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The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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Joined 2023
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years! With so many historic sites and stunning sights, it can be hard to decide where to go first. Just tell me what you're interested in, and I'll design a customized itinerary tailored to your schedule, the season, and ease of access.
Whether you prefer hidden gems off the beaten track or iconic highlights that are well worth the crowds, I’ll share fascinating stories along the way to bring each location to life!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At you hotel lobby
Meeting point
At your Hotel Lobby in Kyoto, etc.
Kinkakuji temple
This stunning golden pavilion is framed by exquisite traditional gardens, with the lush northern mountains providing a dramatic natural backdrop. As one of Kyoto’s most iconic World Heritage sites, it is an absolute must-see for any visitor.
Nijojo Castle
This former residence of the Shogun offers a fascinating glimpse into elite samurai culture. Although the main keep no longer stands, the magnificent Ninomaru Palace remains fully intact, featuring gorgeous reception halls where samurai once conducted official business.
Lunch
Please let me know your preferences.
Kiyomizu temple
Kiyomizu-dera is so much more than just a temple. Perched directly over the hillside, its iconic wooden stage offers breathtaking, panoramic views across Kyoto. As you walk through the surrounding historic streets, you'll also love the traditional, quaint atmosphere—it’s an absolute must-see!
Higashiyama Hills
downhill course with stairs
Gion district
Kiyomizu-dera is so much more than just a temple. Perched directly over the hillside, its iconic wooden stage offers breathtaking, panoramic views across Kyoto. As you walk through the surrounding historic streets, you'll also love the traditional, quaint atmosphere—it’s an absolute must-see!
Your Hotel or the station
Ending spot
Ending Point
At you hotel or train station
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), taxi(about 4,800 yen) bus or metro (depends)
- lunch (you and the guide) of about 3,000 yen /per person, or a more reasonable lunch of about 1200 yen
- admission fees of about 3000 yen/per person, no guide required
Tour Important Information
If you have some request for the meal, please let me know beforehand at least 3 days.
This course is mostly flat or downhill, but there are a few uphill sections. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
We will visit many must-sees efficiently in a limited hours.
To avoid being in a hurry, let's use taxis. Taxis are not expensive in Japan, and you can easily catch one in Kyoto.
I will plan to visit scenic beauties at a good time of the day. I will take some nice photos of you.
You will have a happy time in Kyoto.
I can do the early-time tour on weekdays.
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!
$317/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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Western Kyoto: Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Since my tour is always flexible, you can add seasonal events and other activities you like. I will suggest options based on the season. Arashiyama is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. This area also has many other beautiful places with touching stories. We can visit two World Heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji.
Western Kyoto: 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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Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka
Among the many castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is truly special. You will feel happy just to be there when you see its beautiful figure over the surrounding cherry blossom or maple trees. It has a long and touching history. It is definitely a must-see in Japan.
Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka
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Eastern Kyoto walking tour
Since there are so many beautiful places in eastern Kyoto, we can take a walking tour there. Please add or skip some. You can add Zen meditation, seasonal events, and other activities you like. This is an example of a walking tour in eastern Kyoto, emphasizing history and culture. We will use the train only once or twice.
Eastern Kyoto walking tour
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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Experience the BEST of KYOTO!
For 8 hours, we will explore Kyoto's symbolic places and marvel at its over 1100-year-old history, culture, traditions, and food. This tour is perfect for those who want to experience this wonderful former capital of Japan with only a day or two to spare for traveling in the region.
Experience the BEST of KYOTO!
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Explore Kyoto with a Local ! A Tailor-Made Day
A certified local guide from Kyoto will design a private tour just for you! Every itinerary is fully customizedーfrom destinations to timingーto suit your group's interests and pace. From Kyoto's iconic landmarks such as Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, or Nijo Castle to hidden gems. Tell me what you'd love to see or experience in Kyoto, and I'll create a personalized plan with my local recommendations. No idea yet? No problemーI'm happy to craft a special itinerary for you from scratch.
Explore Kyoto with a Local ! A Tailor-Made Day
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A Kyoto Tour to Discover the Quiet, Serene, and Authentic Side of the City
This tour is designed to help you discover the true beauty of Kyoto while avoiding the crowds as much as possible. Of course, I can also take you to popular attractions as an optional tour based on your preferences.
A Kyoto Tour to Discover the Quiet, Serene, and Authentic Side of the City
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Kyoto beginner’s tour
Kyoto popular spots & must visit spots -Fushimi Inari 1000s Ted Torii gate shrine -Kiyomizudera temple (world heritage) -Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka -Gion geisha district -Nishiki food market
Kyoto beginner’s tour
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