Kyoto Express Half Day Tour
This tour is an express customized half-day tour that will take you to several of the following attractions in Kyoto in a short period of time, tailored to your needs.
Please choose 2 or 3 places of your choice.
I will pick you up from and drop-off at your hotel or location of your choice.
・Fushimi Inari Shrine ・Arashiyama area (Bamboo forests, Monkey park etc.) ・ kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
・Kiyomizu-dera Temple ・Nijyo-jyo Castle ・Nishiki market ・Others
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel or location of your choice
Your hotel lobby or location of your choice
I will meet you at your hotel lobby or location of your choice.
Fushimi Inari Shrine
It is a famous shrine representing Japan that enshrines
the god of fertility.
The characteristic of this shrine is that there are
more than 10,000 torii gates all the way to the summit, and
you can pass through many torii gates along the way.
Here you can learn about Japanese religion, such as
the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, and
how to worship.
(Entrance fee)free
Arashiyama area (Bamboo forests etc.) or Kiyomizu-dera temple
・Arashiyama area (Bamboo forests etc.)
It is a scenic spot where the emperor and aristocrats had
villas for more than 1000 years.
Please stroll through beautiful scenery such as
the bamboo forest and Togetsukyo Bridge.
(Entrance fee)
The bamboo forest and Togetsukyo Bridge : Free
Tenryu-ji Buddhist Temple :
High School Student & Adult : 500 yen
Elementary & Junior High School Student : 300 yen
・Kiyomizu-dera Temple
The view from the terrace, called "Kiyomizu-no-butai"
(stage of Kiyomizu), is spectacular.
The main shrine enshrines one of the Buddhist statues, the
Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
Other statues of Buddha, such as Niou and Jizo Bosatsu, can also be seen.
Located on a hillside, the temple commands a panoramic view of
the city of Kyoto.
There are many souvenir shops along the approach to the
temple, where you can buy traditional Japanese souvenirs.
Nearby is the five-story pagoda known as Yasaka-no-to (Yasaka Pagoda).
(Entrance fee)
High School Student & Adult : 400 yen
Elementary & Junior High School Student : 200 yen
Kinkaku-ji Temple (The Golden pavilion)
The Golden Pavilion and gardens are especially
breathtaking.
(Entrance fee)
High School Student & Adult : 400 yen
Elementary & Junior High School Student : 300 yen
Other spots (If time permits)
・Nijyo-jyo Castle
Nijo-jyo Castle was built by the Tokugawa shogunate in
the 17th century and has watched over the rise and fall of the shogunate.
In particular, the Ninomaru Palace is designated as a
national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
(Entrance fee)
Adult : 1300 yen
Junior High School & High School Student : 400 yen
Elementary School Student : 300 yen
・Nishiki market
It is a traditional market called "Kyoto's kitchen", and the narrow
alleys are lined with fruit and vegetable shops, fish shops, and
other shops. Also, eating while walking is possible.
(Entrance fee) Free
Your hotel or location of your choice
We will say goodbye at your hotel lobby or location of your choice.
Ending Point
Your hotel or location of your choice
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/130/10913.jpg)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Licensed Tour Guide, Your hotel or location of your choice pick-up
Transportation fee, Lunch fee, Entrance fee
Tour Important Information
*You will know following items.
・Japanese garden style and architecture
・Differnce between Shinto (Japanese original religion) and Buddhism
・The meaning of Torii gate etc.
・The type of Buddha statue
・How to pray at Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple
・Japanese history
・Japanese traditional cuisine
・Others
*I can also guide in following spots if you pay additional fee.
・Nara ・Osaka ・Hiroshima ・Himeji ・Tayama & Shirakawa-go・Hikone Castle in Shiga
Important message from the supplier
Please feel free to contact me!!
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
About Tour Guide Kazuhiko G.
Hello, I’m Kazuhiko. Please call me “Kazu”. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I have a wife and 4 children.
I was born in Osaka city near Kyoto, although I have lived in many places across Japan. I used to work for multinational electric company and I traveled to many countries (U.S., Thailand, Hong Kong etc.) on business.
I have enjoyed guiding many foreign tourists in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji etc. for many years.
During your tour, you can discover a rich Japanese history spanning about 2,000 years, learn about and experience profound Japanese arts (tea ceremony, flower arrangement etc.), feel the spiritual atmosphere of Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, see a breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji, bamboo forest, Japanese gardens etc..
Moreover, you can taste Japanese cuisine that each season has to offer (Sushi, Tempura, Soba or ramen noodle etc.).
