The summer in Kyoto is so hot, especially in the afternoon. This is a 4-hour tour which starts at 7:30 AM (or 8:00) for avoiding the heat in the afternoon. The visiting spots are mainly in forests or indoor. Highly recommended to choose this tour from later July to Middle of September. Upon request, I will take you to a nice local Japanese restaurant for lunch without any extended guiding fee.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At the lobby of your hotel in central Kyoto
Please select one of the courses below.
< A course > - Fushimi Inari shrine - Sanjusangendo temple - Gion - Kenninji temple
- Fushimi Inari shrine: Going through the path in the fresh air of the forest
- Sanjusangendo temple: Visit the temple with spectacular 1, 001 Buddhist statures
- Gion: Walk through the traditional entertainment area where you might see Geiko(Geisha) or Maiko
- Kenninji temple: Visit the temple with splendid Zen garden
< B course > - Bamboo forest - Tenryuji temple - Ohi river - Nijo castle or Ryoanji temple (choice of either one)
- Bamboo forest: Going through the path with so fresh and clear air
- Tenryuji temple: Visit Zen temple with beautiful garden
- Ohi river: Nice & cool view of the emerald green river
- Nijo castle or Ryoanji temple (choice of either one): Visit real Samurai Palace or Famous Zen rock garden
Ending Point
At the lobby of your hotel in central Kyoto or any requested location
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, hotel pick-up in central Kyoto area
transportation fee(apx. 1,000JPY by subway or local train (taxi may be used depending on the situation), entrance fee(apx. 1,500 or less)
Both courses require around 4 Km's walking throughout the tour.
The visiting spots may be changed based on the communication with the customer.
In case you want to book my tour for two or more consecutive days, please send me a message in advance.
My nick name is Rick and Japanese name is Ryoichi. I was born and grew up in Kyoto. Kyoto has so many sightseeing spots based on its 1000 year history. I will propose you the "must see" spots from local eyes not only temples & shrines but also alternative side of Kyoto. As Kyoto certified English guide, I will guide you with high hospitality for your satisfactory stay in Kyoto.
1. For the first visitors
I will prepare the tour with selection out of the spots as Nijo-castle, Imperial Palace, Nishiki-market, Gion amusement quarter, Arashiyama area and some temples and shrines of World Cultural Heritage Sites based on your request and taste.
2. For the visitors who want to see more spots than regular tours
I will prepare some unique tours like visiting Fushimi area for Sake brewery and riding classical boat, visiting some traditional handicrafts ateliers, enjoying traditional performing art, etc.
Please make any inquiry for your preferred type of Kyoto guiding without hesitation. I would be happy to propose you with the type of tour that makes your visit in Kyoto unforgettable one.
Credentials:
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN01767)
Kyoto City Licensed English Guide (EN00004)
2nd Grade of the licensing examination on knowledge of Kyoto history & culture
Steven E.
“Great tour”
Very enjoyable tour of Fushimi and Uji with Rick. He was very knowledgeable and it was a pleasure to spend the day with him. Would definitely recommend.
Rick I.
Dear Steven, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm glad you enjoyed the boat riding, Sake brewery, and Uji area with Byodoin temple in cherry blossoms, and so on. I also enjoyed the nicest season with you and your friendly families. Thank you again. Rick
Steven E.
“Great tour with Rick”
We had a great Kyoto tour with Rick. He was knowledgeable and very personable and it was a great way to see Kyoto. Would highly recommend.
Rick I.
Dear Steven, Thank you very much for the nice review. It was my pleasure touring Kyoto with you and your family. I'm very glad that we saw so beautiful cherry blossoms and I hope Kyoto will be one of your nicest memories in Japan! Rick
Karen B.
“Day out in Kyoto”
What a wonderful host !!! Rick met us off the Shinkansen at the exact point the train stopped!! His communication and planing prior to our trip as excellent. We wanted to do some specific things which he happily accommodated. We had such a busy day but thoroughly enjoyed every moment. We would highly recommend Rick as a guide worth every penny !!
Rick I.
Dear Karen, Thank you very much for the nice review! It was my pleasure to help you enjoy the tour. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour and l appreciate all of you were very friendly and cooperative. Please enjoy the rest of the tour in Japan! Best regards, Rick
$196/ per group