As emperor has stayed at Kyoto for more than one thousand years, there are so many historical places related with emperors in Kyoto.Also at samurai period, Muromati Shogun had stayed at Kyoto, and Tokugawa Shogun built the castle in Kyoto.This tour will visit Nijo-jo castle, Imperial palace, Kinkakuji temple, and Ninnaji temple to learn the history of Kyoto related with emperor and Shogun. Once you visit these historical sites in Kyoto, you will understand the history of Kyoto and Japan.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Kyoto station or the hotel in Kyoto
Nijo-jo castle: This is historical site indicating the begining of Tokugawa Shogun and the end of Shogun.
Kyoto Imperial Palace: This is the palace where emperor had been stayed for one thousand years.
Kinkakuji temple(Golden pavilion): This was the villa of Ashikaga Shogun, Yoshimitsu, and turned to the temple later.
Ninnaji temple: This temple has been used as the villa of retired emperor and many interesting points compared with Imperial Palace.
Ending Point
Kyoto station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee, hotel pick-up in Kyoto
transportation fee (you and guide), We would use Subway/bus one day ticket - 900 yen,
Entrance fee: Nijo-jo castke, Kinkakuji temple, and Ninnaji temple - 1500 yen
1. Normally Kyoto Imperial Palace is closed on Monday, so I will check the schedule, and confirm the tour first.
2. Please consider the tour starting time to be at 9AM or after, as I come from the local area of Nara to Kyoto in the morning.
No special conditions
Hello, I’m Makoto (Mac) and I'm a national-licensed tour guide.
My previous career as an automotive engineer, gave me the opportunity to learn English and to live in the US, Germany, and England. After I retired, I learned more about the Japanese history especially focusing on Nara and Kyoto to become a historical specialist of the Nara area. I now live in Ikaruga town in Nara prefecture, where the UNESCO World Heritage, Horyuji temple is located. I regularly offer guides on the Fujinoki tumulus, which is located near the Horyuji temple. It contains very interesting Archaeological findings from the end of the Kofun Period.
Recently, there are many foreign tourists who come to Japan, and I hope they enjoy learning about the culture and history of Japan. I would like to help tourists have a broader and deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and that is the reason why I decided to become a tour guide to help and support their experience in Japan.
Nara is the place where Japan started. The capital was located in Asuka, Fujiwara and Nara before it moved to Kyoto. Therefore, there are many places to visit in Nara to trace the original history of Japan, which I have a depth of knowledge.
Let’s explore the roots of Japan together!!
Mitul P.
“Excellent guide to see Osaka if you are short on time”
Makoto was excellent guiding us to see the main spots of Osaka since we were limited on time. He was very informative on all the major sights that we saw and my family including 2 teens enjoyed the tour very much! Highly recommend him! Thank you Makoto.
Makoto Y.
Dear Mitul, Thank you for your nice comments. I am so happy to know that you and family enjoyed the tour. This tour was done in the limited time frame, so please come back again with enough time frame next time. I assure that you will enjoy more. Thanks again for your choosing me for your guide. Makoto
Niki O.
“Wonderful Guide in Kyoto”
Mak made our visit interesting and memorable. His English was excellent and he was well organised with the route of his tour. He has an in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of Kyoto and gave us a fascinating view of this ancient city. We enjoyed his company, guidance and choice of lunch venue. We recommend him very highly.
Makoto Y.
Dear Niki, Thanks for your nice comments. I also had a wonderful time guiding with you, talking about England. I am so happy that you could see the cherry blossoming in this Japan trip. Please consider visiting Japan again in Automn time. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
Edgar L.
“Creating Special Memories - Heartfelt Thanks to Makoto for an Exceptional Kyoto Tour”
Dear Makoto, Thank you for guiding my family and me through Kyoto this March. Thanks to you and your professional planning, we were able to see and experience the most special places, as well as the hidden gems of this ancient city. Combined with your wonderful humor and friendliness, this day became the best we could have had in Kyoto. We will always cherish this day in our hearts and would always choose to experience a tour with you again in the future. Once again, my sincere thanks, Makoto. Sincerely, Edgar
Makoto Y.
Dear Edgar, Thank you very much for your nice comments in the tour. Please understand that I had a wonderful day with you as you are so nice family. Especially I was so impressed with your grandmother, who is so young and active. I have learned a lot from your grandmother. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
$162/ per group