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!
Michael M.
“Wonderful day tour of Kyoto with Shuji”
Shuji was a fantastic, caring guide who listened to our wishes and took us on a mix of the top spots along with some hidden gems including. Lunch which was incredible.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your kind words. Your preparation for the tour was perfect. We enjoyed the cherry blossoms everywhere we went, making it a very happy day for us all. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it very much. We rarely see the full-bloomed cherry blossoms in such beautiful places on such a beautiful day. Please enjoy the rest of your tour in Japan.
Lexi C.
“A Perfect Day in Kyoto with Shuji ”
We had an incredible experience touring Kyoto with Shuji as our guide. He took us to some of the most beautiful places in the city, all while making the day feel effortless and smooth. Thanks to his deep knowledge of the area, Shuji was able to navigate us efficiently from one spot to the next, which allowed us to be fully present and soak in the natural beauty, especially important during this magical cherry blossom season. We felt so lucky to be here while the blossoms were in full bloom, and even luckier that Shuji knew exactly where to take us to avoid the heavy crowds. Each location felt peaceful and unrushed. He was also incredibly accommodating, adjusting the itinerary to include some special spots we wanted to see. On top of all that, he shared the rich history of each site with us, adding so much depth and meaning to our visit. We would highly recommend Shuji to anyone looking for a thoughtful, well-prepared, and genuinely kind tour guide in Kyoto. Thank you Shuji!!!!
Shuji O.
Thank you so much for your great review. It is rare to have such a wonderful trip in our lives. Kyoto was full of cherry blossoms, and it was bright and fun. Thanks to your cooperation, I could show you the wonderful places to my heart's content. I also had a lot of fun. I hope this incredible trip will become a cherished memory for both of you.
Jonathan T.
“An unforgettable Tour Experience”
Shuji was absolutely fantastic, he was knowledgeable, engaging. He went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. we would highly recommend Shuji to our family and friends.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your great review. I am glad if I could satisfy your wishes. I appreciate your perfect preparation. And we were lucky to visit Kyoto just before it gets too crowded. The cherry blossoms has just gegun to bloom the day before and we could enjoy both the ume and the cherry blossoms at the same time. It rarely happens. Yes, we were so lucky. I also enjoyed these tours very much. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Have a wonderful trip to Hiroshima!
$350/ per group