Exploring Kyoto in Rakutou (East) 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 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?
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, 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
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 9,330 guests all over the world across Japan as of June 30, 2025 since Feb 2015.
Reviews
Lynn L.
“Knowledge, patient and fun experience with Masahisa”
Our family of 5 spent the day touring Osaka with Masahisa. Since we didn't have much time in Osaka, Masahisa made sure we saw historical, cultural and modern experiences. We went to a couple of interesting museums and learned a lot of history and also got a break from the heat. He took us to eat and ensured we were taken care of. We went to the Umeda sky building and even to the Sumiyoshi Shrine. He was extremely patient with us as we navigated our way through the transportation system. He always gave us facts and history along the way. He took a lot of pictures of our family and really care for our experience. He took us all the way back to our hotel even emailed a detailed step by step guide on how to get to the airport . I highly recommend Masahisa (Mike) if you want to explore Japan. He's wonderful and kind!
Masahisa M.
Lynn Thank you very much for visiting Japan with your lovely daughters and your entire family, especially during this period of extreme heat. As I guided you through the area, I couldn’t help but reflect on the history shared between Portland and Kobe — two cities that have each played host to giants in the footwear industry. That legacy echoed in my mind throughout your visit. I understand that you’ll be returning to work right away, without taking a break after your trip. I sincerely hope you return home safely, carrying many joyful memories from your family travels. Please do visit us again. Thanks Masahisa
Olle L.
“Mike is a powerhouse”
Thank you Mike for battling the humidity and heat of Kyoto with perfect honour. You gave is great insights in Kyoto och Japanese culture and traditions and we hope we can come back and experience your beatiful country again
Masahisa M.
Olle Thank you for coming all the way from the beautiful land of lakes, greenery, and the mesmerizing aurora—a country admired by all. Here in Kyoto, where we were struck by an unseasonal heatwave, I can only imagine how exhausting it must have been for you all. I sincerely hope you all returned home safely. Thanks Masahisa
Keith W.
“Terrific Osaka tour”
Mike was a great tour guide for my son and I! He communicated a detailed plan before our trip, and was flexible to our needs. Mike kept up a running commentary on interesting facts and features for all the places we visited, and kept a perfect pace for us. He made excellent use of public transit all day long, and we got to see all the things we wanted. Highly recommend!
Masahisa M.
Keith Many thanks for coming all this way. Today turned out to be an unseasonably warm summer day, and I imagine you must be quite tired. Next time, please visit with your wife and daughter. Wish you safe return home with pleasant memory. Thanks Masahisa
$307/ per group
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