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Ancient Wizard of Kyoto [4 Hours]
Joined 2024
A thrilling ancient tale of a formidable Japanese sorcerer, who wielded unimaginable power over a thousand years ago. Join us as we venture to a sacred shrine dedicated to his memory, and explore the eerie abode of his otherworldly assistants. Be amazed as you encounter a collection of mystical religious talismans and amulets, each intricately decorated with symbols that will leave you spellbound. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey into the realm of magic and mystery!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Kyoto Station, or Kyoto hotel
- Japan's second-largest station building and one of the country's largest buildings, it incorporates a shopping mall, hotel, movie theater, Isetan department store, and several local government facilities.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Kyoto Imperial Palace, also known as Kyōto Gosho, was once the official residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo. Situated within the expansive Kyoto Imperial Park, or Kyōto Gyoen, this historic site is a captivating landmark in the heart of the city. The park also includes the Sento Imperial Palace, which was utilized by retired emperors, along with several other notable attractions.
Ichijo Modori-bashi Bridge
The name of this bridge holds a mysterious significance - it is known as the Coming-Back Bridge. Delve into the eerie legend that bestowed upon this seemingly ordinary structure such a enigmatic name.
Seimei Shrine
Behold the unwavering mystical wards and enchantments crafted by the sorcerer to safeguard the city. These ancient defenses withstood the trials of time, and we will to explore their mysteries. The malevolent forces that sought to bring harm to the emperor were thwarted by these formidable barriers, never breaching their protective shield. (But there was a time...)
It is whispered that by confining such darkness within Kyoto, this enigmatic Japanese sorcerer may have averted a catastrophe of global proportions. Embark with us on a captivating quest to unveil the enigmatic secrets of this legendary sorcerer and his otherworldly abilities.
Ichijo Yokai Street (optional extra walking)
Ichijo street is a magical place where around 30 whimsical creatures come to life, created by the imaginative owners of the businesses they inhabit. Some are beautifully sculpted statues, while others are quirky combinations of clothing and toys.
This street is not your average tourist trap - it is a hidden gem filled with small local businesses that cater to the neighborhood's residents. You won't find any souvenir shops here, just unique and fun attempts to showcase forgotten Japanese folklore and bring some excitement to the area.
Ending Point
Back where we started, or drop-off at a nearby 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
Private Guide (me!)
Pick-up and drop-off on foot
I suggest a total of at least 3000 yen cash per person for incidental expenses. These may include:
Entry to certain shrines, temples, gardens, museums. Such fees are usually small, but Osaka Castle is 2000 yen. Sky Building's rooftop viewpoint is also 2000 yen.
Transportation: Walking or Train/Bus/Subway (not included)
OPTIONAL to cover in-city transit for each person who needs it: ¥2,500
Personal expenses. Drinks, Snacks, Meals at your expense.
Good idea to bring change/small bills to use in vending machines to buy drinks. There will be convenience stores, and may be souvenir shops on the road.
Shrines and many small shops still only take Japanese cash.
Tour Important Information
Itinerary listed is merely a loose guide! I don't guarantee we'll be able to visit any particular place, although I'll do my best. We will at times need to change the order of events, places we visit, etc. as determined on the day of the tour. Japanese attractions also have a habit of suddenly closing without notice. If this occurs, I'll simply fill in that time with something else I think you'd enjoy.
These are all WALKING tours, and we may cover significant distances (sometimes >10km per four hours) on foot. Please dress appropriately for that, and for the weather. Japan can get quite hot and humid in summer, and it gets chilly in the winter. Sunblock, insect repellent, etc. recommended.
Roadways and walking areas in Japan can be quite rough and uneven. Please watch your step! Injury liability is usually determined by the courts to be the walker's fault for lack of care, not that of anyone else.
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 2024
About Tour Guide Jay T.
Welcome to my world of Small-group Private Walking Tours in Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka, Japan! Each tour is meticulously designed to showcase the local area, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
Below are just a few tantalizing samples of tours I have provided. Get ready to explore Japan like never before! Remember, all tours are completely private and can be customized at a moment's notice to suit your group's preferences. If you don't see what you want, please contact me. Let's turn your dream tour into a reality!
Although I'm not superstitious, I have a fascination with monster, ghost, magic, and horror stories. I find the Japanese versions of these tales especially intriguing, as they put their own spin on history and superstition. You can expect to hear some interesting tidbits about these cultural nuances during my tours.
