Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,200 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.
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.
Nijyo-jyo castle
It is a rare place where you can see the residence and office of the Shogunate with many masterpieces of art along with beautiful gardens.
Kinkakuji temple
Beautiful golden palace with wonderful gardens and northern mountains on its backdrop. One of the must-see places in Kyoto.
cozy restaurant
This restaurant is a kind of a hidden gem. They serve a beautiful lunch. We can spend time silently in a small home-like restaurant.
Ryoanji temple
Zen Buddhist temple, famous for its dry garden, which Elizabeth Ⅱ admired. Please feel the universe of Zen Buddhism.
Kiyomizu temple
It's not just a temple. As it is jutting out of the cliff, you will enjoy the panoramic views of Kyoto. And please enjoy the quaint feel around it. You shouldn't miss it.
Higashiyama Hills
downhill course with stairs
Gion district
Gion district is famous for Geisha(Geiko and Maiko). Many high-class Japanese restaurants and houses exist where Geisha live. As we are now in the evening, you may see some dressed-up Geisha on the way to the party places if you are lucky.
Your Hotel or the station
Ending spot
Ending Point
At you hotel or train station
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
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
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.
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!
Julie M.
“Beautiful Day in Nara with Shuji San!”
We have just spent the most wonderful day visiting Nara with Shuji. If you are looking for someone who is friendly and very knowledgeable about the area, he is the guide for you. Also, we were there on a holiday for Japan and he was very skilled at leading us in such a way that we did not feel crowded even though there were many people visiting. A perfect way to finish our trip to Japan!
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for the great review. You are fantastic travelers because of your wide understanding of different cultures and history. I also enjoyed the conversation about history and culture very much. I hope this beautiful day will be added to the memories of your wonderful trip to Japan. Have a comfortable flight to California!
George B.
“2 wonderful days in Kyoto”
We have just spent 2 wonderfull days guided by Shuji-san around Kyoto through gardens, palaces, shrines and temples. It is a remarkable adventure enhanced a hundred times over by the experience, sensibility, and historical knowledge of Mr. Shuji. It is our first time in Japan and I believe that his advice and guidance have been wonderful, and in retrospect absolutely necessary. Would highly reccomend.
Shuji O.
Thank you for your warm words. Your wonderful fitness and curiosity opened up many possibilities for the tour. We enjoyed the unexpectedly late plum blossoms and had plenty of time to enjoy the popular sights that were not crowded in the early morning. And we also enjoyed the conversation very much. I hope this pleasant tour will be a wonderful memory for both of you. Shuji O.
Betsy H.
“We enjoyed Nara very much”
Shuji is knowledgeable and made good choices as to what sites we saw. There were problems, however. I had repeatedly told him about my husband's disabilities and he did not allow for these in some cases. It would probably have been better to have a private driver in Nara because there was never a taxi available between sites and we walked far more than was comfortable for my husband.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your review. Yes, I should have strongly recommended you a private car with a driver. Although I sometimes kept the taxi waiting for us in some places or used priority ways, it seems it was not enough for your husband. I'm so sorry if it was so hard for him. Because of your patience and cooperation, you could visit all the places we planned. I hope you can enjoy your long trip ahead.
$334/ per group