Aren't you tired of busy sightseeing spots a little bit? Don't you want to move your body, and enjoy workout on the mountain path with calm historical sites? . I recommend this trekking tour. This tour involves hiking from Yamashina Bishamondo temple to Ginkakuji Silver Pavillion via Higashiyama trekking route and Mt. Daimonji with its panoramic view.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Kyoto Station or Your hotel
Your Hotel
Pick you up at your hotel
Nanzenji Temple
It is the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, and although it was originally built as an Imperial villa in 1264, it is famous for big wooden gate and its gardens. We walk through the ground of the temple.
Mountain path in the Eastern Mountains of Kyoto
Trekking in eastern mountains through small valley from Nanzenji temple
Mt.Daimonji
Enjoy breathtaking view from the Eastern Mountains (Mt.Daimonji) *How about a coffee break on the top?
Ginkakuji (Silver pavilion)
Originally built as a villa for the 8th shogun of Muromachi period, Ashikaga Yoshimasa. Ginkakuji is a typical example of the "wabi-sabi" beauty.
Lunch
Let's find a nice restaurant near the Silver Temple and have lunch!
Philosopher's Path to Nanzenji
Walking along the Philosopher's Path from Silver Pavilion to Nanzenji Temple
Higashiyama Subway Station
See you off at Higasiyama Subway Station, and Kanpai (Cheers) for your completion.
Ending Point
Higashiyama Subway Station or Ginkakuji temple (depending on the fitness level of your group and the weather conditions)
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
-Guiding fee
* This tour might be extended due to various circumstances such as weather conditions etc. In such case, I would NOT charge any extra guide fee.
-Transportation fare
-Lunch
-Drinks and snacks
-Entrance fees (Ginkakuji(600JPY/person) temple) *If you like to enter.
-Other personal expenses
I recommend you should wear sneakers or hiking shoes and bring a rain wear or an umbrella in case of shower, and also bring some bottles of water and snacks to appease your thirst and hunger temporarily sine we will walk about 4 hours in mountainous area maximum height is 470 meters above sea level.
You can have "Onigiri" rice ball lunch or sandwiches on the mountain if you like. Some good portable boxed lunches and bottles of drink are sold at Kyoto station. If you hope,I can serve you a cup (my handmade) of regular coffee or tea during the tour.
There is no restroom during mountainous area from Bishamondo to Ginkakuji.
Nanzenji is our tour's goal, but depending on the fitness level of your group and the weather conditions, Ginkakuji might be our goal.
I usually use public transportation systems such as trains, buses, taxi, and so on.
I like outdoor activities. If you would like to do hiking, cycling etc., please feel free to ask me in advance.
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months.
I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems.
Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature.
I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Andreas S.
“Incredible 2 days visiting Kyoto and Nara”
What an incredible 2 days of sight-seeing around Kyoto and Nara. Koichi is a wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and passionate guide. We took in all the main sights of Kyoto and Nara and Koichi was always willing to share information and point out interesting facts at all the different places we visited. We took in all these sites yet still there was more to see and do if we had had the time. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Golden Temple, Nijo-jo Castle, Tenryuji Zen Temple, Nara Deer Park, Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Byodo-in temple. Koichi was always on hand to provide the history of the places and also took the time to explain the Japanese language and the differences in the local dialect as well whilst we were travelling between areas. If I could give more stars I would. Ookini Koichi-san we all thank you so much for the memories and I hope to take you up on your offer of a Sake tour next time.
Koichi W.
Hi! Andreas san. Thank you for your wonderful message and rating. Once again I am looking at the photos of the two-day tour with you and remembering the days. I really appreciate the wonderful time you shared with me. It was only recently, but I still remember the days with fond memories. Koichi
Sara V.
“Western highlights private Kyoto tour”
Our private tour of Kyoto’s western highlights was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, our guide Koichi provided an enriching, and personalized experience that exceeded all expectations. We explored the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, marveled at the elegance of Tenryu-ji Temple, strolled along the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, and visited the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Koichi was both educational and enjoyable. This private tour was a true highlight of our trip to Japan. If you want to explore Kyoto’s western treasures this is the way to do it. Highly, highly recommended! Koichi was superb. I would give him more than 5 stars!
Koichi W.
Thank you for your excellent comment and rating. It is my great pleasure to hear that you are so pleased with the tour . Your review will inspire me to do better next time. Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Arigato and Ookini!!
Sara V.
“Eastern Kyoto private tour”
I can’t recommend this Kyoto tour highly enough! Our guide Koichi was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also warm, professional, and passionate about Kyoto’s rich history and culture. From the moment we met, he made us feel welcome and tailored the tour perfectly to our interests. We explored iconic sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizudera, visited Gion town and walked around Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka streets. Koichi provided historical context, local legends, and even restaurant recommendations that only a true local would know. His English was excellent! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a deeper dive into the city, this tour is absolutely worth it. It was one of the highlights of our entire trip to Japan!
Koichi W.
Hi! Sara san. Thank you so much for your wonderful rating and comments too. I couldn't be more honored that you enjoyed the tour so much. I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to meet again. Arigato and Ookini!!
$245/ per group