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.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Kyoto Station or your hotel in Kyoto area
Kitayama area; Kinkaku-ji ( the Golden Pavilion ), Ryoan-ji Temple famous for the Rock Garden and Ninna-ji Temple.
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.
Arashiyama area; Jojako-ji Temple famous for autumn foliage, Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple with a beautiful 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 area; Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine famous for a thousand vermilion-colored torii gates.
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.
Ending Point
At Kyoto Station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
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.
Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest.
Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise.
One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?
Samuel K.
“Great trip to Nara”
This was a great trip, Yoshie San presented interesting facts about buddism and guided me and my parents around many temples and statues. We also enjoyed feeding the deer. Me and my parents had a great time.
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Samuel. Thank you for your polite review for my tour in Nara. It was nice seeing and talking with you and your father and meeting your mother. I am pleased that you and your parents listened to me attentively as I talked about Buddhist statuary. I would like to have a drink with you while you are in Osaka. Feel free to contact me by my e-mail address if you have time. The best of luck! Yoshie
Glenn A.
“One of the best days of our trip”
We spent 14 days in Japan and the day with Yoshi was a highlight. This was a full day customized to our interests. We walked A LOT and saw A LOT and learned A LOT. He is a good communicator about history and culture. He knows the best spots to take a picture.. He helped us in the subway stations to get around. We are world travelers I can confidently say he is among the best guides we have ever had.
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Glenn. Thank you so much for your nice review for my tour in Kyoto. I really had a great time guiding and talking with you and your family since you asked me proper questions at each place we visited. I hope you have returned home safely with lots of good memories of Japan. With best wishes. Yoshie
Juan manuel G.
“Best guide ever!”
Meeting Yoshi is an experience in itself. His warmth, kindness, and deep knowledge make him truly unique. He’s the kind of person you’d happily spend hours chatting with over sake and sushi as the plates keep coming. Without a doubt, one of the highlights of our trip. If you have the chance, don’t think twice — Yoshi is the right person to guide you through Kyoto.
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Juan. I appreciate your heartwarming comment on my tour in Kyoto. I also had a very pleasant time guiding and talking with you two. I hope our paths will cross again in the near future. Wishing you the best of luck! Yoshie
$250/ per group