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.
“A very delightful and comprehensive Tour of Nara”
We had a fantastic day with Tomoe-san, who is a very knowledgeable and cheerful guide. Planning the day with her beforehand was simple and she responded very fast to any messages. Tomoe-san's explanations were never tedious, she knew the answers to all the questions we asked, kept a comfortable pace and found a nice place for lunch. Despite the many sights we covered, and the many tourists around, we had a relaxed day as she found ways to beat the crowds and took time to relax in beautiful Isuien Garden. It was great meeting you, Tomoe-san and we truly enjoyed chatting with you about many topics! Domo arrigato gosaimashita!
Tomoe S.
(98 reviews)Dear Martin, Thank you very much for such a warmhearted review. I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed a day in Nara. It was a really fun time for me, too, to talk with you, such a nice couple. I was impressed that you and your friends have studied and know a lot about Japanese culture. Thank you very much for giving me such a precious meeting. I would love to see you again. TOMOE
Lyubomir Y.
Very Special 1 day Kyoto tour just for you (9.5H)
Customized
“A magical day in Kyoto.”
There are no perfect tours but this one is very close.It's a perfect itinerary to see the most important parts of Kyoto without being in a rush.We managed to visit "the cream of the crop" in terms of temples and shrines. Arashiyama forest as well, which is a beautiful and must see place. The trip was over 9 hours but we didn't get bored or tired. Not at all. Tomoe is a very knowledgeable and kind person. She answered all of our questions. And even recommend a nice place for lunch, and suggest what we can do or visit on our free day. Definitely recommend.
Tomoe S.
(98 reviews)Dear Lyubomir, Thank you very much for such a wonderful review again! Thanks to you, the great tour leader, all of your members (your friends) from Bulgaria, and I had a great day in Kyoto. I was impressed with you, always thought about your friends, took care of them, and did anything for them. (We have exchanged more than 70 mails before the tour!) I'm very sorry that you gave up trying the train in Sagano due to the tight schedule, though. Maybe next time! Thank you very much for giving me such a precious meeting! ほんとにどうもありがとう!TOMOE
Lyubomir Y.
Visiting Nara from Kyoto and then, Osaka
Customized
“Great experience in Nara and Osaka.”
You can't go wrong with a guide like Tomoe. She is very kind and helpful. Also got a touch with the details. At the same time she is always aware where everybody is and keeps up a good pace, not so fast, not too slow. She always takes notes and tries to improve after every tour. Maybe one day for Nara and a part of Osaka it's a bit too tight, but overall a great experience with excellent guide service. I'll always recommend her.
Tomoe S.
(98 reviews)Dear Lyubomir, Thank you very much for such a warmhearted review. I was very glad to be with you and spent a wonderful day again in Nara and Osaka. All of you were nice and kept the time. You always came to the place in time and we were able to move from Kyoto to Nara, and Nara to Osaka well. Thank you very much for finding me as your guide. I hope that I can see you again. TOMOE