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In the Wake of Tokugawa Shoguns -Kyoto
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Joined 2019
Kyoto is the place where the first Tokugawa Shogun was inaugurated and where the last 15th Tokugawa Shogun gave up his power to the emperor.
On the tour, we will visit the places that are related to the Tokugawa Shoguns.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Kyoto or Kyoto station
- TBD
Nijo Castle
Nijo castle was built by the 1st Tokugawa shogun in 1603. He was appointed to a shogun by the emperor in this castle in the same year. It had been used as a Tokugawa Kyoto Palace until 1634 when the 3rd Tokugawa shogun visited this castle from Edo.
The 15th and the last Tokugawa shogun declared to give up his Sovern to the emperor in this castle just before the Boshin War (1868-1869).
This is where Tokugawa shogunate began and ended.
JPY1300
Chio-in temple
Chio-in was build by the high priest Honen in 1175 and is the headquarters of the Jodo (Pure land) sect of Buddhism.
As the Tokugawa family belonged to this sect, this temple became the Tokugawa’s family temple after the 17th century.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Shogun rebuilt many halls of this temple. It was said that they rebuilt this big temple to watch the Imperial Court along with Nijo castle.
Free, JPY400 for garden
Konchi-in
Konchi-in was built by the Ashikaga shogun as a Zen temple between 1394 and 1427. It has a beautiful Zen garden designed by the famous garden designer in the 17th century.
One of the three Toshogu (shrine which enshrines the spirit of the 1st Tokugawa shogun as a deity) is here.
JPY500
Gokonomiya shrine
It is not known when this Shinto shrine was established. It is said that water with nice scent is the origin of the faith of this shrine. The main deity is a legendary empress and three of the sons of the 1st Tokugawa shogun took birth bath at this shrine. During the Boshin war, this shrine became one of the fierce battle field.
Free, JPY200 for garden
Ending Point
TBD
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 fee
Insurance
Transportation guide and guests
Lunch for guide and guests
Tour Important Information
*This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* This tour is not covered by insurance.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
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 2019
About Tour Guide Hiroyuki T.
Hi!
I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations.
I am very good at cultural heritages.
And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area.
I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government.
I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka and other places as I was a cultural heritage management and international relations professional.
I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
If you need a good guide in the Tokyo area, I have a friend on GoWithGuide I can recommend you!
Reviews
Hong wei C.
“An enriching experience”
The tour lead by Hiro for me and my partner was relaxing and informative. We had the option to rent a car, hence it saved us a lot of time and we spent quite a while to explore the areas without feeling rushed. Hiro was very patient and explained about Buddhism and the historical significance of Mount Koya. The explanation was clear and was easily relatable as we can match it to what we see. Thank you Hiro for bringing us around!
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Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind words, it was very nice meeting you today. It is good to know that you liked Koyasan, it's culture, food and others. Enjoy Wakayama Castle and Wakayama Ramen tomorrow!
Ellen T.
“Excellent day out with our guide Hiro!”
We had a fantastic day with our guide Hiro. We visited the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama the Okochi Sanso Garden, Ryion-ji Rock Garden and the Golden Pavilion. Hiro coordinated the whole day and gave us lots of interesting information about each area. Hiro was very friendly and personable and spoke prefect English. Our family are very interested in the culture of Japan and had lots of questions and Hiro was very knowledgable and happy to answer them. We highly recommend Hiro as a guide for your day out.
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It was very nice meeting you and your family today. I am very glad to know that you liked the tour. There are a lot more to see in Kyoto. I hope that you will have anoffer nice day in Kyoto tomorrow and have nice days in Osaka as well. Hiro
Christian W.
“Interesting day trip to Mount Koya”
We had a great day with Mr. Hiroyuki, traveling from Osaka to Koyasan and spending the whole day there. We learnt a lot about the concepts of Buddhism and Shintoism, their history and how they developed and partially mixed. He knows a lot about it and explains it very well and understandably, writing down the main facts. Easy to follow. Of course their was plenty of time to ask questions and learn. Thanks for the very interesting day.
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice meeting you and your family, I am glad to know that you liked the tour. Did you go back to the Temple Complex after dark? Did you see a monk ringing the bell there? It is a quiet and beautiful place, isn’t it? You had a right choice. Koyasan is a place for people like you and your family. Hiro
$299/ per group
More tours by Hiroyuki T.
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Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
There are a lot of places to visit, a lot of things to do in Osaka. From historical sites to food venders hopping. CHOOSE 3-4 places you want to visit from the list below and let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
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Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyma to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
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One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well.
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
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Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
In Nara, eight Buddhism temples and Shintoism Shrines are included in the World Heritage as “Historic Monuments in Ancient Capital of Nara” as those represent close cultural exchanges between Japan and China, and even Hellenism culture in the 8th century. On this tour we will visit three of them in a day from Osaka.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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Discover Kyoto with a Local – Learn Japanese Culture Through Real Stories & Sights
Discover Kyoto’s cultural heart in just one day with a local guide. Visit three iconic spots: the golden beauty of Kinkaku-ji, the stunning hillside temple Kiyomizu-dera, and the peaceful bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Along the way, you’ll learn real stories, traditions, and the deeper meaning behind each place. This tour blends famous sights with local insights, giving you more than just photos — it gives you a true connection to Kyoto.
Discover Kyoto with a Local – Learn Japanese Culture Through Real Stories & Sights
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Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!
Please feel free to share your interests- places you wish to visit, foods you'd like to try, or how long you'd like to stay at each location. I"ll create a fully customized 8-hour tour just for you, blending famous sights with local hidden gems!
Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!
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Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
Perfect for those with limited time, this well-organized tour allows you to experience Kyoto’s most iconic sights efficiently. The itinerary includes the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and ends in the historic Gion district. While these popular spots can be crowded, we utilize taxis and public transport to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey through this culturally rich city.
Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
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Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
Why not enjoy your holidays in Kyoto? You can certainly get in touch with many things Japanese that we are proud of. They are old temples and shrines, cultural assets and the beautiful natural surroundings. You can also enjoy dropping in at souvenir stores and buy exquisitely made products, such as folding fans, porcelain and traditional Japanese cakes. I would like to take you to the following places, which are the three representative tourist destinations in this city: (1) Arashiyama It is the place where all the traditional natural beauties of Japan are combined together. They are Togetsukyo bridge, bamboo grove and the old temples. If you go up to the observation spot, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the gorge below. You can also see rickshaws of the olden times drawn by young people with smiling passengers on board. There are souvenir shops selling variety of goods and products. (2) Nijo-jo Castle (World Cultural Heritage Site) This castle was built in the early 17th century by the Tokugawa Shogunate government for the purpose of protecting the Kyoto Imperial Palace and as the accommodations when Tokugawa Shogun was in Kyoto. It was subsequently enlarged by successive Shogun. It is the castle as well as the palace, where you can see the powerful structures and beautiful gardens. You can learn, in addition, how great the power of Tokugawa Shogun was. (3) Kinkakuji temple (the Golden Pavilion) (World Cultural Heritage Site) The history of this temple began when the third Shogun of the Muromachi period acquired a tract of land in this area from a powerful statesman in 1397 and built a villa of his own to entertain the Emperor and members of the nobility. The upper two levels of the temple are covered with pieces of gold foil and are shining brilliantly against the background of the rich greenery. The pond in the foreground reflects the golden structure. It looks like the materialization of Pure Land of Buddha in this world. In addition, on the top of the golden structure is the shining phoenix.
Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
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