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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
Carole B.
“Nice visit”
The tour guide provides an excellent experience. He was knowledgeable, friendly and well organized, making every visit both informative and enjoyable. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, allowing enough time at each location without being rushed. He was always attentive to the group’s needs. Thank you for the nice tour Carole
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Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your kind words! I'm glad you chose this tour because Ohara is one of my favorite places, too. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I wish I had gone to the flea market near the end of the tour. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip in Japan!
Judi J.
“Kobe to Kyoto: enchanting and amazing!”
Shuji is an amazing person to guide you through the Kobe Osaka Kyoto area. He’s a great communicator prior to the tour in terms of setting up the itinerary. He took us on the bullet train from Kobe to Kyoto. We then toured some amazing sites in Kyoto, spending a full day. He is very knowledgeable and a great communicator in both the Japanese and English languages. I highly recommend a tour with Shuji. Such a pleasant, informative and friendly gentleman.
Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words. We had a great time with your friend. If we had more time, we could have enjoyed the tour more. You are great travelers who know how to enjoy traveling. Thank you for your kindness. I hope you enjoy Kagoshima too! Thank you!
Michael C.
“Great day at Himeji”
We had a great day with Shuji. Thankfully, he was with us to navigate Osaka Station and get us on the proper train to Himeji. Once in Himeji, we visited the castle, with Shuji teaching us its history along the way. After the castle, we had lunch and visited the beautiful gardens near the castle. He took pics with his phone throughout the day and airdropped them to us at the conclusion of the tour. It's a long day when you include both legs of the train ride, but Shuji helped us a lot and was very informative about the history of the area and the castle. Great tour!
Shuji O.
Yes, it was a nice tour. Thank you for the great review. Since it was a little late for the cherry blossoms, we could enjoy the World Heritage castle very much. Yes, it’s really worth visiting. We could enjoy the wonderful restaurant too. I failed it at the best cherry season. We were so lucky. Thank you for the happy tour!
$317/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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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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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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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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![Ancient Wizard of Kyoto [4 Hours]](https://images.gowithguide.com/filters:format(avif)/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/15709/9e763dd4-f120-4f95-9784-cb9d18b1ca63.jpg)
Ancient Wizard of Kyoto [4 Hours]
A thrilling ancient tale of a formidable Japanese sorcerer, who wielded unimaginable power over a thousand years ago. Join us as we venture to a sacred shrine dedicated to his memory, and explore the eerie abode of his otherworldly assistants. Be amazed as you encounter a collection of mystical religious talismans and amulets, each intricately decorated with symbols that will leave you spellbound. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey into the realm of magic and mystery!
Ancient Wizard of Kyoto [4 Hours]
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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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