The best of Kyoto in any season
Joined 2023
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.
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.
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
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.
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
Michael M.
“Wonderful day tour of Kyoto with Shuji”
Shuji was a fantastic, caring guide who listened to our wishes and took us on a mix of the top spots along with some hidden gems including. Lunch which was incredible.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your kind words. Your preparation for the tour was perfect. We enjoyed the cherry blossoms everywhere we went, making it a very happy day for us all. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it very much. We rarely see the full-bloomed cherry blossoms in such beautiful places on such a beautiful day. Please enjoy the rest of your tour in Japan.
Lexi C.
“A Perfect Day in Kyoto with Shuji ”
We had an incredible experience touring Kyoto with Shuji as our guide. He took us to some of the most beautiful places in the city, all while making the day feel effortless and smooth. Thanks to his deep knowledge of the area, Shuji was able to navigate us efficiently from one spot to the next, which allowed us to be fully present and soak in the natural beauty, especially important during this magical cherry blossom season. We felt so lucky to be here while the blossoms were in full bloom, and even luckier that Shuji knew exactly where to take us to avoid the heavy crowds. Each location felt peaceful and unrushed. He was also incredibly accommodating, adjusting the itinerary to include some special spots we wanted to see. On top of all that, he shared the rich history of each site with us, adding so much depth and meaning to our visit. We would highly recommend Shuji to anyone looking for a thoughtful, well-prepared, and genuinely kind tour guide in Kyoto. Thank you Shuji!!!!
Shuji O.
Thank you so much for your great review. It is rare to have such a wonderful trip in our lives. Kyoto was full of cherry blossoms, and it was bright and fun. Thanks to your cooperation, I could show you the wonderful places to my heart's content. I also had a lot of fun. I hope this incredible trip will become a cherished memory for both of you.
Jonathan T.
“An unforgettable Tour Experience”
Shuji was absolutely fantastic, he was knowledgeable, engaging. He went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. we would highly recommend Shuji to our family and friends.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your great review. I am glad if I could satisfy your wishes. I appreciate your perfect preparation. And we were lucky to visit Kyoto just before it gets too crowded. The cherry blossoms has just gegun to bloom the day before and we could enjoy both the ume and the cherry blossoms at the same time. It rarely happens. Yes, we were so lucky. I also enjoyed these tours very much. Thank you very much for your cooperation. Have a wonderful trip to Hiroshima!
$350/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!
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.
Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
Since there are so many beautiful places densely in eastern Kyoto, we can take a walking tour there. Please add or skip some. This is an example of a walking tour in eastern Kyoto, emphasizing history and culture. We will use the train only once or twice.
Half-day eastern Kyoto must-sees and a hidden gem
There are so many beautiful places for visitors in Kyoto. If you don't have enough time or don't want to be bothered with a lot of research, I will show you how to travel more comfortably by taking the non-standard route. This is an example of a half-day trip to Kyoto in the fall. You can easily visit hidden gems and must-see places when you book my tour.
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Kinkakuji
Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? I would also like to take you some hidden gemes in Kyoto. Beat the crowds!
One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
Tour will start from the Hotel in Kyoto. Frst visit is Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavillion ),then, to Ryoanji tmple where is famous for rock garden. Tour will stop at Arasiyama area to take lunch and visit Togetsu bridge, Bamboo grove, Tentyuji temple and others. The last visit is NIjyo castle. As these places are normally crowded. using chartered taxi is highly recommended in order to effectively use your valuable time in Kyoto.
Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities
This tour covers 4 must-see sites and Nishiki Market. You visit the most renowned sites such as the Golden Pavilion, Ryo-an-ji temple where you may find an elegant beauty in its simple rock garden Nijo-castle ,the luxurious palace of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Sanjyu-sangendo temple, where the thousand life-size statues and the Principal statue make you feel like you are in a forest of Buddha! says " It's amazing ! Lastly visit Nishiki Market, where you can enjoy eating Kyoto’s cuisine.
Kyoto 1 Day Tour covering Most Popular Spots
This tour covers the most popular spots in Kyoto with scenic beauty.The spots are selected from Fushimi area, Arashiyama area, and Kitayama area of Kyoto.From the point of scenic beauty, you will see Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo grove, and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, whereyou can take memorable pictures. You will visit the major scenic sites in one day effectively. These three areas are apart from each other, but can be travelled by JR-train and bus in relatively short time.
