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Discover Kyoto with a Local – Learn Japanese Culture Through Real Stories & Sights
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Joined 2025
Discover Kyoto’s cultural heart in just one day with a local guide. Visit three iconic spots: the golden beauty of Kinkaku-ji, the stunning hillside temple Kiyomizu-dera, and the peaceful bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Along the way, you’ll learn real stories, traditions, and the deeper meaning behind each place. This tour blends famous sights with local insights, giving you more than just photos — it gives you a true connection to Kyoto.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Meeting Point
- At train station or your accommodation in Kyoto - Depends your travel plan we can make decision!!
Kiyomizu-dera & Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka
Enjoy the wooden stage view, hear about warlords’ prayers, stroll through historic candy and craft shops.
Optional: Kimono rental available upon request
(requires advance reservation and 30–45 min extra time).
Lunch in Gion or anywhere!!!
we can do Omakase or Anything you want to eat!!!
we can play it by ear during a tour!!
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Learn about its reflection photography, builder shogun, and Zen garden design.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Togetsukyo Bridge
Walk quieter bamboo paths, capture beautiful shots by Kasugawa River.
Tour ends at Arashiyama or Kyoto Station
Assistance with train schedules and transfer directions.
For Kyoto sleepers: local izakaya and hot-spring ryokan recommendations (like Gion Yata)
Ending Point
Tour ends at Arashiyama or 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
Guide fee
Hotel pick-up
Entrance fee for you and guide Kiyomizu-dera 500yen, Kinkaku-ji 700 yen
Lunch for you and guide (Omakase-style lunch: ~¥10,000 per person)
Public transportation fee
Optional: Kimono rental available upon request
Tour Important Information
Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Anytime is okay!!!
Important message from the supplier
Even if something comes up last minute, I can usually make it work!
Ask me anything!!!
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 2025
About Tour Guide Leo A.
Hi, I’m Leo!! your local-friendly tour guide in Japan. Easy to talk to, fluent in English, passionate about Japanese history, and always ready to show you hidden local spots. Whether you're here for travel, filming, or just good conversation!! I help you connect naturally and deeply with Japan.
Let’s explore the real Japan, together.
Reviews
Zoie E.
“Felt like a local”
This was my 2nd tour with Leo, and I'm so glad that not only is he a tour guide, but he can also become something like a friend thanks to his warm personality and knowledge. I'm very interested in experiencing things off the beaten path, and going to local restaurants, and this tour was perfect to scratch that itch!!! We passed through a shopping street, and he even accompanied me to different stores and cafes as we walked, before and after the restaurant. The restaurant itself was amazing! They served delicious Okonomiyaki, and I got to practice my little Japanese with locals who frequented there. I realized after that I should've customized it to experience many more "local" things, so I recommend anyone considering this tour to ask about other experiences. Thank you, Leo!
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Maggie B.
“Best Birthday EVER”
My husband & I booked a private tour with Leo based on my own interests, & Leo did NOT disappoint! He was very attentive, it was clear that our stops were thoughtful, & our conversations were truly a delight. Leo is incredibly personable, understanding, & cares very much. There isn't a single bad or even neutral thing I could say about our lovely guide & awesome tour - it was such an enjoyable way to spend our day. Thank you so much, Leo!
Ray C.
“Family vacation”
Our guide Leo took our family of 6 adults on a tour of his home town Osaka, picking us up at our hotel in Kyoto. He introduced us to Osaka’s historical sites, Osaka famous street food and great shopping locations. He provided interesting information on the sites visited and proved to be a very engaging and personable person. To facilitate the return to our Kyoto, Leo took to the train needed to reach our hotel. Each of the tour members thought very highly of Leo and would without reservations recommend him to others needing an excellent your guide. We will certainly contact him for future tour needs in thr Kyoto, Osaka area. RayC
$224/ per group
More tours by Leo A.
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Osaka Off the Guidebook: A Hidden Gem Even Locals Recommend!
Just have fun eating Okonomiyaki and sipping sake with Osaka local people! I’ll be your translator so you can ask anything when we socialize with Japanese guests at the same restaurant. If you don’t prefer Okonomiyaki, no problem—I can recommend Takoyaki, Ramen, or Kushikatsu, and even arrange a visit to an Izakaya-style restaurant. After dinner, we’ll stroll through a lively local shopping street, where you can explore hidden gems, discover unique shops, and soak up the everyday life of Osaka.
Osaka Off the Guidebook: A Hidden Gem Even Locals Recommend!
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Discover Osaka’s Local spots: Minoh Waterfall & Katsuo-ji Temple
Step into Osaka’s local nature with a forest hike to the breathtaking Minoh Waterfall. Then explore Katsuo-ji Temple, surrounded by thousands of red Daruma dolls and known as the Temple of Victory. This tour blends hidden natural beauty and deep tradition—an authentic escape beyond the city.
Discover Osaka’s Local spots: Minoh Waterfall & Katsuo-ji Temple
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Kyoto’s Must-See Wonders: Red Gates, Bamboo Forest & Golden Temple!!
Experience Kyoto’s top highlights in one unforgettable day. Walk through thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an iconic symbol of Japan’s spiritual heritage. Wander the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and enjoy its riverside charm, a perfect escape into nature. End the day at the shimmering Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), glowing against the reflection of its tranquil pond. This tour blends culture, history, and natural beauty—capturing the true essence of Kyoto in just one day.
Kyoto’s Must-See Wonders: Red Gates, Bamboo Forest & Golden Temple!!
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Only Japan experience at local place with local people!
You can experience only-Japan things, especially in Osaka!! Making Okonomiyaki and "cup ramen" brings you a lot of amazing memories. Let's have some fun together!!!
Only Japan experience at local place with local people!
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
Tour will start from the Hotel in Kyoto. Frst visit is Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavillion ),then, to Ryoanji tmple where is famous for rock garden. Tour will stop at Arasiyama area to take lunch and visit Togetsu bridge, Bamboo grove, Tentyuji temple and others. The last visit is NIjyo castle. As these places are normally crowded. using chartered taxi is highly recommended in order to effectively use your valuable time in Kyoto.
One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
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Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
Perfect for those with limited time, this well-organized tour allows you to experience Kyoto’s most iconic sights efficiently. The itinerary includes the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji, Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge. While these popular spots can be crowded, we utilize taxis to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey through this culturally rich city.
Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
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Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
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Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Kinkakuji
Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? I would also like to take you some hidden gemes in Kyoto. Beat the crowds!
Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Kinkakuji
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