There are so many beautiful places for visitors in Kyoto. If you don't have enough time or don't want to be bothered with a lot of research, I will show you how to travel more comfortably by taking the non-standard route. This is an example of a half-day trip to Kyoto in the fall. You can easily visit hidden gems and must-see places when you book my tour.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Meeting Point
at your hotel lobby in Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Popular for the countless vermilion Torii Gates
We will use routes which locals do to avoid busy areas and traffic jams.
A hidden gem. Highly recommended.
It has a nice nickname 'Rainbow Moss Temple.'
Very nice architecture. You can sit quietly and enjoy the beautiful garden.
You can enjoy tea (only in autumn).
Tofukuji Temple
It’s a must-see place in the fall. Famous for its stunning fall foliage and beautiful gardens. Zen Buddhist temple with ancient history.
Kiyomizu Temple to Higashiyama Hills (If you have been there, you can change it to another place)
Stunning views and atmospheric hills
Gion district
You may see some Geisha in the evening
Ending Point
Your hotel or where you never get lost
Ending Point
At your hotel
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, hotel pick-up
transportation fee (you and the guide) for a train (about 500 yen/per person) or a taxi (about 1,500 yen/per vehicle)
lunch
admission fees (about 3,000 yen/per person, no guide needed)
We will walk on the paved road. But we go up and down stairs. So, please put on easy walking shoes. Please take water with you. Please walk with your speed. There are so many photo spots.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport.
I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds.
I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature.
I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan.
If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
Michael M.
“Wonderful day tour of Kyoto with Shuji”
Shuji was a fantastic, caring guide who listened to our wishes and took us on a mix of the top spots along with some hidden gems including. Lunch which was incredible.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your kind words. Your preparation for the tour was perfect. We enjoyed the cherry blossoms everywhere we went, making it a very happy day for us all. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it very much. We rarely see the full-bloomed cherry blossoms in such beautiful places on such a beautiful day. Please enjoy the rest of your tour in Japan.
Lexi C.
“A Perfect Day in Kyoto with Shuji ”
We had an incredible experience touring Kyoto with Shuji as our guide. He took us to some of the most beautiful places in the city, all while making the day feel effortless and smooth. Thanks to his deep knowledge of the area, Shuji was able to navigate us efficiently from one spot to the next, which allowed us to be fully present and soak in the natural beauty, especially important during this magical cherry blossom season. We felt so lucky to be here while the blossoms were in full bloom, and even luckier that Shuji knew exactly where to take us to avoid the heavy crowds. Each location felt peaceful and unrushed. He was also incredibly accommodating, adjusting the itinerary to include some special spots we wanted to see. On top of all that, he shared the rich history of each site with us, adding so much depth and meaning to our visit. We would highly recommend Shuji to anyone looking for a thoughtful, well-prepared, and genuinely kind tour guide in Kyoto. Thank you Shuji!!!!
Shuji O.
Thank you so much for your great review. It is rare to have such a wonderful trip in our lives. Kyoto was full of cherry blossoms, and it was bright and fun. Thanks to your cooperation, I could show you the wonderful places to my heart's content. I also had a lot of fun. I hope this incredible trip will become a cherished memory for both of you.
Jonathan T.
“An unforgettable Tour Experience”
Shuji was absolutely fantastic, he was knowledgeable, engaging. He went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. we would highly recommend Shuji to our family and friends.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your great review. I am glad if I could satisfy your wishes. I appreciate your perfect preparation. And we were lucky to visit Kyoto just before it gets too crowded. The cherry blossoms has just gegun to bloom the day before and we could enjoy both the ume and the cherry blossoms at the same time. It rarely happens. Yes, we were so lucky. I also enjoyed these tours very much. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Have a wonderful trip to Hiroshima!
$280/ per group