My walking tours are all about providing a personalized and focused experience for my clients. I aim to take you to lesser-known sites, share hidden secrets, introduce you to cultural curiosities, and of course, let you taste some delicious local Japanese foods. I want to show you the most unique features of each area we visit.
While there may be quite a bit of walking involved, don't worry - I'll make sure to adjust the pace and frequency of rests to suit your needs. Everyone has different physical abilities and preferences, and I want to ensure that everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. So lace up your walking shoes and let's explore Japan together!
I'm a professional entertainer and former teacher, so I may add a bit of flair to my tours by sharing some stories about myself and my background. I have taken dozens of cruises, love meeting people from all over the world and am a proud supporter of Ukraine, Israel and Democracy in general. Plus, I'm LGBTQ+ friendly!
Reviews
“Great time touring Kyoto”
Touring Kyoto with Jay was an absolute blast! He was very knowledgeable and informative in all the places we visited. You cannot go wrong with choosing Jay as your guide. We highly recommend him.
![Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours] - 1](https://gowithguide.com/images/e1CqJbcUWXpsw1p9w_ZNIntFGmN7ZGI2uMl95iDsb-o/f:avif/h:1024/w:1024/plain/gowithguide/reviews/17379/2ade237d-3811-45ae-8034-5d6ca7ee58f6.jpeg)
![Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours] - 2](https://gowithguide.com/images/KHEMNg6nG2ciFh37BLYsKj2Hr6Z1wBpcOVyFP4K2vOE/f:avif/h:1024/w:1024/plain/gowithguide/reviews/17379/84ba4360-74da-4ffe-ab53-3aefd0aa714d.jpeg)
![Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours] - 3](https://gowithguide.com/images/5vrrbXFNeMGyxQF-FNoP1l--0dIBcg9zf76r2_j2chM/f:avif/h:1024/w:1024/plain/gowithguide/reviews/17379/6f7af73d-0465-4d3c-8e31-3405cbe78338.jpeg)
![Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours] - 4](https://gowithguide.com/images/BfFh4yHid10pP0Dj2nFYTGv0oJNlbFAo4ilQGFe0V4s/f:avif/h:1024/w:1024/plain/gowithguide/reviews/17379/733f974f-c41b-4dec-a32c-d0125af36baf.jpeg)
Jay T.
You got some great photos. Glad you had fun!
“Not Quite the Tour We Hoped For”
While the rain wasn’t an issue for us—after all, we embraced it during several outings—overall, we felt this tour didn’t deliver the value we expected. It was the most expensive tour we booked, yet it was also the shortest, and we didn’t manage to visit all the locations. The guide shared some great stories, but in the end, we just didn’t feel it was worth the price we paid.
Jay T.
Thank you for your honest criticism. I sincerely apologize for not meeting your expectations during the tour. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and I value the time you took to share your opinion. I am dedicated to learning and improving from this experience to enhance future tours. I hope you will give me another opportunity to provide you with a better experience on a future tour.
“Jay T in Osaka”
Jay was amazing. We went to Osaka Castle, a home market, an entertainment area and we navigated all of this by train/subway. We walked thru food tasting markets and found a restaurant willing to only serve us drinks as we weren’t yet hungry. I would highly recommend him. He knows the city like the back of his hand.
Jay T.
Thanks, Nancy! You guys were amazing, too.
$286/ per group
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You've a tour group with many ideas. Some have done research, while others want to go with the flow. You can't find a tour that ticks all the boxes. Until now. I'll take you to your chosen destinations, and if we pass by a hidden gem, I'll share it with you. This tour gives you the freedom to make changes on a whim. Whether you want to switch up the itinerary or explore a lesser-known spot more deeply, I am all in. I thrive on spontaneity and am happy to accommodate your every whim.
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Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours]
The tranquility of a meticulously maintained bamboo forest, a mountain shrine with vibrant red torii gates, and a breathtaking view of the city from a mountaintop temple. In this adventure we will explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, and wander through the Tofuku-ji temple (especially beautiful in Fall or Spring). Later, we check out Kiyomizu-dera and walk through Yasaka Shrine, Gion, Shirakawa Lane, Pontocho, Teramachi, and over to the Nishiki Market.
![Exploring Kyoto—from Osaka Cruise Terminal [8 hours]cover image](https://gowithguide.com/images/iASq5dvzkpqBaEglEEx2Ht0X8075MqZI3ojXEu7deOM/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/15731/23f0716b-8c53-4db4-95e6-f69a27a18905.jpg)
Exploring Kyoto—from Osaka Cruise Terminal [8 hours]
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