First and foremost, I do not want to provide a typical tour to the standard fair of tourist attractions. As with the majority of visitors to Kyoto, you do not really need a guide to visit such places. Instead, what makes my tour special is that I can show you the unique places of Kyoto with the addition of a historical and cultural background. Lunch at local restaurants, visit temples of the beaten path, go to local shopping arcades for unique products. Enjoy Kyoto without the crowds.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
We can meet at your hotel, a local train station, or anywhere else you might prefer.
Nanzen-ji Temple
Nanzen-ji Temple is home a very unique place in Kyoto. Home to the Kyoto aqueduct, it is an architectural must see!
Kamigyo Ward, the Imperial Palace and Shokoku-ji
Next I would like to take you to the area north of the Imperial Palace. Here we can visit the palace itself, as well as a very local area nearby.
Local Shopping Arcade
You might have heard of Nishiki Market, unfortunately this is quite the tourist trap. Instead I would like to take you to a real local produce market, where you can still see old grandmothers making authentic tofu. This is also a great spot for lunch!
Ending Point
I can assist in returning you to your hotel or anywhere else of your preference.
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guiding fees, guide's transportation expenses, hotel meet-up.
Please note that any additional expenses such as food, drink or souvenirs are not included as part of the tour expenses.
Transportation is also not included, though I can arrange a number of options. Public transportation is also fast, efficient and clean. I can help you purchase a one-day pass for all your needs.
Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
Sharing my love of Kyoto with visitors is something I do more as a hobby, and so please understand that during unforeseen circumstances my duties at university always take precedence over the tour.
I can guide you in other areas around Kansai as well, such as Kobe or Wakayama, if you pay my transportation fee.
Eco has called Kyoto his home for the last 7 years, and now he hopes to share with you all he has learned of this wonderful city and the surrounding area. Recent graduate with a background in Japanese history and religion, he is now a professor a university in nearby Kobe city. Therefore, if you are particularly interested in learning more about the history and culture of Kyoto he can provide exciting narratives to go along with visiting the delightful sites. Throughout his time in Kyoto he has been working as a guide for numerous organisations, including guiding around Japanese tourists visiting Kyoto, and has provided many with a unique view of the city.
Lilian K.
“Kyoto History Tour off the beaten path ”
We enjoyed our Kyoto History Tour very much. Eco showed us the Shokoku Ji Temple and the Imperial palace. We saw the beautiful Zen Garden of the Temple and learned a lot about Buddhism. We saw the nice living area of today’s life in Kyoto and a market and learned a lot about Japanese society of the past and today. We had matcha tea in a Tea house with tradition and then we went to the Heian Jingu. Due to the profound knowledge of Eco, I think he could show nearly every religious or cultural site in and around Kyoto. Especially he knows places of interest which are not overcrowded.
Lilian K.
“Nara is not only deers”
Our guide Eco showed us the wonderful Todaiji Temple and the deer park and explained us a lot about Buddhism and Shintoism. We noticed his profound insights in history and also the modern Japan and he showed his very good teaching ability. We had a delicious lunch together and then went to the archaeological site of the former palace. Even though it was raining we had a pleasant time.
Maria V.
“Historical and religious Kyoto”
Eco was our favorite guide out of the many places we've been. He is extremely knowledgeable about Japanese history as well as Buddhist and Shinto religions. Additionally, he worked with us to customize the itinerary. Recommend 100%!
Eco H.
Dear Maria, thank you for your kind words. I’m glad you had such a good time. I also enjoyed talking with you and your parents about your field of study. Thank you also for the nice lunch! Please come visit again sometime!
$419/ per group