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!
Itinerary
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 city area
- Pick you up at your hotel
Bamboo forest in Arashiyama
We walk around Tenryuji Zen garden, one of the world heritage sites. The moment you get out of the temple, you probably happen to realize that you are in the midst of Arasiyama Bamboo Grove. If you like, the 20 minutes hike takes you to Mt. Iwata Monkey Park where you can meet cute monkeys.
Admission(Tenryuji Temple Garden):500JPY/P
Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama
Tenryuji is the highest ranked Zen temple amoungthe five Zen temples in Kyoto. The garden of the Tenryuji is designated as an UNESCO world heritage site.
Kinkakuji Golden Temple
The pavilion with its garden is the most beautiful photographed site in Kyoto. You've probably seen pictures of it. You must see it !!
Admission:500JPY/P
Kyoto Imperial Palace (or Nijo-jo Shogun's Palace)
The successive Emperors of Japan lived here, and had ceremonies of enthronement.
Admission:Free
Nishiki Food Market.
You can try viorious kinds of Japanese food. You would be able to find a good restaurant for lunch around the market.
Ending Point
Downown Kyoto near Nishiki food market
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/10288/90682.jpg)
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, Guide's transportation and admission fees
Your transportation and admission fees and other personal expenses
Tour Important Information
Time for lunch is not included in this tour.
Estimaed local cost would be about 2400 yen to 3400 yen per person
>Admission fee:1000 yen to 2000 yen per person
-Tenryuji Garen : 600 yen per person
-Kinkakuji : 400 yen per person
-Nijo-jo Castle : 1000 yen per person
-Kyoto Imperial Palace : Admission free
>Train fare : about 700 to 900 yen per person
>Bus fare : 460 yen per person
-If you take a taxi , the fare would be around 540 yen to 2000 yen per cab instead of bus fare. *Most cabs can accommodate up to 4 passengers including me.
Important message from the supplier
I usually use public transportation systems such as trains, buses, taxi, and so on.
I like outdoor activities. If you would like to do hiking, cycling etc., please feel free to ask me in advance.
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
About Tour Guide Koichi W.
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months.
I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems.
Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature.
I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Reviews
Ryan J.
“Great day in Osaka”
We recently visited Osaka for the first time. We explored the city with Koichi-san. Our itinerary included many highlights including Osaka Castle, Shin sekai, Dotonburi, and more! Koichi-san provided great details about each sight, and took great pictures of us! It was great chatting all day and learning about Osaka from someone who lived there! I recommend Koichi-san for a fun and informative tour!
Evelyn L.
“Excellent- Best Guide”
Koichi was the perfect guide. He was punctual and met us at our hotel early! He provided a brief overview and then off we went. This was the first time we’d used a guide and given this experience I wouldn’t hesitate to reserve with him again. . Koichi guided us to the key locations and provided us a brief historical background and context. Also helpful was he explained the layout of Kyoto train system and how to get around. Friendly and personable. I highly recommend him as a guide
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/10288/90682.jpg)
Koichi W.
Thank you for giving me such a nice rating and comment. I am very happy to have been able to share a wonderful time with you. I was delighted that you learned and used some Kyoto dialect. This time, we did not have much time. So please come again in the near future, since I would like to show you more interesting places and things next time. Arigato and Ookini!!
Tom R.
“Great days with Koichi”
We had two and one half days in Kyoto with Koichi and he was a great guide. He is prompt, friendly and very knowledgeable. Kyoto is such an amazing place, my only regret is not spending a few more days. Will definitely come back another time.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/10288/90682.jpg)
Koichi W.
Thank you for your wonderful review and kind comments. It would be an honor to see you again in the near future. Please do come back to Japan, and to Kyoto. And feel free to reach out to me anytime, even if you don't have a specific reason. Arigato and Ookini!!
$224/ per group
More tours by Koichi W.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11072/158120.jpg)
Eastern Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor - Full Day Tour -
Kyoto is a city full of charm, both ancient and modern such as the stone gardens of Zen temples, orange gates of Shito shrines, traditional cafés, local cuisine loved by Kyoto people, modern art museums and so on. I would like to show you not only major sightseeing spots but also small tips to enjoy the city. Let's explore together and discover the real Kyoto with me!!
Eastern Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor - Full Day Tour -
Western Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor Full Day Tour
Kyoto is a city full of charm, both ancient and modern such as the stone gardens of Zen temples, orange gates of Shito shrines, traditional cafés, local cuisine loved by Kyoto people, modern art museums and so on. I would like to show you not only major sightseeing spots but also small tips to enjoy the city. Let's explore together and discover the real Kyoto with me!!
Western Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor Full Day Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4825/82569.jpg)
Early Bird Half Day Tour Eastern Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple
Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? On this tour, we first visit Kiyomizudera Buddhist temple to avoid busy tourists. And then, walk down to Gion Geisha Town through Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka worshiper's path of the temple which is designated as a historical preserved area for its beautiful townscape. Then we are going to famous Fushimi Inari Shrine or Sanjusangen-do temple. Beat the crowds!
Early Bird Half Day Tour Eastern Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/2675/57724.jpg)
Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do
Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for many torii gates like an orange tunnel. But most tourists just visit only the entrance. I would like to show you the deep inside of Fushimi Inari Shrine through tunnel and take you to the top of mountain. From Inari mountain, we will walk a part of “Higashiyama Trail” hiking course, then we will visit the family temple of imperial house and Sanjusangen-do temple.
Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3879/145142.jpeg)
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)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/16782/67164.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18391/ed4593f6-89c9-4003-b806-3373a9a7f79d.jpg)
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70544/88cc0a4f-d90f-48f7-b564-6a62c80d1fcd.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12289/174364.jpg)
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/f91fb200-8cd3-42eb-ab83-22445375e494.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19327/df51ec9d-4cd8-46bc-987b-2b127ab84fea.jpeg)
Discover Kyoto with a Local – Learn Japanese Culture Through Real Stories & Sights
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.
Discover Kyoto with a Local – Learn Japanese Culture Through Real Stories & Sights
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/74454/a3ab365c-6e5c-4d1d-b92e-83e0bda2a9c6.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4826/82594.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4826/82591.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4826/82589.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4826/82587.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4826/82586.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4826/82583.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4826/82582.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4826/82579.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4826/82578.jpg)