GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
GoWithGuide
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!

Western Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor Full Day Tour

Highlights
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!Kyoto
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!Japanese (Native), English
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!8 hours
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!Private tour (only you and your group)
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!Up to 7 people

Kyoto is a city, full of attractive things from old times to present day such as stone garden of Zen temple, orange gates of Shito shrine, traditional café, local cuisine loved by Kyoto people, modern art museum 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 Tour Guide - Koichi W.
Koichi W.
4.95 / 5
(61 reviews)
07:00 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel or JR Kyoto Station

08:00 AM

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

10:20 AM

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

12:00 AM

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

01:30 PM

Imperial Palace (It's closed on every Monday)

The successive Emperors of Japan lived here, and had ceremonies of enthronement.

Admission: Free

02:30 PM

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.

03:00 PM

Ending point

At your hotel or downtown Kyoto

Ending Point

At your hotel or Downtown Kyoto

Want to personalize this tour?

  • Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
  • Click below to tell us what you are looking for:

Inclusions & Exclusions

GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
What‘s included

Guiding fee

GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
What‘s not included

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

GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!

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

  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
  • GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
    No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Kyoto Tour Reviews

Nara - bowing deer

The tour with Koichi wasn't just informative, it was interactive. He encouraged questions, patiently explaining even the most obscure details. His positive attitude and ability to tailor the experience to our interests was characteristic we looked for. When we mentioned a fascination with Buddhist art, he pointed out hidden treasures within the Great Buddha Hall that most tourists miss. Buddha hands was positioned in the form of “have no fear” on the right hand, and “wishes are granted” with the left. Koichi pointed out pillar inside the Great Buddha Hall has a hole the size of the Buddha statue's nostril carved in the bottom. Of course I tried to crawl through the whole and was able to make it. Koichi was happy that I came out on the other side. But perhaps Koichi's greatest strength was his genuine warmth. He treated us not just as tourists, but as guests eager to discover Nara's hidden gems. He helped us navigate the bustling crowds at the park, ensuring we had ample time to interact with the friendly deer. Also, don’t forget to by buy dear feed for bowing deer of Nara. In Osaka Castle, we witnessed the museum of fierce battles between Tokugawa and Toyotomi clans which last for couple of decades. We concluded the trip in Dotonbori Foodies Town where Koichi showed us his friend and treated us the local beer Prepare to be amazed with the guidance of Koichi in Nara and Osaka!

Hoang P.

Hi! I am very grateful for your wonderful review. I will always remember how much fun I had spending my days with you. I don't know if I was able to answer all of your questions properly, but your enthusiasm and curiosity have given me even more motivation. Thanks again. Arigato-gozaimasu! Koichi

Kyoto - Unforgettable

Koichi was a fantastic guide who made our Kyoto adventure unforgettable. Kyoto is the first destination of our there day tours. He met us at the hotel with a smile, warm personality, enthusiasm and ready to navigate us to various famous places in Kyoto. Koichi wasn't just knowledgeable about the historical sites, he brought them to life with vivid stories and sketches. He could answer every question from us, from the complexities of Fushimi-Inari Shrine and its famous for many orange color gates like a tunnel to Sanjusangendo Temple architecture and its famous for 1001 statues of Kannon and the venue of archery contest. He rewarded us when we could locate the missing arrow from the archery completion. We walked around the Kyoto Imperial Palace, former palace of the Emperor of Japan and imagined the Imperial life in 17th century . At Kinkakuji Golden Temple, we were overwhelming with its magnificent beauty from different angle and ray of lights. He did not forget to take us to an authentic ramen on the way to the transfer station. This ramen place so particularly tasty that our family voted the best ramen for the whole trip in Japan. If you look for tour guide to accommodate your schedule or tailor the Itinerary to your interests, Koichi is the one. His expertise, passion, and genuine care made our Kyoto trip exceptional. If you're looking for a guide who goes beyond the typical tourist route and creates a truly personalized experience, then book Koichi!

Hoang P.

Thank you very much for your heartwarming review and comments. I am very happy to have shared a wonderful time with you. This time we walked together through the main tourist attractions, but if you have a chance, let's go around the lesser known places, the real Japan. It is also fun to have a chance to interact with the local people. Koichi

Hiroshima - hopeful message of peace

Koichi's knowledge of Hiroshima area and the Atomic Bomb Dome was profound. He presented the history with sensitivity and respect, ensuring we understood the impact of the event while fostering a hopeful message of peace. The tour through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum was a moving experience through dark pages of history. But the day wasn't solely focused on the past. Koichi take us to Miyajima Island via a ferry. We could walk all the way to the foot of a giant, orange Great Torii Gate. We wished we could stay overnight to see its breathtaking beauty when it was submerged at high tide. Standing before the majestic Itsukushima Shrine, we learned about its history and significance in Shinto religion. He even pointed out hidden details and lesser-known facts, enriching the entire experience. We never forgot the taste and flavor of fresh oysters thank to Koichi recommended “must try” one of the best oysters in the regions. On the way back from Hiroshima to Kyoto on a shinkansen, we learned the history of sake making and were treated by Koichi a cup of sake to complete the whole experience. We left Hiroshima with a deeper understanding of its history, a newfound appreciation for peace, and a heart full of wonder for Miyajima's beauty. If you're planning a trip to Hiroshima, I cannot recommend Koichi highly enough. He is a true expert, a compassionate guide, and an inspiration.

