Eastern Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor - Full Day Tour -
Joined 2018
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?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guiding Services, Hotel pick-up
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
Joined 2018
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
Andreas S.
“Incredible 2 days visiting Kyoto and Nara”
What an incredible 2 days of sight-seeing around Kyoto and Nara. Koichi is a wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and passionate guide. We took in all the main sights of Kyoto and Nara and Koichi was always willing to share information and point out interesting facts at all the different places we visited. We took in all these sites yet still there was more to see and do if we had had the time. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Golden Temple, Nijo-jo Castle, Tenryuji Zen Temple, Nara Deer Park, Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Byodo-in temple. Koichi was always on hand to provide the history of the places and also took the time to explain the Japanese language and the differences in the local dialect as well whilst we were travelling between areas. If I could give more stars I would. Ookini Koichi-san we all thank you so much for the memories and I hope to take you up on your offer of a Sake tour next time.
Koichi W.
Hi! Andreas san. Thank you for your wonderful message and rating. Once again I am looking at the photos of the two-day tour with you and remembering the days. I really appreciate the wonderful time you shared with me. It was only recently, but I still remember the days with fond memories. Koichi
Sara V.
“Western highlights private Kyoto tour”
Our private tour of Kyoto’s western highlights was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, our guide Koichi provided an enriching, and personalized experience that exceeded all expectations. We explored the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, marveled at the elegance of Tenryu-ji Temple, strolled along the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, and visited the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Koichi was both educational and enjoyable. This private tour was a true highlight of our trip to Japan. If you want to explore Kyoto’s western treasures this is the way to do it. Highly, highly recommended! Koichi was superb. I would give him more than 5 stars!
Koichi W.
Thank you for your excellent comment and rating. It is my great pleasure to hear that you are so pleased with the tour . Your review will inspire me to do better next time. Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Arigato and Ookini!!
Sara V.
“Eastern Kyoto private tour”
I can’t recommend this Kyoto tour highly enough! Our guide Koichi was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also warm, professional, and passionate about Kyoto’s rich history and culture. From the moment we met, he made us feel welcome and tailored the tour perfectly to our interests. We explored iconic sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizudera, visited Gion town and walked around Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka streets. Koichi provided historical context, local legends, and even restaurant recommendations that only a true local would know. His English was excellent! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a deeper dive into the city, this tour is absolutely worth it. It was one of the highlights of our entire trip to Japan!
Koichi W.
Hi! Sara san. Thank you so much for your wonderful rating and comments too. I couldn't be more honored that you enjoyed the tour so much. I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to meet again. Arigato and Ookini!!
$357/ per group
More tours by Koichi W.
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!
Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto with a private guide
Nara is a very beautiful and interesting city known by the old name of "Yamato". It was established as the first permanent Japan's capital in the year 710. There are a lot of historical monuments in this ancient city, such as Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and so on. Nara"deer"park is also one of must-see areas. Let's walk around and play with the lovely deer!!
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!!
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.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest in Eastern Kyoto
Experience the charm of tranquility in a mountain temple. Seikanji is a temple in Mt. Kiyomizu (242m high), which enables us to look down a fan-shaped view of the Kyoto area from the temple grounds covered with green moss. The temple retains such anecdotes as the emperor’s tragic love and the Waka poem composed by the incarnation of Buddha. We hike along a path at the mountain's edge from the less crowded tiny Seikanji temple to the heavily crowded huge Kiyomizu-Dera temple.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyma to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
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. Also, Kyoto is getting very crowded due to a lot of foreigners visiting there. 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 the oldest Japanese sweet shop in Murasakino.
Private tour Fushimi Inari, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market Start form Kyoto or Osaka
Kyoto is the ancient and modern blend seamlessly. Join me on a private tour to explore two of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks: Fushini Inari, Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle, culminating in a vibrant exploration of Nishiki Market. Enriching journey through Kyoto's past and present, where each moment promises a new discovery.
