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
Your hotel or a place you would like to meet.
I will come and meet there.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Will visit the most famous bridge in Kyoto. The view from there with the mountains and river have been admired for centuries.
Arashiyama Monkey Park
Will hike up a small mountain to the top to see Japanese monkeys wondering around freely in the park.
Tenryuji and Bamboo forest/path way
Will go through the garden of Tenryuji and go to the bamboo forest.
Okochi Sanso Private Garden
Right behind the bamboo paths one of the most beautiful gardens in Kyoto is hidden. The trees in the tranquil gardens as well as the views of the city and mountains from there are sure to impress you.
Giouji with the beautiful moss garden
Will visit Giouji which is further in the back of Arashiyama to see the beautiful moss garden.
Restaurant for lunch
Will have a lunch of your preference in Arashiyama.
Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion)
Will visit the famous Kinkakuji which is also called the Golden Pavilion. It is registered as one of the 17 World Heritage sites in Kyoto.
The Nishiki Market
Will visit the Nishiki Market which is known as Kyoto's kitchen. Originally started with a few fish stores about 1200 years ago and now lively shops not just food related are there on the street of Nishiki. You can try traditional Japanese snacks as well as modern Japanese sweets and etc.
Your hotel or wherever we decide to end
Will either go back to your hotel or finish around the market area.
Ending Point
At your hotel or wherever you choose
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: The golden Pavilion ¥500, Daitokuji ¥1,550 for three sub temples,
Arashiyama Monkey Park ¥600
- 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.
- Might have to use taxi as well in case busses are fully occupied and etc.
- 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 store closings. Please check my availability on each tour page. 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.
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!
Kenneth D.
“Wonderful Day with Nori!”
Nori is pleasant, helpful and flexible. We will change paths instantly based on your preferences. He is very knowledgeable about all things Kyoto: history, places to go, must see’s and where to pause for food, drink and rest. The pace of the tour is up to you, and Nori will accommodate all of your needs. We highly recommend Nori for any type of tour that you wish!
Nori I.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it! Some places I thought about were closed but in the end those alternatives were even better. I understand you still have many fun days ahead in Japan. Please enjoy! Take care!
Gerald D.
“Amazing Experience , Outstanding Individual ”
I was so blessed to have Nori as my guide for Four non consecutive days in Kyoto. Visiting this culturally & historically prominent city during peak cherry blossom tourism season can be challenging, particularly for a first time visitor. Nori was outstanding in every way including helping curating the itinerary in a way that was effective, made sense whilst trying to circumvent the crowds. It takes only a genius to curate an same day itinerary where you are ahead of the crowds in Ryoan-ji & Kinkaku-ji respectively & consecutively, whilst still being early enough to see Gingaku-ji, the Philosopher’s path , Nanzen ji with extra time for other activities. An otherwise overwhelming & seemingly impossible task was done. This would not have been the case, otherwise.
Nori I.
Thanks for leaving the kind comments. I appreciate it. We were able to cover quite a lot of places in Kyoto during the four days. I think you saw enough amazing cherry blossoms this time. Hopefully you can come back in the fall to see the beautiful foliage next time!
Christine V.
“Nori will try to understand what you would like to do or see before you meet him.”
If you are looking for a Japanese Guide in Kyoto who understands what you would like to do or see, and who speaks English perfectly, Nori is a person I’d warmly recommend. If the weather forecast doesn’t allow to visit the program you had, he will get in touch with you the day before and make different suggestions. In a nutshell, he is hands-on and is there for you.
Nori I.
Thank you so much for leaving such a kind comment. It was really a pleasure exploring Kyoto with you. Often I take my guests to zen temples and gardens but with you visiting them was a whole new experience each time. Cherishing each moment is something I should do more and including other things I learned so much from you. As you said, maybe you were really in Japan in past life. Hope you can come back to experience foliage as well sometime in near future. Have a safe trip back home and hope to see you again!
$364/ per group