Hoang P.

Thank you again for your wonderful review. I remember the days I spent with you and your family. I am also grateful that I was able to be with you in Hiroshima. I would like to keep in mind the happiness of being able to walk with people like you in this way. I hope that people around the world will continue to live in harmony and that a peaceful world will spread without violence.

$234/ per group

More tours by Koichi W.

Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto with a private guidecover image

Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto with a private guide

Nara
7 hours

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!!

FROM$208/ per group
Early Bird Tour in Western part of Kyotocover image

Early Bird Tour in Western part of Kyoto

Kyoto
5 hours

Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? Beat the crowds!

FROM$156/ per group
Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-docover image

Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do

Kyoto
5 hours

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.

FROM$156/ per group
Hike in mysterious mountains of Kyoto -Kurama to Kibune-cover image

Hike in mysterious mountains of Kyoto -Kurama to Kibune-

Kyoto
6 hours

We will visit Kuramadera which is a Buddhist temple located along the steep wooded mountainside. Behind the temple's main building, the hiking trail continues through the forest to Kibune, a small town famous for Kibune Shrine dedicated to the goddess of the water "Tamayorihime". The hike from Kurama-dera to Kibune takes about one hour. If you like, you can also enjoy "Onsen" hot spring at Kurama.

FROM$182/ per group

Popular Tours in Kyoto

1 day special customized tour in Kyotocover image

1 day special customized tour in Kyoto

Kyoto
7 hours

Kyoto has many beautiful places to visit. I especially would like to take you to the most exciting spots in Kyoto in 1 day. Please pick a few of the options from the following sightseeing places and I will take you as many places as possible at a reasonable price.

FROM$208/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Toshiyo O.
Toshiyo O.
4.67 / 5
(242 reviews)
My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tourcover image

My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour

Kyoto
8 hours

This tour is designed for those who would like to visit major scenic sites in Kyoto and off-the-beaten spots as well in a single day. The route is the one that has been favored and admired by many of my guests for the past few years. The itinerary mainly consists of three areas; Kitayama, Arashiyama and Fushimi areas. You will surely have unforgettable memories through the tour with me.

FROM$215/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yoshihisa T.
Yoshihisa T.
4.97 / 5
(202 reviews)
Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialitiescover image

Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities

Kyoto
8 hours

This tour covers 3 must-see sites and Nishiki Market. You can experience the most renownd sites such as the Golden Pavilion, the rockGarden at Ryo-anji Temple where you may find an elegant beauty in its simplicity Nijo-castle ,the luxurious palace of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Sanjyu-sangendo is one of the three must -see sightseeing spots in kyoto.The thousand life-size statues and the Principal statue( height 3.5 meters) lining along the longest corrider in Japan , with a length of 120meters or 390 feet make you feel like you are in a forest of Buddhas! Every one who visits this temple says " Woow ! , It's amazing ! It's awesome ! It's awful ! " . Lastly visit Nishiki Market,where you can enjoy Kyoto’s specialities such as charming sweets , high quality tohu and Sake etc.

FROM$117/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hiroshi Y.
Hiroshi Y.
4.66 / 5
(318 reviews)
The tour covers 4 must-see sites in Kyotocover image

The tour covers 4 must-see sites in Kyoto

Kyoto
8 hours

This tour covers 4 must-see sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Firstly, we visit Fushimi Inari Shrine. If you walk through in the countless Trii-gates in the late evening , you must be feeling getting into a mysterious world. Sanjyu-sangendo temple where you can see the magnificient main statue and one thousand life sized Kannon statues. Every people says " I'ts awesome !" "I am in a forest of Buddha!!" Kiyomizudera-temple is one of the most oldest and famous temples in Kyoto. About 4mllion tourists visit this temple every year ! Lastly, we visit Nijyo-jyo Castle where you can enjoy the finest architecture and artworks and Shogun's private life in the Edo period. them we head for Gion area or flower town . If you have a good chance, you can meet a Maiko-san or a Geisya-san walking around the town.

FROM$117/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hiroshi Y.
Hiroshi Y.
4.66 / 5
(318 reviews)