This is a full day private tour of eastern Kyoto.
We will visit must-see places in eastern Kyoto with over 1,200 years of history, such as Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka alleys, Kiyomizudera Temple, Sanjusangendo Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Gion area.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Kyoto or JR Kyoto Station's Information, 2nd floor
Ninen-zaka & Sannen-zaka
Fancy alleys with traditional local shops and restaurants on both sides.
Firstly we'll stroll through Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka, which are stone-paved fancy alleys leeding to Kiyomizudera Temple. It is just like strolling through the very Kyoto's traditional streets.
Kiyomizudera Temple
Kyoto's representative temple built in 798, noted for its extended veranda
Kiyomizudera Temple is characterized by its huge veranda, 13 meters high, from which you will enjoy breathtaking view over Kyoto.
Sanjusangendo Temple
Housing 1,001 Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) with a thousand hands in its 120-meter long main hall
Sanjusangendo Temple is characterized by its 1,001 Buddhist statues (kannon or the Goddess of Mercy) with 1,000 hands.
Fushimi Inari Shrine plus lunch
Famous for its 1,000 plus vermilion shrine gates
Fushimi Inari Shirine is world famous for its 1,000 vermilion Shrine gates, ranked # 1 as a must-see tourist spot in Japan.
Gion
Home of Kyoto's maiko/geiko, initially built to accommodate travelers to nearby Yasaka Shrine
Finally we'll explore Gion. Gion is retaining the good old days of Kyoto. If you are lucky enough, you will see a beautiful Maiko/Geiko (so called Geisha in Tokyo area) on a street.
Your hotel or your convenient place in Kyoto, or your cruise port
See off
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kyoto or or your convenient place in Kyoto
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee
transportation fee (about 1,500 JPY per person, you and guide), entrance fee (1,100 JPY per person, you only), lunch (you only)
This tour is subject to change due to traffic congestion especially in the tourist season.
We will walk for several hours, about 15,000 steps, on this tour. So sneakers might be recommended. Please check my availability before you ask me in order to save your time.
I can also guide you in Hiroshima (Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima), 1-day tour. My transportation fees to/from Hiroshima cost about 20,000 JPY, return.
Hi! I'm Shogo, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in English. "Shogo"? Looks a little bit hard to pronounce. So if you are interested in Samurai or Busho, call me "Shogun". (rather humble and hen-pecked at home, though.:)
Just a little bit information about myself. I was born and grew up in Himeji, about 50km west of Kobe. When a child I quite often visited world-famous Himeji Castle. So it's like "MY castle." As a student, I lived in Kyoto for four years. I'm a father of three, and have lived in Kobe with my family for over 30 years.
So I'm quite familiar with various tourist spots/attractions in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Kobe and the like, all in western Japan. Also I've lived in Lawrence, Kansas, for two years in my 20s as a Jayhawk. Great old memory!:)
Here are some of my specialties.
First, I can show you around popular historical sites and relics in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Himeji. You'll surely feel the depth of Japanese culture by visiting these places. Second, I can offer you special tours of fancy sake breweries in Kobe, Nara and Kyoto. Third, I also guide you around Hiroshima, including magnificent Itsukushima Shrine.
My goal/dream as guide interpreter is to help you explore and understand Japan and its culture with warm hospitality or Omotenashi. So please reach out to me any time, 24/7. For your super memorable trip, "Always with YOU" Shogo!:)
Rebecca N.
“Wonderful Kyoto”
Had a fantastic day visiting the sights of Kyoto. Can’t believe we saw so much in one day. Shogo is a wonderful guide. Highly recommend
Rebecca N.
“Fabulous day in Osaka ”
Shogo is fantastic guide. Took us from port to many amazing sights. Highlight was a beautiful lunch of okonomayaki in beautiful restaurant. Osaka is lovely place to visit and Shogo is great.
Rebecca N.
“Fabulous morning in Kobe. ”
Even with wet weather we still had a wonderful time with Shogo. Visited China town and sake brewery. Shogo is a wonderful guide. Lots of patience when we stopped to look in shops. Highly recommend
$386/ per group