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Must-see sightseeing spots in West side of Kyoto for 1st-time travelers
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Joined 2019
This tour is designed to visit two areas of the west side of Kyoto for 1st time travelers:
① Kinkakuji Temple
② Arashiyama (You can choose 4-5 places from following choices)
* Bamboo grove
* Tenryuji Temple
* Togetsu bridge
* Iwatayama Monkey Park
* Otagi Nenbutsu Temple
* Adashino Nenbutsu Temple
* Nisonin Temple
* Ohkochi Garden
* Sagano preserved district
* Diorama Kyoto Japan and etc.
Or, other places like Ryoanji Temple, Ninnnaji Temple etc
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or other designated location
- To meet at the lobby or in front of the reception desk of your hotel. I will have a sign board of your name and GoWithGuide logo.
Kinkakuji Temple
It is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, famous for three stories pagoda covered in brilliant gold leaf, so-called "Golden Pavillion". Originally built as a shogun's villa in the 14C, it was later converted into Zen temple. Surrounded by a beautiful pond and carefully designed gardens, the pavilion created by a stunning reflection, offering visitors a perfect harmony of architecture and nature.
Arashiyama
It is a photogenic district in western Kyoto, famous for its enchanting bamboo grove, iconic Togetsukyo bridge, riverside view with mountains, nearby temples & shrines and many attractions. Please choose 3-5 places from following choices that we spend about 3 hours:
* Bamboo grove
* Tenryuji Temple
* Togetsu bridge
* Iwatayama Monkey Park
* Otagi Nenbutsu Temple
* Adashino Nenbutsu Temple
* Gioji Temple
* Nisonin Temple
* Ohkochi Garden
* Sagano preserved district
* Diorama Kyoto Japan and e
Ending Point
At your hotel or any designated locations
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
* My own public transportation
* My own entrance tickets
* My own lunch and foods
* Public transportation for guests (<@Yen1000)
* Entrance tickets for guests (<@Yen1500)
* Lunch for guests (<@Yen1200)
* Taxi fare (only if applicable)
* Personal expenses
Tour Important Information
Please note Otagi Nenbutsu Temple close on Wednesday and Saturday.
If you need to customize the contents, if you would like to start earlier or later, or if you have any special requests, please feel free to contact me.
But, I do not make any reservations, purchase advanced tickets and etc.
Important message from the supplier
I am currently available only on Saturday, Sunday and any national holidays.
Currently, my main coverage is Tokyo and its suburb, but I can mostly go anywhere if you can bear my transportation fee. I am easy and flexible.
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 2019
About Tour Guide Joji T.
Hello!
I am Joji. Please call me Bonjoji, because Bon Jovi is one of my favorite Rock music groups. I was born and raised in Kyoto until 19 years old. I studied English and graduated from University of South Carolina with Statistic major. During my work at a precision equipment company, I have lived in California and New Jersey in the states for 12 years. While I was in the States, I have been treated as a family by many local American people. So, it is a time that I treat you back well while you are traveling in Japan.
The period I like in Japanese history is the war period when many local lords were challenging and fighting each other to expand their lands. I recommend that you should see their castles, since you can see their ambition and their survival strategy. The sports I like are American football and Sumo. Sumo is not just a wrestling game but deeply rooted in Shinto ritual, which is closely related to our daily life. These are the things I can talk about more when we meet. My hobby is visiting old ruins in the world so that I have been to Vesa Merde in the States, Macchu Picchu in Peru, Easter Island in Chile, Volbilis in Morocco, Tikal in Guatemala, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and etc. I have worked at the Japanese company as a salary man for 35 years, so that I can also talk about business, only if you wish.
Anyway, I am National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter authorized by Japan Tourism Agency and my goal is simply to make your journey more enjoyable while you are in Japan. Please feel free to contact me and let's enjoy the tour together.
Bonjoji
Reviews
Kathryn D.
“A wonderful day in Tokyo”
Our tour with Joji was our first full day in Tokyo and what a day it was! We couldn't believe how much we were able to pack into 6.5 hours and yet nothing felt rushed. Joji is a great guide and teacher. We were very nervous about using public transportation on our own but Joji taught us so well we had no issues the following days. We also asked Joji for a change in our itinerary and he happily obliged and took us to Gōtokuji Temple (instead of Shibuya Crossing) which was one of our favorite spots of the day. We highly recommend this tour! Thank you Joji!!!
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Joji T.
Kathryn Very glad to hear you have enjoyed the tour. The beckon cat you bought will bring you more happiness to you and your family. Please come back again !!! Joji
Jo A.
“Tokyo with Joji T.”
We had a great experience with Joji. Joji had planned out our day but was also flexible to allow us to stop at other places of interest and for much needed breaks. Joji shared his knowledge of the sites we visited, and provided us with a thoroughly enjoyable day.
Joji T.
Jo, very glad to hear you enjoyed the tour. I appreciate you wrote the nice review. Thanks to the good weather, we could see nice view from Shibuya Sky. Please come back, again!
Isabel C.
“Great time in Tokyo”
It was a great pleasure to spend an 8 hour tour with Joji in Tokyo. We received in advance a detailed itinerary covered all our interests by him. Joji is a very polite and sensitive guide endowed with a sound knowledge of historical and temporary developments in Japan and its capital. We enjoyed this tour very much and we recommend this guide to our highest satisfaction.
Joji T.
Isabel Thank you for writing the nice review while you are still busy traveling. It was my pleasure to guide both Isabel and Michael. I am glad to hear you have enjoyed my tour. Since both of you were not just interested in Japanese history & culture but wanted to learn them, so that it was worth explaining them. Please enjoy the rest of your trip. Regards, Joji
$299/ per group
More tours by Joji T.
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Essential 3 popular sites (Shrine, Temple and Castle) in Kyoto for a day trip travelers
This 5 hour tour is specially designed for busy travellers from * Tokyo: Leaving from Tokyo/Yokohama at early morning and arriving at Kyoto before noon by a bullet train. Then, must go back with a sama day. * Kobe/Osaka: Docking in Kobe/Osaka seaport at early morning and arrive at Kyoto before noon by JR train. Then, must go back with a same day. The places to visit are photogenic Shrine, famous Temple and historical Castle * Fushimi-Inari Shrine * Kiyomizu Temple * Nijyo Castle
Essential 3 popular sites (Shrine, Temple and Castle) in Kyoto for a day trip travelers
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Must-see sightseeing spots in East side of Kyoto for 1st-time travelers
To visit must-see 7 sightseeing spots of eastern Kyoto for 1st time travellers: ① Fushimi-Inari Shrine: famous for its thousands of red torri gates forming photogenic tunnels ② Kiyomizu Temple: popular for its historic wooden stage offering stunning view over Kyoto city. (in addition, ③ Sanneizaka slope, ④ Ninennzaka slope, ⑤ Yasaka Koshindo, ⑥ Hokanji Pagoda) ⑦ Gion District: traditional kyoto atomosphere with Geiko/Maiko culture Upon your requests, you can add more sites or customize it.
Must-see sightseeing spots in East side of Kyoto for 1st-time travelers
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Essential 3 popular sites and one additional site as you like in Nara
This tour consists of three must-go sites and one additional site which you would like to go. Two sites are ①Todaiji Temple, so-called Giant Buddha statue temple ②KasugaTaisha Shrine, so-called 3000 lanterns shrine ③Nara Park with many deer And one additional site which you would like to go. Typical choice is as follows: *Kofukuji Temple *Yakushiji Temple *Toshodaiji Temple *Horyuji Temple *Kohriyama Castle and etc. Or, please feel free to customize the tour as you like. I am very flexible.
Essential 3 popular sites and one additional site as you like in Nara
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
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Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
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Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
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Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
Escape the crowds with a private taxi pickup from your hotel. This 4-hour journey takes you to a Hidden Bamboo Sanctuary—a mystical, quiet grove with thousands of ancient stone figures. After visiting the magnificent Tenryu-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage), we’ll enjoy a "slow walk" to discover my favorite boutiques. I’ll guide you to high-quality Japanese stationery, traditional crafts, and seasonal sweets. Experience the authentic, spiritual beauty of Kyoto at your own pace.
Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
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