Kyoto Highlights: Temples, Bamboo Grove & Golden Pavilion (VIP Transport)
Explore Kyoto’s highlights by private vehicle in a relaxed day. Walk through Fushimi Inari’s torii gates, see the 1,001 statues of Sanjusangendo, and enjoy views from Kiyomizu-dera and its historic streets. After lunch, visit Arashiyama’s bamboo grove and a Zen garden, ending at the Golden Pavilion.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your Hotel in Kyoto
- We will meet you in the lobby of your hotel.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Walk through the famous red torii gates and learn about Shinto beliefs and their connection to nature.
Sanjūsangen-dō
Discover the impressive hall lined with 1,001 statues of Kannon and Kyoto’s early Buddhist history.
Kiyomizu-dera
Enjoy panoramic views from the iconic wooden terrace and explore the historic streets nearby.
Lunch Break
Relax and enjoy a local meal in a traditional setting.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Stroll through the peaceful bamboo forest, one of Kyoto’s most photographed landscapes.
Tenryū-ji
Visit a classic Zen temple and garden designed in harmony with the surrounding mountains.
Kinkaku-ji
Conclude at the Golden Pavilion, reflected beautifully in its tranquil pond.
Ending Point
Your hotel
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
-Guide Fee
-Hotel Pick up
-Private Guide/Driver
-All entrances and tickets
-Transportation via Toyota Alphard model car
-Gasoline fee
-Toll fee
-Extra stops
-souvenirs
-Lunch
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 Nicolas I.
Hello, my name is Nicolas. I’m originally from Argentina and have been living in Japan for the past eight years, proudly calling Osaka my home. Being married to a Japanese wife has given me a strong personal connection to the culture and a deeper understanding of everyday life here, far beyond what most visitors get to see.
Tourism has always been my passion and profession, and I have spent these years working in the tour industry, helping travelers discover Japan in a meaningful and enjoyable way. I love sharing not only the famous landmarks, but also the small details, stories, and local experiences that make this country so special.
My goal is to make every tour feel relaxed, authentic, and memorable—like exploring Japan with a knowledgeable friend who truly loves living here. I look forward to welcoming you and showing you this amazing place I now call home.
Reviews
Cassilda M.
“ Another Unforgettable Day with Nicolas — Highly Recommended in Arashiyama”
We had the absolute pleasure of spending another wonderful day with Nicolas, this time exploring the magic of Arashiyama, and once again he exceeded every expectation. From the moment he met our group of five, Nicolas brought the same warmth, professionalism, and genuine care that had made our previous day with him so memorable. His passion for sharing the beauty and history of Japan is deeply contagious, and he turns every stop into a story you want to listen to. Arashiyama through Nicolas's eyes was a revelation. He led us through the iconic bamboo grove with a sense of wonder, brought to life the centuries of history at the temples, and guided us along the Togetsukyo Bridge and the gardens with a perfect balance of insight and quiet moments to simply take it all in. He paced the day beautifully — never rushed, never lingering too long, always reading our energy and adjusting effortlessly. Beyond the knowledge and storytelling, what continues to set Nicolas apart is his kindness and attention to every member of the group. He is patient, attentive, and treats each guest as if they were the only one. He anticipates needs before they arise, recommends the perfect spots for photos, knows where to stop for a delicious bite, and somehow makes everyone feel completely looked after throughout the day. We cannot recommend Nicolas highly enough. Whether it was Nara on a rainy day or Arashiyama under spring skies, he transforms every excursion into a truly unforgettable experience. If you are visiting Kyoto and looking for a guide who combines deep cultural knowledge, warmth, and a real gift for hospitality, Nicolas is, without doubt, the guide to choose. Thank you so much, Nicolas — for yet another fabulous day. We will treasure these memories of Arashiyama, and we look forward to recommending you to everyone we know. — The Martins Group, Portugal
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Nicolas I.
Thank you so much for your beautiful words and for spending another wonderful day with me in Arashiyama. It was truly a pleasure sharing these places with such a warm and lovely group. I’m very grateful for your trust, kindness, and support, and I’m so happy you enjoyed both Nara and Kyoto. I’ll always remember our time together and hope to see you again someday in Japan! — Nicolas
Cassilda M.
“ A Truly Exceptional Day in Nara with Nicolas — Highly Recommended”
What a wonderful day we had with Nicolas in Nara! From the moment we met, it was clear we were in the best possible hands. His warmth, attentiveness, and deep knowledge of Nara made our group of five feel completely looked after from start to finish. The weather was not on our side — it rained for most of the day — but Nicolas turned what could have been a difficult day into one of the most memorable of our entire trip. Without us even asking, he went out of his way to buy umbrellas for all of us and made sure each one of us had bottled water throughout the day. It was such a thoughtful, generous gesture, and it perfectly captured the kind of guide he is: genuinely caring, proactive, and deeply committed to his guests' comfort. Beyond the kindness, his storytelling brought Nara to life. He paced the day beautifully, adapted the itinerary to the weather without missing a beat, and made every temple, shrine and encounter — including the famous deer of Nara Park — feel meaningful. He listened, he laughed with us, and he treated each of the five of us as if we were the only people he was looking after that day. We cannot recommend Nicolas highly enough. If you are looking for a guide who will go far beyond the call of duty to make your day in Nara truly special, he is the one. All five of us left feeling incredibly grateful, and we will remember this day for a long time. Thank you so much, Nicolas — you made our day in Nara unforgettable, rain and all. — The Martins Group, Portugal
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Nicolas I.
Thank you for the beautiful review! It was my pleasure to guide you and be part of your special trip in Japan. :)
Kenneth B.
“A day in Kyoto ”
Nicolas is a personable, talented and very knowledgeable guide who had a great day of sites mapped out for our action packed day. While he had a plan he was able to modify it “on the fly” to suit our needs and wishes. We highly recommend him.
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Nicolas I.
Thank you very much for your kind words! I’m really glad you enjoyed the day and that we were able to make the most of it together. It was a pleasure adapting the plan to fit what you were looking for, and I truly appreciate your recommendation. Wishing you all the best on the rest of your travels, and I hope to see you again in Japan!
$752/ per group
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