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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
Eric P.
“Off the beaten track”
Shuji was very friendly, knowledgeable and fun. We had a great time and enjoyed being in less touristy area. Thanks again for a wonderful experience.
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Shuji O.
Thanks to your choice, we enjoyed places away from the crowds. We had a wonderfully relaxing and fun time in quiet, beautiful spots. Since it was only a half-day tour, I really wish I could have shown you around more. I hope our tour, along with the photos I am sending you, will bring back wonderful memories of your trip to Japan. Thank you very much for your great review!
Chelsea E.
“Amazing tour of Kyoto with Shuji!”
We had a wonderful walking tour of Kyoto with Shuji! The tour covered all the major highlights while being thoughtfully tailored to our interests and preferences. Shuji was incredibly knowledgeable and provided excellent information and explanations throughout the tour, which really helped us appreciate the history and culture of each place we visited. He also took many amazing photos of us, finding creative, unique, and varied angles that made for truly special memories. He was especially thoughtful and considerate about our dietary restrictions, taking care to find a lunch spot that could accommodate our needs. The entire tour was engaging, informative, and personalized. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to explore Kyoto and highly recommend Shuji to anyone visiting!
Shuji O.
Thank you so much. I’m truly happy to receive such a wonderful review. It brought back memories of all the amazing places we visited and the restaurants where we got lucky. We even went to some pretty unusual spots, didn’t we? It was a wonderful experience for me, and I hope it will be a wonderful memory of your trip to Japan for both of you as well!
Tom B.
“Shuji is an extraordinary guide, do not miss out on this opportunity”
Shuji is known and respected in Kyoto and his decades of experience shine through in his explanations. He led us on a beautiful downhill course beginning at Kiyomizu Temple. Each time he said "and around this corner, you'll find another world," we were truly in another world. We will always be grateful to him.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for the great review! Yes, there are so many wonderful things in Kyoto. We discovered amazing places just by turning the corner. It was like entering a different world! But I'm sorry, I made you walk so much when you were jet-lagged. I hope this trip will be a good memory for your family!
$254/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years! With so many historic sites and stunning sights, it can be hard to decide where to go first. Just tell me what you're interested in, and I'll design a customized itinerary tailored to your schedule, the season, and ease of access. Whether you prefer hidden gems off the beaten track or iconic highlights that are well worth the crowds, I’ll share fascinating stories along the way to bring each location to life!
The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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Western Kyoto: Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Since my tour is always flexible, you can add seasonal events and other activities you like. I will suggest options based on the season. Arashiyama is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. This area also has many other beautiful places with touching stories. We can visit two World Heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji.
Western Kyoto: Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
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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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Let's enjoy your Half-day Kyoto Tour!
Half-day Kyoto Tour would be personalized according to your interests and preferences. If you don't like the busy sightseeing spots, I'm happy to suggest the suitable itinerary for you on your requests. Let's enjoy your own tour to experience a wider variety of cultures in Kyoto! The meeting time would be flexible based on your schedule, for example, 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM (or 1:00 PM) would be available. === I would appreciate it if you could visit my page on Facebook by my name "Tohru Shimagaki".
Let's enjoy your Half-day Kyoto Tour!
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Experience the BEST of KYOTO!
For 8 hours, we will explore Kyoto's symbolic places and marvel at its over 1100-year-old history, culture, traditions, and food. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience this wonderful former capital of Japan with only a day or two to spare for traveling in the region.
Experience the BEST of KYOTO!
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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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Kyoto beginner’s tour
Kyoto popular spots & must visit spots -Fushimi Inari 1000s Ted Torii gate shrine -Kiyomizudera temple (world heritage) -Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka -Gion geisha district -Nishiki food market
Kyoto beginner’s tour
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