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Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour
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Joined 2023
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.
Itinerary
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.
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
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.
Tour Important Information
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.
Important message from the supplier
I can guide you in other areas around Kansai as well, such as Kobe or Wakayama, if you pay my transportation fee.
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 Eco H.
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.
Reviews
Isaac K.
“A Superb Viewd of the Imperial Palace ”
An awesome tour, well explained and with a fair amount of trivia. The cafe at the end was a real treat as well!
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Eco H.
Thank you very much, it was a pleasure to guide someone who already had such a wealth of background knowledge. I hope you had a great time during the rest of your trip.
Susann L.
“4h Tour Highlights of Kyoto”
Eco has a very good understanding and extensive knowledge of Kyoto itself, Japanese culture and the various interesting contexts and backgrounds of the country and its people. It was a very good tour and I would definitely recommend him.
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Rick W.
“A treat , well organised and knowledgeable tour guide ”
Eco Tailored a personel historical and garden tour that suited my needs , he is extremely educated gentleman , and a generous on local experiences Would easily recommend him tp tourist that enjoy the individual guiding in Kyoto Regards Rick Tasmanian
$385/ per group
More tours by Eco H.
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Kyoto Day-trip to Miho Museum
In this tour we would like to take you to the most spectacular museum in the area, the Miho Museum by renown architect I. M. Pei. We will ensure you reach this difficult to visit museum hidden in the depths of the mountains of Shiga Prefecture. As there is little language support available, on this tour we will be joined by an interpreter.
Kyoto Day-trip to Miho Museum
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Nara History Tour
You can go in blind and simply learn as much as possible about this phenomenal city, where you will be provided with a good encapsulation of the wonders of Nara.
Nara History Tour
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Osaka City Trip
Welcome to Japan's third largest city Osaka! A vibrant and bustling metropolis, the city is famous as a more rugged city experience compared to Tokyo. Known as the "Nation's Kitchen," Osaka is a city a history of international trade has shaped its version of modernity, offering a unique blend of rich history, cultural landmarks, and foods to try. Join on a journey to explore some of Osaka's most iconic attractions, and learn more about the dynamic energy that defines this incredible city.
Osaka City Trip
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Kyoto Imperial Palace
Welcome to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, a symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage and a site that has played a pivotal role in the country's history. Today, as we walk through these hallowed grounds, we will explore the palace's long and fascinating history, which stretches back over a thousand years. The Kyoto Imperial Palace, or "Kyoto Gosho" as it is known in Japanese, is not just a historic building, but a living testament to the traditions, politics, and culture of Japan's imperial past.
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Other Popular Off the Beaten Path Tours in Kyoto
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Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk
Kyoto rewards those who listen. We wander slowly with professional microphones, recording the tranquil peace of gardens, birds, bamboo and Enkōji’s distinctive water feature. I’ll guide you through easy recording techniques, then edit your takes into a polished 'audio postcard' to keep and share. Curious about pace, group size or timing? Message me and we’ll shape it together.
Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk
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One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto
On this tour, you can enjoy the autumn foliage depending on the season. Kyoto is very popular with tourists, so most tourist attractions are usually crowded with people. While that can be lively and fun, some people might occasionally want to visit a less crowded place. This tour is perfect for those people. On this tour, you will spend a full day walking through Sagano, visiting Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Gio-ji Temple, Jojakko-in Temple, and Seiryo-ji Temple.
One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto
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Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition Walking Tour
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.
Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition Walking Tour
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![[Ichijou street] Hanging around east-west street in Kyoto](https://images.gowithguide.com/filters:format(avif)/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4801/84818.jpg)
[Ichijou street] Hanging around east-west street in Kyoto
There are many old streets in old capital Kyoto area. I design a walking tour set of 31 streets.You can see the true Kyoto in this tour which is not in tourism like 30 years ago.In some streets, You could see traditional dying shops for Yuzen which is a traditional dyeing Kimono method of Kyoto.You can visit some of the shops and I will interpret between the shop owner and you.
[Ichijou street] Hanging around east-west street in Kyoto
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