Kyoto Highlights-Full day Kyoto tour with a cultural property management expert
There are a lot of places to visit in Kyoto; Shinto shrines, Buddhism temples, gardens, castle, nature and others. Seventeen of them are included in the UNESCO World Heritage. I am a cultural property management expert; I will give you a good explanation on the cultural properties in Kyoto and the religions and culture in Japan.
For a more personalized experience, please choose 3-4 places you want to visit from the list below and let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Kyoto station
- Or at your hotel in Kyoto, alternatively
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Sanjusangen-do
Lunch break
Kiyomizu-dera
Sannen-zaka
15:00 Yasaka Pagoda
Kennin-ji
Gion
Yasaka Shrine
For a more personalized experience, please choose 3–4 places from the list below. The itinerary is customizable, so feel free to message me with your preferences.
・Arashiyama(Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji(JPY500), Togetsu Bridge and Kimono Forest),
・Sagano (Adashino Nembutsu-dera(JPY500), Gio-ji(JPY300) and Jojako-ji(JPY500))
*This has to be chosen together with Arashiyama,
・Kiyomizu (Kiyomizu-dera(JPY500), Sannen-zaka and Yasaka Pagoda)
*This has to be chosen together with Gion.
・Gion(Geisha town, Kennin-ji(JPY800) and Yasaka Shrine),
・Sanjusangen-do(JPY600),
・Uji Byodo-in(JPY700),
・To-ji(JPY500),
・Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion(JPY500),
・Ryoan-ji Rock Garden(JPY600),
・Nanzen-ji(JPY600),
・Ginkaku-ji Silver Pacilion(JPY500)
If you want to include less-visited and quite places like Taizo-in, Heian-jingu and others, just let me know.
Ending Point
JR Kyoto station (Ending point can be flexible)
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guiding fee
Insurance
Transportation for guide and guests
Lunch for guide and guests
Others
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 Hiroyuki T.
Hi!
I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations.
I am very good at cultural heritages.
And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area.
I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government.
I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka and other places as I was a cultural heritage management and international relations professional.
I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
If you need a good guide in the Tokyo area, I have a friend on GoWithGuide I can recommend you!
Reviews
Nancy T.
“History, Serenity, and Beauty”
We were impressed with Hiroyuki T. almost immediately when we met at our hotel and planned our itinerary with him on the spot. There had been some issues with the tour description on the GoWithGuide website and we neglected to coordinate with him before our arrival. He handled the last-minute schedule efficiently and came up with an organized plan. We were able to visit several temples and gardens we had not seen on previous visits; enjoy a Japanese/Western lunch; and learn many details about Japanese Buddhism we’d never learned before. Hiro even gave us meditation instructions in a beautiful, serene Zen garden. Thank you, Hiro.
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Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. I always say it is necessary to visit at least one of the shrines, one of the temples, one of the Jodo gardens and one of the Zen gardens to understand the profundity of Kyoto. It good to know that you touched the profundity of Kyoto through the tour. Meditation works, make it a daily custom. Thank you again. Hiro
Luke M.
“Miro Muro Heritage Tour”
When my wife and I planned our trip to Japan one thing we knew we wanted to do was to learn more about where my family roots are in Wakayama. In particular, the oceanside village of Mio Mura. We are so incredibly grateful for Hiroyuki. From the start, he went above and beyond for us. I shared my family's story with him and even before we met him in Japan he was already proactive into researching any family connections that were still in Mio Mura. He even reached out to people in the village that may still be connected to my family. He was patient with us when we missed our train to Gobo station and was super resourceful in helping us navigate Wakayama. Without him we wouldn't have learned so much about my family's village and history. He was very knowledgable and translated for us while visiting the Japanese Canadian Museum and other sites. We were even able to locate my great great grandparents burial site because of him. It's an experience that I will never forgot and was something my family will cherish for a very long time! If you are looking to trace your family roots in Mio Mura, Hiroyuki is the best guide there is! Even if you're touring Wakayama, Osaka, or Kyoto, pick Hiroyuki!!
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Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It was really nice meeting you in Wakayama the other day. When I was at Wakayama prefectural government, I visited Canada and USA often times. I met a lot of people who are rooted in Mio. I know that Mio is very special for these people. Fortunately, one of my friends is from Mio and she is a Nikkei 4 sei her self. She helped me to find your far relatives' residence. Thank you very much again for everything. It is very good to hear that you will never forget Mio. Hiro
Dave S.
“Not Just a Tour….but a history lesson too!”
Hiro was truly amazing. He tailored the tour to the things I had the most interest in and took me on a few off the beaten path sights as well. As we went along he gave me fantastic written notes so I could recap in my own travel journal but also share the history with my family. We had a great lunch together and loved learning/sharing his passion for baseball. He was also very understanding about a sore back I suffered the day prior. I can’t wait to come back and do another tour with Hiro! Thanks Hiro for everything!
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Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It was really nice meeting you in Osaka. How is your back ache now? I hope that you have recovered from it. There are many more places to visit in this area like Mt. Koya, Himeji Castle and other historical sites. I will be looking forward to seeing you again in the future. Hiro
$282/ per group
More tours by Hiroyuki T.
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Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
There are a lot of places to visit, a lot of things to do in Osaka. From historical sites to food venders hopping. CHOOSE 3-4 places you want to visit from the list below and let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
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Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
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One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well.
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
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Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
In Nara, eight Buddhism temples and Shintoism Shrines are included in the World Heritage as “Historic Monuments in Ancient Capital of Nara” as those represent close cultural exchanges between Japan and China, and even Hellenism culture in the 8th century. On this tour we will visit three of them in a day from Osaka.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
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Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
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Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
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Kyoto Day Tour - Fushimi-Inari, Kiyomizu temple, Yasaka Shrine and Gion
Explore Kyoto's most iconic sites with a local guide! You'll Visit: ・Fushimi Inari - Thousands of vermillion torii gates ・Kiyomizu-dera - Stunning temple views ・Yasaka Shrine - Traditional spirituality ・Gion - Historic geisha district What to Expect: ・Cultural insights and stories that bring each site to life ・ Local knowledge, hidden details, and great photo opportunities Discover Kyoto's beauty and culture with me!
Kyoto Day Tour - Fushimi-Inari, Kiyomizu temple, Yasaka Shrine and Gion
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