Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
Joined 2023
Join me on this tour as we explore five of Kyoto's must-see sights, starting early to beat the crowds. You'll enjoy the convenience of transportation between locations, with your knowledgeable guide driving you to each site. This allows you to save valuable time and energy for fully immersing yourself in the beauty and history of each location.
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 JR Kyoto station
- I will pick you up at your hotel if it is located in Kyoto city. Otherwise, please meet me at JR Kyoto station, or Yamashina station, which is the next station east of JR Kyoto station.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most iconic Shinto shrines, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a stunning pathway up Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, prosperity, and business success, the shrine dates back to 711 AD. It serves as the head shrine of the many Inari shrines across Japan. Visitors can explore the scenic trails, admire fox statues (Inari’s messengers), and experience a mystical atmosphere, especially in the early morning or late evening.
Arashiyama Area (Bamboo Forest)
Once a cottage country for aristocrats and priests, this area still retains its charming rural atmosphere today. Despite being a popular tourist destination, the allure of a bamboo forest draws many visitors. Amidst the crowds, I'll lead you to some of my favorite small yet authentic temples, offering a quieter and more genuine experience.
Kinkakuji-Temple (Golden Pavilion)
Originally an aristocrat's cottage, Ashikaga Yoshimitsu transformed this site into his renowned retirement villa in 1397, later converting it into a temple. Over the centuries, it has become one of Kyoto's most iconic temples, drawing countless tourists each year. The temple's garden is also famed for its beauty. As you stroll through the promenade-style garden, you'll marvel at the views of the pavilion and Kyoko-pond, also known as the 'mirror-lake pond,' from various vantage points. The temple was designated as UNESCO's World Heritage site in 1994.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Kamishichiken Geisha District
Nestled in the northwest of Kyoto city, the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine boasts a rich history spanning over 1000 years. This shrine holds the distinction of being the very first in Japanese history to enshrine an actual person as a deity, renowned for his love of plum blossoms. As a result, the shrine features a stunning plum tree garden where visitors can revel in the beauty of the blossoms during March.
Adjacent to the shrine lies Kamishichiken, one of Kyoto's five Geisha districts. Unlike more touristy areas, Kamishichiken offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Geisha culture, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its genuine charm.
Ending Point
Your hotel or a destination of your preference
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, toll, fuel, parking
Transportation between locations by Honda Vezel 4 seaters
Admission fees for temples (about 500-700 yen per temple, please bring cash)
Travel insurance (The guide is not responsible for any accidents that occur during the tour)
Tour Important Information
*Although the guide will drive you between sites, please be aware that the tour entails a considerable amount of walking. Therefore, it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes.
* The car can accommodate four people besides the driver; however, you may find the rear seat to be somewhat cramped and less comfortable. If your group has more than four people, please contact the guide before booking.
* If your hotel does not have sufficient parking space, I may ask you to wait in front of your hotel for pick-up.
* The guide does not pick up guests outside Kyoto city or from the Cruise terminal.
This tour does not include a designated lunch break. However, if you’d like something to eat, we can stop at a food shop during the tour.
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 Kanae O.
Hello! I am Kanae, a nationally licensed guide. While working full-time as a lecturer at a local university in Kyoto, I have also been guiding for two years.
Born and raised in Kyoto, I am excited to share the beauty and culture of my hometown with my customers. Kyoto is an enchanting city, and even as a local, I am continually fascinated by its many charming spots. Whether it's the serene temples, vibrant markets, or hidden gems, there is always something new to explore and appreciate in this wonderful city.
Also, since my home is close to Shiga Prefecture, I am very familiar with the area. While Shiga may not be as popular as Kyoto, it offers a wealth of attractions for tourists. From historical sites such as temples and shrines to the stunning natural beauty of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, there is much to see and do. I am passionate about promoting Shiga and sharing its unique charm with visitors.
Reviews
Arati S.
“The best day!!”
We got to know the "real" countryside with Kanae. The hike through the tea fields was gorgeous! She also took us to a mom & pop restaurant for a delicious lunch. The two temples we visited were breathtaking in different ways. We also enjoyed shopping, and of course, Starbucks! The added bonus was having the convenience of her car to take us around. Thank you, Kanae!! We will not forget our wonderful day with you!
Ross H.
“Captivating Kyoto and More with Kanae”
Several months before our trip to Japan in March, 2025, my wife and I scheduled a three private tours of Kyoto and the surrounding environs of Shiga (Hikone, Lake Biwa, etc.) with Kanae who drove us to all the locations we visited in her car. She was extraordinarily responsive to my inquiries and sent us a proposed itinerary for our consideration and comment, offering to make any changes we desired (the plans were so well curated that we never needed to make any modifications or suggestions for other or different venues to explore). Kanae was punctual in meeting us at our ryokan each day and organized our tours in a sensible manner to make travel around Kyoto and Shiga as efficient as possible. She is knowledgeable as to the sights we visited and provided interesting information in English we could clearly understand (unless Kon'nichiwa and Arigato constitute fluency, my Japanese is woefully deficient). Most important, though, Kanae is a lovely, warm and thoughtful person (she even brought us thermoses of homemade tea to have on our travels to Shiga) and we greatly enjoyed spending time with her, talking about her family, daily life, favorite foods, and interests. My wife and I are grateful and consider ourselves incredibly fortunate that we chose to tour Kyoto and Shiga with Kanae. I am confident that you will as well.
Beth R.
“Wonderful day tour of shrines & more by car”
Kanae was an exceptional guide for our Kyoto tour. She seamlessly navigated us to the shrines, temples, and the Shogun's castle—locations we wanted to see, but couldn’t have accessed without a car. Her thoughtful planning, including reserving a private parking spot at a residential location, ensured our time was maximized. Kanae's warm and engaging conversation made us feel instantly at ease, and her modern, comfortable car added to the overall experience. Highly recommend Kanae for anyone seeking a well-organized, enjoyable, and stress-free Kyoto tour!
$240/ per group
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