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A Bespoke Kyoto Experience: Sacred Shrines, a Historic Castle & Artisan Boutiques
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Joined 2017
An experienced writer/editor and tour guide based in Kyoto (with a passion for history, traditional culture, crafts, and Japanese sake) will arrange custom one-day tours tailored to your preferences.
Sample itineraries are provided here, and you can enjoy them as is, or customize them to your preferences. Feel free to share your wishes—whether it's visiting World Heritages, exploring off the beaten path, meeting traditional craftsmen, hunting antiques or see the traditional festivals!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel reception (Kyoto City)
- The guide will meet you at your hotel in Kyoto City. If guests are staying outside Kyoto City, the guide will meet you at a terminal station within the city.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Visit the tranquil bamboo grove in Arashiyama before it gets crowded with tourists.
Tenryu-ji Temple
Visit the Zen temple Tenryū-ji (UNESCO world heritage), founded in the 14th century. Enjoy its beautiful Zen garden and seasonal flowers and trees. It is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring.
Strolling Arashiyama area
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Arashiyama area, nestled within the majestic Kyoto Nishiyama mountain range. Enjoy delicious coffee along the riverbank, or for families with children, you can enjoy a mini hike up the mountain (30 minutes one way) to visit Arashiyama Monkey Park. For those who love off-the-beaten-path experiences, I can also take you along the riverside to discover the hidden gem of Senkoji Temple, a mountain sanctuary known only to the initiated.
Lunch break
If you let us know in advance about any food allergies, dietary restrictions, or foods you dislike, we'll guide you to recommended dining spots.
Ryoan-ji Temple
Visit Ryoan-ji Temple (World Heritage Site), famous for its Zen rock garden. Experience the Zen teachings hidden within this simple garden.
* I recommend using a taxi to get around this area. (approx. 3,500 yen)
* You may skip visiting this temple and proceed directly to your next destination, Kinkaku-ji Temple. Afterwards, we can arrange a visit to shops featuring handmade crafts by artisans (such as kitchen knives, kitchen tools, hand fans, ceramics, etc.).
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple. This beautiful World Heritage site features a main hall covered in pure gold leaf. The building's reflection in the pond is as beautiful as a mirror, making it another highlight.
*I recommend using a taxi to get around this area (approx. 1,500 yen).
Ending Point
Your hotel or any location of your choice
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
・Guide fee
・Hotel pick-up
・Guide's lunch expenses
・Public transportation fee (approx. 1,500 yen per person)
・Taxi fee (5,000 yen per group)
・Entrance tickets (approx. 3,000 yen per person)
・Lunch (approx. 2,000 yen per person)
Tour Important Information
*The tour fee includes the guide's fee and the guide's expenses (transportation costs, admission fees). Guests are responsible for paying their own transportation costs (public transportation) and admission fees on the day of the tour.
*To avoid complications during the tour, the guide will cover these expenses upfront. Please settle the total amount with the guide at the end of the tour. Estimated transportation and admission fees for this tour are approximately ¥6,000 per adult (excluding lunch).
* Please pay for your own lunch. (The guide will pay for their own meal.)
* For groups of 3 or more participants, tour fees are free for children 12 years old and under. Only transportation and admission fees are required.
Important message from the supplier
For customized tours, mostly my guide fee is from 40,000 yen to 55,000 yen per day for two persons. It doesn't include the traffic expense and the entrance fee of temples/shrines. These expenses takes from 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen per person for one day, depending on your visiting spots. So I would appreciate it if I could bring some cash.
For a half day tour, please ask.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2017
About Tour Guide Noriko Y.
National licensed English tour guide (born in 1977). Main job is freelance book editor and writer based on Kyoto. Utilizing various past works and articles from historic spots, off the beaten track, traditional crafts, contemporary arts to hip restaurants, I offer unique and interesting tour. Since I have the qualification of “International SAKE (rice wine) tasting master”, I can guide to the SAKE brewery and nice SAKE bars. Also I am interested in Ethnology, I will guide you to once a year festivals or rare religious rituals.
