Kyoto Express Half Day Tour
Joined 2014
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?
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
Joined 2014
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
Maria F.
“Nice guide”
Kazu was very nice. We had a great time with him!
Kazuhiko G.
Thank you for the wonderful review. I'm also glad that I had a fun day with your wonderful family. And, I'm sorry that I made you walk so much. I hope this tour will be a memorable one. Thank you!!
Antoinette A.
“Wonderful way to see Kyoto from Osaka Cruise Terminal”
Kazu was an excellent guide from navigating thru busy train ride and reaching all the wonderful spots in Kyoto such as the Tori gates, Bamboo forest and The Golden Pavilion. It was rainy that day but we were able to see all of them because Kazu was very organized and good in checking our time frame . He is very punctual, respectful and knowledgeable about Japanese culture. I will give him 10 stars, he is flexible and accommodates our needs for time. He was able to pick us up early and return us to our cruise terminal on time so we wont be late for all aboard in ship. Thank you Kazu! - Don& Antoinette
Kazuhiko G.
Thanks for the nice review. It was my pleasure to be with you too. This time we had to change our route due to the delay of the train we were on. I am sorry for causing you worry. I hope this tour was a memorable one for you. Thank you very much!
Sakina K.
“Tour of Nara and Osaka”
Kazu did an amazing job organizing a tour for our group. He met us in Kyoto and helped us navigate to Nara. We spent time with the deer and explored the temple with great explanations. He then got us to Osaka and spent time showing us highlights. It was a busy and amazing day! Kazu was kind and very accommodating as we had young kids with us. Highly recommend him as a guide.
Kazuhiko G.
Thank you for your wonderful review. I'm sorry I made your group walk a lot in the crowded streets. I had a fun day too. Thank you very much. However, it was a shame for the children that the Pokémon Center was closed. I hope this tour will be a memorable one for your group in Japan. Thank you !!
$187/ per group
More tours by Kazuhiko G.
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 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 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.
Tour to the National Treasure Hikone Castle from Kyoto
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.
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Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? I would also like to take you some hidden gemes in Kyoto. Beat the crowds!
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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.
Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
Why not enjoy your holidays in Kyoto? You can certainly get in touch with many things Japanese that we are proud of. They are old temples and shrines, cultural assets and the beautiful natural surroundings. You can also enjoy dropping in at souvenir stores and buy exquisitely made products, such as folding fans, porcelain and traditional Japanese cakes. I would like to take you to the following places, which are the three representative tourist destinations in this city: (1) Arashiyama It is the place where all the traditional natural beauties of Japan are combined together. They are Togetsukyo bridge, bamboo grove and the old temples. If you go up to the observation spot, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the gorge below. You can also see rickshaws of the olden times drawn by young people with smiling passengers on board. There are souvenir shops selling variety of goods and products. (2) Nijo-jo Castle (World Cultural Heritage Site) This castle was built in the early 17th century by the Tokugawa Shogunate government for the purpose of protecting the Kyoto Imperial Palace and as the accommodations when Tokugawa Shogun was in Kyoto. It was subsequently enlarged by successive Shogun. It is the castle as well as the palace, where you can see the powerful structures and beautiful gardens. You can learn, in addition, how great the power of Tokugawa Shogun was. (3) Kinkakuji temple (the Golden Pavilion) (World Cultural Heritage Site) The history of this temple began when the third Shogun of the Muromachi period acquired a tract of land in this area from a powerful statesman in 1397 and built a villa of his own to entertain the Emperor and members of the nobility. The upper two levels of the temple are covered with pieces of gold foil and are shining brilliantly against the background of the rich greenery. The pond in the foreground reflects the golden structure. It looks like the materialization of Pure Land of Buddha in this world. In addition, on the top of the golden structure is the shining phoenix.
Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities
This tour covers 4 must-see sites and Nishiki Market. You visit the most renowned sites such as the Golden Pavilion, Ryo-an-ji temple where you may find an elegant beauty in its simple rock garden Nijo-castle ,the luxurious palace of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Sanjyu-sangendo temple, where the thousand life-size statues and the Principal statue make you feel like you are in a forest of Buddha! says " It's amazing ! Lastly visit Nishiki Market, where you can enjoy eating Kyoto’s cuisine.
