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Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.

Kinkakuji Temple

A view of a park in the Arashiyama area during the cherry blossom season

A view of an Arashiyama area during the cherry blossom season

Near the Togetsukyo Bridge

Ryoanji Temple Rock Garden

Bamboo Grove

Jojakkoji Temple in fall

Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.

Highlights

Joined 2023

Shuji O.

4.94 / 5

(62 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English

8 hours

Private tour (only you and Shuji O.)

Up to 6 people

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!

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

08:30 AM

Meeting Point

At you hotel lobby

09:00 AM

Your hotel or the station

At your Hotel Lobby in Kyoto, etc.

10:00 AM

Togetsukyo Bridge

Symbol of the Arashiyama area. The moon crossing bridge.

10:30 AM

Tenryuji Temple

You will see the beautiful garden with beautiful Arashiyama and Kameyama in the backdrop.

11:30 AM

The Bamboo Grove and the Kameyama Park

A Hot spot among foreign tourists! You must feel it's exotic.

And panoramic views from the Kameyama Park.

12:30 PM

Lunch

We can spend time in a small, quiet, home-like restaurant

We will use some gorgeous restaurants when we need to book during the high season.

01:30 PM

Jojakkoji Temple/ or other temple

Beautiful temple with stunning autumn foliage.

02:30 PM

Ryoanji temple

Zen Buddhist temple, famous for its dry garden, admired by Queen Elizabeth. Please feel the universe of Zen Buddhism.

03:30 PM

Kinkakuji Temple

Golden Temple. Top of the must-see list in Japan.

Visit at the best time of the day.

05:00 PM

Hotel

Your hotel or the station

Ending Point

At you hotel or train station

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

What‘s included

guide fee, hotel pick-up

What‘s not included

transportation fee (you and the guide): taxi(about 4,800 yen) bus or metro( depends)

lunch (you and the guide) of about 3,000 yen /per person, or a more reasonable lunch of about 1,200 yen

admission fees of about 3,000 yen (Tenryuji 500, Jojakkoji 500, Kinkakuji 500 yen）/per person, no guide required

Tour Important Information

If you have any food allergies, please let me know at least 3 days in advance.

This tour is mostly flat or downhill, but there are a few uphills. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

To avoid being in a hurry, let's use taxis. Taxis are not expensive in Japan, and you can easily catch one in Kyoto.

We will visit many must-sees efficiently in limited hours.

I will plan to visit scenic beauties at a good time of the day.

I will take some photos of you, and you will see a lot of photogenic spots.

You will have a happy time in Kyoto.

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 2023

Shuji O.

4.94 / 5

(62 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Shuji O.

Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport.

I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds.

I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature.

I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan.

If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!

Reviews

Dana W.

5 / 5

Feb 2, 2026

Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～

Feb 2, 2026

Osaka

8 hours

“Nara Park is key to visit”

We have an interesting visit to Nara Park which we learnt.

Shuji O.

Thank you for your review. You were very good at traveling, especially for your age. We enjoyed the statues and shrines. I hope you enjoyed the nice restaurant we went to for lunch. Thank you for choosing my tour for the last part of your trip to Japan. I hope this trip makes great memories for both of you!

Dana W.

5 / 5

Jan 22, 2026

Trip to the Shirahama area

Jan 22, 2026

Wakayama

6 hours

Customized

“The Hongu temple is outstanding to learn about as well as the Turkey Museum history created an excellent relationship between Japan and Turkey.”

We have learnt from Shuji O on Japan history, traditions & culture.

Shuji O.

Thank you for the kind words! Yes, we learned many things. First, we learned about the culture of Kumano. Second, we learned about the good relations between Turkey and Japan. We visited the museum where we learned about the sad and touching stories of the Turkish ship. During a storm, Japanese people saved many Turkish sailors. Thank you for a great experience. I was happy to be with you both.

Dana W.

5 / 5

Jan 15, 2026

Pick up at the ariport

Jan 15, 2026

Osaka

2 hours

Customized

“See and learn more about Japan”

Shuji San provide all over information on Osaka, Wakayama, Nara ++ We want to see the 2nd tier city like Wakayama this trip as we want to see and understand more on Wakayama. We have a good brief from Shuji San. Shuji San provides over all attractions information which attracts us to return.

Shuji O.

Thank you very much for your kind words! It was a pleasure meeting such intelligent people. I'm so excited to share my thoughts, and I was so surprised by your profound understanding of Japanese culture. I look forward to seeing you again!