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Half-day eastern Kyoto off the beaten track
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Joined 2023
There are a lot of wonderful places in Kyoto, especially in the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
But, because of that, such places are so busy.
So I escort you to not busy, but still beautiful places.
Sometimes I wonder why tourists don't visit those places. This tour is to visit such places and I don't walk on a busy road.
In the end, I'd like to recommend a restaurant, considering your allergy or preference.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or the station
- At the lobby of your hotel or the train station
Shinnyodo Temple
Although this is an old historical rather large temple, not so busy because of the access.
You can enjoy the quiet atmosphere sitting in front of beautiful gardens, the Higashiyama on the backdrop with beautiful fall foliage.
Philosophers Path
A beautiful path along a canal with many cherry trees and fall foliage
Eikando
You can enjoy the interesting structures of the building. This is truly a mecca for fall foliage less busy.
Ending point in some your favorite restaurant
Where you are never at a loss to go back to your hotel
Ending Point
At your hotel or some your favorite restaurant
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 3,500 yen),
lunch (you and the guide)
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. We can be flexible.
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
Luis felipe G.
“Kyoto in a Rush”
With so much to see in beautiful Kyoto we were left with a desire to come back. Shuji, a former History teacher, made our tour memorable. He was very accomodating on our needs and showed us what we were most interested. We were lucky to be in Kyoto at the peak of the fall and had opprtunity to see the autum colors in full blown. Shuji took us to the mecca of the fall where we were amazed at the sights. Thank you for such a memorable tour
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Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words. Yes, Kyoto has many wonderful places. I'm so sorry there were no time to going to the Kinkakuji Temple. We had to go back to the ship in time. I was very happy to talk about history. I was surprised to see how much you know about Japan. We also enjoyed talking about Ken Follett's novels. If we had more time, I could show you more places. Yes, please come back to Japan again. Thank you so much for the fun time!
Shannon L.
“Excellent guide and experience”
Shuji took my group on two day trips for Osaka: Nara and Himeji Castle. They absolutely loved Shuji and I appreciated his quick replies to messages; it was very easy to work with him. Highly recommend, and I'll be using Shuji again for other trips in that area.
Shuji O.
Thank you so much for kind words. I thought we would miss the best time to see the fall leaves, but we still enjoyed them. In Nara, deer greeted us as if they were old friends. We went to a lot of really pretty places, like the Isuien Garden. It was so comfortable there. Himeji Castle was also stunning, and we were able to visit and relax there. We were lucky because there weren't many visitors. We could also use the nice restaurant. Thank you for the nice gifts. Yes, I want to travel with you all again!
David B.
“A Wonderful Autumn Day in Kyoto”
My wife and our friend spent a wonderful day with Shuji walking throughout eastern Kyoto. He patiently worked with me ahead of time to tweak his standard Eastern Kyoto walking tour itinerary, responding promptly to all messages and making helpful suggestions. On the day of the tour, he arrived promptly at our hotel and ably led us on our adventure. Highlights (for me) included the off-the-beaten-path Komyo-in Temple, with its lovely dry landscape garden and its stunning art exhibit upstairs, as well as a visit to the Sanjūsangen-dō Temple with its 1001 Kannon sculptures (plus another one, that Shuji will show you) and 28 incredible guardian deity sculptures. Throughout the day, Shuji provided background information, patiently answered questions, took pictures, and was always ready to make adjustments as needed. All in all, a delightful experience!
Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words. Yes, it was a really wonderful day. I hadn't expected to see fall foliage, thinking it would be a little early. But we could enjoy them very much already. We could choose a secret route to avoid the crowd, for the sake of your agreement. The tour was comfortable, and the weather was nice. We don't often have such a nice day. Thank you so much!
$226/ 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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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～
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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 Off the Beaten Path Tours in Kyoto
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Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour
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One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto
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The Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition is a serene journey through Japan's natural beauty, perfect for all ages. Begin in Takao Forest, exploring hidden waterfalls, ancient temples, and secret shrines. Visit the peaceful Otaji Nembutsuji Temple and wander through the stunning bamboo forest. In summer, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Kyotaki River. This off-the-beaten-path tour offers a peaceful escape to Kyoto’s hidden wonders.
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