Exploring Kyoto in Rakunan (South)
Kyoto is known as exotic sightseeing places and numerous historic, quaint old monuments are seen all over the town. This tour covers part of Rakunan (South district). Visiting Byodo-in Temple which was converted into a temple by Fujiwara-no-Yorimichi in 1052. It symbolizes the Buddhist Paradise.Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, central shrine for more than 30,000 Inari shrines, is full of tourists.
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 Kansai District (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara or Kyoto)
To meet you at your hotel lobby, with Gowithguide welcome sign board your name on. Followed after brief tour orientation, we start the tour of the day
We take you to Osaka METRO station or JR, private railway station to lead JR Osaka station whichever closer to your hotel. If you stay in Kyoto or Nara, we can save 30 min travel by train to JR Uji station.
Byodo-in Temple
15 min walk from JR Uji station to Byodo-in Temple.
Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine
We take JR railway from JR Uji station to JR Inari station. (20 min ride) 0 min walk to the first Torii-gate of Fushi-Inari Taisha Shrine.
Tofuku-ji Temple
We take Keihan Electric Railway, 10 min train ride from Keihan "Fushimi Inari Station"
At your hotel in Kansai district
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kansai District (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara or 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
Included:
*Guide fee, hotel pick-up fee in Kansai District (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Kyoto or Nara)
*Travel expense as required for the guide to travel with customers by means of public transportation such as train, subway, bus.
Travel expenses for the guide included herein are limited within Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kobe)
*Admission fees, tickets for the guide as might be incurred at temples, shrines or the like.
*Meals , drinks or the like for the guide during the tour
*Any tax or the like as might be incurred by the guide in Japan
*Gratuity
Not included:
*Fees to cruise river or sea or the like for the guide
*Tickets for Universal Studio Japan, museum or the like for the guide as might be required at private or public
entertainment facilities.
Tour Important Information
Uji where Byodo-in Temple was built is a city famous for historic temples and its green tea. A short walk along with Uji river to Kisen-Bashi bridge is so romantic and remind us of The Tale of Genji, a novel written by a noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu in Heian period. The cormorant fishing is held in the evening from July 1 to September 30.
Tourists can’t resist tasty foods at street stands which are lined in both side of approach to Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine. It has been a place of wide worship for the guardian god of abundant crops, businesses, prosperity and family safety since Inari Okami (god of harvest) was housed on Mt.Inari in 711. Approximate 10,000 Torii shrine gates stand which have been offered by worshippers nationwide as a testament of their prayers and gratitude.
- IMPORTANT -
Not suitable for tours with infants, children, senior people, wheelchairs and strollers.
Be quiet and respectful in Shrines and Temples
Remove hats and sunglasses in front of main sanctuary in Shrines and Temples
Not to touch old buildings, old remains and objects
Not to take pictures where prohibited in Shrines, Temples, Castles and museum.
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 Masahisa M.
Lived in Chicago (5 years), Toronto (1 year), Singapore (2 years), Indonesia (4 years) and Birmingham, UK (11 years) to construct business platform, now retired after 40
years employment in Japan. Dynamic tour guide who develops many different ways along with rich experience overseas to entertain large or small tour groups. Enjoys the interaction with tour groups, very strong group presentation and communication skills, finds each guest question as an opportunity to learn anything new. Constantly learning information about each tour spot to enhance tours. Guided 9,581 guests all over the world across Japan as of June 30, 2026 since Feb 2015.
Reviews
Federico F.
“Wonderful and packed with experiences.”
Masahisa was an extremely professional guide who provided us with all the information we needed about the various places we visited. We had a great time, and even though the itinerary was quite full, the day passed pleasantly, including for our two teenagers, aged 14 and 16. Masahisa was also very friendly and personable, which made the tour even more enjoyable. In addition, he provided us with plenty of useful information and suggestions in advance, which helped us organize the rest of our trip more effectively. Highly recommended!
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Masahisa M.
Federico It was a great pleasure guiding your family in Kyoto, and I am truly grateful that you chose to visit our ancient capital during your journey from Rome. I hope the time we spent together offered even a small glimpse into the court culture that once flourished in Kyoto. I also enjoyed meeting your wonderful children. Please give them my warm regards. One day, I hope to visit Sicily—the only region of Italy I missed to visit by this time. Wishing you and your family all the best. Warm regards Masahisa
Ena S.
“Wonderful!!”
From the very beginning of the process Masahisa was very generous with his time, providing plethora of practical information & advise ( not only for our tour with him, but for our overall stay in Japan). His organizational skills, punctuality & professionalism made our tour very efficient. His sense of humor, in depth knowledge of history & tons of interesting & unusual facts made a big difference in how we spent the day. Small gestures of generosity (one of them, getting deer treats in advance) were very touching. Thank you very much & hope to use your services again!!
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Masahisa M.
Ena I hope the long walk through Nara Park was not too tiring for you. It was wonderful to welcome you back to Nara after 11 years. I would be delighted to hear how the city felt on your second visit. I sincerely hope that the rest of your trip in Japan will be memorable and that you both return home safely. Thank you again for visiting us from afar all the way. Thanks Masahisa
Nino T.
“Exploring Osaka”
We booked Mike for Osaka tour after we had an amazing tour a few days earlier in Kyoto. Once again very thoughtful itinerary was planned for us to take into the the Museum, Tenjin Shopping Street, Kiromon Market Dotonbori street for lunch. A highlight was Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and a delightful tram ride. Another memorable day with Mike exploring Osaka.
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Masahisa M.
Nino Thank you so much for traveling such a long way to visit Japan. I feel honored to have guided you in Kyoto and Osaka, and I’m very happy to know the tours added something meaningful to your trip. Please take home many wonderful memories, and I hope our paths cross again someday. Thanks Masahisa
$278/ per group
More tours by Masahisa M.
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Exploring Kyoto in Rakutou (East) and Rakuchu (Central)
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Exploring Osaka
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Exploring Osaka
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Kyoto’s Must-See Wonders: Red Gates, Bamboo Forest & Golden Temple!!
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