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.
JR Kyoto Station or Your hotel
Pick you up at your hotel
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.
Trekking in eastern mountains through small valley from Nanzenji temple
Enjoy breathtaking view from the Eastern Mountains (Mt.Daimonji) *How about a coffee break on the top?
Originally built as a villa for the 8th shogun of Muromachi period, Ashikaga Yoshimasa. Ginkakuji is a typical example of the "wabi-sabi" beauty.
Let's find a nice restaurant near the Silver Temple and have lunch!
Walking along the Philosopher's Path from Silver Pavilion to Nanzenji Temple
See you off at Higasiyama Subway Station, and Kanpai (Cheers) for your completion.
Higashiyama Subway Station or Ginkakuji temple (depending on the fitness level of your group and the weather conditions)
-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.
Hoang P.
Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto and Uji Green Tea Town
“Nara - bowing deer ”
The tour with Koichi wasn't just informative, it was interactive. He encouraged questions, patiently explaining even the most obscure details. His positive attitude and ability to tailor the experience to our interests was characteristic we looked for. When we mentioned a fascination with Buddhist art, he pointed out hidden treasures within the Great Buddha Hall that most tourists miss. Buddha hands was positioned in the form of “have no fear” on the right hand, and “wishes are granted” with the left. Koichi pointed out pillar inside the Great Buddha Hall has a hole the size of the Buddha statue's nostril carved in the bottom. Of course I tried to crawl through the whole and was able to make it. Koichi was happy that I came out on the other side. But perhaps Koichi's greatest strength was his genuine warmth. He treated us not just as tourists, but as guests eager to discover Nara's hidden gems. He helped us navigate the bustling crowds at the park, ensuring we had ample time to interact with the friendly deer. Also, don’t forget to by buy dear feed for bowing deer of Nara. In Osaka Castle, we witnessed the museum of fierce battles between Tokugawa and Toyotomi clans which last for couple of decades. We concluded the trip in Dotonbori Foodies Town where Koichi showed us his friend and treated us the local beer Prepare to be amazed with the guidance of Koichi in Nara and Osaka!
Koichi W.
(61 reviews)Hi! I am very grateful for your wonderful review. I will always remember how much fun I had spending my days with you. I don't know if I was able to answer all of your questions properly, but your enthusiasm and curiosity have given me even more motivation. Thanks again. Arigato-gozaimasu! Koichi
Hoang P.
Western Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor Full Day Tour
“Kyoto - Unforgettable”
Koichi was a fantastic guide who made our Kyoto adventure unforgettable. Kyoto is the first destination of our there day tours. He met us at the hotel with a smile, warm personality, enthusiasm and ready to navigate us to various famous places in Kyoto. Koichi wasn't just knowledgeable about the historical sites, he brought them to life with vivid stories and sketches. He could answer every question from us, from the complexities of Fushimi-Inari Shrine and its famous for many orange color gates like a tunnel to Sanjusangendo Temple architecture and its famous for 1001 statues of Kannon and the venue of archery contest. He rewarded us when we could locate the missing arrow from the archery completion. We walked around the Kyoto Imperial Palace, former palace of the Emperor of Japan and imagined the Imperial life in 17th century . At Kinkakuji Golden Temple, we were overwhelming with its magnificent beauty from different angle and ray of lights. He did not forget to take us to an authentic ramen on the way to the transfer station. This ramen place so particularly tasty that our family voted the best ramen for the whole trip in Japan. If you look for tour guide to accommodate your schedule or tailor the Itinerary to your interests, Koichi is the one. His expertise, passion, and genuine care made our Kyoto trip exceptional. If you're looking for a guide who goes beyond the typical tourist route and creates a truly personalized experience, then book Koichi!
Koichi W.
(61 reviews)Thank you very much for your heartwarming review and comments. I am very happy to have shared a wonderful time with you. This time we walked together through the main tourist attractions, but if you have a chance, let's go around the lesser known places, the real Japan. It is also fun to have a chance to interact with the local people. Koichi
Hoang P.
Full-day ( 9 hour) Hiroshima Tour from Kyoto
Customized
“Hiroshima - hopeful message of peace”
Koichi's knowledge of Hiroshima area and the Atomic Bomb Dome was profound. He presented the history with sensitivity and respect, ensuring we understood the impact of the event while fostering a hopeful message of peace. The tour through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum was a moving experience through dark pages of history. But the day wasn't solely focused on the past. Koichi take us to Miyajima Island via a ferry. We could walk all the way to the foot of a giant, orange Great Torii Gate. We wished we could stay overnight to see its breathtaking beauty when it was submerged at high tide. Standing before the majestic Itsukushima Shrine, we learned about its history and significance in Shinto religion. He even pointed out hidden details and lesser-known facts, enriching the entire experience. We never forgot the taste and flavor of fresh oysters thank to Koichi recommended “must try” one of the best oysters in the regions. On the way back from Hiroshima to Kyoto on a shinkansen, we learned the history of sake making and were treated by Koichi a cup of sake to complete the whole experience. We left Hiroshima with a deeper understanding of its history, a newfound appreciation for peace, and a heart full of wonder for Miyajima's beauty. If you're planning a trip to Hiroshima, I cannot recommend Koichi highly enough. He is a true expert, a compassionate guide, and an inspiration.
Koichi W.
(61 reviews)Thank you again for your wonderful review. I remember the days I spent with you and your family. I am also grateful that I was able to be with you in Hiroshima. I would like to keep in mind the happiness of being able to walk with people like you in this way. I hope that people around the world will continue to live in harmony and that a peaceful world will spread without violence.