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Less crowded, stunning fall foliage - Kyoto
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Joined 2023
Kyoto is so popular and busy. So let's select places that are less busy and have their beauty next to none. Sometimes they don't have good access. But, someone like such a travel. This tour is tailored to those travelers.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Meeting Point
at your hotel lobby in Kyoto
Shinnyodo Temple
Although this is an old historical rather large temple, not so busy because of the access.
You can enjoy the quiet atmosphere sitting in front of beautiful gardens, the Higashiyama Hill on the backdrop with beautiful trees. Fall is the best season. But you can also enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring.
Reikan-ji Temple
It is open to the public only in Spring and late November. Although it is famous for camelia blossoms, you will greatly enjoy the fall foliage. It was a nun-monzeki temple where imperial princesses entered the temple.
In other seasons, we can spend more time enjoying the philosopher's path.
Philosophers Path
We walk the Philosopher's Path to Ginkakuji Temple.
Honen-in Temple
It's a really beautiful, peaceful place. Near the Philosopher's Path.
Lunch
There is a popular udon noodle restaurant or a traditional Japanese food restaurant that serves delicious rice.
Ginkakuji Temple
This is a symbolic temple where the new Japanese culture began. You can enjoy the beautiful garden and views of Kyoto.
Shisendo Temple
It is called Shiseido (meaning holy poet) because a famous hermit poet once lived here, and there are paintings of poets. You can enjoy many flowers every season, even in winter.
Enkoji Temple/ Entsuji Temple
Enkoji has a beautiful garden with many beautiful flowers and fall foliage.
Entsuji Temple has a stunning view of Mt. Hiei as a backdrop to the beautiful garden, especially in late November.
We have to wonder which one to choose.
Ending place
at your hotel or where you never get lost
Ending Point
At your hotel or where you never get lost
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
guide fee, hotel pick-up
transportation fees (you and the guide): for buses (about 1,200 yen/per person), taxis (about 4,000 yen if needed)
lunch (you and the guide)
admission fees (about 3000 yen/per person)
Tour Important Information
We will walk on the paved road. But we go up and down stairs. So, please put on easy walking shoes. We walk at our speed. There are so many photo spots.
We can be flexible according to the situation.
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
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Shuji O.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport.
I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds.
I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature.
I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan.
If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
Reviews
Jeffrey M.
“A Quiet Day Exploring Ohara”
Our first day in Kyoto was in Ohara, a small but historically significant town NE of the city. Our guide reached our multiple times prior to our meeting to confirm day/time, but also inquired about what our hopes were for the day together. Shuji was on time and we found him to be the ultimate guide for this all day experience. As a retired history teacher, and native to the area, we had a guide with deep insight to places we explored together, which included 800 year old temples punctuated with hip coffee and lunch spots along the way. This was exactly what we were looking for after a hectic pace in Tokyo! If you are looking for a professional and knowledgeable guide to show you to the lessor seen corners of Kyoto, Shuji is the man.
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Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words! We had a nice day with you two. You knew how to enjoy the tour and appreciate the place and its history. We could travel to places that are less crowded but still charming. We enjoyed Ohara very much. We can't expect such a nice tour often. Thank you for the happy talk, too. Have a great time in Japan!
Dana W.
“Nara Park is key to visit”
We have an interesting visit to Nara Park which we learnt.
Shuji O.
Thank you for your review. You were very good at traveling, especially for your age. We enjoyed the statues and shrines. I hope you enjoyed the nice restaurant we went to for lunch. Thank you for choosing my tour for the last part of your trip to Japan. I hope this trip makes great memories for both of you!
Dana W.
“The Hongu temple is outstanding to learn about as well as the Turkey Museum history created an excellent relationship between Japan and Turkey.”
We have learnt from Shuji O on Japan history, traditions & culture.
Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words! Yes, we learned many things. First, we learned about the culture of Kumano. Second, we learned about the good relations between Turkey and Japan. We visited the museum where we learned about the sad and touching stories of the Turkish ship. During a storm, Japanese people saved many Turkish sailors. Thank you for a great experience. I was happy to be with you both.
$326/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
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The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years! There are so many historic sites and beautiful places that you will be at a loss for what to choose. Please tell me about your favorite. Considering the access, the season, and the time, I will make a suitable plan. I recommend some hidden gems if you like going off the beaten track. And also the charming famous popular tourist spots worth visiting when it is so busy. I will tell you stories to help you appreciate the place.
The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
Nara: the must-see place in Japan. Nara was the capital of ancient Japan before Kyoto became the capital. In the Nara era, Buddhism played an important role in stabilizing the country. So you can see many big old temples there. Many of these are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are concentrated in a small area. So, if you have only one free day to spend in the Kansai area, I highly recommend visiting Nara.
Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
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Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Since there are so many beautiful places densely in eastern Kyoto, we can take a walking tour there. Please add or skip some. This is an example of a walking tour in eastern Kyoto, emphasizing history and culture. We will use the train only once or twice.
Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Other Popular Off the Beaten Path Tours in Kyoto
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One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto
On this tour, you can enjoy the autumn foliage depending on the season. Kyoto is very popular with tourists, so most tourist attractions are usually crowded with people. While that can be lively and fun, some people might occasionally want to visit a less crowded place. This tour is perfect for those people. On this tour, you will spend a full day walking through Sagano, visiting Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Gio-ji Temple, Jojakko-in Temple, and Seiryo-ji Temple.
One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto
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Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour
First and foremost, I do not want to provide a typical tour to the standard fair of tourist attractions. As with the majority of visitors to Kyoto, you do not really need a guide to visit such places. Instead, what makes my tour special is that I can show you the unique places of Kyoto with the addition of a historical and cultural background. Lunch at local restaurants, visit temples of the beaten path, go to local shopping arcades for unique products. Enjoy Kyoto without the crowds.
Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour
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Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk
What is a sound walk? It’s a walking meditation with a technical boost. Using professional microphones and headphones, you’ll hear the atmosphere of Kyoto. We’ll explore the gardens of Shisendō and Enkōji, capturing the "sonic fingerprints" of these quiet spaces—from the local birdlife and wind in the bamboo to Enkōji’s distinctive water feature. You’ll leave with a high-quality "audio postcard" to transport you back to these quiet temple gardens for years to come.
Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk
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Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition Walking Tour
The Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition is a serene journey through Japan's natural beauty, perfect for all ages. Begin in Takao Forest, exploring hidden waterfalls, ancient temples, and secret shrines. Visit the peaceful Otaji Nembutsuji Temple and wander through the stunning bamboo forest. In summer, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Kyotaki River. This off-the-beaten-path tour offers a peaceful escape to Kyoto’s hidden wonders.
Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition Walking Tour
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