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
Scott G.
“All Day With Kochi in Kobe and Osaka ”
We had an absolutely fantastic time with Kochi. We had a 9 hours booked with him and it went by in the blink of an eye. He is knowledgeable, funny, energetic, and just an all-around great guy. We had such a wonderful time learning about the history and culture of Osaka and Kobe and even shared an incredible lunch at a local restaurant. I highly recommend Kochi and this tour. It was like seeing Japan with a dear friend.
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Koichi W.
Thank you very much for giving me such a rating and your heart-warming comments. I am delighted to have had the opportunity to spend time with such a wonderful couple. If you ever have the chance to visit Japan again, I would love for you to come and visit Shiga, where I live. Arigato and Ookini very much!! Koichi
Lacey H.
“Excellent tour for family with kids - 10/10 recommend! ”
We did an 8 hour tour with Koichi and had a fabulous time. He was incredibly patient with our two children 7 and 10), and he did a great job balancing explaining the history to us, while also finding engaging ways to teach our children about Japanese history and tradition as well. We saw more than I had hoped for, learned a lot, and had fun along the way. He took us to a great local spot for lunch and showed us local treats. We booked the tour for our first full day in Kyoto and it also helped us get our bearings for the city. Another unexpected bonus was all the family photos we got - Koichi was great about recommending where we would want great shots! My only regret was not booking him for more than 1 day, as we would have loved to see other parts of Kyoto or Japan with him! We will absolutely be reaching out to book another tour with him, when we return to Japan next!!
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Koichi W.
Hi! Thank you so much for the wonderful review and your heartwarming message. Although our time together was brief, I look back fondly on the moments I spent with you and your family. Spending time with your lovely child was a truly joyful experience for me. Please do come back to Japan—and to Kyoto—if you ever have the chance. By the time I see your child again, I’m sure they’ll have grown quite a bit.
Isabelle M.
“Koichi was a wonderful and thoughtful guide! ”
We truly enjoyed Koichi guiding us thru Kyoto. He was a wealth of information. If you want to discover Kyoto and learn all about it’s history and the meaning behind everything, you need to have Koichi guide you. His hidden talent is photography!! He made wonderful pictures of us to remember this memorable day! Thank you so much Koichi for a wonderful experience. We will come and visit again.
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Koichi W.
Hi! Thank you for giving me such a nice rating and heartwarming comments. I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to meet such a wonderful couple. Though our time together was brief, I am genuinely happy we shared such a delightful time. I hope we can meet again in the near future. Please do visit my hometown of Shiga next time. Arigato-gozaimasu!! Koichi
$415/ per group
More tours by Koichi W.
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Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion
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 Golden Pavilion
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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Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
Escape the crowds with a private taxi pickup from your hotel. This 4-hour journey takes you to a Hidden Bamboo Sanctuary—a mystical, quiet grove with thousands of ancient stone figures. After visiting the magnificent Tenryu-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage), we’ll enjoy a "slow walk" to discover my favorite boutiques. I’ll guide you to high-quality Japanese stationery, traditional crafts, and seasonal sweets. Experience the authentic, spiritual beauty of Kyoto at your own pace.
Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
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A Zen Immersion at Daitoku-ji Temple: Gardens and Tea
Daitoku-ji is a renowned Zen temple founded in 1315. During this visit, we will explore three to four of its 24 sub-temples that are open to the public. You will gain insight into Zen philosophy while enjoying serene gardens and traditional ink paintings, as well as an introduction to the tea ceremony rooted in Zen practice. Optional add-ons include a zazen meditation experience (subject to availability) and a Zen vegetarian lunch. Refresh yourself in the tranquil grounds.
A Zen Immersion at Daitoku-ji Temple: Gardens and Tea
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