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"Bonsai" garden and Golden Palace Tour in Kyoto
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Joined 2022
Bonsai is an art form originating from China, developed further in Japan, that involves cultivating miniature trees in containers. This tour gives you a unique opportunity to take a look at the oldest Bonsai works, some of them were made 250 years ago. This tour also takes you to the Golden Palace, Kinkakuji and more.........
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Staying Hotel/Shinkansen Platform
- Please tell me your Shinkansen Arrival Time, Train Number and its Car number so that the guide and you can easily meet up.
Golden Palace
The pavillion, originally built in 1397, lacquered by gold surprises you with a great flamboyance.
Bonsai Garden at Houshunin, Daitokuji Temple
After wandering in the precinct of the Zen temple, you can enjoy one of the oldest Bonsai works in the Zen temple garden.
Imamiya Shrine
The shrine was built before Kyoto Capital relocation. You can also enjoy famous sweets at the oldest cafe in front of the shrine.
Your Hotel or Kawaramachi Shopping Area
The guide will send you to your hotel or the shopping area.
Ending Point
Your Hotel/Kawaramachi Shopping area
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
Your hotel pick-up
Tourist's Transportation fares (e.g., Bus, Train, Taxi)
Guide Transportation Fees (A guide asks you 2000JPY.)
Lunch/Meal
Tourist's Admission fees of Temples (500JPY)
Tour Important Information
Important message from the supplier
I can introduce you interesting spots including temples, shrines and yummy places including local foods though it is not fancy. Please note the following conditions;
-Mass transit fares, admission fees and meal fees must be self-pay.
-Please pay the guide its mass transit fares (2000JPY) by cash on the tour day.
-Let me know if you have any food allergies beforehand.
-Let me know if you have any food you cannot eat for your religious and dietary reasons beforehand.
-My tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
and
-My tour schedule will accomodate you to start earlier at 7:30AM for your convenience if you want to avoid crowds.
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 2022
About Tour Guide Kenji O.
I lived in Seattle, WA US for several years to study public policy and urban planning at University of Washington and Washington State Department of Transportation . The US life has awakened me to realize its beauty and value of the Japanese nature and culture. After coming back from US, I have started my professional career of the infrastructure development in both developed and developing countries as a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expert for more than 20 years. I have provided hospitality and honesty as a Japanese during my professional career.
I can give you not only sightseeing tours but also technical tours with my expertise.
I live in Osaka where an ancient capital city, Kyoto is located within a hour by train. I can show you how Japanese has developed the capital city with urban planning and infrastructure development. I look forward to seeing you here in Japan.
Reviews
David N.
“Disappointed tour in Kyoto”
While we have had some high quality guide experiences in Japan (with GoWithGuide), this was not one of them. Our expectations for an engaging day experiencing Kyoto less frequented corners was not met. Chief concern was a lack of communication - response to questions and even a modest explanation of what we were seeing. It might have been that the guide did not have much information to share. We felt like the day was a track meet, the guide twenty or thirty meters ahead of us - then seemingly impatient as we tried to catch up. This did not give us an opportunity to take in where we were. It was a poor match for us and we were very disappointed with the experience.
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Kenji O.
Thank you for your review. Your review is critical to me to fix tours.
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Jeff I.
“Temples and Flowers- beautiful day”
We had an excellent time with Kenji, in his quiet respectful way he guided us and with patience showed us places and some if Kyoto’s history. The tram ride was nostalgic. Thank you for your patience with our little group. It was a memorable day.
Kenji O.
Jeff san, Thank you for having me with you. I hope I will guide you someday in autumn of Kyoto. Kenji
Liana S.
“Great Tour in Kyoto”
Kenji-san was our guide in Kyoto and he did an excellent job! He is very knowledgeable, professional and patient. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the Torii gates, Philosopher’s Path and the Ginkakuji Temple. Thank you Kenji-san for a wonderful tour. We hope to visit Japan again one day.
Kenji O.
Liana san, Thank you for having me with you. I look forward to seeing you again in autumn of Kyoto.
$187/ per group
More tours by Kenji O.
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Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour
Keifuku Tram is beloved as "Randen" by Kyoto local. You can enjoy the nostalgic tram ride that takes you the Bamboo forest path in the precinct of Tenryuji temple. This tour takes you to Ryoanji temple that is famous for its rock garden and the Golden temple (Kinkakuji). This tour also includes strolling in the Geisya district of Kamishichiken.
Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour
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Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)
Kyoto served as a capital city where the Emperor resided between 798 and 1868. The ancient capital city has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage. This walking tour gives you a fun time to experience strolling in the backstreets where few tourists visit. You can walk in the famous Geisya quarter including Miyagawacho and Gion, Keninji Zen Temple and Shirakawa riverside.You have a fun walking in the alley in Kyoto. You can encounter Geiko (Geisya) or Maiko if you are lucky.
Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)
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Himeji Castle Day Trip by Shinkansen from Osaka
You can experience a time travel to the feudal period to encounter Samurai, Japanese warriors. Himeji Castle (姫路城, Himejijō), also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely recognized as Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds.The first fortifications built on the site were completed in the 1400s. The castle complex as it survives today was completed in 1609.
Himeji Castle Day Trip by Shinkansen from Osaka
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Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Full Day)
Kyoto served as a capital city where the Emperor resided between 798 and 1868. The ancient capital city has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage. This walking tour gives you a fun time to experience wandering in the backstreets where a few tourists visit. You can walk in the famous Geisya quarter including Miyagawacho and Gion, Keninji Zen Temple, Shirakawa riverside and more.You have a fun walking in the alley in Kyoto. You can encounter Geiko (Geisya) or Maiko if you are lucky.
Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Full Day)
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
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Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
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Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
Escape the crowds with a private taxi pickup from your hotel. This 4-hour journey takes you to a Hidden Bamboo Sanctuary—a mystical, quiet grove with thousands of ancient stone figures. After visiting the magnificent Tenryu-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage), we’ll enjoy a "slow walk" to discover my favorite boutiques. I’ll guide you to high-quality Japanese stationery, traditional crafts, and seasonal sweets. Experience the authentic, spiritual beauty of Kyoto at your own pace.
Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
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A Zen Immersion at Daitoku-ji Temple: Gardens and Tea
Daitoku-ji is a renowned Zen temple founded in 1315. During this visit, we will explore three to four of its 24 sub-temples that are open to the public. You will gain insight into Zen philosophy while enjoying serene gardens and traditional ink paintings, as well as an introduction to the tea ceremony rooted in Zen practice. Optional add-ons include a zazen meditation experience (subject to availability) and a Zen vegetarian lunch. Refresh yourself in the tranquil grounds.
A Zen Immersion at Daitoku-ji Temple: Gardens and Tea
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