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Explore Authentic Kyoto with History & Culture Expert
Kyoto never gets tourists tired.
Nature, gardens, history, culture, art and food surround you.
"The Authentic Kyoto Tour" is planned for those who wish to enjoy Kyoto's history, culture, food and nature.
Tell me the priority spots you want to visit, and I'll select one or two of the best seasonal spots for you to add to your itinerary.
For example, after walking around busy spots, calm, quiet places are preferably a good choice.
I'm sure that you will bring good memories of Kyoto back home.
Meeting Point
Kyoto Station or Your hotel
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)
In the 16th century, Marco Polo, an Italian adventurer, wrote about Japan in his travel book. So famous, so popular from the beginning.
Unfortunately, nobody has seen the original Kinkakuji 600 years since then.
Your mission for the visit is to see the "invisible" scenery of the original Kinkakuji and hidden attractions.
NIjyo Castle
The highlight of Nijo Castle is its "historical" palace.
It is the only surviving palace in Japan, built 400 years ago.
In 1600, Shogun Ieyasu built it, ordering all feudal lords to get together there.
Some came with fear, some with humiliation, some with pride...
What happened that day? Nobody knows the answer, but this historical palace witnessed the day. You spend one hour here to learn about the Shogun's power and intentions.
Shorenin
To me, a history and culture guide, this is the most important temple in Kyoto.
In most cases, my tour ends here. I tell you some reasons. First, the highest rank of the temple in Kyoto. It also displays invaluable paintings. You can see the emperor's private room and the traditional landscape garden. Do you know the word wabi-wabi? Above all, this place refreshes you for tomorrow.
Nishiki Market
After the tour, how about drinking sake at Nishiki Market? There is a sake shop that serves a glass of sake at 100 yen.
Oh, I forgot to tell you that Kyoto is a sake production place.
Chefs highly evaluate Kyoto's water because it lacks iron. People often say Women's Kyoto sake and Men's Kobe sake. Which do you prefer?
Ending Point
as your wish
Want to personalize this tour?
- Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
- Click below to tell us what you are looking for:
Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
entrance fees, transportation costs, lunch
Tour Important Information
Transportation: public transportation and/or taxi
Important message from the guide
I can guide you in Hiroshima, Okayama, Kagawa, Nagoya and Takayama if you pay my transportation fee.
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
Kyoto Tour Reviews
Joseph C.
Explore Authentic Kyoto with History & Culture Expert
“Journey for the soul ”
Today was indescribably beautiful. At our request our guide made adjustments to accommodate our needs. His flexibility was greatly appreciated. He took us places of peace and tranquility. His knowledge of history and culture enriched us. We shared common values and connected with our guide on a deeply personal level. Because of him we will carry long and happy memories of Kyoto.
Masaki H.
(73 reviews)Joseph & Corinne, So nice, so wonderful tour indeed. One of the most unforgettable tours. Thank you for cooperation today. I hope I will visit your beautiful city Tigard with my wife next year. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Vikrant B.
Explore Authentic Kyoto with History & Culture Expert
“An amazing day with Mike!”
Mike was an outstanding tour guide during our visit to Kyoto, blending deep historical and cultural expertise with a warm and engaging approach. He skillfully led us through Kyoto's key palaces and shrines, enriching our experience with fascinating insights and stories. What truly set Mike apart was his ability to make history come alive, catering to everyone's interests and ensuring a memorable journey for all. A highlight of the tour was an incredible local lunch Mike arranged, allowing us to savor authentic Kyoto cuisine in a setting that felt welcoming. This thoughtful touch added another layer to our exploration of Kyoto, seamlessly integrating the local flavors with the cultural and historical exploration. For anyone seeking a comprehensive and engaging tour of Kyoto, Mike is the guide you want by your side. His passion, knowledge, and attention to detail make him an exceptional guide, ensuring your visit to Kyoto will be rich, informative, and incredibly enjoyable.
Masaki H.
(73 reviews)Hi Vik, Thank you for sending me a review. Nothing gives me more energy and stimulation than receiving a review. In Japan, we have a famous phrase, "ichi-go-ichi-e". It means "Once-in-a-lifetime chance." Our encounter may be the first and last. That's why each of us devotes him or herself to each other. This tour with you was really the exact tour of "ichi-go-ichi-e". All the photos with you will remind me of these sweet early-spring experiences. Thank you again.
“Very accommodating, friendly guide”
Mike is super kind, friendly and accommodating. He was excellent at communicating in advance of the tour. He gave us a very good high level overview of the key Nara sites and answered our myriad questions as best he could. He was energetic and didn’t mind being outside in the cold with us all day! He took many photos to share with us. Thank you, Mike!
Masaki H.
(73 reviews)Hi Anna, Thank you for your warm review. Your good heart encourages me to move forward. Spending a full day traveling reminds me of my younger days and helps me adjust to the coming new era for younger generations. Whenever I saw photos in the past tours, I missed heartful tours with my clients. Still very cold. Please take care of yourselves. Mike
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