Kyoto historical tour
With some historical explanation, the Kyoto tour will become more interesting. But, you don't have to be a connoisseur.
Please tell me about your preference. Considering the access, the season, and the time, I will make a suitable plan. And I will show you places that are as well as historical, but also unique and beautiful.
At you hotel lobby
At your Hotel Lobby in Kyoto, etc.
It is a rare place where you can see the residence and office of the Shogunate with many masterpieces of art along with beautiful gardens. We usually call the main tower of the castle 'Castle', but there is no main tower in Nijo Castle. Yes, it doesn't look like a castle.
Instead, it has many interesting historical stories.
Beautiful golden palace with wonderful gardens and northern mountains on its backdrop. One of the must-see places in Kyoto. It is the symbol of Kitayama Culture.
This restaurant is a kind of a hidden gem. They serve a beautiful lunch. We can spend time silently in a small home-like restaurant.
Zen Buddhist temple, famous for its dry garden, which Elizabeth Ⅱ admired. Please feel the universe of Zen Buddhism.
It's not just a temple. As it is jutting out of the cliff, you will enjoy the panoramic views of Kyoto. And please enjoy the quaint feel around it. You shouldn't miss it.
downhill course with stairs
Gion district is famous for Geisha(Geiko and Maiko). Many high-class Japanese restaurants and houses exist where Geisha live. As we are now in the evening, you may see some dressed-up Geisha on the way to the party places if you are lucky.
Ending spot
At you hotel or train station
guide fee, hotel pick-up
transportation fee (you and the guide), taxi (about 4800 yen) bus or metro (depends)
lunch (you and the guide) of about 3000 yen /per person, or a more reasonable lunch of about 1200 yen
admission fees of about 3000 yen/per person, no guide required
If you have some request for the meal, please let me know beforehand at least 3 days.
This course is mostly flat or downhill, but there are a few uphill sections. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
We will visit many must-sees efficiently in a limited hours.
To avoid being in a hurry, let's use taxis. Taxis are not expensive in Japan, and you can easily catch one in Kyoto.
I will plan to visit scenic beauties at a good time of the day. I will take some nice photos of you.
You will have a happy time in Kyoto.
Lynette M.
Visiting Nara from Osaka ~truly the must-see place in Japan~
“Amazing place with excellent guide”
Our guide Shuji took excellent care of our family. He was very considerate planning the tour so the children and adults can enjoy the place. He made suggestions so it was easy for the kids to navigate (5 and 7 years old). He recommended which place to eat and advice us which place to avoid. He was very patient answering my nephew's questions about fishing! Unfortunately it rained but it was towards the end of our tour. We would highly recommend our guide Shuji. Thank you for the wonderful tour. Lynette and family ( Philippines)
Shuji O.
(15 reviews)Thank you for your kind review. We visited Nara considering the sudden heavy rain and the condition of 5 and 7-year-old children. The most challenging thing for me was the series of questions from 7-year-old boys about fishing. Yes, I also had a pleasant day in Nara. Thank you very much. See you sometime.
“Great Day with Shuji”
We had a great day visiting Himeji and its garden with Shuji. He was very accommodating and discreet. It was a perfect day!
Shuji O.
(15 reviews)Thank you for the wonderful review. As you suggested starting early, we were able to enjoy Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden during the cooler hours. And we got amazing seats for lunch. It really was a lovely tour. I would love to go on a tour with you all anytime. I hope you enjoy the tours for the rest of your stay in Japan.
“Shuji is Great!”
We spent a day with Shuji in Kyoto and went at the end with him to Osaka where he lives. It was a great day. He is very knowlegeeable about Japanese history and culture (he taught world history before retiring). His Englsh is great. The Kyoto part was exploring three temples that were further out and we might have missed without his guidance. Osaka was a brief tour of the central area, including the night life and street food. He recommended a great restaurant for us after. Highly recommended. Kent and Luca
Shuji O.
(15 reviews)Dear Kent and Luca, Thank you so much for the great review. We really had a wonderful time. Since you had already visited many places in Kyoto, I was able to take you to my most favorite hidden gems. And thank you very much for your barrage of jokes! I hope I can see both of you again. Shuji O.