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Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto
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Joined 2023
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.
Itinerary
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)
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
- 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.
Tour Important Information
- 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.
Important message from the supplier
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!
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 2023
About Tour Guide Nori I.
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!
Reviews
Christopher M.
“Arashiyama ”
We had a wonderful half day with Nori. He took us to see some less touristy temples around Arashiyama and was knowledgeable and helpful. We would not hesitate to recommend Nori if you’re lucky enough to be heading to Kyoto. Thanks Nori - we’ll be back! Chris, Stephanie and Laura
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Nori I.
I am really glad that you enjoyed my tour! It was a fun day for me as well. Especially this time of year the scenery in Arashiyama is amazing. Yes, please come back! Maybe in the spring to see cherry blossoms next time. Take care!
Jami N.
“Temple Tour in Kyoto”
We booked tickets in advance to visit Kokedera, a magical moss garden at Saiho-ji temple in the Nishikyo Ward. We met Nori at a nearby train station and took a taxi to the temple. The tour began with Sutra copying which served to put us in a peaceful mindset. The fall foliage along with the moss was beautiful and we couldn’t stop taking pictures! Nori then did a great job of orchestrating visits to Nisonin, Jojyakkouj, Ryoanji and Daitokuji where we learned a lot about the history and meaning of the temple zen gardens. The placement of rocks, the presence of all three elements (rock, water (represented by gravel), soil (represented by moss or trees), turtle and crane formations are all intentional and contribute to the feeling of balance and peace when viewing the gardens. Nori was prepared, patient, kind, knowledgable and flexible about walking vs taxi’s and stopping for a quick lunch. Highly recommend!
Nori I.
Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate it. Since you two had been to Kyoto so many times, I was a bit worried to make you totally satisfied. I am so relieved and glad that you two enjoyed my tour. Saihoji is truly a special place and especially this time of year it is definitely one of the best gardens in Japan. It was great that you were able to be there and experience it including Sutra copying. Hopefully you can come back and enjoy other amazing places of Kyoto as well someday. Take care!
Paul H.
“Private tour in Kyoto”
Our guide Nori was both highly personable and knowledgeable. He created a great itinerary that balanced seeing as much as possible without it being exhausting. I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone who is visiting Kyoto.
Nori I.
Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate it. Especially this time of year spending most of the day in Arashiyama was the best thing to do. I am really glad that you enjoyed the tour. Take care!
$192/ per group
More tours by Nori I.
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Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. 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 one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
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Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto
First, while it is early enough, we will drive and hike a little bit on the ancient steps to one of the oldest temples in Kyoto and Shiga called Hyakusaiji. After that, we will explore a castle that has a tower that is one of the five originals remaining in Japan, Hikone Castle. We will enjoy Oumi beef for lunch. Oumi beef is if not better, as good as Kobe beef known as one of the three best beefs in Japan. We will enjoy the scenery in Oumihachiman from the mountain top and the old moat.
Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
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Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
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Thousand Torii Gates & Sake: Fushimi Half-Day Tour
This half-day tour begins at Fushimi Inari Shrine, a sacred site with more than 1,300 years of history, famous for thousands of vermilion torii gates. Next, we will take a train to another district and visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. Here you will learn how Japan’s iconic drink has been crafted for centuries and enjoy a tasting of several sake varieties. We will wrap up the tour with a leisurely stroll through the lively Otesuji Shopping Arcade.
Thousand Torii Gates & Sake: Fushimi Half-Day Tour
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Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. 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 one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto