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Millennial City Kyoto, Power & Charm Transition
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Joined 2024
In the 8th century, Kyoto became the capital of a nation centered on the Emperor. The Emperor ruled from Kyoto for over 1,000 years, maintaining a delicate balance between the religious power of monks and the military might of Samurai. In the 19th century, the Emperor relocated the capital to Tokyo, and Kyoto transformed into a modern city. However, the Imperial Palace remains in Kyoto to this day. This tour visits fascinating historical spots built by the rulers and visionary citizens.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Kyoto City center
Kyoto Imperial Palace & Kyoto Gyoen Garden
#Kyoto Imperial Palace/In the 14th century, the Imperial Palace was moved 2km east to its current location. The emperor currently resides in Tokyo, but stays here when he visits Kyoto.
#Kyoto Gyoen Garden(100 ha)/The area around the Imperial Palace was once home to many mansions of the Imperial Court nobles. After the emperor moved to Tokyo, the new government demolished these mansions and changed them into a public park.
Former Imperial Villa Nijo-jo Castle
#Shinsenen Garden/When the capital was built in Kyoto in the 8th century, this garden was also built as the Imperial Palace Garden, where the emperor and court nobles enjoyed banquets and boating.
#Nijo-jo Castle/This spot is where the original Imperial Palace was built in the 8th century. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who unified Japan, built the castle in the 17th century to symbolize the shogunate's authority and to guard the Imperial Palace. In the 19th century, the last shogun proclaimed the restoration of imperial rule here, returning power to the emperor.
#Then the emperor designated the castle Nijyo Imperial Villa in 1884.
Nanzenji Temple & Biwako Canal
#Nanzenji Temple (15 ha)/Originally a detached palace for the emperor, it came under the patronage of the Ashikaga Shogun in the 14th century and became Kyoto's most prestigious Zen temple. The arched brick Lake Biwa Canal runs through the temple grounds.
#Incline Railway/The water from the Lake Biwa Canal was used for power generation, water transportation, Japanese gardens, and more, transforming Kyoto into a modern industrial city. The incline railway lifted ships from the lower to the upper surface of the canal.
Heian-Jingu Shrine & Okazaki Park
#Heian-Jingu Shrine/Constructed at the end of the 20th century, this shrine enshrines the first and last emperors whose capital was Kyoto. The main shrine building is a replica of the buildings of the Heian-kyo period, and the garden is expansive, drawing water from the Lake Biwa Canal.
#Okazaki Park/On the site of the National Industrial Exposition held at the end of the 20th century, Okazaki Park is a cultural center in Kyoto, housing an art museum, library, traditional industry museum, zoo, and more.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kyoto City center
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 in Kyoto City center
>transportation fee (you and guide/per adult)/train and bus (some 2000JPY), taxi(undecided)
>admission fee (you/per adult)/Njyo-jo Castle(1300JPY), Nanzenji Temple(grounds/free, Hojo Garden/600JPY), Heian-jingu Shrine (Shin-en garden/600JPY),
>short break/lunch/dinner
Tour Important Information
>If you'd like to take a listed tour, please let me know in advance. I'll check the availability of the facilities listed on the above itinerary.
>The tour uses subway, trams, buses, taxis(for small groups ), and walking as needed for easy access. Please wear comfortable walking shoes for transfers.
>Please note that we may not be able to visit all spots if there are large numbers of vehicles or visitors present.
>The above additional fees are often paid in CASH on site, so please have some Japanese yen (JPY).
>The tour does not include Insurance. I hope you purchase your own travel insurance.
Important message from the supplier
>If you would like to take a listed or customized tour, please send me a message in advance. I will check the availability of the spots listed on the itinerary (opening days, hours, reservation status, etc.).
>The tour uses trains, subways, trams, buses, walking, and taxis (for small groups) for easy access. Please wear comfortable walking shoes for transfers.
>Please note that we may change or add spots depending on the availability of public transportation and tourist attractions.
>The tour does not include insurance. I hope you purchase your own travel insurance.
>It is possible to pick you up at your hotel (Osaka, Nara, or Kyoto) and take you to the spots in the other city with no additional guide fee.
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 2024
About Tour Guide Yosshi S.
Thank you for visiting my page. I am passionate about guiding international travelers through Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto—cities that served as Japan’s capitals in succession from the 7th to the 20th centuries.
I grew up in Osaka and studied urban and transportation planning in Kyoto. After obtaining a Master of Engineering degree, I worked as a government official for 20 years, striving to balance urban development with the preservation of historical assets under the City Planning Act.
Since the 7th century, powerful local clans established a national framework by building new capitals—first in Naniwa (Osaka), followed by Heijo (Nara) and Heian (Kyoto)—and implementing legal codes and administrative systems led by the emperor. These capitals housed the Imperial Palace and government districts. Court nobles built their residences and clans’ temples or shrines adjacent to the imperial palace.
After the emperor and court nobles relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo about 150 years ago, the Buddhist monks, Shinto priests, and residents of these three cities have continued to work together to maintain historic structures and preserve the traditional religious rituals associated with them.
After retiring from public service, I began working as a freelance guide, sharing these historical assets with travelers from abroad.
Since these three cities are all within about one hour of each other by train, I can propose tours customized to your schedule and physical stamina. I look forward to hearing from you.
Reviews
Rose L.
“Great place and guide”
This was our second day with same guide! He was open to what we wanted to see and we had a wonderful day walking and being part of Osaka !
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Yosshi S.
Dear Rose-san, thank you so much for leaving a review. I am truly grateful you chose me as your guide for your two-day trip to Kyoto and Osaka. Although it rained from the morning in Osaka and we had to change our original itinerary, I was relieved and deeply touched to receive such a warm review. Osaka has long flourished as a city of commerce, and its people, myself included, are known for being talkative and friendly. It brings me great joy that you, with your energetic and curious spirits, enjoyed visiting the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, as well as dining and shopping there. By the time we meet again, I will have expanded my Spanish vocabulary, and I look forward to guiding you once more, perhaps this time while wearing a Sukajan! Yosshi
Rose L.
“Great experience ”
Totally different experience - we weren’t picked up by car - instead Yosshi met us and we took local transportation, taxis and lots of walking! Got to experience the local side of touring and he made sure to tell us as much as possible of the areas around us!
Yosshi S.
Dear Rose san Thank you for leaving a review. I was relieved to read your kind words, especially given all the walking we did while using local transportation, which must have been physically demanding. It would bring me great joy to know that you enjoyed interacting with fellow passengers and taking in the scenery from the windows while traveling by train and tram. I was also very pleased to explain how Kyoto’s cultural heritage and traditional events are sustained through the long-standing efforts of the local community in Gion Kagai. ”Buen viaje”, and I hope to see you again. Warm regards. Yosshi
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Michelle M.
“Great Highlights of Central Kyoto”
We had an excellent tour with Yosshi. I recommend him. He had great communication to create a custom tour for us. He emailed about and researched our sights ahead of time. He arrived early at our hotel lobby. He spoke good English and was very kind. He was very informative about the many sights we visited and came prepared with printouts. He took photos of our family. He took us to the Nijo castle, Imperial Palace and Manga museum. He helped us with ordering lunch. He was very knowledgeable getting around the metro. It made our day a breeze. We really enjoyed our day and Yosshi made it very special. Thank you.
Yosshi S.
Dear Michelle-san Thank you for taking the time to send me such a heartwarming review. The Kemari Garden at the Imperial Palace is a game where players pass a ball to their opponent in an easy-to-kick manner. Today, we visited a place of great importance in Japanese history, set on a vast site full of early-summer greenery. The spirit of Kemari (a football game) lives on at this turning point as well. As a guide, I tried my best to provide clear explanations. The day I spent with you has become a memorable tour for me. OH-KI-NI! (Kyoto dialect for thank you). Yosshi
$208/ per group
More tours by Yosshi S.
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Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hilltop
Osaka dates back to the 6th century, when a national temple was constructed on a hilltop jutting out into the sea. In the Middle Ages, court nobles believed the “Pure Land of Buddha” was beyond the setting sun. They would watch the sunset from the hilltop. In the early 20th century, locals constructed a so-called “Paradise on Earth” at the foot of the hill, which was called “New World,” centered on the symbol tower named “Lead to Heaven Tower”
Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hilltop
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Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer
In the 8th century, Nara became the nation's capital with grid-like streets and a new Imperial Palace. The emperor erected the Statue of Great Buddha to pray for peace and stability in the country. Powerful aristocrats invited deities from afar to be enshrined at newly built shrines and pray for prosperity. In the 19th century, this area was opened to the public as Nara (Deer) Park, a unique place where residents and tourists interact with deer on the grassy plazas.
Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer
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Nara, Stroll in Retro-Flavored Ancient Capital City
An 8th-century waka poem states, "Nara is a land of supreme beauty, surrounded by mountains." Ikaruga town began as a temple town for Horyuji, the world's oldest temple, and its pagoda towers amid a rural landscape surrounded by mountains. Naramachi town, a temple town for Gangoji Temple, still retains its retro-flavored streetscape. This tour explores these areas and appreciates the tranquil, beautiful, and pristine landscape in the old town.
Nara, Stroll in Retro-Flavored Ancient Capital City
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Osaka, Landmarks offer panoramic views of Entire City
The development of Osaka began in the 16th century when Osaka Castle and the castle town were built around a hilltop. In the 19th century, some railway lines were constructed in the city. Houses, commerce, and entertainment functions necessary for a big city have been provided around the railway stations. Thanks to the convenient location, those areas are being redeveloped for high-rise buildings with offices, shops, and observation decks.
Osaka, Landmarks offer panoramic views of Entire City
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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Let's enjoy your Half-day Kyoto Tour!
Half-day Kyoto Tour would be personalized according to your interests and preferences. If you don't like the busy sightseeing spots, I'm happy to suggest the suitable itinerary for you on your requests. Let's enjoy your own tour to experience a wider variety of cultures in Kyoto! The meeting time would be flexible based on your schedule, for example, 8:00 AM or 9:00 AM (or 1:00 PM) would be available. === I would appreciate it if you could visit my page on Facebook by my name "Tohru Shimagaki".
Let's enjoy your Half-day Kyoto Tour!
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Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
Perfect for those with limited time, this well-organized tour allows you to experience Kyoto’s most iconic sights efficiently. The itinerary includes the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji, Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge. While these popular spots can be crowded, we utilize taxis to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey through this culturally rich city.
Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
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Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities
This tour covers 4 must-see sites and Nishiki Market. You visit the most renowned sites such as the Golden Pavilion, Ryo-an-ji temple where you may find an elegant beauty in its simple rock garden Nijo-castle ,the luxurious palace of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Sanjyu-sangendo temple, where the thousand life-size statues and the Principal statue make you feel like you are in a forest of Buddha! says " It's amazing ! Lastly visit Nishiki Market, where you can enjoy eating Kyoto’s cuisine.
Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities
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Experience the BEST of KYOTO!
For 8 hours, we will explore Kyoto's symbolic places and marvel at its over 1100-year-old history, culture, traditions, and food. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience this wonderful former capital of Japan with only a day or two to spare for traveling in the region.
Experience the BEST of KYOTO!
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