The tour includes five typical tourist destinations in Kyoto city.
We will start with Kiyomizudera of the panoramic view from its huge stage jutting over a cliff.
From Kiyomizudera to Gion Gasha district we stroll through picturesque paths.
In the afternoon we will visit Nijyo Castle, the huge residence of the Tokugawa shoguns in Kyoto.
Next we will visit Kinkakuji, known as Golden Pavilion.
The last visit is Ryoanji very famous for its mysterious rock garden.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple ( with huge panoramic veranda ) entrance fee:500yen
2. Strolling from Kiyomizu to Gion area
3. Nijyo Castle entrance fee:1300yen
Admission fee is 1300yen for Ninomaru Palace and gardens
4. Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) entrance fee:500yen
5. Ryoanji Temple ( with famous rock garden ) entrance fee:500yen
Ending Point
At your hotel or the final destination
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 Kyoto city
Special one day pass costing 1100 yen/person (you & guide) covering all transportation fee of city bus and subway.
Entrance fee for each facility.
Lunch,dinner for you and guide.
I can customize any private tour if you give me the information of your request in advance.
Hi I'm Kenji
I have a government license of tour guide interpreter in English.
I was born and raised in Kyoto, an old capital of Japan over one thousand years
So I'm very familiar with many sightseeing spots and attractions of the city
Kyoto is a fascinating and picturesque city drawing lots of foreign tourists every year
I can show you around not only popular historical sites and relics
but also its various attractions such us Zen silent meditation, traditional sweets cooking,
kimono-clad walking and so on.
I can also provide tailored tours fitting to your liking.
I like a famous Zen phrase "Ichigo Ichie" meaning "Treasure every encounter
for it will never recur"
So I always try to enjoy guiding every tourist with my best hospitality.
Zen concepts have greatly influenced many aspects of Japanese culture
I will explain some of them and allow you to explore Zen world through some of my tours
Please contact me any time.
I'm looking forward to seeing you and spending wonderful time with you.
See you soon !
Coralee A.
“Great Tour of Kyoto”
This was our first visit to Kyoto and we had an ambitious sightseeing plan for our time in Kyoto. Kenji made it not only possible but truly enjoyable. From the start, he was very responsive and worked with us to design a tour that included all the locations we wanted to visit. When we met him at our hotel, he gave us a clear, well-organized schedule that made the most of our day while keeping a comfortable pace. Kenji brought along visual aids and informative handouts that provided valuable context about each temple and shrine we visited, as well as insights into Shinto and Buddhism. These resources were especially helpful in bridging any language gaps and gave us a much deeper understanding of Kyoto’s rich cultural sites. Kenji’s planning was impeccable — he timed our visits so that we could experience popular spots without the crowds. For example, when we arrived at the Bamboo Forest, it was nearly empty, which made it even more special. Throughout the day, Kenji expertly guided us from the southeast to the northwest of Kyoto, covering all our must-see spots efficiently and without feeling rushed or tired. We truly appreciated his knowledge, thoughtful planning, and the care he took to make sure we had an unforgettable day in Kyoto. We highly recommend Kenji to anyone looking to explore Kyoto with an insightful and well-prepared guide!
Kenji M.
Your Reply Coralee-san, What a wonderful review of tour you gave me! I'm very glad to hear that you liked my guiding at each spot and preparation for our tour. Despite of rather tight schedule filled with six popular tourist destinations, we managed to complete all of them with your cooperation as scheduled. It was my great pleasure that I could guide you and your nice family so enjoyably. It will also make me more proactive to next tour. Arigatogozaimashita, Kenji
Keith W.
“Great tour”
My son and I had a great experience in Himeji with Kenji. He was prompt and professional the whole time, and went the extra mile to meet us at the door of our Shinkansen car upon arrival at Himeji station. He was responsive throughout the day when we requested to ride a taxi, walk, what to have for lunch, etc. His knowledge of Himeji castle was especially informative as he walked us through the tour, and we enjoyed our time together!
Kenji M.
Keith-san, Thank you for your great review of our Himeji tour. I'm very glad that I could guide you both Japan's No. 1 impregnable fortress and mysterious sanctuary of authentic Buddhist temple complex in a mountain in Hemeji blessed with a fine weather. With your cooperation we could manage to finish our limited 6-hour tour on time as scheduled. It was so enjoyable for me to spend a wonderful time with you and your son. I look forward to next chance to guide you in future. Arigatogozaimashita, Kenji
Randy A.
“Kyoto tour”
Kenji gave us a terrific, very informative tour. We learned a lot, and he had a nice sense of humor as well.
Kenji M.
Randy-san, Thank you for your great review of our tour in Kyoto. I really apreciate you are very intrested in our culture,religion and history while I'm explaining them to you. I could also enjoy myself spending a wonderful time with you in the tour. Arigatogozaimashita, Kenji
$386/ per group