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?
“Most Beautiful Autumn Day in Kyoto”
My husband and I had the best day in Kyoto with Yoshie; he truly epitomizes Japanese hospitality and kindness. From initial booking to the end our day at a friendly izakaya, Yoshie guided us through an amazing adventure through Kyoto. We traveled to so many places so efficiently that no time was wasted! Not only did he showed us the best of Kyoto’s sites, he gave us a history lesson at each which helped us understand and appreciate everything so much better. Yoshie had endless energy that amazed us! Better put on your roller skates because Yoshie will happily zig zag you through the most beautiful sites in Kyoto! Thank you Yoshie for giving us an incredible day in Kyoto and sharing your time with us. We hope to see you again!
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Hock. Thank you so much for your kind words of appreciation for my tour the other day. I am very pleased that you had a lucky chance of visiting Kyoto at the best time of autumn foliage. Especially, the colored maple leaves at Jojako-ji Temple were amazingly beautiful, weren't they? I hope you will come to Kyoto at cherry blossom season someday soon. With best wishes. Yoshie
“Highlight of our Japan Trip - Kyoto!”
My wife and I had a fantastic day exploring Kyoto with Yoshie. We took part in the Golden Route Tour, which covered a lot of ground and showcased breathtaking sights. Yoshie was an outstanding guide—knowledgeable, organized, and fluent in English. If I could give six stars, I absolutely would! It was a real pleasure, Yoshie—thank you! He guided us through all the key historical sites in northern Kyoto and demonstrated a profound understanding of Japanese history. His educational background was evident in how well he conveyed relevant historical information. We had an amazing day that included train and taxi rides, walking 13 km, and visiting incredible attractions. Along the way, we learned a great deal about Japan's history while taking in the stunning fall colors and capturing memorable photos. Yoshie-san is a skilled photographer who recommended perfect spots to highlight the beauty of the places we visited. We wholeheartedly recommend his tour to everyone and suggest taking advantage of his photography skills and knowledge. Thank you again, Yoshie-san!
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Pranav-san. I wholeheartedly appreciate your superb review for my tour, revised Golden Route. I also had a pleasant time, guiding and talking with you and your wife. I am delighted to learn that you enjoyed yourselves to the full, including the beautiful autumn scenery and photography. Thanks again for your heartwarming comment, Pranav-san.
“Fabulous tour of Kyoto”
We really enjoyed our tour with Yoshihisa. He really hit the highlights of Kyoto on our daylong tour. It was very well organized and his knowledge of the places we visited added so much to our experiencing one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Japan. I can not more highly recommend using him as your guide. You will not be disappointed.
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Alan. I really appreciate your kind review for my tour, My Favorite Golden Route. I had lots of fun guiding and talking with you and your family, too. I hope our paths will cross someday in the near future. Best wishes. Yoshie
$246/ per group