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 9,513 guests all over the world across Japan as of March 31, 2026 since Feb 2015.
Reviews
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
Nino T.
“Exploring Kyoto in Rakutou (East) and Rakuchu (Central)”
The tour with Mike was unbelievable. We packed so much in to one day and all learned quite a lot about Kyoto and the many beautiful shrines and temples to explore. Th opportunity to gain access and visit some of the lesser known and less busy Shrines was a bonus and we are very grateful to Mike for suggesting these and helping us to arrange the passes. This is a great way to contrast Kyoto more known tourist spots with the beauty and calmness of the imperial gardens Thank you Mike.
Noah L.
“A Great Kyoto Tour with Mike-San”
Mike was an absolutely fantastic tour guide. He came armed with a wealth of knowledge and catered / specialized the tour on the fly to match our curiosities and interests. An all-around special guy. His energy and enthusiasm were infectious. Took some Polaroids with him to commemorate the day. We like Mike!
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Masahisa M.
Noah I am truly grateful that you came all the way to Kyoto and that I was able to spend such a wonderful time with you and the professor. My only regret is that the visit to the Uzumasa studio set could not be arranged this time, as it coincided exactly with their filming schedule. King C. Gillette, when introducing his groundbreaking invention of the disposable razor blade, identified the following three conditions for achieving success in business: 1) The ability to incorporate the latest technology into the product 2) The existence of widespread demand for that product 3) The capability for mass production (that is, producing large quantities at low cost) With these three elements in place, his “razor blade business” achieved worldwide success. After watching your commercial videos, I was deeply impressed by your talent and artistic sensibility. Walking through Kyoto with all of you—future leaders of American cinema—has become a precious memory for me as well. I hope we can meet again someday, either in Japan or in the United States. Wishing you great success in your future careers in the film industry. Thanks Masahisa
$281/ per group
More tours by Masahisa M.
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Exploring Kyoto in Rakutou (East) and Rakuchu (Central)
Kyoto is known as exotic sightseeing places and numerous historic, quaint old monuments are seen all over the town. This tour covers part of Rakutou (East district) and Central district. Visiting Rakutou, Gion, Yasaka-jinja shrine, Kodai-ji temple, Kiyomizu-dera temple are the most famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Particularly well known for the deity of love and marriage in Rakutou area.
Exploring Kyoto in Rakutou (East) and Rakuchu (Central)
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Exploring Kyoto in Rakusai (West) and Rakuchu (Central)
Kyoto is known as exotic sightseeing places and numerous historic, quaint old monuments are seen all over the town. This tour covers part of Rakusai (West district) and Central district. Visiting Rakusai , Tenryu-ji temple represents the Kitayama culture. Nijyo-jo castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace in Rakuchu (Central district) are the cultural center during Heian, Momoyama and Edo periods.
Exploring Kyoto in Rakusai (West) and Rakuchu (Central)
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Exploring Osaka
8,000 years ago, Osaka slept under a large seashore lake. This city of lake later turned to a city of smoke and eventually grew into the 2nd key international city after Tokyo. Birth place of industry in Japan, such as bank, insurance, steel, machinery, spinning, medicine, ship building, electrical appliance, etc. Touching days of Osaka ,Then and Now.
Exploring Osaka
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Exploring Nara, Nara Pref
Nara is ideal for those who wish to see not only numerous historical structures but also to touch, feed wild deers roaming freely around in the Nara Park. There are 8 UNESCO heritages in Nara spotted sparsely in the historic regions which have full of rich tales in Nara period (from 710 to 794). Visiting 4 UNESCO heritages (3 temples and 1 shrine) in this tour in addition to one Japanese garden.
Exploring Nara, Nara Pref
Other Popular Day Trip Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto’s Must-See Wonders: Red Gates, Bamboo Forest & Golden Temple!!
Experience Kyoto’s top highlights in one unforgettable day. Walk through thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an iconic symbol of Japan’s spiritual heritage. Wander the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and enjoy its riverside charm, a perfect escape into nature. End the day at the shimmering Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), glowing against the reflection of its tranquil pond. This tour blends culture, history, and natural beauty—capturing the true essence of Kyoto in just one day.
Kyoto’s Must-See Wonders: Red Gates, Bamboo Forest & Golden Temple!!
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Charming must -see in north west area of Kyoto city
This tour covers 4 must-see sightseeing spot . Firstly, we visit the golden pavilion. We go to Arashiyama. We walk through Tenryuji garden and bamboo forest. In the afternoon, we'll visit Nijo castle. (We enjoy watching a live demonstration of Japanese sweet making with green tea(Mattcha).Finally you can learn about Kyoto’s traditional and wonderful kimono
Charming must -see in north west area of Kyoto city
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Your most memorable tour in Kyoto
Kyoto is an ancient capital that has existed for over 1000 years. There are many shrines and temples, and you can also see traditional Japanese culture such as tea ceremony and flower arrangement. You can also see the beautiful scenery that will take your breath away. Please feel Kyoto, which can be said to be the origin of Japan, with all five senses.
Your most memorable tour in Kyoto
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Customized Private Tour in Kyoto
This is customized private tour in Kyoto which guests can create easily by selecting any spots from a list of popular tourist destinations. The list consists of 16 tourist destinations (S01-16) that are very popular especially among foreign tourists. After the guest's selection the guide will arrange best itinerary with tour cost and feedback proper offer to the guest for formal booking.
Customized Private Tour in Kyoto
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