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Best of Kyoto Half Day Private Tour
Joined 2023
Kyoto has a lot to offer, however is difficult to choose where to go.
In my Kyoto tour, I will take you to the Must-see spots of Kyoto in most efficient way. Most places are ranked in top 10 attractions.
You will enjoy seeing unique and beautiful sights, and also the hidden gems of each location. We will stroll the city on foot and by train like locals for the day.
As this is a private tour, if you have any requests to visit other places, I can customize a tour for you.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Kyoto station
- JR Kyoto station in front of "Kyoto Tourist Information Center" at 9:30 am. It is on "North-South Pedestrian Deck", 2nd floor. Or, at your hotel if it is in Kyoto city area.
Gion district and Downtown area
There is a beautiful pedestrian street by a small river in Gion district. Best place to take photos.
We will see many traditional Japanese restaurants where Geisya girls work at night.
We will go through the small path called Ponto-cho with many bars and restaurants on both sides in downtown area.
Yasaka shrine and Maruyama park
Yasaka shrine is headquarters of more than 2000 Yasaka shrines throughout Japan. Symbolic shrine of Kyoto.
Maruyama park is famous for cherry blossom trees. Beautiful sights in full bloom in spring time.
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka shopping streets
Small hilly paths with many nice souvenier shops, ice cream shops, restaurants, coffee shops, etc.
Kiyomizu-dera temple
One of the top 3 highlights of Kyoto sightseeing.
Amazing view from the temple.
Famous for high balconies where no nail was used to construct.
There is a Darkness tour to walk in the complete darkness to reborn if you would like.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Very famous for the long red Torii gate tunnels. One of the most popular sites for tourists. There are many food stalls, sourvenir shops, restaurants on streets.
End of the tour
Sanju-sangendo temple (optional)
This is optional. If you are interested, we will go.
This temple is very famous for 1001 golden Kannon statues.
All of them are national treasures.
The mail hall of this temple is the longest wooden architecture in Japan which gives specutacular view to visitors.
Ending Point
JR Kyoto station, or downtown Kyoto, or at 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
Guide's train fee
Your Train tickets about 600yen
Kiyomizu-dera temple entrance fee 500yen
Sanju-sangendo temple entrance fee 600 yen (optional)
Lunch, drinks, etc.
Taxi fee if we use
Tour Important Information
This is generally a walking tour.
To move from one place to another, we will use trains or a taxi.
Wheelchair users are not suitable for this tour.
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
About Tour Guide Taka M.
My name is Taka. I was born and grew up in Koka City, Japan, where the world famous Koka Ninja’s birthplace is. Koka City is just one hour away from JR Kyoto station by train. As a matter of fact, I am a descendant of Ninja/local Samurai. My family name represents the most powerful Ninja/local Samurai clan among the Koka’s 53 Ninja clans. There are twin Castles of my ancestors in my neighborhood.
When I was a college student, I was interested in foreign languages and cultures, and I studied abroad at a university in Ohio, USA as an exchange student for one year. After graduating from a Japanese college with a BA in English, I worked for a prefectural government for 31 years, and I made an early retirement in March 2023. During my service to the government, I was chosen as a Visiting Official in Michigan, USA, which is a sister state of my prefecture, and I stayed there for 2 years as the government’s representative. I have totally 3 years of living experience in the USA, and am able to speak English now.
Since I am retired from the government, I decided to start a new career as a Ninja tour guide for foreign travelers in my hometown. There are Ninja House, over 180 medieval Ninja related castles, shrines, temples, Ninja’s training mountains, and more in Koka, however no one had done the tour guide for foreigners until now. As I am able to speak English, I thought I should start a new job as a Ninja tour guide, and would like to contribute to my hometown Koka.
Reviews
“Personalized and Peaceful Kyoto Tour with Taka”
I had an amazing private tour in Kyoto with Taka. He took me to all the beautiful and iconic spots, along with some hidden gems that were off the beaten path, like the hydroelectric power plant. It made for a unique and peaceful experience away from the usual tourist traps. We enjoyed a lovely lunch together and spent the entire day walking through the charming streets of Kyoto. Taka is not only a kind and personable guide but also very knowledgeable. His English is excellent, and he was incredibly flexible and open to adjusting the tour to suit my interests. If you're looking for an authentic, personalized experience in Kyoto, I highly recommend Taka!
Taka M.
(9 reviews)Thank you for your thoughtful words. You have great personality and are easy-going. I had relaxing and enjoyable time with you during the tour. I wish I will visit you in your country someday in the future.
Kimberly H.
Must-see spots to visit, Kyoto One Day Private Tour
“Wow - what an awesome guide!”
Taka! Where do we begin? He is incredible - as a guide and as a person. We are so lucky to have found Taka and to get an awesome tour with him. He helped us find secret hidden gem experiences that we will never forget. He became a true friend and shared his wealth of knowledge and experience with us. We were endlessly impressed with Taka and highly recommend him should you find yourself lucky to have him as a guide. Thank you Taka!!
Taka M.
(9 reviews)Thank you very much for the great review. I was impressed how you set up your company and grew your business. I had really good time with you, especially you invited me to a bar restaurant after the tour. Thank you for the beer too. Cheers to you!
Samantha T.
Must-see spots to visit, Kyoto One Day Private Tour
“Highlights with Taka M ”
Taka came to our hotel on time and well prepared for our day.We only wanted to do the highlights with no shopping . It was an extremely hot day sights were seen with stops on the way . What an extremely pleasant man , knowledgeable of his surroundings perfect English and fun to spend time with , seriously recommended
Taka M.
(9 reviews)Thank you for the nice review. I enjoyed talking with you very much and learned a lot from you about your country. I hope someday I may visit you in your country.
$110/ per group
Reserve
