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.
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
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
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)
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.
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!
Julie M.
“Beautiful Day in Nara with Shuji San!”
We have just spent the most wonderful day visiting Nara with Shuji. If you are looking for someone who is friendly and very knowledgeable about the area, he is the guide for you. Also, we were there on a holiday for Japan and he was very skilled at leading us in such a way that we did not feel crowded even though there were many people visiting. A perfect way to finish our trip to Japan!
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for the great review. You are fantastic travelers because of your wide understanding of different cultures and history. I also enjoyed the conversation about history and culture very much. I hope this beautiful day will be added to the memories of your wonderful trip to Japan. Have a comfortable flight to California!
George B.
“2 wonderful days in Kyoto”
We have just spent 2 wonderfull days guided by Shuji-san around Kyoto through gardens, palaces, shrines and temples. It is a remarkable adventure enhanced a hundred times over by the experience, sensibility, and historical knowledge of Mr. Shuji. It is our first time in Japan and I believe that his advice and guidance have been wonderful, and in retrospect absolutely necessary. Would highly reccomend.
Shuji O.
Thank you for your warm words. Your wonderful fitness and curiosity opened up many possibilities for the tour. We enjoyed the unexpectedly late plum blossoms and had plenty of time to enjoy the popular sights that were not crowded in the early morning. And we also enjoyed the conversation very much. I hope this pleasant tour will be a wonderful memory for both of you. Shuji O.
Betsy H.
“We enjoyed Nara very much”
Shuji is knowledgeable and made good choices as to what sites we saw. There were problems, however. I had repeatedly told him about my husband's disabilities and he did not allow for these in some cases. It would probably have been better to have a private driver in Nara because there was never a taxi available between sites and we walked far more than was comfortable for my husband.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your review. Yes, I should have strongly recommended you a private car with a driver. Although I sometimes kept the taxi waiting for us in some places or used priority ways, it seems it was not enough for your husband. I'm so sorry if it was so hard for him. Because of your patience and cooperation, you could visit all the places we planned. I hope you can enjoy your long trip ahead.
$333/ per group