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.
“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.
(186 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
“Exploring Beauty in Kobe”
We had a wonderful time exploring Arima and Mt Rokko in Kobe. Arima is so beautiful and charming. It was great to walk around, get lunch at a local spot and soak in an onsen. The views from Mt Rokko was amazing. We had some limitations as we were doing this tour as part of a shore excursion. Our time in port was shortened and Yoshihisa was so accommodating and helped us adjust slightly the itinerary so we were able to see as much as we can. Yoshihisa was amazing and very knowledgeable. We learned alot, had a wonderful time and was awed by the beauty of the area. I highly recommend this tour and guide.
Yoshihisa T.
(186 reviews)Hi Sequoya. Thank you so much for your wonderful comment on my tour in Arima Onsen and Mt. Rokko. It was lucky for us that the cherry trees were in full blossom in Arima on the second week of April and that we were able to get a nice view of Kobe Port and Osaka Bay from the top of the mountain. I hope our paths will cross again someday in the near future. Best wishes. Yoshie
“Fantastic Tour”
Me and my father had a great time with Yoshihisa San. He toured us around key temples, shrines and the bamboo forest in Kyoto. For lunch we had curry rice and beef bowl which was really nice. I would strongly recommend Yoshihisa San, he is a great guide. ありがとうございます
Yoshihisa T.
(186 reviews)Hi Samuel. Thank you so much for your quick review for the tour today. I had a pleasant time guiding and talking with you and your father. I was impressed with your strong enthusiasm for learning Japanese. I hope you will keep studying Japanese and Japanese culture and visit Kansai district someday in the near future again. With best wishes. Yoshie