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.
“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!
“Eco is a Wonderful Tour Guide”
Eco handles my large family well. He was flexible and accommodating. He is so knowledgeable and taught us many interesting things. We learned about the history and culture and religions of Japan. We loved our tour with Eco!
“Off the beaten path”
We traveled aß a family of three, first time to Kyoto. Eco responded to every question I had very quick. We met at the hotel and went for a four hour walk through Tokio, as requested throu parts of Kyoto that are not so crowded. Eco was very knowledgable, friendly and very flexible during the tour. He gave us a lot of Tips for our stay in Kyoto. We had a wonderful time off the beaten path im Kyoto.
$391/ per group