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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
Judi J.
“Kobe to Kyoto: enchanting and amazing!”
Shuji is an amazing person to guide you through the Kobe Osaka Kyoto area. He’s a great communicator prior to the tour in terms of setting up the itinerary. He took us on the bullet train from Kobe to Kyoto. We then toured some amazing sites in Kyoto, spending a full day. He is very knowledgeable and a great communicator in both the Japanese and English languages. I highly recommend a tour with Shuji. Such a pleasant, informative and friendly gentleman.
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Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words. We had a great time with your friend. If we had more time, we could have enjoyed the tour more. You are great travelers who know how to enjoy traveling. Thank you for your kindness. I hope you enjoy Kagoshima too! Thank you!
Michael C.
“Great day at Himeji”
We had a great day with Shuji. Thankfully, he was with us to navigate Osaka Station and get us on the proper train to Himeji. Once in Himeji, we visited the castle, with Shuji teaching us its history along the way. After the castle, we had lunch and visited the beautiful gardens near the castle. He took pics with his phone throughout the day and airdropped them to us at the conclusion of the tour. It's a long day when you include both legs of the train ride, but Shuji helped us a lot and was very informative about the history of the area and the castle. Great tour!
Shuji O.
Yes, it was a nice tour. Thank you for the great review. Since it was a little late for the cherry blossoms, we could enjoy the World Heritage castle very much. Yes, it’s really worth visiting. We could enjoy the wonderful restaurant too. I failed it at the best cherry season. We were so lucky. Thank you for the happy tour!
Hamilton H.
“Customized Tour with Deep Knowledge”
Shuji loves history and his passion for sharing stories from the past fills the tour with fun and informative anecdotes about the places you visit. We toured with two children and they remained engaged even in quiet and philosophically demanding places.
Shuji O.
Thank you so much for your wonderful words. The kids were absolutely adorable, and it turned out to be a really fun trip. Vivi was full of energy and just bursting with joy. It felt like I was tagging along on a fun family vacation, but I had a great time too. Thank you so much again!
$314/ 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 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
Other Popular Highlights Tours in 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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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 Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji, Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge. While these popular spots can be crowded, we utilize taxis 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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Perfect Trip in Kyoto
Do you want to visit the most popular places in Kyoto in 1 day? If your answer is “YES”, this is the tour for you ;) We will visits the famous temples and shrines and enjoy the nature around and learn the history and legends behind them. Let’s explore the old capital of Japan Kyoto and learn more about Japan!!
Perfect Trip 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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