Reviews
Alev O.
“Wonderful day with Noriko ”
We had a lovely day with Noriko. She took us the places we requested and added another wonderful stop as well. She has been helpful to find my sunglasses I dropped at one of the temples. She also brought them to our hotel. We really appreciated her kindness.
Charlie K.
“Amazing shrine and temple tour of Kyoto ”
Our Kyoto tour experience was fantastic! Noriko took us to two temples and a shrine, with the highlight being the breathtaking thousand statues in Sanjusangendo. A mesmerizing journey through Kyoto's cultural treasures.
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Megan S.
“Wonderful evening in Kurama with Noriko”
Noriko was an excellent guide for our trip to the Kurama Fire Festival. She was expertly prepared with history, photos, and stories of the area not to mention a secret stool to sit down, treats and extra warm clothes for the evening. Her English is excellent, she navigated the crowds well for my elderly parents and was so personable. We would highly recommend Noriko as a guide an invite her to come visit us in Canada!
$251/ per group
More tours by Noriko Y.
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A Zen Immersion at Daitoku-ji Temple: Gardens and Tea
Daitoku-ji is a renowned Zen temple founded in 1315. During this visit, we will explore three to four of its 24 sub-temples that are open to the public. You will gain insight into Zen philosophy while enjoying serene gardens and traditional ink paintings, as well as an introduction to the tea ceremony rooted in Zen practice. Optional add-ons include a zazen meditation experience (subject to availability) and a Zen vegetarian lunch. Refresh yourself in the tranquil grounds.
A Zen Immersion at Daitoku-ji Temple: Gardens and Tea
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Sacred & Imperial Kyoto: A One-Day Tour of Iconic Shrines, Temples and Castle
A Kyoto-based writer and tour guide invites you on a special one-day tour covering Kyoto's most popular shrines, temples, Buddhist statues, castles, and imperial palaces. Enjoy in-depth commentary on Kyoto's history and traditional culture.
Sacred & Imperial Kyoto: A One-Day Tour of Iconic Shrines, Temples and Castle
Other Popular Day Trip Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto East Highlights – From Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu Temple
Explore Kyoto’s spiritual and cultural heart on this private walking tour starting and ending at your hotel. Visit the mesmerizing red torii gates of Fushimi Inari, stroll through the charming streets of Higashiyama, and experience the breathtaking view from Kiyomizu Temple. End the day in Gion, where the elegance of the geisha district brings old Kyoto to life.
Kyoto East Highlights – From Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu Temple
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Kyoto’s Must-See Wonders: Red Gates, Bamboo Forest & Golden Temple!!
Experience Kyoto’s top highlights in one unforgettable day. Walk through thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an iconic symbol of Japan’s spiritual heritage. Wander the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and enjoy its riverside charm, a perfect escape into nature. End the day at the shimmering Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), glowing against the reflection of its tranquil pond. This tour blends culture, history, and natural beauty—capturing the true essence of Kyoto in just one day.
Kyoto’s Must-See Wonders: Red Gates, Bamboo Forest & Golden Temple!!
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Charming must -see in north west area of Kyoto city
This tour covers 4 must-see sightseeing spot . Firstly, we visit the golden pavilion. We go to Arashiyama. We walk through Tenryuji garden and bamboo forest. In the afternoon, we'll visit Nijo castle. (We enjoy watching a live demonstration of Japanese sweet making with green tea(Mattcha).Finally you can learn about Kyoto’s traditional and wonderful kimono
Charming must -see in north west area of Kyoto city
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The Ultimate Kyoto Day Trip: Arashiyama & Kiyomizu Temple
Experience the very best of Kyoto in a single day, featuring the famous Arashiyama and Kiyomizu Temple areas. This itinerary was handcrafted by my mother, who was born and raised right here in Kyoto. It covers all the "must-see" landmarks while also leading you to hidden gems away from the crowds.
The Ultimate Kyoto Day Trip: Arashiyama & Kiyomizu Temple
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