Western Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor Full Day Tour
Joined 2018
Kyoto is a city full of charm, both ancient and modern such as the stone gardens of Zen temples, orange gates of Shito shrines, traditional cafés, local cuisine loved by Kyoto people, modern art museums and so on. I would like to show you not only major sightseeing spots but also small tips to enjoy the city. Let's explore together and discover the real Kyoto with me!!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or JR Kyoto Station
Arashiyama area
We walk around Tenryuji Zen garden, one of the world heritage sites. The moment you get out of the temple, you probably happen to realize that you are in the midst of Arasiyama Bamboo Grove. If you like, the 20 minutes hike takes you to Mt. Iwata Monkey Park where you can meet cute monkeys.
Admission(Tenryuji Temple Garden): 500JPY/P
Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion
The pavilion with its garden is the most beautiful photographed site in Kyoto. You've probably seen pictures of it. You must see it !!
Admission:500JPY/P
Nijojo Samurai Castle
Ninomaru Palace is the only one original samurai palace remaining in Japan. In the compound of the castle, you may be able to feel the atmosphere of Japan's medieval time. Beware of Ninja's attack!
Admission:1300JPY/P
Imperial Palace (It's closed on every Monday)
The successive Emperors of Japan lived here, and had ceremonies of enthronement.
Admission: Free
Nishiki Ichiba market
Nishiki-Ichiba is a food market lined with a variety of small shops. Let's try some of Japanese unique food or Sake.
Ending point
At your hotel or downtown Kyoto
Ending Point
At your hotel or Downtown Kyoto
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
Guiding fee
Personal Expenses,Souvenirs,Public Transportation Tickets,Food, Drinks,Snacks
Tour Important Information
I usually use public transportation systems such as trains, buses, taxi, and so on.
I like outdoor activities. If you would like to do hiking, cycling etc., please feel free to ask me in advance.
Important message from the supplier
I usually use public transportation systems such as trains, buses, taxi, and so on.
I like outdoor activities. If you would like to do hiking, cycling etc., please feel free to ask me in advance.
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 2018
About Tour Guide Koichi W.
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months.
I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems.
Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature.
I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Reviews
Andreas S.
“Incredible 2 days visiting Kyoto and Nara”
What an incredible 2 days of sight-seeing around Kyoto and Nara. Koichi is a wonderful, extremely knowledgeable and passionate guide. We took in all the main sights of Kyoto and Nara and Koichi was always willing to share information and point out interesting facts at all the different places we visited. We took in all these sites yet still there was more to see and do if we had had the time. Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Golden Temple, Nijo-jo Castle, Tenryuji Zen Temple, Nara Deer Park, Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Byodo-in temple. Koichi was always on hand to provide the history of the places and also took the time to explain the Japanese language and the differences in the local dialect as well whilst we were travelling between areas. If I could give more stars I would. Ookini Koichi-san we all thank you so much for the memories and I hope to take you up on your offer of a Sake tour next time.
Koichi W.
Hi! Andreas san. Thank you for your wonderful message and rating. Once again I am looking at the photos of the two-day tour with you and remembering the days. I really appreciate the wonderful time you shared with me. It was only recently, but I still remember the days with fond memories. Koichi
Sara V.
“Western highlights private Kyoto tour”
Our private tour of Kyoto’s western highlights was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, our guide Koichi provided an enriching, and personalized experience that exceeded all expectations. We explored the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, marveled at the elegance of Tenryu-ji Temple, strolled along the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, and visited the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Koichi was both educational and enjoyable. This private tour was a true highlight of our trip to Japan. If you want to explore Kyoto’s western treasures this is the way to do it. Highly, highly recommended! Koichi was superb. I would give him more than 5 stars!
Koichi W.
Thank you for your excellent comment and rating. It is my great pleasure to hear that you are so pleased with the tour . Your review will inspire me to do better next time. Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Arigato and Ookini!!
Sara V.
“Eastern Kyoto private tour”
I can’t recommend this Kyoto tour highly enough! Our guide Koichi was not only incredibly knowledgeable but also warm, professional, and passionate about Kyoto’s rich history and culture. From the moment we met, he made us feel welcome and tailored the tour perfectly to our interests. We explored iconic sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizudera, visited Gion town and walked around Sannenzaka and Ninnenzaka streets. Koichi provided historical context, local legends, and even restaurant recommendations that only a true local would know. His English was excellent! Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a deeper dive into the city, this tour is absolutely worth it. It was one of the highlights of our entire trip to Japan!
Koichi W.
Hi! Sara san. Thank you so much for your wonderful rating and comments too. I couldn't be more honored that you enjoyed the tour so much. I sincerely hope we have the opportunity to meet again. Arigato and Ookini!!
$357/ per group
More tours by Koichi W.
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!
Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto with a private guide
Nara is a very beautiful and interesting city known by the old name of "Yamato". It was established as the first permanent Japan's capital in the year 710. There are a lot of historical monuments in this ancient city, such as Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and so on. Nara"deer"park is also one of must-see areas. Let's walk around and play with the lovely deer!!
Eastern Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor - Full Day Tour -
Kyoto is a city full of charm, both ancient and modern such as the stone gardens of Zen temples, orange gates of Shito shrines, traditional cafés, local cuisine loved by Kyoto people, modern art museums and so on. I would like to show you not only major sightseeing spots but also small tips to enjoy the city. Let's explore together and discover the real Kyoto with me!!
Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do
Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for many torii gates like an orange tunnel. But most tourists just visit only the entrance. I would like to show you the deep inside of Fushimi Inari Shrine through tunnel and take you to the top of mountain. From Inari mountain, we will walk a part of “Higashiyama Trail” hiking course, then we will visit the family temple of imperial house and Sanjusangen-do temple.
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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.
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!
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.
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!
