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!!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or JR Kyoto Station
- Pick you up at your hotel or meet up at JR Kyoto Station
Fushimi-Inari Shrine
It’s famous for many orange gates called Torii. We walk through Torii Tunnel, so your wishes come true. I will tell you the reason why!
Admission:Free
Sanjusangen-do Temple (We would like to have lunch around here.)
Famous for the traditional Japanese archery contest called Toshiya. I would like to show you the incredible history of it. You may also be mesmerized by numerous Buddhist statuses in the old wooden hall.
Admission:600JPY/P
Kiyomizudera Temple
It's famous for wooden hall and stage, the layout of buildings with its green mountain background, established in the 8th century.
Admission:500JPY/P
Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, historical preserved area
These are stone pavement streets lined with many shops and cafés. You can feel the atmosphere of ancient Kyoto. Even Japanese people also like this nostalgy.
Gion
It's the biggest amusement quarter of female entertainers. You may encounter Geisha.
Nihiki Ichiba Food Market and Depachika food floor of Daimaru Department Store
We walk around Nishiki Ichiba food market and the food corner of a famous department store. You can enjoy various kinds of Japanese food and drink.
Downtown(Shijo Karasuma or Kawaramachi) in Kyoto
See you off in downtown Kyoto or at your hotel
Ending Point
At your hotel or Downtown Kyoto
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guiding fee, Guide's transportation and admission fees
Personal Expenses, Souvenirs, Public Trasportation Tickets, Food, Drinks, Snacks, and others
Tour Important Information
On this tour, we will use public transportation such as JR train, Subway, Bus or Taxi.
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!
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Koichi W.
Thank you for the wonderful rating and heartwarming comments. Though it was a short time, I was truly delighted to share such a wonderful time with a nice couple like you. I also sincerely appreciate you accommodating my request and allowing us to toast with beer at that secret??? public spot. I look forward to seeing you again. Arigato and Ookini!! Kkoichi
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
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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.
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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!!
$359/ per group
More tours by Koichi W.
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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
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
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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
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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 Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
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Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
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Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
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Eastern Kyoto, Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest
Experience the charm of tranquility in a mountain temple. Take a 3km walk around the foothills of the Higashiyama Mountain Range, visiting shrines and temples along the path. Starting at Seikanji Temple on Mt. Kiyomizu (242m height), follow the Uta-no-Nakayama Road to Kiyomizu-dera. Then, go through Sanneizaka and Nene-no-michi, and reach Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, we can feel old stories of tragic love while enjoying panoramic views of the Kyoto cityscape.
Eastern Kyoto, Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest
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