By joining this tour, you can enjoy main 3 sightseeing spots of Kyoto in around 5 hours. After that you have an option to join Maiko dinner which you can enjoy Japanese cuisine and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) traditional performance in around 2 hours. This tour does not include the time for lunch.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
At the lobby of your hotel in central Kyoto
Tour only: At any place upon request, Tour & Maiko dinner: At the restaurant (Yasaka-dori Enraku)
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 in central Kyoto area
Maiko dinner, transportation fee(apx. 1,000JPY by subway or train and 2,000JPY by taxi), entrance fee(apx. 1,400 or less)
(Option) Maiko dinner
The Maiko dinner is for a group of three persons or more and the price is 52,500JPY per person (62,500JPY per person in high season; Sep.15 to Nov.30, Mar.15 to Apr.20) or less depending on the number of people of the group. (the price is as of Aug. 2024) If you want to join it, please send me a message about it at the timing of tour booking. The dinner booking procedure will be advised by Rick. If you take the afternoon tour, Rick will take you to the restaurant of Miko dinner just after the tour. The location is Yasaka-dori Enraku. The booking is recommended to be done at least five days before the date and dinner cancel policy will be applied after the booking. The detail will be informed upon request.
This tour is not available on all days in August.
In case you want to book my tour for two or more consecutive days, please send me a message in advance.
My nick name is Rick and Japanese name is Ryoichi. I was born and grew up in Kyoto. Kyoto has so many sightseeing spots based on its 1000 year history. I will propose you the "must see" spots from local eyes not only temples & shrines but also alternative side of Kyoto. As Kyoto certified English guide, I will guide you with high hospitality for your satisfactory stay in Kyoto.
1. For the first visitors
I will prepare the tour with selection out of the spots as Nijo-castle, Imperial Palace, Nishiki-market, Gion amusement quarter, Arashiyama area and some temples and shrines of World Cultural Heritage Sites based on your request and taste.
2. For the visitors who want to see more spots than regular tours
I will prepare some unique tours like visiting Fushimi area for Sake brewery and riding classical boat, visiting some traditional handicrafts ateliers, enjoying traditional performing art, etc.
Please make any inquiry for your preferred type of Kyoto guiding without hesitation. I would be happy to propose you with the type of tour that makes your visit in Kyoto unforgettable one.
Credentials:
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN01767)
Kyoto City Licensed English Guide (EN00004)
2nd Grade of the licensing examination on knowledge of Kyoto history & culture
Fiona H.
Kyoto customized tour for Fiona H on Dec. 18, 2024
Customized
“An informative and enjoyable tour of Kyoto's highlights with a kind and knowledgable guide”
Rick guided us on two tours, first to see Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, and Nishiki Markets, then the second to Kiyomizudera temple, sights around Gion, and Kenninji temple. We really appreciated Rick's passion for both the history and culture of Kyoto. His knowledge was invaluable at every site, but especially at Nijo Castle and Kenninji temple. In fact for me, Nijo Castle was a highlight due to learning about the history of the shogun there and the meaning of the paintings and architecture. Rick was also armed with a folder of pictures to explain the locations further, so we could compare the old vistas with those of today or understand the detail of the construction methods, which are extremely impressive, not only for their scale but for surviving earthquakes and the centuries. Rick is also a kind and considerate guide. I had already worn my feet out in Tokyo (lots of standing!), and Rick regularly guided us to seats which allowed me to pace myself. He also suggested an excellent local ramen restaurant for lunch after our second tour, conveniently located near our next destination. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Rick and happily recommend him to anyone seeking a courteous and informative guide to Kyoto. Thank you, Rick, for making our visit a pleasure.
Marian T.
Customized Kyoto highlight tour for Marian T. on Oct. 7, 2024
Customized
“Great Guide”
Rick did an awesome job showing us around Kyoto, we loved it.
Rick I.
(63 reviews)Dear Marian, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm glad that you enjoyed the tour. We had nice conversation during the tour and it is my nice memory with you. I hope Kyoto will be one of your best memories in Japan and you will come back sometime in future. Best regards, Rick
“3 days Kyoto October 14- October 16”
Rick was our guide for 3 days. We greatly appreciated his knowledge and explanations about historical contexts and his pleasant collaboration. Thank you Best regards Bernhard
Rick I.
(63 reviews)Dear Bernard, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm so glad the you enjoyed the tour. I also enjoy talking with all of you throughout the three days. Especially on the last day, we enjoyed Gyoza and it is my nice memory with all of you. Best regards, Rick
$217/ per group
Reserve