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Whispers of Kyoto
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Joined 2025
I will guide you to a quiet place with a beautiful garden.
In autumn it can be a little crowded, but during other seasons it is relatively peaceful.
For this tour, I would especially like to focus on lunch.
Please let me know your preferences and budget.
If you can make your reservation early, it will be easier to secure a table.
Of course, even with a last-minute booking, I will do my best to find a good restaurant.
Let’s enjoy the quiet atmosphere with both our hearts and bodies!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel or a nearby convenience store
Nanzenji-temple
Nanzen-ji Temple was founded in 1291 by Emperor Kameyama. It is the head temple of Rinzai Zen. The great Sanmon Gate, 22 meters high, is impressive and linked with the legend of Ishikawa Goemon. The red brick aqueduct and Zen gardens show a harmony of history, nature, and quiet beauty.
Lunch
Let’s have lunch. I will take you to a nice place I recommend.
Ginkakuji-temple
Ginkaku-ji Temple was built in 1482 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. It belongs to the Rinzai Zen sect. The Silver Pavilion and its gardens show the spirit of wabi-sabi — simple, quiet beauty. The white sand garden “Ginshadan” and cone-shaped “Kogetsudai” are unique highlights of Zen culture.
Shimogamo shrine
Shimogamo Shrine (officially called Kamo-mioya Shrine) is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The deities enshrined here are Kamo Taketsunumi-no-mikoto and Tamayorihime-no-mikoto, who are believed to bring blessings for love, safe childbirth, and protection from misfortune.
You can also experience a unique water fortune-telling here.
Within the grounds lies Tadasu no Mori, a vast primeval forest that preserves the ancient natural landscape.
Now, let me tell you a little about Kyoto’s history here.
Ryuanji-temple
Ryōan-ji Temple was built in 1450 by Hosokawa Katsumoto. It belongs to the Rinzai Zen sect. The rock garden is world-famous: fifteen stones are set in white gravel, but only fourteen can be seen at one time. This design makes visitors think deeply about life and perspective.
Ending Point
Your hotel
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
-Restaurant reservation service
-Private car transportation, Nissan Cube (5-seater)
-Fuel, toll
-Parking fees
(Nanzen-ji Temple: 1,000 yen)
(Shimogamo Shrine: 1,000 yen)
(Ginkaku-ji Temple: 1,000 yen)
-Admission / Entrance fees
(Nanzen-ji Temple: Sanmon Gate 600 yen pp)
(Garden 600 yen, Special viewing 600 yen pp)
(Ginkaku-ji Temple: 500 yen pp)
(Ryoan-ji Temple: 600 yen pp)
-Travel insurance
-All meal costs
(Guide’s meal can be excluded. In that case, the guide will make the restaurant reservation and wait outside until you finish.
What matters most is your experience!)
Tour Important Information
*We will climb a small hill, so please wear comfortable walking shoes.
*Please bring some coins for offerings.
*We will take time to enjoy the atmosphere, so there is no need to rush.
*There will be moments of silence to appreciate the space.
*If we prioritize lunch time, we may skip Shimogamo Shrine. Thank you for your understanding.
This place is best visited on a quiet day, so the tour is not available on weekends. If you prefer a Saturday or Sunday, please consult with me.
Important message from the supplier
-Last-minute bookings (1 day before) are sometimes possible — feel free to ask!
-If you want me to make reservations for shops or restaurants, please contact me at least 1 week in advance.
-I can help you rent a bicycle.
-Please note: I love wine! But if I drink during the tour… I might forget where we’re going. So I’ll stay sober—but if you like, I can show you some great wine spots 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 2025
About Tour Guide Michiko N.
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page among so many wonderful guides!
My name is Michiko. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here.
In my twenties, I lived for a short time in the UK, and recently I spent a year in Thailand.
I love traveling to different countries, and I enjoy talking with people from all over the world.
When we are in a country that is not our own, I believe it is important to show respect.
I always try to respect your culture, and I hope to share the spirit of Japanese hospitality with you too.
Kyoto is a beautiful and special place.
It has a long history, many unique small shops, and charming hidden paths.
In summer, it gets very hot, so I can guide you by car for comfort.
But if you like walking, I’m happy to do that too.
I can also take you to some delicious local food spots!
Besides guiding, I work in the theater and performance art.
I love telling stories and sharing emotions.
I’m looking forward to showing you not only the famous places,
but also the heart of Kyoto—its quiet beauty, kind people, and unforgettable stories.
…Besides guiding, I work in the theater and performance art.
I love telling stories and sharing emotions.
Right now, I’m working on a new artistic project:
I create theater-style performances inside shop windows.
My dream is to show my work outside Japan someday.
