Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto
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.
Gion area
Will go through 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.
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 ¥600
- 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.
Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around the city and 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
Paul N.
“Five stars well deserved ”
Thanks Nori for guiding my son and I for the two half day tours of Kyoto in the extreme heat and humidity. Your knowledge and familiarity of the sites was invaluable and added greatly to our experience. Thanks for accommodating our wishes and helping with our souvenir shopping. You took the pressure off-lol. We definitely recommend your guiding services and wish you the best. Paul N.
Nori I.
Thanks for taking my tour! I really appreciate it. Due to the heat and your leg condition, I was a bit concerned but we were able to visit quite a lot of great places in Kyoto. I am glad you enjoyed visiting them! Hope your wife and family will be happy to get those souvenirs!!! Take care.
Beverly F.
“My 15-year-old daughter and I loved our tour with Nori! ”
My 15-year-old daughter and I had a fantastic day touring Kyoto with Nori! He was incredibly organized, responsive, and helpful during the planning process. His deep knowledge of history and culture made each stop in the Arashiyama area more meaningful, and it was such a relief to have him guide us effortlessly through trains, buses, and crowds. He was also so easy to be around—funny, kind, and very relatable. The highlight of our tour was Okochi Sanso, the stunning private garden we might never have discovered if not for Nori’s recommendation. It was an extremely hot day, and by the time we reached the Golden Pavilion, the line was so long we decided to pivot and go shopping instead—Nori led us to market spots where we found some of our favorite purchases, including sesame and wasabi snacks, a cutting board, a kiwi slicer, and Spingle shoes! (Nori—when my husband was feeling better, I took him to Spingle and we both ended up getting shoes there! :)) I highly recommend Nori—he’s an exceptional guide and a great guy!
Nori I.
Thanks for your kind words. It was a lot of fun for me as well exploring Kyoto with you guys! I thought maybe you bought something at a vintage shop in Teramachi but you bought Spingle shoes, huh! That is nice. Hopefully your husband is fully recovered and jumping like a kangaroo with the Spingle shoes!! ( : There is so many more beautiful places in Kyoto. Hopefully you can come back someday! Take care!
Nityanand B.
“Highly recommend Nori! Nori is truly amazing and his global travel experience adds to the Kyoto tour! ”
What a fantastic tour experience with Nori - 1. He is very knowledgeable about the historical significance of the various Japanese time periods. He is able to weave the historical series beautifully and it takes you back in time. 2. His global work experience adds a lot of flavor to the tour. 3. He is flexible with what we wanted on the tour. 4. He gave us some great food, tea ceremony suggestions for our time in Tokyo. Highly recommend Nori!
Nori I.
Thanks for your wonderful comments. Due to the high heat, I was a bit concerned but I am happy to hear that you all enjoyed my tour. Hopefully you can come to Japan again some time!! Take care, Nori
$201/ per group
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