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Kyoto Highlight Tour with "Philosophical" Guide (West Route)
Joined 2017
This tour takes you to some of Kyoto's must-see sights, especially those representative of the western side of the city. The tour includes three UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Kinkakuji Temple, Ryoanji Temple, Nijo-jo Castle) and bamboo forests, as well as a tram ride to enjoy Kyoto's local scenery. If you want to do something different than visiting the classic sites, you can skip one of the World Heritage Sites and go to the Monkey Park instead.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel (only when you stay in the central Kyoto City; otherwise please come to the Kyoto Station)
At your hotel
I will pick you up at your hotel
Nijo-jo Castle
Nijo Castle is a historic landmark located in the heart of Kyoto and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle is surrounded by beautiful gardens and features impressive architecture, including a moat, massive stone walls, and ornate gates.
It was built in 1603 as a residence for the Shogun when he visited Kyoto. One of the most distinctive features of Nijo Castle is the Ninomaru Goten Palace. The palace is famous for its many cultural treasures, such as intricate murals and traditional Japanese screens, as well as "nightingale corridors," which are designed to squeak when someone walks on them.
Visitors can explore the palace's many rooms and gardens, learn about its rich history, and experience a glimpse of Japan's feudal era.
Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion Temple)
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion Temple, is a famous Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is named for its top two floors, which are completely covered in gold leaf and shine brilliantly in the sunlight, creating a stunning reflection on the pond in front of it.
Originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun in the 14th century, the temple was later converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. It features traditional Japanese architecture and beautiful gardens that complement the temple's stunning golden exterior. The temple's unique design and intricate details have inspired many artists and writers over the years, making it a symbol of Japan's cultural heritage.
Visitors can explore the temple's beautiful grounds, including the gardens and pond, and learn about its rich history and cultural significance. It is a must for anyone visiting Kyoto.
Ryoan-ji Temple
Ryoan-ji is a famous Zen Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is best known for its rock garden, which is considered one of the finest examples of Japanese Zen garden design. The garden consists of 15 carefully placed rocks arranged on a bed of white gravel that has been raked to create a ripple-like pattern. The design and meaning of the garden are open to interpretation, but many visitors find it to be a calming and meditative space.
Originally built as an aristocrat's villa in the late 11th century, Ryoan-ji was later converted into a Zen temple. The temple buildings feature traditional Japanese architecture and beautiful gardens that complement the simple beauty of the rock garden. In addition to the rock garden, the temple also has a beautiful pond garden with a small island and a teahouse.
Visitors can explore the beautiful grounds of the temple, learn about its rich history and cultural significance, and experience the peace and tranquility of the famous rock garden.
Arashiyama District (the district of the Bamboo Forest)
Arashiyama is a scenic district in the western part of Kyoto, Japan. It is known for its natural beauty and historical sights.
The Bamboo Forest, also known as the Sagano Bamboo Forest, is a must-see attraction in Arashiyama. The forest consists of towering bamboo canes that create a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Visitors can walk through the forest on a well-maintained path and enjoy the rustling of the bamboo leaves in the breeze.
In addition to the bamboo forest, visitors can enjoy the Arashiyama district by visiting temples, shrines, or gardens, walking in the monkey park, or shopping for souvenirs.
At your hotel or the Kyoto Station
I will drop you off at your hotel or the Kyoto Station
Ending Point
At your hotel or the Kyoto Station
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 (in the central Kyoto)
Entrance fee, transportation fee, and any other costs than guide fee and hotel pick-up
Tour Important Information
1) For your flexibility, lunch, transportation and entrance fees are NOT included in the tour fee. (Of course, you can consult with the guide about a restaurant, route and spots, and the guide will give the best advice according to your preferences and cost).
2) Please come with comfortable and easy walking clothes.
3) We use public transportations on this tour.
Important message from the supplier
Operation days vary depending on the time of year and the week.
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 2017
About Tour Guide Hiroki K.
I am a professional government-licensed tour guide. So far, I have provided private and small group tours for more than 800 guests from about 30 countries in Kyoto and Osaka, where I have spent most of my adult life in the two cities. As a result, I have also been appointed as an inbound hospitality instructor by Japan Tourism Agency. So I believe you will have a fantastic experience.
Furthermore, I am also a specialist of tourism in general. I have experienced guide coaching, co-author of several inbound guidebooks, and translator of inbound materials. Especially in Kyoto, I have been in charge of a guide coaching program since 2020. Based on these experiences, I am doing a doctoral research in tourism studies (tourism ethics) in a university. So, I can assure you that you will also be in touch with more profound knowledge and wisdom that you cannot get anywhere else.
