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Kyoto Private Tour -
Kyoto Private Tour -
Kyoto Private Tour -
Kyoto Private Tour -
Kyoto Private Tour -
Kyoto Private Tour -
Kyoto Private Tour -
Kyoto Private Tour -
Kyoto Private Tour -
Kyoto Private Tour -
Kyoto Private Tour -
Kyoto Private Tour -

Kyoto - Must see Zen Temple, Bamboo Grove, Japanese Garden and more

Art, Culture, & Historical
Kyoto Tour Guide - Miki J.

Joined 2026

Miki J.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks
Kyoto
English, Japanese (Native)
3 hrs 30 mins
Private tour (only you and Miki J.)
Up to 6 people

Visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn not only its history but also the beauty and philosophy behind its famous garden. Stroll through the enchanting bamboo grove, visit a lesser-known photo spot, and explore Museum Richo, featuring art and traditional crafts. Here, you can experience a uniquely Arashiyama atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in Kyoto. Along the way, wander quiet backstreets and discover a more peaceful side of Arashiyama.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

RANDEN TRAIN ARASHIYAMA STATION

- Kyoto, 616-8384, Japan Meeting location address is for RANDEN TRAIN ARASHIYAMA STATION (20, Saga Tenryuji Tsukurimichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, 616-8384). You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel lobby) .

09:30 AM

Tenryu-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Around Randen Arashiyama Station, there are many delightful places to explore, including the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, charming souvenir shops, popular local coffee shops, and cafés serving delicious matcha lattes. We can take our time and stop at any places that catch your interest on our way to Tenryu-ji Temple.


At Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, I will share the fascinating history of the temple and explain the beauty and philosophy behind its magnificent Japanese garden. One of the highlights is the breathtaking "borrowed scenery" (shakkei), where the surrounding Arashiyama mountains become part of the garden itself. We will also stroll through the peaceful grounds and fully appreciate this timeless landscape with all five senses.

10:30 AM

Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and experience one of Kyoto's most iconic landscapes. Beyond the famous pathway, I will also take you to a lesser-known photo spot where you can enjoy the beauty of the bamboo forest away from the crowds. Along the way, we can visit a unique local shop specializing exclusively in bamboo crafts and products. Although still relatively unknown to many visitors, it is a wonderful place to discover traditional craftsmanship and find special souvenirs that reflect the spirit of Arashiyama.

11:30 AM

Museum Richo

Museum Richo is a private museum located in Arashiyama, western Kyoto. It is renowned for its breathtaking garden and scenery, which was selected as the 12th most beautiful garden and landscape in Japan. The gallery specializes in exquisite ceramics from the Joseon (Yi) Dynasty, as well as folk art pottery from Japan, Korea, and England.


The collection is a remarkable fusion of artistic beauty and historical significance, offering a captivating array of works that reflect rich cultural heritage and timeless craftsmanship. The museum is located across from Rakushisha, the historic cottage associated with the poet Matsuo Basho.


Enjoy a luxurious and peaceful experience in refined sukiya-style architecture while taking in magnificent views of Mt. Hiei, Mt. Ogura, Mt. Atago, and Rakushisha. This is a truly special place where you can relax, slow down, and enjoy an unforgettable moment away from the crowds.

Ending Point

RANDEN TRAIN ARASHIYAMA STATION/HANKYU ARASHIYAMA STATION

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Private Guide Fee

What‘s not included

・Public transportation fees

・Taxi fare(If you meet at a location far from Arashiyama Station, you will travel to the first destination by taxi, which costs about ¥2,000–¥5,000 per ride. Each taxi can accommodate up to 4 passengers.)

・Entrance tickets Tickets: (Tenryuji Temple: the ticket price is ¥800 per person, and ¥600 for 7 to 15 years old children. Museum Richo:¥1,000 per person, and no fees for 15 and younger children.)

・Personal expenses

Tour Important Information

If hotel pickup is requested, we will take a taxi from your hotel to Arashiyama for a smoother and more comfortable start to the tour.


Lunch is not included in this tour, but I would be delighted to recommend some excellent local restaurants and cafés based on your preferences.

Important message from the supplier

I am available until 2pm on every Friday.

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
Kyoto Tour Guide - Miki J.

Joined 2026

Miki J.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Miki J.

My name is Miki, and I was born and raised in Kyoto. The streets, temples, shrines, gardens, arts and crafts, and traditions here have been part of my life since childhood, and sharing them with visitors is something I truly love.


My father designs traditional Sukiya-style architecture, Japanese gardens, and tea rooms, and is also a passionate collector of antiques from Japan and Korea. Through his work, I developed a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and beauty found throughout Japanese culture.


My mother is a professional cook, and I grew up watching my parents warmly welcome guests into our home, preparing matcha and meals while creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. From them, I learned the spirit of Japanese hospitality Omotenashi.


I began learning English at an international school in elementary school, which allowed me to communicate with people from many different countries from a young age.


Over time, I realized how much I enjoy helping people discover the deeper meaning behind the places we visit. Kyoto is a city where every temple, shrine, garden, and small street has a story. While many visitors are drawn to its beauty, understanding the history and traditions behind these places makes the experience even more meaningful.


I love sharing these stories and introducing hidden local spots that many visitors might otherwise miss. My goal is to help you experience Kyoto with all five senses and enjoy the culture and traditions that make this city so special.

Whether it is your first time visiting Japan or you are returning to Kyoto, I would be truly honored to share this beautiful city with you.


If I can help create even a small, special moment in Kyoto that becomes a lasting memory for you, it would be my greatest happiness.

Reviews

“Kyoto one to remember ”

What an amazing day exploring Kyoto with the wonderful Miki! Miki was incredibly knowledgeable about Kyoto’s rich history and culture, and what made the experience even more special was how she incorporated references to anime and movies our boys would recognise. It was such a clever and engaging way to bring the history to life for the whole family! She was great fun, incredibly personable and made our day exploring Kyoto truly memorable. We enjoyed some delicious Wagyu beef for lunch before being lucky enough to witness a beautiful maiko (apprentice geisha) in the Gion district. Miki explained that this was an incredibly rare experience, and we were fortunate to be given permission to film because the media were present. Watching the maiko was absolutely captivating — she was so elegant, graceful and beautiful. It was a very special moment that we will always remember. Thank you, Miki, for sharing your knowledge, laughter and love of Kyoto with our family. You made us feel so welcome and gave us an experience that went well beyond a typical sightseeing tour. We would highly recommend Miki to anyone wanting an authentic, fun and memorable experience in Kyoto. And Miki, if you ever make it to Australia, please come and visit us! Thank you for welcoming our family to your beautiful city!

Cindy P.

Miki J.

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and heartfelt review. It was truly a pleasure to spend the day exploring Kyoto with your lovely family. We were also so fortunate to experience such a special moment in Gion together. I’m delighted that the encounter with the maiko became one of your cherished memories of Kyoto. Meeting such a warm, genuine, and fun-loving family was a real joy for me, too. I feel very lucky that our paths crossed, and our day together is one I will remember for a long time. Thank you again for choosing to explore Kyoto with me and for sharing such lovely words. And yes, I would absolutely love to visit Australia one day with my family and see you again. Until then, please stay in touch, and if you ever need anything from Japan, I would be more than happy to help. Wishing you all many more wonderful family adventures, and thank you once again for leaving me with such beautiful memories!

Want to Personalize?

$268/ per group

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