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?
Marie helene N.
“Great tour”
Yoshie is very reliable and organized.
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Marie. Thank you for your kind comment on my tour in Kobe, Arima and Rokko. I had a very pleasant time guiding and talking with you and your family. I was glad that the cherry trees in Arima Onsen were still in full blossom. I hope you will continue the rest of your trip and return home safely. With best wishes. Yoshie
Terry F.
“Best guide EVER!”
Yoshi is truly an exceptional guide and we really enjoyed our time with him. He is energetic and full of knowledge. Our tour was very thoughtfully planned. Yoshi knew all of the best picture spots and took many fun and creative pictures of us. Spending the day with him was definitely a highlight of our Japan journey. We have been left with memories of a lifetime.
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Terry. Thank you so much for your superb review for my tour in Kyoto. I also had a wonderful time being together with you two. I hope you will return home safely with lots of good memories of Japan. Ichigo Ichie. Yoshie
Brian K.
“Golden Temple Tour”
Spent a wonderful and informative day with Yoshie, exploring many temples, gardens, and shrines. Yoshie’s wealth of information and passion for his city and his occupation were immediately apparent. We couldn’t help but be drawn into Yoshie’s narrative - which is not just about the amazing history and significance of the temples and shrines of Kyoto, but also about the journey we all share, and the importance of honouring tradition, and living with Intention. I would recommend Yoshie’s tours for anyone interested in learning about the true Kyoto, a city that is so much more than the amazing restaurants and shopping and the wonderful people.
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Brian. I really appreciate your excellent comment on my tour in Kyoto. I had a very pleasant time guiding and talking with you and your family. I hope you will return home safely with lots of good memories of Japan. With best wishes. Yoshie
$268/ per group