You can get close to nature and feed wild deer or monkeys or even a build snowman in winter.
I’m sure that I can provide a splendid tour of Japan that will be a lasting memory for you to treasure.
Experience the mysteries of Japan with 5 senses !!
Your memorable tour awaits you.
Please feel free to contact me!!
Reviews
Yehuda M.
“Great tour”
Kazuhiko (Kazu) was very kind with us, considerate with our walking issues, and had a lot of patience towards our needs.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/130/10913.jpg)
Kazuhiko G.
Thank you for your wonderful feedback. I apologize for making you walk so much. I imagine it was a tiring journey. I hope this tour becomes a memorable tour in Japan. Thank you!!
Shyam G.
“An enthusiastic charming guide you would love to get guidance for. ”
Kazuhiko san is very energetic and knowledgeable guide. He took care of all the transportation and everything. I strongly recommend everyone to get him as a guide for Kyoto trip.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/130/10913.jpg)
Kazuhiko G.
Good morning!! Thank you for the wonderful review. The three days spent with them were truly enjoyable. I also learned a lot about the relationship between Buddhism and Hinduism, among other things. The Indian food was absolutely delicious. Since there's an Indian restaurant near my house, I definitely want to try it out. Thank you so much !!
Tomer S.
“It was great ”
We had about 7 hours tour, we learned how the history and the culture all was great and insightful
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/130/10913.jpg)
Kazuhiko G.
Hello! Thank you for the wonderful review. I also had a wonderful time and thank you for the wonderful gift. I hope this tour becomes a memorable one for you. Thank you!! Kazuhiko Goto
$180/ per group
More tours by Kazuhiko G.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/422/10927.jpg)
Your most memorable tour in Kyoto
Kyoto is an ancient capital that has existed for over 1000 years. There are many shrines and temples, and you can also see traditional Japanese culture such as tea ceremony and flower arrangement. You can also see the beautiful scenery that will take your breath away. Please feel Kyoto, which can be said to be the origin of Japan, with all five senses.
Your most memorable tour in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/2422/138073.jpg)
Your most memorable tour in Osaka
The city of Osaka flourished around the eponymous Osaka Castle during the Edo era, and is now the third largest city in Japan. It is said to be the center of commerce and is a vibrant city with an atmosphere distinct from that of Tokyo or Kyoto. Please visit Osaka and get to know a different side of the country.
Your most memorable tour in Osaka
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/2426/46317.png)
Your most memorable tour to Nara (Kyoto or Osaka departure)
In Nara deer Park, you can feed many cute wild deers. After playing with deers, you will go to Toudaiji Temple. You can see huge buddaha statue. Next, you will go to kasuga shrine After lunch, you will viist Koufukuji Temple and you can see a five-storied pagoda. Morover, based on your request, I will take you to other spots.
Your most memorable tour to Nara (Kyoto or Osaka departure)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/217/5448.jpg)
Tour to the National Treasure Hikone Castle (Kyoto or Osaka departure)
Hikone City is only an hour away from Kyoto by train and faces the largest lake in Japan. Hikone Castle, a national treasure, and its castle town are located there. There are also some old temples and shrines nearby. You feel like you have slipped back into the Edo Period ( about 200~400 years ago). This is a half-day tour where you can learn about Japan's medieval period.
Tour to the National Treasure Hikone Castle (Kyoto or Osaka departure)
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18391/ed4593f6-89c9-4003-b806-3373a9a7f79d.jpg)
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 Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji, Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge. While these popular spots can be crowded, we utilize taxis to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey through this culturally rich city.
Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/70544/88cc0a4f-d90f-48f7-b564-6a62c80d1fcd.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3879/145142.jpeg)
One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
Tour will start from the Hotel in Kyoto. Frst visit is Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavillion ),then, to Ryoanji tmple where is famous for rock garden. Tour will stop at Arasiyama area to take lunch and visit Togetsu bridge, Bamboo grove, Tentyuji temple and others. The last visit is NIjyo castle. As these places are normally crowded. using chartered taxi is highly recommended in order to effectively use your valuable time in Kyoto.
One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/16782/67164.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12289/174364.jpg)
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/f91fb200-8cd3-42eb-ab83-22445375e494.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19327/df51ec9d-4cd8-46bc-987b-2b127ab84fea.jpeg)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/74454/a3ab365c-6e5c-4d1d-b92e-83e0bda2a9c6.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9509/139422.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9509/139471.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9509/139417.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9509/139470.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9509/139430.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9509/139472.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9509/139424.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/9509/139473.jpg)