This tour is designed for those who would like to visit major scenic sites in Kyoto and off-the-beaten spots as well in a single day. The route is the one that has been favored and admired by many of my guests for the past few years. The itinerary mainly consists of three areas; Kitayama, Arashiyama and Fushimi areas. You will surely have unforgettable memories through the tour with me.
At Kyoto Station or your hotel in Kyoto area
Kinkaku-ji built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third Shogun of Muromachi Shogunate, in 1397. Ryoan-ji Temple with the Rock Garden said to be the masterpiece of dry landscape gardens. Ninna-ji Temple built by Emperor Uda in 888 with a weeping cherry tree garden.
Jojako-ji Temple standing on a moss-covered slope. Bamboo Grove borders on the north exit of Tenryu-ji Temple built by Ashikaga Takauji, the first Shogun of Muromachi Shogunate.
Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, the headquarters of more than 30,000 Inari sub-shrines across the country, has been selected No 1 tourist attraction in Japan for five consecutive years by Trip Adviser.
At Kyoto Station
guide fee
transportation fare ( you and guide ), lunch and entrance fee for four temples ( 2,100 yen )
You use mainly trains but partly taxis to save time. During the tour you walk in and around the sites you visit, so wear sneakers or walking shoes, please.
It is desirable to carry overseas travel insurance because the guide is not liable for any damage or loss incurred during the tour. It is also requested to bring enough Japanese yen with you because some restaurants and taxis do not accept credit cards.
“Tour in Kyoto & Kobe”
Yoshi is a very nice person, he guided us through the golden and silver pavillion, as well as a city tour through Kobe. His recommendation for lunch and dinner were great. It was sometimes hard to follow his explanations, he needs to improve his English skills. Also, when asked something particular of the Japanese culture and history, constantly he didn't know the answers. While on Kobe he made us walk through very steep streets just to show us a neighborhood which was not that relevant to us westerners.
Yoshihisa T.
(188 reviews)Thank you for your review for my tour in Kyoto and Kobe. I will try to improve my explanations so that non-native speakers of English can well understand our history and culture. I am sorry if you were not so much interested in Former Foreigner's residential area on the steep hills in Kobe. Yoshie
“Very impressive Knowledge about Kyoto‘s history”
We had a great day with him. We learnt a lot and are very happy to have him tomorrow again.
Yoshihisa T.
(188 reviews)Hi Patrick. Thank you very much for such a quick review for today's tour. I really had a pleasant time guiding and talking with you two. I am glad that I can guide you tomorrow, too. Have a good night! Yoshie
“Absolute wonderful ????”
Yoshi greeted us with h a smile and a gift of origami that his lovely wife made for us. We headed on the Golden route for a day of jaw dropping temples, serene gardens and hidden gems. A delicious lunch of ramen refuelled us for the afternoon. We walked around 15kms and caught local train lines. Learnt about the history of Japan geographically and also some the of the arts and poetry that Yoshi was very fond of. It was delightful! We were sad to part and our family of 5 (including 3 teenage sons) loved spending time with Yoshi. We recommend you take at least $300 cash (for a family our size) for temple entries (about $20-30 each temple), lunch, souvenirs etc. and don’t forget your Goshuinchou book for temple stamps for a precious keepsake. We highly recommend this full day out with Yoshi :)
Yoshihisa T.
(188 reviews)Hi Katrina. I really appreciate your kind review for my tour in Kyoto. I had a fun time guiding and talking with you and your family. I am very pleased to learn that you enjoyed the essay of Yoshida Kenko, a Buddhist priest, and the waka poem of Fujiwara no Teika, a renowned waka poet. I hope you will continue a pleasant tour and return home with lots of nice memories of Japan. Best wishes. Yoshie