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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
Georgia H.
“Tour of Kioto ”
Shuji was great! He met us at our cruise port and guided us from Kobe by Bullet train to Kioto. Once there we visited gardens, busy historical street and saw a Geisha show. Great historian and pleasant tour guide. Highly recommended. We were a group of 8 and kept us in line! Thank you Shutsi.
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Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words, even though you're so busy. Yes, we loved Kyoto. Even though there were a lot of you, you all worked well together. We enjoyed it until the very end. Enjoy the rest of your trip to Japan!
Larry E.
“Crazy Street (The Zoo)”
Shuji O showed us around to several sites. We visited Osaka Castle, Rose Garden, Sky Tower and ‘Crazy Street’. His insight and knowledge helped us understand and appreciate each of these sites. He was also very flexible and able to adjust the tour to our needs and accommodate our changing requirements. We definitely recommend you as a guide to anyone visiting Osaka by cruise ship. Thank you Shuji. You made our visit to an Osaka very memorable experience. Arigato!
Shuji O.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review and for the great tour! Yes, everything was indeed nice today. We enjoyed the fully bloomed roses and the interesting places we visited. I hope they will become lovely memories for you both. Thank you!
Simon W.
“Fantastic day trip of Kyoto with a true expert”
My family were lucky enough to have Shuji show us around Kyoto on a day trip to all the key sites. Shuji advised us to start early at 7am which was great advice to avoid the crowds and the heat. Shuji has a wealth of knowledge on Japanese history and the key facts at all the spots we stopped. My two daughters in the early 20s and my wife and I found Shuji interesting in a wealth of subjects and we were so happy to spend time with him. If you are looking for a very professional tour guide Shuji has our full recommendation without reservation. Thank you Shuji - it was great having all your help and wisdom - and also your kindness and good humour! Simon
Shuji O.
Yes, I was also so happy to spend time with you. This is one of my fondest memories! Despite the heat, we enjoyed exploring the Kiyomizu Temple early in the morning. We ended in the Gion district, which interested you all very much. I was so happy to have such great conversations with you. Thank you very much for telling me all about our favorite, Mark Knopfler!
$263/ 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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Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Since there are so many beautiful places densely in eastern Kyoto, we can take a walking tour there. Please add or skip some. This is an example of a walking tour in eastern Kyoto, emphasizing history and culture. We will use the train only once or twice.
Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
Tour will start from the Hotel in Kyoto. Frst visit is Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavillion ),then, to Ryoanji tmple where is famous for rock garden. Tour will stop at Arasiyama area to take lunch and visit Togetsu bridge, Bamboo grove, Tentyuji temple and others. The last visit is NIjyo castle. As these places are normally crowded. using chartered taxi is highly recommended in order to effectively use your valuable time in Kyoto.
One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
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Discover Kyoto with a Local – Learn Japanese Culture Through Real Stories & Sights
Discover Kyoto’s cultural heart in just one day with a local guide. Visit three iconic spots: the golden beauty of Kinkaku-ji, the stunning hillside temple Kiyomizu-dera, and the peaceful bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Along the way, you’ll learn real stories, traditions, and the deeper meaning behind each place. This tour blends famous sights with local insights, giving you more than just photos — it gives you a true connection to Kyoto.
Discover Kyoto with a Local – Learn Japanese Culture Through Real Stories & Sights
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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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