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In Depth Analysis of Nijo castle plus Kyoto highlights
Joined 2017
Nijo castle is not just an old castle but it is a great showcase of Japanese art, history and architecture. I will explain deep inside of this it taking double time including some secret stories, latest academic findings and so on which are not described in any guide book or online information. After that, we will visit Kyoto Imperial Palace where had been emperor's resident for hundreds years. Finally the tour finishes visiting Nishiki food market which has been said as "Kitchen of Kyoto."
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At the lobby of your hotel in central Kyoto
Nijo castle
Visit Nijo castle to enjoy Japanese art, history and architecture
Lunch
Japanese specialty if you like
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace to see the imperial life hundreds of years ago
Nishiki food market
Visit Nishiki market to enjoy Japanese food culture
Option: Gion amusement quarter (+1.5h)
Walk through the traditional entertainment area where you might see Geiko(Geisha) or Maiko
Ending Point
Nishiki market
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, Hotel pick-up in central Kyoto area
Transportation fee (apx. 800JPY for Subway), Lunch and Foods in Nishiki market (apx. 2,000JPY), Entrance fee(1,300JPY for Nijo castle),
Tour Important Information
The tour will not be operated on every Tuesday in January, July, August, December and between Dec.26 to Jan.3 because Ninomaru Palace of Nijo castle will be closed.
Kyoto Imperial palace will be closed every Monday or the next day (when a Monday is holiday) and between Dec.28 and Jan.3. Also it might be closed on some specified days for some events. In this case, other visiting spot will be replaced by Heian Shrine, etc.
The total walking distance of this tour is about 5 Km. (2 Km in Nijo castle, 2 Km in Kyoto Imperial Palace, 1 Km in Nishiki market)
This tour is not available on all days in August.
Important message from the supplier
In case you want to book my tour for two or more consecutive days, please send me a message in advance.
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 2017
About Tour Guide Rick I.
My nick name is Rick and Japanese name is Ryoichi. I was born and grew up in Kyoto. Kyoto has so many sightseeing spots based on its 1000 year history. I will propose you the "must see" spots from local eyes not only temples & shrines but also alternative side of Kyoto. As Kyoto certified English guide, I will guide you with high hospitality for your satisfactory stay in Kyoto.
1. For the first visitors
I will prepare the tour with selection out of the spots as Nijo-castle, Imperial Palace, Nishiki-market, Gion amusement quarter, Arashiyama area and some temples and shrines of World Cultural Heritage Sites based on your request and taste.
2. For the visitors who want to see more spots than regular tours
I will prepare some unique tours like visiting Fushimi area for Sake brewery and riding classical boat, visiting some traditional handicrafts ateliers, enjoying traditional performing art, etc.
Please make any inquiry for your preferred type of Kyoto guiding without hesitation. I would be happy to propose you with the type of tour that makes your visit in Kyoto unforgettable one.
Credentials:
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN01767)
Kyoto City Licensed English Guide (EN00004)
2nd Grade of the licensing examination on knowledge of Kyoto history & culture
Reviews
Fiona H.
Kyoto customized tour for Fiona H on Dec. 18, 2024
Customized
“An informative and enjoyable tour of Kyoto's highlights with a kind and knowledgable guide”
Rick guided us on two tours, first to see Nijo Castle, the Golden Pavilion, and Nishiki Markets, then the second to Kiyomizudera temple, sights around Gion, and Kenninji temple. We really appreciated Rick's passion for both the history and culture of Kyoto. His knowledge was invaluable at every site, but especially at Nijo Castle and Kenninji temple. In fact for me, Nijo Castle was a highlight due to learning about the history of the shogun there and the meaning of the paintings and architecture. Rick was also armed with a folder of pictures to explain the locations further, so we could compare the old vistas with those of today or understand the detail of the construction methods, which are extremely impressive, not only for their scale but for surviving earthquakes and the centuries. Rick is also a kind and considerate guide. I had already worn my feet out in Tokyo (lots of standing!), and Rick regularly guided us to seats which allowed me to pace myself. He also suggested an excellent local ramen restaurant for lunch after our second tour, conveniently located near our next destination. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Rick and happily recommend him to anyone seeking a courteous and informative guide to Kyoto. Thank you, Rick, for making our visit a pleasure.
Marian T.
Customized Kyoto highlight tour for Marian T. on Oct. 7, 2024
Customized
“Great Guide”
Rick did an awesome job showing us around Kyoto, we loved it.
Rick I.
(63 reviews)Dear Marian, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm glad that you enjoyed the tour. We had nice conversation during the tour and it is my nice memory with you. I hope Kyoto will be one of your best memories in Japan and you will come back sometime in future. Best regards, Rick
“3 days Kyoto October 14- October 16”
Rick was our guide for 3 days. We greatly appreciated his knowledge and explanations about historical contexts and his pleasant collaboration. Thank you Best regards Bernhard
Rick I.
(63 reviews)Dear Bernard, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm so glad the you enjoyed the tour. I also enjoy talking with all of you throughout the three days. Especially on the last day, we enjoyed Gyoza and it is my nice memory with all of you. Best regards, Rick
$260/ per group
Reserve
