In this tour I will show you the most popular spots in Kyoto in 8 hours. Following is a sample itinerary including 2 temples with beautiful gardens, 1 Shinto shrine and Nishiki Market at the end of the day. Let's wander around Japan's most traditional city!
Another sample itinerary includes Kiyomizudera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Nijojo Castle and Gion District. I'm showing the photos of them after the sites of the first sample itinerary.
At your hotel in Kyoto or Information Desk at JR Central Gate of Kyoto Station
A Shinto shrine that has more than 10,000 vermilion colored Shinto gates.
Natural bamboo forest that has a pretty path with unique bamboo fences. Arashiyama used to be a resort area for noble people.
World heritage site, A Zen Buddhist temple founded in the 14th century. It has one of the oldest landscaped gardens in Japan.
The temple is connected to Arashiyama bamboo forest.
A world heritage site. Golden Pavilion was originally built in the 14th century by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. The temple has a beautiful pond garden representing a paradise.
Kyoto's kitchen located in the center of the city. If you like to taste some Japanese food and Sake, this is the place to go! Also near the market there are several other shopping streets.
At your hotel or the last destination
As for transportation, I normally use public transportation, and taxis at your request. Please cover guide's transportation cost as well as yours. If you like to hire a van, please let me know; hiring a van for 8 hours with a driver costs around 50,000yen to 60,000yen depending on the vehicle.
guide fee,
hotel pick up
transportation for you and guide
lunch for you and guide
entrance fees for you (usually temples' admissions are 400-600yen/person. Shrines require no admission fees.)
I accept a tour request until 2 days prior to the tour date and a group of 2 persons up to 10 persons.
I will pick you up at your hotel in Kyoto or at Kyoto Station. I normally use public transportation, and taxis at your request. Please cover guide's transportation fees as well as yours. There will be a lot of walking and going up stairs.
We will have a lunch break during the tour.
Please inform me if you have food restrictions.
Mari knows Kobe well and shared a very pleasant day with us visiting the Nunobiki herb garden, Kitano Foreign Residence Area, lunch at lovely teppanyaki restaurant and a visit to the very peaceful Sorakuen Japanese Garden. Thank you for a lovely day, Hedi and Bruce.
Thank you so much for taking time to write a Kobe tour review. I also had a wonderful time with you and Hedi. Regards, Mari
Thank you very much for an interesting and enjoyable day in Osaka. We enjoyed the historical sites of Osaka castle, Shitennoji temple and the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, as well as Namba and the Dotomnori markets. And your choice for lunch was excellent, thank you. We are very much looking forward to our next visit with you. All the best, Hedi and Bruce.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful comments. I was so thankful for showing your interest in our history. I’m also happy to know you enjoyed our local food! Best regards, Mari
Mari packed a lot in one day and it was amazing. I am so glad we decided to use a guide for our first day. I wasn't worried about getting lost or not knowing the best things to see, so I was able to just enjoy the day. We can't wait to go back and see the sights again.
Hi Melissa, Thank you so much for your tour review! I enjoyed having your family for a full day tour. Your children were very nice and polite. With your help I could manage a tour smoothly. Mari
Mari is an outstanding guide with Great knowledge and personality. A total pleasure to be with. Took us to all the interesting sites and explained all the details we needed. We strongly recommend her to anyone who is interested in a private guide for Kyoto.
Thank you Arun for the review. It was my pleasure to show you around the eastern part of the city which is the most traditional. I had a wonderful time with your family!