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Cherry blossoms, fun, parks and country roads from Kyoto

Fun in nature

Kurondo Park

Japanese healthy obento

My van, Noah by Toyoda

Cherry blossoms

Lookout tower

Cherry blossoms, fun, parks and country roads from Kyoto

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2026

Kari M.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English (Native), Japanese

6 hours

Private tour (only you and Kari M.)

Up to 7 people

On this tour we will get out and enjoy the gorgeous cherry blossoms off the beaten path. There will be plenty of time to walk and enjoy being under the blossoms. We will eat a picnic lunch of your choosing (either Japanese obento or sandwiches and such). The first park has a fun play area for children, and the second one has pedal boats on a pond. You will enjoy time with your guide who is a mom and grandma and enjoys children and people of all ages. You will get to see a bamboo forest too.

Itinerary

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

11:00 AM

Meeting Point

Kyoto station, south side

- Please wait near the Hachijo East Exit, 1st floor, right in front of McDonald’s hamburger shop.

11:30 AM

Kyoto Highway Bus Stop

We will ride a comfortable coach bus through the city that will bring us to a quieter and more relaxing area in southern Kyoto prefecture. You will be able to see a lot of the city and small mountains in the distance as we travel.

12:00 PM

JR Matsuiyamate station

Here we will transfer to my 8 passenger van and I will tell you about the area that is right between Kyoto and Osaka as we drive.

12:30 PM

Yamada Ike Park, Hirakata

We will be greeted by cherry trees and blossoms as we begin our walk in the park. You will enjoyed walking under a long arch of cherry blossoms. We will have a picnic under the cherry trees. There is area for children with new play equipment that they will like. We can walk around the pond to see more cherry trees and also walk around the bamboo forest. We will have plenty of time to enjoy the park.

02:30 PM

Drive to Kurondo Ike Park in Ikoma, Nara

This park is another hidden gem, nestled among pine and cherry trees. Here we will enjoy more cherry blossoms, with plenty of time to feed the koi (big goldfish) and ducks, rent a pedal boat or row boat, and eat ice cream/snacks as we enjoy a glorious spring day in Japan together.

04:00 PM

Return to JR Matsuiyamate Station

While waiting for the 4:45 bus, we can do a quick shopping run at a little 100 yen shop or grocery store.

05:00 PM

Kyoto station

You will be back to where you started the tour. Thank you for a wonderful day together!

Ending Point

Kyoto 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

-Private transportation in my Toyota van (7pax)

-Gasoline fee and parking fees

-Bottled water

What‘s not included

-Public Transportation during the tour: Highway bus fare (700 yen person, both ways =1400 yen)

-Obento (800 yen per person)

Tour Important Information

* Please wear comfortable shoes.

* Actual times have been rounded to the closest 30 minute time.

* Please let me know in advance, what kind of lunch you would like or if you have any food allergies or restrictions.

Please contact me if you are interested in other places or dates/

Important message from the supplier

If you are interested in other days, please message me.

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 2026

Kari M.

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Kari M.

Hi everyone! I am a treasure hunter and I would be delighted to guide you to places of beauty and discovery. Life is meant to be enjoyed and that’s why now is called “the present.”

I am an American and have been living in Osaka for 37 years. I enjoy the simple pleasures of being in nature, hanging out with others, walking, hiking and eating tasty food. I am big on making new friends and memories together. I have been working as an English teacher all along and like being with people.

I have a Japanese husband, 3 adult children and 1 grandson. I can meet you at a train station and take you to some out-of-the-way gems. My van holds 7 people plus me, so I am happy to take a group or family sightseeing. I welcome travelers of all ages, including children and seniors.