There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. Also, Kyoto is getting very crowded due to a lot of foreigners visiting there. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference.
I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with Wabi Sabi such as those in Sagano and the oldest Japanese sweet shop in Murasakino.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or wherever you choose
Kiyomizu Temple
Will visit Kiyomizu temple which is one of the most well known temples in Japan. Established in the 8th century and the temple has been welcoming people from across Japan and now from all over the world. It is one temple that is better to have someone explaining the meanings of all the areas inside.
Walk on Sannenzaka and traditional narrow paths to Gion
Will stroll on the famous Sannenzaka after seeing Kiyomizu temple and see the well known Yasaka pagoda. We will continue walking towards Gion by going through the old traditional narrow paths.
The Gion area
Will go through the Gion area where you can see the traditional tea houses that Maiko/Geiko (Geisha) entertain customers. If you are lucky, we might be able to come across the beautiful geisha ladies going out and about.
The Nishiki Market
After going through the traditional Gion area, we will walk over to the Kyoto's Kitchen, the Nishiki Market. All kinds of Japanese food especially ones famous in Kyoto such as Kyoto pickles are there to see and possibly try. Kitchen related items such as the famous Aritsugu knives are sold here.
Ending Point
West side exit of the Nishiki Market (Takakura street)
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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.
- Interpretation/guide fee
- Transportation fee (you and the guide), lunch (you and the guide), entrance fee, experience fee (if included)
Examples of entrance fees: Kiyomizu temple ¥500, The golden Pavilion ¥500
Arashiyama Monkey Park ¥800
- Lunch and transportation costs for the guide also have to be borne by your side.
- In order to create a fully customized tour, we need enough time to plan together. Please book well ahead of your time of travel to allow
enough time to communicate by email and come up with the best tour for you.
- This tour involves walking and public transportations.
- This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
- Need to allocate at least 45 - 60 mins for lunch time.
- The guide will not be liable for any injuries or loss incurred during the tour. It is recommended to have overseas travel insurance.
Also, please remember to carry enough cash in Japanese Yen since some small stores do not accept credit card. Thank you.
For some tours I can not guide everyday due to facility and store closings. Please send me a message and check my availability first before booking. Thank you!
I have lived in the US, UK, and India for approximately 20 years, and I’ve also traveled to about 30 countries. Living abroad for such a long time made me realize Japan’s value and sparked my interest in working as a translator/guide for foreigners. I’m truly passionate about introducing people to historical sites, authentic Japanese culture, and stunning natural spots that may not be widely known to people outside of Japan. There are countless places that I believe people would love.
I am a certified English interpreter guide certified by Kyoto City, Uji City and Otsu City. Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around the Kansai region including Kyoto, Shiga and Mie. I’m here to ensure your trip to Japan becomes an unforgettable memory. Looking forward to meeting you!
Wei G.
“Best experience ever”
we spent a few days with Nori, and it was wonderful. He is professional, knowledgeable and considerate. He made our trip to Kyoto and surrounding areas better than what we had hoped for. If you are looking for a guide, you can’t go wrong with him.
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Nori I.
Thanks again for taking my tour for four days. Every day was a challenge for me with all the interesting questions you guys had but it was a learning experience for me as well. Hope you will have a safe flight home. Hopefully we can meet again in Kyoto or NY/NJ! Take care!
Wei G.
“A great day in Kyoto”
Nori was excellent, very knowledgeable and considerate. I highly recommend having him as a guide.
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Nori I.
Thanks so much for the kind words. I appreciate it. We have more days left. I will make sure you guys will have the best time here!
Michael G.
“Kyoto is beautiful even when it rains ”
Nori is a wonderful guide, perfect for a private tour. We enjoyed it even though it was a rainy day. We learned a lot about the history, architecture, horticulture, food of Kyoto. Be prepared to walk a lot, some of it uphill. There were a lot of people there. I so appreciate how polite people are, even in a crowd. The market was exciting to me, a foodie, but might be overwhelming for anyone who doesn’t like the number of people. Nori found us a beautiful, new restaurant where we had an excellent meal at the end of the tour.
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Nori I.
Thanks for leaving such a kind review. I really appreciate it. It was fun for me also exploring Kyoto with you two. I am glad you were able to have a good time. I just hope John is ok. Hope you guys will come back to see different beautiful scenes of Kyoto sometime in the future. Take care!
$196/ per group
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