The beautiful old city view spreads out in the northern Kyoto that are undiscovered by 99% of tourists. This tour will provide you with a chance to go to off the beaten path spots rather than doing completely crowded touristy places. The guide is very passionate to deliver rare experience with up-to-8 pax big van ride. Guide's passion cover the insights into arts and tradition. The tour will kick off picking you up at your hotel. Finally, I'm happy with your custom tour request! Contact me!
Your hotel / any preffered location within Kyoto city
- I am happy to deliver you pickup from any preferred location, such as train station/your hotel. Please note that you will have to let me know the place 1 day prior to the tour start time. In addition, just in case if you need pickup from outside Kyoto, please contact me for custom tour request.
This shrine will immerse you in the remarkable view of thousands of tri-gates. Surprisingly, one whole mountain is the shrine premises, including long stretch of bamboo grove taril and peaceful birds chirping. Some giant gates and buildings in the entrance are very clean and beautiful, but as it goes deeper, more abandoned but serene shrines appear. I will help you find the secret path of this shrine.
After leaving the beaten shrine, we all drive off to the north eastern part of Kyoto. The peaceful tranquil temple will await you there. You'll be amazed with their gourgous moss garden, little pretty stream and nice pond with Koi fish.
I'd share the temple exclusively with only my guests because it's off the beaten path. You will find the real temple that you have been looking for.
There is a mystery temple, further way up to the hill in the north east. As you may know, Japanese buddhist temple are closed to womens. They are never admitted under the temple law. However, Jakko-in has been accepting womens for their persuing the life goal ever since its origin. It's been one of the very few examples of female temples of early days. The historical fact of this temple is sad, originating from the woman's family death. The early Samurais were half aristcrats half warriors. Her dead family formed a very big history of Samurai.
We looked and learned many stuff. It'll be good time for lunch! I will suggest the best meal for the day out of my good selections. Isn't it boring to be trapped around the touristy area for every meal? I'll take you to the restaurant LOVED by locals. I know some valueable places for Kaiseki (a little pricy, refined meal style, served with many different dishes) .
Arashiyama - known for its beautiful location, situated in the valley. The area has a big river bridged by Togetsu-kyo, connecting the two shore area. The main attractions are Mokey park and Bamboo groves, which are family-friendly. We will have nice walk through the bamboo and enjoy some lively street shopping. They may sell good souveniers for taking back home.
Back to your hotel
Guide fee
Parking fee
Gas fee
Admission fee at attraction/temples
Vehicle and Drivers are free of charge
Most temples close 4-5 PM. We cannot include some of temples in your itinery after its bussiness hours. But there are some exception as if some big shrines are 24 hours open. In case you would need a custom tour, please confirm thier availibility or ask us. I will plan your best trip along what you want to see.
Douglas H.
Private car tour Let's uncover secrets of majestic Kyoto history
“Great Guide. Highly recommended!”
Cannot say enough kind words about Takashi. Excellent, friendly, knowledgeable guide, excellent English, highly recommend.
Rachel P.
Custom night with cherry blossoms illumination tailored for you
Customized
“The evening was tailored to places we wanted to explore. ”
Takashi was a breeze to deal with in setting up the tour. He got back to me quickly each time. Chicka was a fabulous guide! We enjoyed every minute of it. Our only criticism was the recommended restaurant did not have good food.