I’m still learning and growing as an artist,
so if you’re interested, I’d love to talk with you about Japanese performing arts, like Kabuki!
I really look forward to the day I can guide you around Kyoto.
Let’s discover beautiful moments together!
with BIG LOVE!
Reviews
Ryan D.
“Amazingly perfect, fulfilling experience”
An absolute perfect tour, we saw all 4 temples, Michiko was incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated to both the areas/temples/customs as well as explaining all those things to us in English as we knew almost no Japanese ourselves. All the while making us feel welcome and learning who we are as well as what we find interesting ourselves which she was happy to change or adjust our itinerary to what we would enjoy most or hand crafting entirely new stops or locations if we were interested in shopping or resturants with a guide. Michiko is incredibly personable and was so immensely dedicated to making sure we were having a good time and having our needs met. Simply a amazing expericene I would wish everyone had the chance to enjoy with a perfect person.
Lynne M.
“Beautiful Kyoto with Michiko”
We had a wonderful day with Migg ch ok. She was very fun and positive and knowledgeable about everything we saw. We enjoyed going to Otagi Nenbutsuji Shrine, Saihoji Shrine and more. She explained to us the customs and history of each one. Lunch was also delicious! We always had options throughout the day to make different choices about what we would see. Michiko was very flexible with us and kept track of our time but never made us feel rushed. I would recommend you spend the day with Michiko!
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Michiko N.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review. Lynne-san.I was truly happy to spend time with both of you. It made me want to learn even more about my hometown Kyoto, so that I can share it better with guests like you. Thank you for your interest in learning about Japan and Kyoto! I hope we can meet again someday. With gratitude and respect, Michiko
Ambalangodage J.
“Exploring Kyoto With Michiko”
We had an amazing experience with our tour guide, Michiko She was very friendly, flexible, and customized our trip perfectly to suit our interests. Michiko explained everything clearly and gave us the wonderful opportunity to taste authentic Japanese food, which made our journey even more special. We highly recommend her to anyone visiting Japan. Thank you so much, Michiko
Michiko N.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I will never forget the beautiful stories you shared during our journey. I’m excited to welcome you back to Kyoto this November, even in the busy season. Of course, I will guide you to your favorite quiet places!! with BIG LOVE MICHIKO
$328/ per group
More tours by Michiko N.
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Kyoto Spiritual Tour! – Half Day by Private Car
Visit 4 special places in Kyoto and feel the calm, spiritual energy. Kyoto is hot in summer, but you can relax in a cool and quiet car. This tour is only on weekdays, so there are fewer people. It’s good to enjoy Kyoto slowly and peacefully. Each place has beautiful nature. The air is very clear and fresh. Your mind can feel calm and clean again. This is for people who want to take care of work, family, and themselves. The car can take 3 adults. If you come with kids, just tell us before!
Kyoto Spiritual Tour! – Half Day by Private Car
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KYOTO A Sunday Breakfast Tour in Kyoto's Countryside at Ohara
Join us for a simple and peaceful morning in the countryside of Kyoto. We will leave early by car and visit Ohara Morning Market, a local farmers’ market held only on Sundays. This is not a busy sightseeing tour. It’s a small trip to feel local life, fresh air, and the slow morning of Kyoto.
KYOTO A Sunday Breakfast Tour in Kyoto's Countryside at Ohara
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Kyoto
Kyoto Spiritual Tour! – Half Day by Private Car
Visit 4 special places in Kyoto and feel the calm, spiritual energy. Kyoto is hot in summer, but you can relax in a cool and quiet car. This tour is only on weekdays, so there are fewer people. It’s good to enjoy Kyoto slowly and peacefully. Each place has beautiful nature. The air is very clear and fresh. Your mind can feel calm and clean again. This is for people who want to take care of work, family, and themselves. The car can take 3 adults. If you come with kids, just tell us before!
Kyoto Spiritual Tour! – Half Day by Private Car
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Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
Join me on this tour as we explore five of Kyoto's must-see sights, starting early to beat the crowds. You'll enjoy the convenience of transportation between locations, with your knowledgeable guide driving you to each site. This allows you to save valuable time and energy for fully immersing yourself in the beauty and history of each location.
Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
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Comfortable Kyoto Van Tour (4–7 Guests): See All the Must-Sees, Hassle-Free
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Comfortable Kyoto Van Tour (4–7 Guests): See All the Must-Sees, Hassle-Free
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A trip to Kyoto and Osaka in one day
If you want to visit as many cities as possible during your limited stay in Japan. In such cases, private car tours are recommended. Avoid crowded buses, tedious train transfers, and expensive taxies. I will cover all major sightseeing spots in Kyoto and Osaka in one day in comfort!
A trip to Kyoto and Osaka in one day
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