/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3611/63176.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3611/63175.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3611/add3b45a-f856-437f-bc32-8537e523c698.JPG)
A Wonderful Half Day in Kyoto (North-west Kyoto) 4h
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/15113/62910.jpg)
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
Rohan P.
“A Perfect Day in Kyoto with the Wonderful Tomoe”
We had the absolute pleasure of having Tomoe as our tour guide during our visit to Kyoto, and she was truly exceptional! From the very beginning, Tomoe was warm, friendly, and incredibly personable, making us feel welcome and comfortable right away. Her knowledge of Kyoto’s history, culture, and hidden gems was outstanding — she shared fascinating stories and insights that brought every site to life. What really stood out, though, was how thoughtful and considerate she was with our children. She went out of her way to make sure they were engaged, entertained, and included throughout the day, which made the experience even more enjoyable for our whole family. Thanks to Tomoe, we didn’t just see Kyoto — we truly experienced it. We can’t recommend her highly enough and would absolutely book another tour with her in a heartbeat.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/15113/62910.jpg)
Tomoe S.
Dear Rohan and my favorite family! Thank you sooo much for such a wonderful review! I'm really glad to hear that you liked my tour. I enjoyed my Kyoto with you, too!!! I was happy when your adorable daughter held my hand. Sharing lunch time with your lovely son gave me another wonderful time. Talking with your wife while walking was a lot of fun. Yes! I hope that I can see you, such a wonderful family again! Thank you very much for booking me as your guide. TOMOE
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.
Tomoe S.
Dear Mairead, Thank you very much for such a wonderful review! It was lucky for you to be able to go to the hand-made lovers' market, held on only 1 day every month, right? Also, I was happy to see you enjoying 'really popular', however, 'really crowded' places in Kyoto. I wish I could have spent more time with you! A message which you sent me gave me such a wonderful encounter. Thank you very much for booking me as your guide. I do hope that I can see you again! TOMOE
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.
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
$132/ per group
More tours by Tomoe S.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3654/90107.jpg)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3663/89764.jpg)
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)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3604/89855.jpg)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3618/89770.jpg)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3879/145142.jpeg)
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)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/16782/67164.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18391/ed4593f6-89c9-4003-b806-3373a9a7f79d.jpg)
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70544/88cc0a4f-d90f-48f7-b564-6a62c80d1fcd.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19327/df51ec9d-4cd8-46bc-987b-2b127ab84fea.jpeg)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/74454/a3ab365c-6e5c-4d1d-b92e-83e0bda2a9c6.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19021/eed6cb7f-7292-4b81-be97-41d54506ae50.jpg)
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!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/dfe6acef-8f8f-4939-9edd-8425c371d5a4.png)