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Full Day Kyoto highlight Tour
Joined 2017
This course has four choices. Please select one of the four courses shown below. Rick will guide you deep inside the Kyoto history, culture, tradition and nature in each course. Each course can be customized upon your request as far as possible. Every course has spectacular spots which will satisfy you with visiting Kyoto!
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 central kyoto
< West course > Nijo castle - Tenryuji temple - Bamboo groove - Golden Pavilion
Theme: History, Garden, Nature
Please enjoy the history and beautiful garden in Nijo castle, Tenryuji temple, Golden pavilion and please breath the nature in Bamboo groove.
< Central course > Nijo castle - Kyoto Imperial palace - Heian shrine - Gion area
Theme: History, Garden, Tradition
Please enjoy the history and beautiful garden in Nijo castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace and Heian shrine and please feel the Kyoto tradition in Gion area.
< East course > Silver Pavilion - Philosopher's path - Kenninji temple - Gion area
Theme: Zen, Garden, Tradition
Please enjoy the Zen culture and the beautiful gardens at Silver Pavilion, Kenninji temple and please feel the Kyoto tradition in Gion area.
< South course > Fushimi Inari shrine - Sanjusangendo temple - Kenninji temple - Gion area
Theme: Japanese religions and Tradition
Please touch the Japanese Shintoism at Fushimi Inari shrine and Buddhism at Sanjusangendo temple and please feel the Kyoto tradition in Gion area.
Ending Point
At your hotel or anywhere requested
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
guide fee, hotel pick-up in central Kyoto area
transportation fee(apx. 1,500JPY by subway/bus/local train per person or apx.6,000JPY by taxi), entrance fee(apx. 1,000 to 2,300JPY per person), lunch(apx. 1,500 to 2,000JPY per person)
Tour Important Information
The transportation for this course is public transportation as bus, subway, local train. Taxi may be used depending on the situation.
The total walking distance of each course is about 5 to 6Km, so please confirm if you are ready for the walking.
The tour order for visiting each spots might be changed depending the location of your hotel or starting point / time.
West course and central course will not be operated on every Tuesday in January, July, August, December and between Dec.26 to Jan.3 because Ninomaru Palace of Nijo castle will be closed. In central course, Kyoto Imperial palace will be closed every Monday or the next day (when a Monday is holiday) and between Dec.28 and Jan.3. Also it might be closed on some specified days for some events. In this case, Kenninji temple, etc. will be replaced to Kyoto Imperial Palace.
This tour is not available on all days in August.
Important message from the supplier
In case you want to book my tour for two or more consecutive days, please send me a message in advance.
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 Rick I.
My nick name is Rick and Japanese name is Ryoichi. I was born and grew up in Kyoto. Kyoto has so many sightseeing spots based on its 1000 year history. I will propose you the "must see" spots from local eyes not only temples & shrines but also alternative side of Kyoto. As Kyoto certified English guide, I will guide you with high hospitality for your satisfactory stay in Kyoto.
1. For the first visitors
I will prepare the tour with selection out of the spots as Nijo-castle, Imperial Palace, Nishiki-market, Gion amusement quarter, Arashiyama area and some temples and shrines of World Cultural Heritage Sites based on your request and taste.
2. For the visitors who want to see more spots than regular tours
I will prepare some unique tours like visiting Fushimi area for Sake brewery and riding classical boat, visiting some traditional handicrafts ateliers, enjoying traditional performing art, etc.
Please make any inquiry for your preferred type of Kyoto guiding without hesitation. I would be happy to propose you with the type of tour that makes your visit in Kyoto unforgettable one.
Credentials:
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN01767)
Kyoto City Licensed English Guide (EN00004)
2nd Grade of the licensing examination on knowledge of Kyoto history & culture
Reviews
Fiona H.
Kyoto customized tour for Fiona H on Dec. 18, 2024
Customized
“An informative and enjoyable tour of Kyoto's highlights with a kind and knowledgable guide”
Rick guided us on two tours, first to see Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, and Nishiki Markets, then the second to Kiyomizudera temple, sights around Gion, and Kenninji temple. We really appreciated Rick's passion for both the history and culture of Kyoto. His knowledge was invaluable at every site, but especially at Nijo Castle and Kenninji temple. In fact for me, Nijo Castle was a highlight due to learning about the history of the shogun there and the meaning of the paintings and architecture. Rick was also armed with a folder of pictures to explain the locations further, so we could compare the old vistas with those of today or understand the detail of the construction methods, which are extremely impressive, not only for their scale but for surviving earthquakes and the centuries. Rick is also a kind and considerate guide. I had already worn my feet out in Tokyo (lots of standing!), and Rick regularly guided us to seats which allowed me to pace myself. He also suggested an excellent local ramen restaurant for lunch after our second tour, conveniently located near our next destination. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Rick and happily recommend him to anyone seeking a courteous and informative guide to Kyoto. Thank you, Rick, for making our visit a pleasure.
Marian T.
Customized Kyoto highlight tour for Marian T. on Oct. 7, 2024
Customized
“Great Guide”
Rick did an awesome job showing us around Kyoto, we loved it.
Rick I.
(63 reviews)Dear Marian, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm glad that you enjoyed the tour. We had nice conversation during the tour and it is my nice memory with you. I hope Kyoto will be one of your best memories in Japan and you will come back sometime in future. Best regards, Rick
“3 days Kyoto October 14- October 16”
Rick was our guide for 3 days. We greatly appreciated his knowledge and explanations about historical contexts and his pleasant collaboration. Thank you Best regards Bernhard
Rick I.
(63 reviews)Dear Bernard, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm so glad the you enjoyed the tour. I also enjoy talking with all of you throughout the three days. Especially on the last day, we enjoyed Gyoza and it is my nice memory with all of you. Best regards, Rick
$346/ per group
Reserve
