Exploring Kyoto in Rakusai (West) and Rakuchu (Central)
Joined 2017
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.
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, Kyoto or Nara)
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 ~ 45 min travel by train to JR Saga Arashiyama Station. 20 min walk from JR Saga Arashiyama Station to Bamboo Grove. Tenryu-ji Temple is located annexed in halfway walking through Bamboo Grove.
Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama and Tenryu-ji Temple
Nijo-jo castle
30 min ride from Arashiyama station, Keifuku line to Nijo-jo-Mae, Kyoto METRO station.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
10 min ride from Nijo-jo-Mae Kyoto METRO station to Maruta-machi Kyoto METRO station.
End of this day tour at your hotel in Osaka. Will arrive at your hotel earlier if you stay in Kyoto or Nara.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Kyoto or Nara)
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
Included:
*Guide fee, hotel pick-up fee in Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara and Kyoto)
*Travel expense for the guide as required to travel with customers by means of public transportation such as train, subway, bus.
Travel expenses included herein are limited within Kansai district (Kansai district = City of Osaka, Nara, Kyoto)
*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 as might be required for the guide at private or public entertainment facilities.
Tour Important Information
Arashiyama changes its color from season to season and Sagano is a tranquil spot, beloved by emperors and nobles. Bamboo grove make you feel romantic and become a movie star. A shrine called Nonomiya-shrine built in the midst of grove, may help you find a partner for life soon. Fantastic to walk a beautiful bridge, Togetsu Bridge and listen to the murmuring of the Katsura river. Carefully maintained and preserved Bamboo grove is also a must-see spot. The head temple of the Tenryu-ji branch of the Rinzai Sect of Zen Buddhism has both a botanic garden and a gorge-water garden, borrowed landscape from Mt Arashiyama to part of the garden. Tokugawa shogunate came to an end in this castle, Nijo-jo castle in 1867 with the announcement of hand over the authority back to the Emperor by last Shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu. Kyoto Imperial Palace was partly open to public from July 26, 2016 and is held in high regard as a piece of Japan’s cultural heritage. Nijo-jo castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace will tell you long historical tale in Kyoto from 794 to 1867.
- IMPORTANT -
Not suitable for tours with infants, children, wheelchairs and strollers.
Take your shoes off before stepping on designated area (Nijo-jo Castle) and tatami mat.
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 Imperial Palace.
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 2017
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 9,173 guests all over the world across Japan as of Mar 31, 2025 since Feb 2015.
Reviews
Abel G.
“Exactly what we were looking for!”
Masahisa did a fantastic job guiding us in Kyoto, optimal scedule tailored to our needs. He shared his deep knowledge of arts and culture and did it all in an entertaining way.
Masahisa M.
Abel When I was together with your family, I was reminiscing about the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, the Royal Palace, the Parliament Building, and the floating restaurant that I visited several times. Thank you so much for coming all the way from the beautiful 'Pearl of the Danube.' Thanks Masahisa
Judy W.
“Beautiful day in Kobe”
Masahisa was a lovely ,knowledgeable gentleman. Unfortunately he was so soft spoken that there were times we had to have him repeat information as we had difficulty understanding him ( even though he has excellent command of English). Despite that ,we had an enjoyable day with him.
Masahisa M.
Judy How was your trip to Kochi ? Did you also enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Hirosaki ? Thank you for taking the time to visit us despite the long journey. Thanks Masahisa
Timothy L.
“Exploring Nara”
Masahis was a most professional and excellent tour guide. We had time constraints, and he efficiently guided us traveling from Kyoto, through Nara, and back, an informative tour with informative commentary, much appreciated.
Masahisa M.
Timothy Thank you for traveling a great distance to visit us. I am deeply impressed by the remarkable achievements of your family, including your son, who ranked first in the state in the mathematics contest, and collective contributions of your family to the medical field. Should the opportunity arise, please visit us again. Thanks Masahisa
$316/ per group
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