This tour covers the most popular spots in Kyoto with scenic beauty.The spots are selected from Fushimi area, Arashiyama area, and Kitayama area of Kyoto.From the point of scenic beauty, you will see Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo grove, and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, whereyou can take memorable pictures. You will visit the major scenic sites in one day effectively. These three areas are apart from each other, but can be travelled by JR-train and bus in relatively short time.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kyoto station or hotel
Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine: Famous for a thousand torie gates. No.1 popular spots of Japan according to Trip Advisor
Arashiyama Area----Bamboo grove, Tenryuji temple with beautiful garden, and Togetsu-kyo Bridge(Moon-crossing Bridge)
Kinkakuji temple(Golden Pavilion)
Ending Point
Kyoto station
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 area
The entrance fee is about 1000 yen for Kinkakuji temple, and Tenryuji temple.
Transportation fee(you and guide), lunch,
-If you have JR rail pass, it can be used and you will save the travel cost.
-We will walk through shrine, temple, and garden, which is quite distance, and walking shoes is recommended.
-Please consider the starting time to be 9AM or after as I come from the local area of Nara to Kyoto in the morning.
No special conditions
Hello, I’m Makoto (Mac) and I'm a national-licensed tour guide.
My previous career as an automotive engineer, gave me the opportunity to learn English and to live in the US, Germany, and England. After I retired, I learned more about the Japanese history especially focusing on Nara and Kyoto to become a historical specialist of the Nara area. I now live in Ikaruga town in Nara prefecture, where the UNESCO World Heritage, Horyuji temple is located. I regularly offer guides on the Fujinoki tumulus, which is located near the Horyuji temple. It contains very interesting Archaeological findings from the end of the Kofun Period.
Recently, there are many foreign tourists who come to Japan, and I hope they enjoy learning about the culture and history of Japan. I would like to help tourists have a broader and deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and that is the reason why I decided to become a tour guide to help and support their experience in Japan.
Nara is the place where Japan started. The capital was located in Asuka, Fujiwara and Nara before it moved to Kyoto. Therefore, there are many places to visit in Nara to trace the original history of Japan, which I have a depth of knowledge.
Let’s explore the roots of Japan together!!
Chris M.
“Visit Himeji castle and Koko-en Japanese gardens ”
Makoto met us at the port and guided us via trains to Himeji where we visited a beautiful and famous castle and fabulous gardens. Lots of steps to the top of the castle but worthwhile for fantastic views. Great lunch afterwards and visiting local shops on the way back to train, we also stopped at Akashi Kaikyo suspension bridge the longest in the world. Makoto was very friendly and knowledgeable with nothing too much trouble. A great day out
Makoto Y.
Dear Chris, Thank you for your nice comments. I am so happy that you have enjoyed the tour. You are the very first customer who knows 007 series movie, which was taken at Himeji castle. I am very happy that I can communicate 007 movie at Himeji castle. It was so windy at Akashi Kaikyo bridge park, where normally people can relax and enjoy. Maybe you can visit there again someday. Awaji island is very beautiful island, which may be similar to your hometown. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
Mitul P.
“Excellent guide to see Osaka if you are short on time”
Makoto was excellent guiding us to see the main spots of Osaka since we were limited on time. He was very informative on all the major sights that we saw and my family including 2 teens enjoyed the tour very much! Highly recommend him! Thank you Makoto.
Makoto Y.
Dear Mitul, Thank you for your nice comments. I am so happy to know that you and family enjoyed the tour. This tour was done in the limited time frame, so please come back again with enough time frame next time. I assure that you will enjoy more. Thanks again for your choosing me for your guide. Makoto
Niki O.
“Wonderful Guide in Kyoto”
Mak made our visit interesting and memorable. His English was excellent and he was well organised with the route of his tour. He has an in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of Kyoto and gave us a fascinating view of this ancient city. We enjoyed his company, guidance and choice of lunch venue. We recommend him very highly.
Makoto Y.
Dear Niki, Thanks for your nice comments. I also had a wonderful time guiding with you, talking about England. I am so happy that you could see the cherry blossoming in this Japan trip. Please consider visiting Japan again in Automn time. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
$162/ per group