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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
Mairead S.
“This was a SUPER Kyoto tour!!”
We could not have wished for a better tour of Kyoto. Tomoe S. was such an excellent guide! She has fantastic knowledge of the wonderful sites, their history, and how best to get there efficiently all of which made this tour so special. Tomoe S. listened carefully to what most interested us and ensured that we got the very best out of our day. Additionally she provided us with excellent travel information for our onward travels around Japan which was invaluable to us. Thank you so much for a wonderful day Tomoe S. And we are happy to give you the highest possible recommendation.
Meena M.
“Action-packed day”
Tomoe organized a fun and action-packed tour, covering Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nijo Castle in one day without feeling rushed. She picked good times to visit each place and gave helpful and often humorous context along the way. One note: we visited Kyoto in October when it was quite hot (over 80 degrees): covering all of these places was very doable, but we were glad to have budgeted some rest / cool-off time during lunch.
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Tomoe S.
Dear Meena, Thank you very much for taking a time to post your warmhearted review. I was glad and impressed to know that your sons have much interest in my country and know a lot! Yes! There are so many places to visit in Kyoto. I hope you will come back to Kyoto and I can see such a great mother again. Please say 'Hi' and 'Thank you' to your sons. TOMOE
Marc C.
“Kyoto daytwo”
Our second day with Tomoe was unforgettable. Following the first day, she met us at the hotel lobby again and was very flexible as we requested to make some changes to the schedule. We wanted to visit the Fushimi Inari shrine and she made it happen. We started our day by visiting the Kiyomizu Dera temple. She gave us clear explanations about the temple, Buddhism rituals and took us on a beautiful stroll. We then walked through the narrow streets and took the opportunity to sample and buy delicacies. Next stop was the Sanjussgen-do temple with the 1000 bouddhas. Tomoe then suggested lunch at a local restaurant that serves Udon and tempura, the restaurant is visited by locals and the food was excellent. Tomoe then took us to Fushimi Inari and visited the 1000 Toories at the shrine, again the knowledge she shared with us was invaluable. We highly recommend Tomoe for her knowledge of Kyoto must see locations, knowledge of Japanese history and command of the English language. Thank you again Tomoe.
Tomoe S.
Dear Marc, Thank you sooo much for your wonderful review again! I'm really glad to hear that you enjoyed visiting places and lunch on our second day. Actually, however, there are more nice places to visit in Kyoto. I hope you will come back to Kyoto again! I miss you all, so much! TOMOE
$132/ 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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Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!
Please feel free to share your interests- places you wish to visit, foods you'd like to try, or how long you'd like to stay at each location. I"ll create a fully customized 8-hour tour just for you, blending famous sights with local hidden gems!
Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!
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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 Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and ends in the historic Gion district. While these popular spots can be crowded, we utilize taxis and public transport 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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Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
Why not enjoy your holidays in Kyoto? You can certainly get in touch with many things Japanese that we are proud of. They are old temples and shrines, cultural assets and the beautiful natural surroundings. You can also enjoy dropping in at souvenir stores and buy exquisitely made products, such as folding fans, porcelain and traditional Japanese cakes. I would like to take you to the following places, which are the three representative tourist destinations in this city: (1) Arashiyama It is the place where all the traditional natural beauties of Japan are combined together. They are Togetsukyo bridge, bamboo grove and the old temples. If you go up to the observation spot, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the gorge below. You can also see rickshaws of the olden times drawn by young people with smiling passengers on board. There are souvenir shops selling variety of goods and products. (2) Nijo-jo Castle (World Cultural Heritage Site) This castle was built in the early 17th century by the Tokugawa Shogunate government for the purpose of protecting the Kyoto Imperial Palace and as the accommodations when Tokugawa Shogun was in Kyoto. It was subsequently enlarged by successive Shogun. It is the castle as well as the palace, where you can see the powerful structures and beautiful gardens. You can learn, in addition, how great the power of Tokugawa Shogun was. (3) Kinkakuji temple (the Golden Pavilion) (World Cultural Heritage Site) The history of this temple began when the third Shogun of the Muromachi period acquired a tract of land in this area from a powerful statesman in 1397 and built a villa of his own to entertain the Emperor and members of the nobility. The upper two levels of the temple are covered with pieces of gold foil and are shining brilliantly against the background of the rich greenery. The pond in the foreground reflects the golden structure. It looks like the materialization of Pure Land of Buddha in this world. In addition, on the top of the golden structure is the shining phoenix.
Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
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Discover Kyoto with a Local – Learn Japanese Culture Through Real Stories & Sights
Discover Kyoto’s cultural heart in just one day with a local guide. Visit three iconic spots: the golden beauty of Kinkaku-ji, the stunning hillside temple Kiyomizu-dera, and the peaceful bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Along the way, you’ll learn real stories, traditions, and the deeper meaning behind each place. This tour blends famous sights with local insights, giving you more than just photos — it gives you a true connection to Kyoto.
Discover Kyoto with a Local – Learn Japanese Culture Through Real Stories & Sights
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