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Half day western Kyoto, two bamboo forests
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Joined 2023
This tour is to enjoy the less busy area near the popular spot. We walk along the beautiful downhill course in Toriimoto, which is listed as a Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. You will see another bamboo forest. We finish in the busy and popular Arashiyama area.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your Kyoto hotel Suiran
- At the lobby of the Suiran
Otagi Nenbutsuji
It's a unique, quiet, lovely, atmospheric place.
Toriimoto
The beautiful downhill course in Toriimoto is listed as a Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings.
Adashino Nenbutsuji
You will see another bamboo forest, which differs from the famous one. This place was a graveyard long ago.
Toriimoto
Downhill course again
Jojakkoji Temple
It has a large breathtaking garden, which is very beautiful, especially in the fall.
Or you can change it to other places like the Okochi Sanso Villa, Giouji Temple, etc.
Bamboo Forest
Very popular among tourists
Tenryuji Temple
A World Heritage site. It has a beautiful garden with beautiful Arashiyama and Kameyama mountains in the backdrop.
We will enter the north gate from the Bamboo Forest.
Togetsukyo Bridge
The central place of this scenic area.
We will walk along a busy street and enjoy some food.
Or, please have lunch after we say goodbye. I will recommend some restaurants to you.
Ending Point
at the train station or at 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
- insurances
- Transportation fee (you and the guide);
taxis(Approx. 7000 yen per taxi, round trip)
or train(480 yen per person) and taxi(Approx. 1500 yen per taxi)
- Lunch
- Admission fee: about 2000 yen per person; no guide is required
Tour Important Information
This ending point is very busy in the cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons.
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
Jeffrey M.
“A Quiet Day Exploring Ohara”
Our first day in Kyoto was in Ohara, a small but historically significant town NE of the city. Our guide reached our multiple times prior to our meeting to confirm day/time, but also inquired about what our hopes were for the day together. Shuji was on time and we found him to be the ultimate guide for this all day experience. As a retired history teacher, and native to the area, we had a guide with deep insight to places we explored together, which included 800 year old temples punctuated with hip coffee and lunch spots along the way. This was exactly what we were looking for after a hectic pace in Tokyo! If you are looking for a professional and knowledgeable guide to show you to the lessor seen corners of Kyoto, Shuji is the man.
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Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words! We had a nice day with you two. You knew how to enjoy the tour and appreciate the place and its history. We could travel to places that are less crowded but still charming. We enjoyed Ohara very much. We can't expect such a nice tour often. Thank you for the happy talk, too. Have a great time in Japan!
Dana W.
“Nara Park is key to visit”
We have an interesting visit to Nara Park which we learnt.
Shuji O.
Thank you for your review. You were very good at traveling, especially for your age. We enjoyed the statues and shrines. I hope you enjoyed the nice restaurant we went to for lunch. Thank you for choosing my tour for the last part of your trip to Japan. I hope this trip makes great memories for both of you!
Dana W.
“The Hongu temple is outstanding to learn about as well as the Turkey Museum history created an excellent relationship between Japan and Turkey.”
We have learnt from Shuji O on Japan history, traditions & culture.
Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words! Yes, we learned many things. First, we learned about the culture of Kumano. Second, we learned about the good relations between Turkey and Japan. We visited the museum where we learned about the sad and touching stories of the Turkish ship. During a storm, Japanese people saved many Turkish sailors. Thank you for a great experience. I was happy to be with you both.
$222/ 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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The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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～
Nara: the must-see place in Japan. Nara was the capital of ancient Japan before Kyoto became the capital. In the Nara era, Buddhism played an important role in stabilizing the country. So you can see many big old temples there. Many of these are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are concentrated in a small area. So, if you have only one free day to spend in the Kansai area, I highly recommend visiting Nara.
Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
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Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka
Among the many castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is truly special. You will feel happy just to be there when you see its beautiful figure over the surrounding cherry blossom or maple trees. It has a long and touching history. It is definitely a must-see in Japan.
Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka
Other Popular Off the Beaten Path Tours in Kyoto
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Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour
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.
Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour
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Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk
What is a sound walk? It’s a walking meditation with a technical boost. Using professional mics, you’ll hear the atmosphere of Kyoto. We’ll explore the gardens of Shisendō and Enkōji, capturing the "sonic fingerprints" of these quiet spaces—from the local birdlife to a distinctive water feature. You’ll leave with a high-quality "audio postcard" to transport you back to these quiet temple gardens for years to come. I have 2 sets of mic/recorders. Groups of more than 2 people will be sharing.
Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk
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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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