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- Off the Beaten Path
Less crowded, stunning fall foliage - Kyoto
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
Patrick B.
Half-day eastern Kyoto must-sees and a hidden gem
“Great tour with Shuji-San”
Shuji-San was a former history teacher, now converted to tour guide. He is from Osaka but used to live in Kyoto as a student and is very knowledgeable about the city and its surroundings. As our train from Tokyo had arrived late and the kids were starving, he took us first to a delightful soba restaurant close to our hotel. He made sure our complex food constraints were all respected. We then got on with our tour, which included temples, shrines, gardens, a beautiful evening walk in hidden traditional residential areas and in the Gion district. He picked us up at the hotel and made sure we returned safely. He was very patient with our kids (we stopped regularly for snacks, toilet breaks, etc), and he took tons of pictures for us. Definitely recommend!
Shuji O.
(24 reviews)Thank you so much for the wonderful review! I also had a great time with you and your family. Even though you were tired, all your family members appreciated the feeling of everywhere we visited. Although the sunset that evening was not very nice, we enjoyed the evening in Higashiyama. I hope this will be a good memory for your family.
Patrick B.
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
“Beautiful sights with Shuji-San”
Shuji-San was a former history teacher, now converted to tour guide. He is from Osaka but used to live in Kyoto as a student and is very knowledgeable about the city and its surroundings. For our second day with him, we did a very nice tour with a mix of beautiful landscapes, World Heritage gardens, temples, and castles. We also had lunch in a nice tofu / yuba restaurant. We traveled by tramway, Uber, and foot. He took interest in our family, took time to explain the key points. He picked us up at the hotel and brought us back on time. Definitely recommend!
Shuji O.
(24 reviews)Thank you for the kind words, although I was not perfect today. I tried to give you a lot of transport experience, and I'm glad you noticed my intention. We visited many world heritage sites but managed to avoid the crowds. We also climbed the mountain route, like a trip to the Kiso area. I really enjoyed today's tour. Thank you very much.
“Nara-ken off the beaten track”
Shuji was an excellent guide. After checking with my interests & requirements he put together two outstanding individual tour programs. I was keen to go beyond the popular tourist locations in Nara City. This he did, very capably organising off-the-beaten track features including into the mountain areas. At all times he was helpful & knowledgeable ensuring happy & interesting tours. Thanks Shuji. Best wishes, Bob
Shuji O.
(24 reviews)Thank you for the great review. I had so much fun traveling with you. Your request was really what I liked. We went to some wonderful places. It was really off the beaten track and yet breathtaking. I was happy too. These will be our good memories. See you again sometimes. Best wishes, Shuji O.
$323/ per group
Reserve
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