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Kyoto Art Tour
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Joined 2023
We will explore art places in Kyoto.
We will visit the Kyoto Handicraft Center, the Kyoto Ceramic Center, and other notable locations. We also see the nearby Heian-jingu Shrine and Kyomizu Temple. Please enjoy the art in Kyoto.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or the station
Heian Jingu Shrine
We will take a bus to go there.
This is a large shrine. Please enjoy its characteristic buildings and beautiful garden.
Kyoto Handicraft Center
We walk to the nearby Kyoto Handicraft Center.
It's a big souvenir shop.
Lunch
Let me know about your preferences
Kawai Kanjiro Museum
If you like design, art, and architecture, a visit to Kawai Kanjiro's house will not disappoint. It's a rare opportunity to discover the authentic style and humanity of an incredible Japanese artist who influenced generations of potters and craftsmen.
Kyoto Ceramic Center
We can learn a lot about the ceramics in Kyoto.
You can try to make some or learn a great deal about ceramics.
We will use the Keihan Railway to get there.
Please note that it will be closed in both summer and winter.
Kiyomizu Temple
If you have already visited here, we can move to another location, such as the Kondo Yuzo Museum.
Stunning views and unique architecture.
Must-see in Kyoto
Walk to Higashiyama Hills (sannenzaka, ninennzaka)
Sannenzaka to Yasaka pagoda
If you have visited here, we can change to another place.
Atmospheric hills to the Yasaka area.
Downhill course with stairs. There are many shops, restaurants, and temples alongside. Photogenic spot.
Gion Museum
If you have visited here, we can change to another place.
If you like, you can enjoy the real Geisha's (Geiko's) dancing.
And learn a lot about their art and life.
The museum costs 3100 JPY.
If you are not interested in this, we can end at your hotel or at a location where you will never get lost at 5 pm.
Ending Point
At Gion
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 pickup
- transportation fees about 2000 JPY
- entrance fees 2000 JPY
- lunch 1500 - 3000 per/ person
- insurances
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
Tom B.
“Shuji is an extraordinary guide, do not miss out on this opportunity”
Shuji is known and respected in Kyoto and his decades of experience shine through in his explanations. He led us on a beautiful downhill course beginning at Kiyomizu Temple. Each time he said "and around this corner, you'll find another world," we were truly in another world. We will always be grateful to him.
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Shuji O.
Thank you very much for the great review! Yes, there are so many wonderful things in Kyoto. We discovered amazing places just by turning the corner. It was like entering a different world! But I'm sorry, I made you walk so much when you were jet-lagged. I hope this trip will be a good memory for your family!
Lauri S.
“Beautiful day in Nara”
A bit crowded but we'll worth seeing. Another excellent day with Shuji.
Shuji O.
I feel happy whenever I visit Nara. The deers in Nara are always friendly. They look like old friends of ours. We could see things that were much older than Kyoto. Every old building is unique. We were very happy on that day with you all. Thank you! Shuji
Lauri S.
“Kobe - Beautiful City So Worth Exploring”
I organized a one week tour for a group of friends staying one week on Kyoto. Not sure of what to do Shuji O. our guide recommended Kobe. Such a surprise and so worth seeing. Imagine taking a tram to the top of a hillside and then walking 4 levels down to see beautiful gardens, a tea room, instrumental areas in how to make perfume with flowers and herbs. How about creating a kitchen garden, a medicinal garden and tea garden. Classical music playing, a wonderful restaurant for lunch in a house of glass. A total of 16 days in Japan and this was my favorite day. Shuji is an expert at finding the hidden gems of the greater Kyoto area. He met us in our hotel and seamlessly connected the train system to Kobe. With skill and patience he navigated Kobe to bring us to the Herb Gardens and Ropeway and then on to the waterfront to see the living museum of the great earthquake of 1995 that killed thousands in Kobe and the restoration efforts to build this beautiful city. If you are lucky enough to book Shuji O. have him take you here. It's such real treasure of Japan.
Shuji O.
Thank you for the wonderful, fragrant sachets that you secretly gave me along with the other gifts! We had such a happy time in Kobe that I changed my itinerary quite a bit. Instead of eating Kobe beef, we enjoyed lunch at a scenic restaurant in a garden. That restaurant was amazing! I'm often asked when the best season to visit Japan is. Maybe May is the best season, not during the cherry and the autumn foliage season. Thank you for your wonderful reviews!
$308/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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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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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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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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Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Since there are so many beautiful places densely in eastern Kyoto, we can take a walking tour there. Please add or skip some. This is an example of a walking tour in eastern Kyoto, emphasizing history and culture. We will use the train only once or twice.
Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
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Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
Short on time? Experience the best of Arashiyama in just 4 hours! We follow a smart, one-way route from a peaceful hidden gem through the magical Bamboo Forest down to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. By entering Tenryu-ji Temple from the north gate, we avoid crowds and backtracking Saving your precious time and energy. Enjoy a seamless morning with a local professional guide!
Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
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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 Arashiyama 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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Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
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