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A Wonderful Half Day in Kyoto (North-west Kyoto) 4h
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Joined 2018
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.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel (lobby)(in Kyoto)
Nijyojo Castle
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.
Kinkakuji Temple(registered as World Heritage site)
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.'
Ryoanji Temple
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.
Ending Point
This tour ends at Ryoanji Temple, however, I can tell you how to go back to your hotel.
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 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
Tour Important Information
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.
Important message from the supplier
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.
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 2018
About Tour Guide Tomoe S.
Hello! My name is Tomoe. I'm a national licensed guide interpreter(English). I made my page here, TripleLights in October 2018. Thank you for finding me.
I was born and grew up in Otsu,Shiga, which is the next city of Kyoto.
I graduated from the university in Kyoto and lived there for four years due to my husband's job.
I like history and like to visit temples in Nara.
My hobby is to plan trips and have visited many cities and towns in Japan and abroad. One of my favorite places is the AIRPORT!!
I have enjoyed meeting and guiding people from abroad, to sightseeing spots in my country.
I really want many people from abroad to enjoy visiting many places and have wonderful experiences in my country. I'll be really happy if I can have such experiences with you!!
Please tell and ask me if there are any places which you want to visit and anything which you want to do in my country. I'll plan the trip only for you.
I am cheerful and always positive. I like to talk with people. I would like to talk with many people from many countries. Please tell me about your country, too!!
I'm looking forward to seeing you!!
* If you want, I will take you back to your hotel (within the time or with the extra hourly rate)
Or, I will show you how to go back to your hotel when we finish the tour.
* If you want, I will give you some advice about what to and where to eat your lunch/dinner.
Reviews
John A.
“Kyoto, Nijo, Golden Pavilion and gardens.”
Tomoe was an really great guide for our Kyoto day trip. She was kind, knowledgeable and thoughtful. Her historic knowledge was excellent and she gave us much insight into Japanese life in general, both past and present. It was as if we were on an outing with a wise friend. Importantly we found communication with Tomoe before we arrived in Japan easy and we appreciated her advice on how to make the best use of our limited time. We would recommend you consider Tomoe as you guide of choice in Kyoto. Thanks Tomoe. John and Ian.
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Tomoe S.
Dear John and Ian, Thank you very much for your wonderful review. It got also a memorable day for me, which I spent with you in Kyoto. I enjoyed autumn foliage at Kinkakuji and Nanzenji on such a fine day, and also enjoyed talking with you, such nice men with a long history. Thank you very much for booking me as your guide. I hope that I can see you again. TOMOE
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Marcus L.
“Kyoto tour”
I booked Tomoe to guide a group of 9 women on a Kyoto tour with lunch. The group was very happy with Tomoe. She was professional, friendly and helpful and the group enjoyed their tour very much!
Tomoe S.
Thank you very much for your warmhearted review. I also had a wonderful day with such women who are full of energy in Kyoto. I'm very glad to hear that they were very happy with me. Thank you very much for booking me as your guests' guide. I hope that I can work with you again. TOMOE
Steven P.
“An Outstanding Guide — Our Two Days with Tomoe Were Exceptional”
We had the pleasure of spending two full days with Tomoe, and she truly made our time in Kyoto and Nara unforgettable. She is exceptionally knowledgeable, thoughtful, and a joy to explore with. Day 1 – Kyoto Tomoe guided us through some of Kyoto’s most iconic cultural treasures: Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo-jo Castle. Her deep understanding of history, architecture, and cultural traditions brought each site to life. She shared insights and stories we never would have discovered on our own, and she always seemed to know the perfect viewpoints and quiet corners away from the crowds. Day 2 – Nara Our day in Nara was equally memorable. We visited the Kōfuku-ji Temple complex, the magnificent Todai-ji with its Great Buddha, and the serene Isui-en Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens we’ve seen in Japan. Tomoe’s explanations made the history and symbolism of each place vivid and meaningful. She also brought us to a wonderful local restaurant, Soba-dokoro Kitahara, where we enjoyed some of the best soba we’ve ever had. Why We Loved Touring with Tomoe Beyond her expertise, Tomoe is warm, patient, organized, and truly attentive to every detail. She customized the pace to our interests, helped with photos, answered every question with enthusiasm, and created an atmosphere that felt relaxed and friendly. Spending time with her felt like exploring with a knowledgeable friend who genuinely cares about making your experience special. We cannot recommend Tomoe highly enough. If you’re visiting Kyoto or Nara, she is an outstanding guide who will elevate your trip in every way. Arigato Gozaimus, Tomoe, from Steve and Inna
Tomoe S.
