Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
Joined 2023
Join me on this tour as we explore four 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.
Arashiyama (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 converted 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)
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 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
“Ohara and Mount Hiei”
A few months ago, I booked Kanae's private car tour which takes visitors to Ohara . We went to three very lovely temples. They included Sanzen In, which has a beautiful moss garden. Kanae also adjusted the itinerary, and we went to Mount Hiei on the same trip. The mountain is magnificent, and the views it offers incredible. The templex complex has played a major role in making the history of Japanese Buddhism. The trip was extremely well-designed. Kanae is creative and well-organized. She has a lot of great ideas about how to enhance visitors' experiences in Japan. In addition, she is observant, knowledgeable, and kind. An amazing tour guide.
Kanae O.
Hung-yok, thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review! It brings me great joy to know that you enjoyed the tour to Ohara and Mount Hiei. Both areas are truly special, and I’m delighted that you found the temples and the moss garden at Sanzen-in so lovely, as well as the incredible views and historical richness of Mount Hiei. I learned a lot from your expertise in Japanese history, and I’m truly grateful to have had you as my guest. Thank you again for your kind words. I hope to have the opportunity to guide you again someday for more adventures in Japan!
“Perfect Afternoon In Ohara & Kibune With The Perfect Guide”
We didn't have any expectations of being able to book a tour with Kanae, given the official tour availability, but we were pleasantly surprised that Kanae was able and willing to accommodate our timing despite her busy schedule. And by the end of the tour, we knew instinctively that we would have missed out on a large part of our experience in Kyoto if we hadn't traveled with Kanae for the afternoon. Kanae has a naturally warm and friendly disposition, which made us feel at ease and comfortable from the get-go. Given the half-day time constraint, Kanae designed a customised tour which showcased to us highlights of key temples situated in Ohara (Renge-ji Temple, Hosen-in Temple, Sanzen-in Temple) as well as Kifune Shrine in Kibune. The itinerary ensured that we were able to experience all the attractions we had wanted to cover as well as certain lesser known hidden gems. Kanae has more than demonstrated herself to be the perfect guide. She was able to share interesting insights and valuable nuggets of information on each place we visited, thereby allowing us to understand and appreciate the essence behind each location without being overwhelmed. And Kanae's fluency in English has also helped us communicate effectively, thereby allowing us to share our viewpoints and ideas over a diverse range of topics, all of these add on to create a perfect afternoon for us. We would wholeheartedly recommend Kanae without any reservations to anyone who is looking to explore Kyoto, and most specifically North Kyoto, where we now believe peace and serenity will always await you.
Kanae O.
Daniel, thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review! I’m truly honored that you chose to spend your afternoon exploring Kyoto with me and that I could contribute to making your time here memorable. It was a pleasure designing a customized itinerary that suited your preferences, and I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed visiting the temples in Ohara and the serene beauty of Kifune. North Kyoto does indeed hold a special kind of tranquility, and it’s wonderful to know that you were able to experience its peaceful charm. I also really enjoyed your friendly company and appreciated your eagerness to learn about our culture and history, as well as the insights you shared, for which I am truly grateful. Thank you again for your wholehearted recommendation. Your feedback motivates me to continue sharing Kyoto’s treasures with care and passion. I hope to see you again here in Kyoto sometime!
“Visit to Kyoto”
Intersting guide who guided 2 teenagers and 2 young adults in Kyoto. Arigatou gozaimasu
Kanae O.
Thank you so much for your kind review! It was a pleasure guiding your group through Kyoto. I’m so glad I could share the experience with such a wonderful mix of teenagers and young adults. Your curiosity and energy made the day truly enjoyable for me as well.
$230/ per group
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Another Side of Kyoto: Exploring Uji and Wazuka – Home of Japanese Green Tea
This tour will show you a different side of Kyoto—peaceful, uncrowded, and surrounded by nature. We will explore the Uji area, often called the 'Kyoto of Green Tea,' where you can admire the breathtaking scenery of tea plantations. Along the way, we’ll visit Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Shojyuin Temple, a small yet charming gem.
Kyoto Fushimi Sake & Food Tasting Experience
After visiting the renowned Fushimi Inari Shrine, we will explore some of the sake breweries in the Fushimi area, known for its long history of sake brewing in Kyoto. You’ll enjoy exploring the local neighborhood while tasting sake and sampling delicious food.
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