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The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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Joined 2023
Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 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.
Kinkakuji temple
Beautiful golden palace with wonderful gardens and northern mountains on its backdrop. One of the must-see places in Kyoto.
Nijojo Castle
This was a castle of the Shogun. Although the main tower is lost, it has gorgeous offices of samurai. You will see the culture of the samurai here.
Lunch
Please let me know your preferences.
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
The Gion district is famous for Geisha(Geiko and Maiko). Many high-class Japanese restaurants and houses exist where Geisha live. We can visit the museum and see the real Geisha (geiko or maiko).
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
Larry E.
“Crazy Street (The Zoo)”
Shuji O showed us around to several sites. We visited Osaka Castle, Rose Garden, Sky Tower and ‘Crazy Street’. His insight and knowledge helped us understand and appreciate each of these sites. He was also very flexible and able to adjust the tour to our needs and accommodate our changing requirements. We definitely recommend you as a guide to anyone visiting Osaka by cruise ship. Thank you Shuji. You made our visit to an Osaka very memorable experience. Arigato!
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Shuji O.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review and for the great tour! Yes, everything was indeed nice today. We enjoyed the fully bloomed roses and the interesting places we visited. I hope they will become lovely memories for you both. Thank you!
Simon W.
“Fantastic day trip of Kyoto with a true expert”
My family were lucky enough to have Shuji show us around Kyoto on a day trip to all the key sites. Shuji advised us to start early at 7am which was great advice to avoid the crowds and the heat. Shuji has a wealth of knowledge on Japanese history and the key facts at all the spots we stopped. My two daughters in the early 20s and my wife and I found Shuji interesting in a wealth of subjects and we were so happy to spend time with him. If you are looking for a very professional tour guide Shuji has our full recommendation without reservation. Thank you Shuji - it was great having all your help and wisdom - and also your kindness and good humour! Simon
Shuji O.
Yes, I was also so happy to spend time with you. This is one of my fondest memories! Despite the heat, we enjoyed exploring the Kiyomizu Temple early in the morning. We ended in the Gion district, which interested you all very much. I was so happy to have such great conversations with you. Thank you very much for telling me all about our favorite, Mark Knopfler!
Alberto R.
“Osaka with Shuji”
Shuji is an excellent guide. My only recommendation is that when doing a tour in Osaka, you should understand the city and where you want to go; otherwise, you may end up short after completing the tour. There are too many places to go, and driving from one site to another takes time.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your review! We were actually in Kyoto, not Osaka. It was a very hot day. Thank you for being cooperative in such hot weather. I hope you enjoyed Japan a lot.
$332/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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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!
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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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.
Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto
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Day trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka ~ Another world ~
There are so many temples on Mount Koya. The famous graveyard is also massive. The scene is mysterious. It takes about two hours by train from Osaka, but you are in another world once you arrive. You can learn about Buddhism in Japan while immersed in a unique atmosphere there. Mt. Koya is the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese esoteric Buddhism. High Priest Kukai founded it and began building temples here. I will explain why the Japanese people love Kukai.
Day trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka ~ Another world ~
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
Perfect for those with limited time, this well-organized tour allows you to experience Kyoto’s most iconic sights efficiently. The itinerary includes the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and ends in the historic Gion district. While these popular spots can be crowded, we utilize taxis and public transport to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey through this culturally rich city.
Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
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Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!
Please feel free to share your interests- places you wish to visit, foods you'd like to try, or how long you'd like to stay at each location. I"ll create a fully customized 8-hour tour just for you, blending famous sights with local hidden gems!
Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!
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Discover Kyoto with a Local – Learn Japanese Culture Through Real Stories & Sights
Discover Kyoto’s cultural heart in just one day with a local guide. Visit three iconic spots: the golden beauty of Kinkaku-ji, the stunning hillside temple Kiyomizu-dera, and the peaceful bamboo groves of Arashiyama. Along the way, you’ll learn real stories, traditions, and the deeper meaning behind each place. This tour blends famous sights with local insights, giving you more than just photos — it gives you a true connection to Kyoto.
Discover Kyoto with a Local – Learn Japanese Culture Through Real Stories & Sights
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Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
Why not enjoy your holidays in Kyoto? You can certainly get in touch with many things Japanese that we are proud of. They are old temples and shrines, cultural assets and the beautiful natural surroundings. You can also enjoy dropping in at souvenir stores and buy exquisitely made products, such as folding fans, porcelain and traditional Japanese cakes. I would like to take you to the following places, which are the three representative tourist destinations in this city: (1) Arashiyama It is the place where all the traditional natural beauties of Japan are combined together. They are Togetsukyo bridge, bamboo grove and the old temples. If you go up to the observation spot, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the gorge below. You can also see rickshaws of the olden times drawn by young people with smiling passengers on board. There are souvenir shops selling variety of goods and products. (2) Nijo-jo Castle (World Cultural Heritage Site) This castle was built in the early 17th century by the Tokugawa Shogunate government for the purpose of protecting the Kyoto Imperial Palace and as the accommodations when Tokugawa Shogun was in Kyoto. It was subsequently enlarged by successive Shogun. It is the castle as well as the palace, where you can see the powerful structures and beautiful gardens. You can learn, in addition, how great the power of Tokugawa Shogun was. (3) Kinkakuji temple (the Golden Pavilion) (World Cultural Heritage Site) The history of this temple began when the third Shogun of the Muromachi period acquired a tract of land in this area from a powerful statesman in 1397 and built a villa of his own to entertain the Emperor and members of the nobility. The upper two levels of the temple are covered with pieces of gold foil and are shining brilliantly against the background of the rich greenery. The pond in the foreground reflects the golden structure. It looks like the materialization of Pure Land of Buddha in this world. In addition, on the top of the golden structure is the shining phoenix.
Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
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