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!:)
“A perfect day in Kyoto”
Shogo went out of his way to meet us at the port and provided an in depth action packed day that exceeded all our expectations. He was a very kind and generous guide and we were happy in his company. We were able to see almost everything on our list including the Gion festival parade. Shogo was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his country and customs and went out of his way to share them with us.
Shogo K.
Dear Michael, First of all thank you so much for booking me at the far back of the guide list. I'd like to express my great respect for your bravery?:) In addition thank you so much for your wonderful review. Indeed the highlight of the tour was the Gion Festival parade. Great to know that you enjoyed Kyoto to the fullest, though it was a scorching/humid day. Again thank you very very much, Warmest regards, Shogo
Kristina H.
Kyoto Full Day Private Tour from Osaka Port, Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Customized
“A great day out in Kyoto!”
We had a wonderful day with Shogo in Kyoto! The fact Shogo met us from the ship really took the stress out of the adventure and the tour around Kyoto was informative and fun. Shogo was a patient and kind guide with my family a d even showed us pictures of his family so we felt very welcome. Thank you Shogo !!
Shogo K.
Dear Kristina, I feel grateful for your wonderful review of my Kyoto tour. Indeed I had a great day with you and your lovely family. I still remember your wonderful daughter and gentle son. One thing I regret is that Kyoto Imperial Palace, your priority, was unfortunately closed on the day. Good news is that now I'm a fan of Colorado Rockies. "Go Dinger!!" Best regards, Shogo
“Perfect introduction to Kyoto ”
Ahogo met us at our hotel promptly. Since our tour was utilizing public transportation he had travel cards ready for us to use, the cost to be settled at the end of the tour. He had the stops well planned by area in order to avoid too much crisis crossing around the city. Ahogo gave us very in-depth explanations of the correlation between Shinto and Buddhism, and showed deep knowledge of historical events. He is a soft spoken man with great passion for sharing information about his country. His command of English is perfect and was always eager to share his knowledge with us. We definitely recommend you book with Shogo.
Shogo K.
Dear Gigi, Thank you for the wonderful review. I'm so grateful to know that you enjoyed exploring inner reaches of Kyoto's historical sites. Because of your thoughtful cooperation and early blooming cherry blossoms coming out, I felt as if I were strolling in a beautiful paradise with good and old friends of mine.:) Many thanks to you, Gigi, your generous husband, and lovely friends.:) From "Henpecked"
$363/ per group