this garden. This temple became famous after Queen Elizabeth visited. This temple will give you the peaceful Zen time. Please enjoy its ultimate Zen spirit.
This tour ends at Ryoanji Temple, however, I can tell you how to go back to your hotel.
Guide fee, hotel pick up in Kyoto area
Transportation fee (you and your guide)
Entrance fee: Nijyojo Castle, 600 Japanese yen
Kinkakuji Temple, 400 Japanese yen
Ryoanji Temple, 500 Japanese yen
Please note that you cannot see the inside of Ninomaru Palace every Tuesday in December, January, July and August, and between January 1-3, and December 26-28.
Especailly in spring (end of March to middle of April) and in autumn (middle of November to beginning of December), around Kinkakuji and Ryoanji, we have heavy traffic jam and buses are not serviced as scheduled, so, in such cases, you may need extra hours.
Please note that we use public transportation.
If you book me early, I can exchange mails with you many times to know what you want to do in details, collect information and prepare a lot for your plan. Please don't hesitate to ask me anything in advance.
I can guide you in the morning almost every day.(from 8:30 or 9:00 AM till 13:00 or 13:30PM)
This year, in case of the full day tour, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, are available.
Jcp L.
Very Special 1 day Kyoto tour just for you (6.5H)
Customized
“Memorable time in Kyoto”
We booked 2 separate tours with Tomoe. One half day and a very special one day tour. We were very lucky to have Tomoe as our tour guide. She was very knowledgeable of all sites we visited and gave us a lot of interesting and helpful information. She even helped us buy tickets and showed us where and how to take the Shinkansen to Tokyo. She was very patient with us when we were taking time to take photos but kept us on schedule and organized in a timely manner. She is an impeccable tour guide. Tomoe made our tour of Kyoto an unforgettable experience. We had lots of fun and laughter with her. I would highly recommend Tomoe as your tour guide!!
Tomoe S.
(109 reviews)Dear Jenny, Thank you very much for your warmhearted review. Yes! I had super wonderful 2 days with you, such a nice couple! We talked a lot and laughed a lot during 2 days. I was happy to see you were taking many pictures, too. I will wait for your next visiting Kyoto (especially to see the autumn foliage). Thank you very much for booking me as your guide and such a precious meeting! TOMOE
“Excellent Tourguide”
Tomoe was excellent! She was extremely knowledgeable and very patient with us. She even walked us to our platform when we had to take a train to our next destination. Highly recommend!
Tomoe S.
(109 reviews)Dear Jackie, Thank you very much for your warmhearted review. I hope that you enjoyed visiting places such as Kiyomizudera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Bamboo Forest on such a muggy day. I also hope that you will come back to Kyoto during other seasons except summer and I can see you again. TOMOE
Walter D.
Visiting temples and tea ceremony experience in East Kyoto
“Amazing experience!”
We were looking for a guide for our first day in Kyoto and we found Tomoe's tour of the once-a-month hand-made market. We had no idea about the market, and it was a perfect match for us as we love hand-made things, and they make perfect souvenirs. Tomoe did an amazing job showing us around the market and the beautiful Ginkakuji temple. She helped my elderly mother who had mobility issues and was able to help her get a taxi when she needed to head back to the hotel. We would highly recommend her to anyone and if you're in Kyoto on the 15th of a month please have her show you the hand-made lovers market!
Tomoe S.
(109 reviews)Dear Walter and family, Thank you very much for your wonderful review. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the hand-made market. (I was happy to help your mother to choose and buy her favorite things at the market!) Yes, you are lucky to have been in Kyoto on 15th of a month when the hand-made market held. I hope that all of your family made a good memory and brought your favorite things to your home. Thank you very much for booking my tour. TOMOE