Experience Kyoto’s top highlights in one unforgettable day. Walk through thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an iconic symbol of Japan’s spiritual heritage. Wander the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and enjoy its riverside charm, a perfect escape into nature. End the day at the shimmering Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), glowing against the reflection of its tranquil pond. This tour blends culture, history, and natural beauty—capturing the true essence of Kyoto in just one day.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Meeting Point
- I can pick you up at your hotel
Fushimi Inari Shrine
learn why thousands of red gates were built and what they represent. In Arashiyama, discover the cultural background of its famous Bamboo Forest. At the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), hear the stories behind its dazzling design and spiritual role. This tour goes beyond sightseeing, offering deeper insight into Kyoto’s heritage.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Let's learn how the bamboo came to symbolize peace and strength, and discover the cultural stories that shaped this riverside escape. Arashiyama is more than just a scenic walk—it’s a window into Kyoto’s history and tradition.
Lunch
Let's try Japanese food!!!
Kinkaku-ji
At Kinkaku-ji, you won’t just admire the glittering Golden Pavilion—you’ll also uncover the history and meaning behind it. Once a shogun’s villa in the 14th century, it later became a Zen temple that reflects both power and spirituality. In my tour, you’ll learn why it was built, what the gold symbolizes, and how it became one of Kyoto’s most iconic treasures.
Ending Point
At Ohmiya 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
Public transportation fee
Entrance fee for you and guide Kenninji Temple 800 yen/person
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Anytime is Okay!!!
Even if something comes up last minute, I can usually make it work!
Ask me anything!!!
Hi, I’m Leo!! your local-friendly tour guide in Japan. Easy to talk to, fluent in English, passionate about Japanese history, and always ready to show you hidden local spots. Whether you're here for travel, filming, or just good conversation!! I help you connect naturally and deeply with Japan.
Let’s explore the real Japan, together.
Enrique C.
“Leo is just the best”
Friendly, professional, nice, knowledgeable….you name it. We connected from the very first minute. I think he would connect with the whole world! Took great care of us and told us a lot about himself and his country. International approach but down to earth, with several jobs like many Japanese.I have recommended him to friends as he is really a dream of is person. My wife and me loved it! Good Luck Leo! You are the best!
Leo A.
Thank you so much!!!! I’m so glad you guys had a great time, as I really do prioritize connection since I believe it it makes your experiences more immersive, especially in a foreign country. Thanks for your recommendation too, I can feel more confident and continue providing better experiences for tourists:D Wish you luck in your future endeavors, come enjoy Japan again any time soon :)
Miguel A.
“A great time with a friendly local!”
If you're looking for someone who can take you around and help you feel less like a tourist and someone who really lives in Japan, Leo's the right guy for the job. Leo speaks perfect English, and for someone who can only say hello and thank you in Japanese, he's an absolute life saver for going around outside of the city. He was really flexible with me wanting to stay in the area I was staying at, but was able to make a really fun itinerary showing me around to the local temple, and taking me around the temple grounds. I only knew a little bit about the meanings of what I was seeing, so having Leo to show me around and explain things made it much more enjoyable. I extremely recommend booking a tour with him if you're looking for an younger English-speaking local that can take you around to do things you wouldn't normally think of, or if you want some good company to explore Osaka with he's a great choice!
Matthew M.
“Very authentic local experience in Osaka!”
The tour felt very friendly and I got to talk with a lot of local people in a hole-in-the-wall restaurant that had the best food I've had in Osaka. Leo speaks perfect English and helped translate while I talked and made friends with other people. He even helped explain the menu to me and change my order to non-seafood when I was too shy to ask! He knew the area really well and showed me around some popular stores and places, but the whole time he made me feel super at-home. It was the most authentic experience I had so far, way better than the crowded places downtown. For any English speakers who want to experience real Osaka instead of the popular tourist traps, I highly recommend this tour with Leo!
Leo A.
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful review!!! I’m really glad you enjoyed the restaurant and got to connect with the locals XD that’s exactly the kind of authentic Osaka experience I love to share with my guests!! I’m happy I could help with the translations and the menu, and it means a lot to hear that you felt comfortable and at home during the tour. Those little moments, like chatting with locals, trying out neighborhood spots, are what make a trip truly memorable, and I’m glad you got to experience that!!!!:):) I’m so happy that I could help you with all of things!! Thanks again for taking my tour!! I really appreciate your kind words, and I’d be delighted to welcome you back anytime for more hidden gems and local discoveries in Osaka!!! I hope you have a lot of fun during your Japan trip:)))
$238/ per group