Dear Steve and Inna, Thank you so! so! so much for your wonderful review. I had the greatest joy as a guide, spending two wonderful days with you, who had so much interest in my country. You must have checked a lot and prepared a lot for your long tour in Japan. Sharing time with such ambitious couple inspired me a lot. Yes! I will never forget eating delicious soba at Kitahara in Nara with you. Thank you very much for booking me as your guide. I hope that I can see you again (with your family next time???) I miss you so much... TOMOE
$129/ per group
More tours by Tomoe S.
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Very Special 1day Kyoto Tour just for You
Kyoto had been the capital of Japan for 1000 years and has many wonderful places to visit. Please choose a few places among the following sightseeing spots, as you like. If you have any other preferable spots, please let me know. I'll guide you as many places as possible. Please note that some places are located in a little far away from the center of the city and it may need some time to go and come back.
Very Special 1day Kyoto Tour just for You
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Must see spots in Kyoto and Nara in a day (8 hours)
It's a little bit difficult, for the first comers to Japan, to visit popular sightseeing spots in both of Kyoto and Nara. In this tour, you can visit Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, three most popular sightseeing spots in Nara and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto, the most popular sightseeing spot for visitors from abroad, in Kyoto. Deer will wait for you in Nara Park!
Must see spots in Kyoto and Nara in a day (8 hours)
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A Wonderful Half Day in Kyoto (East Kyoto) 4h
This tour is recommended for the first visitors to Kyoto. Kyoto had been the capital of Japan for 1000 years and has many old temples and shrines to visit. In this tour, you can visit two of the most famous and popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto and see the wonderful tradition, especially about Buddhist culture.
A Wonderful Half Day in Kyoto (East Kyoto) 4h
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Visiting temples and tea ceremony experience in East Kyoto
This tour is based on 'A Wonderful Half Day in Kyoto (East Kyoto). You can visit Kiyomizudera Temple, Sanjyusangendo Temple, Kenninji Temple. You can also enjoy tea ceremony experience.
Visiting temples and tea ceremony experience in East Kyoto
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto Perfect Day tour : all the highlights included
Discover Kyoto’s must-see highlights in one day! We’ll start at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its endless red torii gates. After exploring the area, we’ll have a delicious lunch at one of my favorite local Japanese restaurants. we’ll stroll through the streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, known for their historic atmosphere, cute shops, and great photo spots. These slopes will lead us straight to Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. At the end we will go to a traditional market!
Kyoto Perfect Day tour : all the highlights included
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One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
Tour will start from the Hotel in Kyoto. Frst visit is Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavillion ),then, to Ryoanji tmple where is famous for rock garden. Tour will stop at Arasiyama area to take lunch and visit Togetsu bridge, Bamboo grove, Tentyuji temple and others. The last visit is NIjyo castle. As these places are normally crowded. using chartered taxi is highly recommended in order to effectively use your valuable time in Kyoto.
One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
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Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
Perfect for those with limited time, this well-organized tour allows you to experience Kyoto’s most iconic sights efficiently. The itinerary includes the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji, Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge. While these popular spots can be crowded, we utilize taxis to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey through this culturally rich city.
Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
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Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
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