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Off the Beaten Track in Kyoto Ohara
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Joined 2023
Kyoto has hidden gems. Let's explore some of Kyoto's lesser-known places if you are not in Kyoto for the first time.
You may find yourself experiencing deep feelings in those places. I will choose such places.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Take a subway and a bus to Ohara
It's a bit far from the city center. But if you take a bus, you will come to another world.
Hosen-in Temple
You will see a seven-hundred-year-old pine tree with a beautiful shape. The name of the garden, Bankan-en, means "hard to leave."
Sanzen-in Temple
This is the main temple of this area.
You will enjoy the stunning garden sitting in front of it. You can have a tea.
A slight shift in your mindset can open up thousands of possibilities. Sanzen means "three thousand." You will experience such profound emotions here.
lunch
Casual restaurant.
They serve warm traditional dishes that you will feel at home.
Walk in the village to Jakko-in Temple
We walk to Jakkoin Temple in the old village of Ohara.
Please enjoy the views of the idyllic village for a while.
Tea break
There are some lovely cafes here.
Ending Point
Your hotel or where you never get lost
Ending Point
At your hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- guide fee, hotel pick-up
- transportation fee (you and the guide) for a subway and a bus 1100 JPY/per person)
- lunch about 2,500 JPY
- admission fees (about 2000 JPY/per person, no guide needed)
Tour Important Information
We will walk on the paved road. But we go up and down stairs a little. So, please put on easy walking shoes. Please walk with your speed. There are so many photo spots.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Shuji O.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport.
I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds.
I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature.
I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan.
If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
Reviews
Tom B.
“Shuji is an extraordinary guide, do not miss out on this opportunity”
Shuji is known and respected in Kyoto and his decades of experience shine through in his explanations. He led us on a beautiful downhill course beginning at Kiyomizu Temple. Each time he said "and around this corner, you'll find another world," we were truly in another world. We will always be grateful to him.
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Shuji O.
Thank you very much for the great review! Yes, there are so many wonderful things in Kyoto. We discovered amazing places just by turning the corner. It was like entering a different world! But I'm sorry, I made you walk so much when you were jet-lagged. I hope this trip will be a good memory for your family!
Lauri S.
“Beautiful day in Nara”
A bit crowded but we'll worth seeing. Another excellent day with Shuji.
Shuji O.
I feel happy whenever I visit Nara. The deers in Nara are always friendly. They look like old friends of ours. We could see things that were much older than Kyoto. Every old building is unique. We were very happy on that day with you all. Thank you! Shuji
Lauri S.
“Kobe - Beautiful City So Worth Exploring”
I organized a one week tour for a group of friends staying one week on Kyoto. Not sure of what to do Shuji O. our guide recommended Kobe. Such a surprise and so worth seeing. Imagine taking a tram to the top of a hillside and then walking 4 levels down to see beautiful gardens, a tea room, instrumental areas in how to make perfume with flowers and herbs. How about creating a kitchen garden, a medicinal garden and tea garden. Classical music playing, a wonderful restaurant for lunch in a house of glass. A total of 16 days in Japan and this was my favorite day. Shuji is an expert at finding the hidden gems of the greater Kyoto area. He met us in our hotel and seamlessly connected the train system to Kobe. With skill and patience he navigated Kobe to bring us to the Herb Gardens and Ropeway and then on to the waterfront to see the living museum of the great earthquake of 1995 that killed thousands in Kobe and the restoration efforts to build this beautiful city. If you are lucky enough to book Shuji O. have him take you here. It's such real treasure of Japan.
Shuji O.
Thank you for the wonderful, fragrant sachets that you secretly gave me along with the other gifts! We had such a happy time in Kobe that I changed my itinerary quite a bit. Instead of eating Kobe beef, we enjoyed lunch at a scenic restaurant in a garden. That restaurant was amazing! I'm often asked when the best season to visit Japan is. Maybe May is the best season, not during the cherry and the autumn foliage season. Thank you for your wonderful reviews!
$314/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years! There are so many historic sites and beautiful places that you will be at a loss for what to choose. Please tell me about your favorite. Considering the access, the season, and the time, I will make a suitable plan. I recommend some hidden gems if you like going off the beaten track. And also the charming famous popular tourist spots worth visiting when it is so busy. I will tell you stories to help you appreciate the place.
The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
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Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
Nara: the must-see place in Japan. Nara was the capital of ancient Japan before Kyoto became the capital. In the Nara era, Buddhism played an important role in stabilizing the country. So you can see many big old temples there. Many of these are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are concentrated in a small area. So, if you have only one free day to spend in the Kansai area, I highly recommend visiting Nara.
Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～
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Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Since there are so many beautiful places densely in eastern Kyoto, we can take a walking tour there. Please add or skip some. This is an example of a walking tour in eastern Kyoto, emphasizing history and culture. We will use the train only once or twice.
Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Other Popular Off the Beaten Path Tours in Kyoto
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One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto
On this tour, you can enjoy the autumn foliage depending on the season. Kyoto is very popular with tourists, so most tourist attractions are usually crowded with people. While that can be lively and fun, some people might occasionally want to visit a less crowded place. This tour is perfect for those people. On this tour, you will spend a full day walking through Sagano, visiting Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Gio-ji Temple, Jojakko-in Temple, and Seiryo-ji Temple.
One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto
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Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour
First and foremost, I do not want to provide a typical tour to the standard fair of tourist attractions. As with the majority of visitors to Kyoto, you do not really need a guide to visit such places. Instead, what makes my tour special is that I can show you the unique places of Kyoto with the addition of a historical and cultural background. Lunch at local restaurants, visit temples of the beaten path, go to local shopping arcades for unique products. Enjoy Kyoto without the crowds.
Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour
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![Ancient Wizard of Kyoto [4 Hours]](https://images.gowithguide.com/filters:format(avif)/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/15709/9e763dd4-f120-4f95-9784-cb9d18b1ca63.jpg)
Ancient Wizard of Kyoto [4 Hours]
A thrilling ancient tale of a formidable Japanese sorcerer, who wielded unimaginable power over a thousand years ago. Join us as we venture to a sacred shrine dedicated to his memory, and explore the eerie abode of his otherworldly assistants. Be amazed as you encounter a collection of mystical religious talismans and amulets, each intricately decorated with symbols that will leave you spellbound. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey into the realm of magic and mystery!
Ancient Wizard of Kyoto [4 Hours]
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Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition Walking Tour
The Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition is a serene journey through Japan's natural beauty, perfect for all ages. Begin in Takao Forest, exploring hidden waterfalls, ancient temples, and secret shrines. Visit the peaceful Otaji Nembutsuji Temple and wander through the stunning bamboo forest. In summer, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Kyotaki River. This off-the-beaten-path tour offers a peaceful escape to Kyoto’s hidden wonders.
Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition Walking Tour
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