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.
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 Keihan Yodoyabashi station whichever closer to your hotel. If you stay in Kyoto or Nara, we can save 30 min travel by train to Keihan Shijo station. 50 min train ride from Keihan Yodoyabashi station to Keihan Gion Shijo station. 20 min walk to Yasaka-jinja Shrine from Keihan Gion Shijo station.
Yasaka-jinja Shrine
20 min walk from Yasaka-jinja Shrine to Kodai-ji Temple, through beautiful Ishibe-Koji Alley (Stone wall alley) , authentic chic side path in Kyoto in absolute tranquility
Kodai-ji Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Nishiki Market
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?
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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, Nara, Kyoto)
*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)
*Admission fees, tickets as might be incurred for the guide 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 at private or public entertainment facilities for
the guide
Tour Important Information
Busy and full of crowds all year round in Nishiki market where you can find various kinds of fresh and traditional Japanese dishes for every day meals. In Gion, the center of Geisha community, you may or may not catch sight of Maiko (junior) or Geiko (Senior) hurrying to teahouses. Yasaka-jinja shrine hosts one of the three most important festivals of the year in Kyoto, Gion Festival in July. Ishibe-Koji alley (Stone wall alley) leads you to Kodai-ji temple from Yasaka-jinja shrine and next stone steps prolonged to Kiyomizu-dera temple through exotic and stunning beautiful Sannei-zaka slope.
- IMPORTANT -
Not suitable for tours with infants, children, senior people, wheelchairs and strollers.
Be quiet and respectful in Temple and Shrine complex
Remove hats and sunglasses in front of main sanctuary in Temples, Shrines
Not to touch old buildings, old remains and objects
Not to take pictures where prohibited in Temple and Shrine complex
Take your shoes off before stepping on tatami
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
Jake and diana R.
“A Must-Do While In Kyoto”
We had such a special with Masahisa! He was the perfect tour guide, taking us to 10 different locations throughout East Kyoto each of which he was extremely knowledgeable about. He knew where to take us at what times in order to avoid crowds and brought us to quiet, beautiful locations that we wouldn’t have found otherwise. This was one of our favorite activities of our entire Japan trip and we could not recommend Masahisa more! He also took so many photos for us without us even asking, a true professional in every manner. :)
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Masahisa M.
Jake and Diana Thank you for coming all the way from the “Windy City,” where I spent my working years and made countless cherished memories. It is my only regret that I was unable to show you the few remaining places in Kyoto where the quiet elegance of the ancient court culture still lingers. Still, spending the day with beautiful couple brought me great joy, and I truly had a wonderful time. Once again, I sincerely appreciate your long journey to visit, and I would be delighted if, in some small way, I was able to contribute to creating memorable moments from your trip. Thanks Masahisa
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Sam F.
“Wonderful day in Kyoto with Masahita”
Masahita knows the history and cultural significance of the shrines, temples, and important sites in Kyoto. We enjoyed spending the day with him. Masahita is a true Japanese gentleman who looks out for his guests and goes the extra mile to take care of their needs. He walks at a brisk pace and keeps his group on task so that you can cover a lot of ground in a single day. He explained so much about the Japanese religious customs. He also prepared a dossier for us with very helpful recommendations for our free day in Kyoto. I highly recommend Masahita.
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Masahisa M.
Sam Thank you for traveling such a long distance with your wife and sons to visit us on your family trip. Kyoto, the ancient capital, now has only a few places left where one can still sense the serene and austerely elegant atmosphere of the old court culture. I would be delighted if you were able to feel even a small part of Kyoto’s timeless charm. I understand that you will continue your journey with your wife to various regions of Japan on and on. I sincerely hope your travels will be filled with wonderful memories, and I pray for your safe return home. Thanks Masahisa
Aerdevacanta A.
“Amazing trip!”
We also visited Kyoto with Mr. Masahisa and, once again, we were very impressed. Managing a group of 20 people from a cruise ship can be challenging, but he made it look easy. He tailored the itinerary perfectly to our interests and ensured everything ran smoothly. He is very professional and has a great way of explaining the local culture. We highly recommend him if you are planning a trip to Kyoto!
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Masahisa M.
Andra I hope everyone returned home safely. Thank you for traveling all the way to Japan. I truly appreciated your cooperation and smooth coordination throughout the tour. I only wish I could have shown everyone the cherry blossoms in full bloom, but I hope the group still enjoyed their time in Japan. If there is anything I can assist you with in the future, please feel free to let me know. Thanks again for your hard work in taking care of the 20 guests throughout the tour. Thanks Masahisa
$282/ per group
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