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!
“Shuji-san's way is the right way!”
First off I wanted to thank Shuji-san for a wonderful experience in Kyoto with my family and friends. We live in Tokyo and decided to take a 1.5 day trip down to Kyoto with out of town guests from the US. Shuji-san was extremely accommodating and was able to help adjust his suggested itinerary with a customized agenda to help ensure that we could see some of the primary sites that were more crowded in addition to the lesser known shrines and areas that across Kyoto. We traveled also with our 2 x boys aged 13 & 10 years old and Shuji-san was also connecting with them to make sure that they were also having a great experience as well. We trusted Shuji-san to help us deliver an experience for our friends and he was able to surpass our expectations. His knowledge and experience was super helpful and our Kyoto visit would not have been the same if it wasn't for him. Even though we have been to Kyoto several times ourselves, this added experience and help navigating the locations was a great way to compliment our exploration. Highlights included an appreciation of the beauty of temples, the fall foliage as noted by the agenda, spontaneous photos and a less traveled aqueduct bridge through one of the temples. Thank you Shuji-san. It was a pleasure meeting you and we hope to cross paths again. ありがとうございました。お時間を割いていただき、会話も楽しめ、素晴らしい経験ができました。どうぞ良いお年をお迎えください。
Shuji O.
Hi Richard, Thank you for a very thorough review. I'm happy I got it. I called this tour 'Less Crowded, Stunning Fall Foliage - Kyoto'. But since you were with your friends who were visiting Kyoto for the first time, I changed it on the spot. But the most exciting thing was that you and your kids chose 'Adventure' from my last suggestions. It was already a little dark, but we enjoyed the last place. You made our tour very great. Yes, I enjoyed it a lot too. Even though you live in Japan, guides can make your trip to Japan different. See you again in the near future again. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
“Shuji is one of a kind!”
I had a wonderful time exploring with Shuji, an exceptional guide. The temples and gardens were stunning and captivating. The experience of walking around the small streets was fantastic. Shuji was eager to share his knowledge, which was both interesting and informative. His expertise and support were beyond my expectations, and I will always be thankful. You are truly the best!
Shuji O.
Thank you for your wonderful words, which seem too good for me! I'm so glad you enjoyed the places and our experiences. Yes, we had an extraordinary time in Kyoto, avoiding the crowds. We rarely have such a special moment. You were so interested in Japanese nature, culture, and heritage. I hope you can visit Japan again and add more Goshuins. See you again!
Alyssa A.
Deep in Nara from Osaka by car ~ Off the beaten track ~
“Enjoy a Historical Tour in Nara!”
Traveling with Shuji felt like going on a field trip, especially with his background as a history teacher. He took the time to explain several major cultural locations, including the art displayed in museums, but also adjusted the tour to include a trip to Nara Park based on my request for my daughter. If you're looking for something different, highly recommend talking to Shuji to personalize your trip!
Shuji O.
Thanks for the great review. We enjoyed the beautiful and historic temples, Hasedera and Horyuji, avoiding the crowds as much as possible. We also enjoyed playing with the deer in the popular Nara Deer Park. We enjoyed wonderful places in the best season of fall foliage. I hope this will be a good memory for your family.
$325/ per group