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Half-day eastern Kyoto must-sees and a hidden gem
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Joined 2023
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.
Itinerary
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
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
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)
Tour Important Information
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.
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 Shuji O.
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!
Reviews
Jeffrey M.
“A Quiet Day Exploring Ohara”
Our first day in Kyoto was in Ohara, a small but historically significant town NE of the city. Our guide reached our multiple times prior to our meeting to confirm day/time, but also inquired about what our hopes were for the day together. Shuji was on time and we found him to be the ultimate guide for this all day experience. As a retired history teacher, and native to the area, we had a guide with deep insight to places we explored together, which included 800 year old temples punctuated with hip coffee and lunch spots along the way. This was exactly what we were looking for after a hectic pace in Tokyo! If you are looking for a professional and knowledgeable guide to show you to the lessor seen corners of Kyoto, Shuji is the man.
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Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words! We had a nice day with you two. You knew how to enjoy the tour and appreciate the place and its history. We could travel to places that are less crowded but still charming. We enjoyed Ohara very much. We can't expect such a nice tour often. Thank you for the happy talk, too. Have a great time in Japan!
Dana W.
“Nara Park is key to visit”
We have an interesting visit to Nara Park which we learnt.
Shuji O.
Thank you for your review. You were very good at traveling, especially for your age. We enjoyed the statues and shrines. I hope you enjoyed the nice restaurant we went to for lunch. Thank you for choosing my tour for the last part of your trip to Japan. I hope this trip makes great memories for both of you!
Dana W.
“The Hongu temple is outstanding to learn about as well as the Turkey Museum history created an excellent relationship between Japan and Turkey.”
We have learnt from Shuji O on Japan history, traditions & culture.
Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words! Yes, we learned many things. First, we learned about the culture of Kumano. Second, we learned about the good relations between Turkey and Japan. We visited the museum where we learned about the sad and touching stories of the Turkish ship. During a storm, Japanese people saved many Turkish sailors. Thank you for a great experience. I was happy to be with you both.
$251/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
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The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years! There are so many historic sites and beautiful places that you will be at a loss for what to choose. Please tell me about your favorite. Considering the access, the season, and the time, I will make a suitable plan. I recommend some hidden gems if you like going off the beaten track. And also the charming famous popular tourist spots worth visiting when it is so busy. I will tell you stories to help you appreciate the place.
The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
Nara: the must-see place in Japan. Nara was the capital of ancient Japan before Kyoto became the capital. In the Nara era, Buddhism played an important role in stabilizing the country. So you can see many big old temples there. Many of these are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are concentrated in a small area. So, if you have only one free day to spend in the Kansai area, I highly recommend visiting Nara.
Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
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Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka
Among the many castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is truly special. You will feel happy just to be there when you see its beautiful figure over the surrounding cherry blossom or maple trees. It has a long and touching history. It is definitely a must-see in Japan.
Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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Explore Kyoto with a Local ! A Tailor-Made Day
A certified local guide from Kyoto will design a private tour just for you! Every itinerary is fully customizedーfrom destinations to timingーto suit your group's interests and pace. From Kyoto's iconic landmarks such as Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, or Nijo Castle to hidden gems. Tell me what you'd love to see or experience in Kyoto, and I'll create a personalized plan with my local recommendations. No idea yet? No problemーI'm happy to craft a special itinerary for you from scratch.
Explore Kyoto with a Local ! A Tailor-Made Day
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Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
Perfect for those with limited time, this well-organized tour allows you to experience Kyoto’s most iconic sights efficiently. The itinerary includes the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji, Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge. While these popular spots can be crowded, we utilize taxis to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey through this culturally rich city.
Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
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Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!
Please feel free to share your interests- places you wish to visit, foods you'd like to try, or how long you'd like to stay at each location. I"ll create a fully customized 8-hour tour just for you, blending famous sights with local hidden gems!
Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!
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Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour
Keifuku Tram is beloved as "Randen" by Kyoto local. You can enjoy the nostalgic tram ride that takes you the Bamboo forest path in the precinct of Tenryuji temple. This tour takes you to Ryoanji temple that is famous for its rock garden and the Golden temple (Kinkakuji). This tour also includes strolling in the Geisya district of Kamishichiken.
Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour
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