/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11687/5c684e0f-84e2-4d3e-b8bf-58f1e2b9784a.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11687/167349.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11687/167350.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11687/167352.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11687/fe7e2d5d-799b-4d50-ae5f-b0bfba8553d5.jpg)
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/25006/81709.jpg)
Joined 2019
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyma to feel the profundity of Kyoto.
If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Kyoto or Kyoto station
- TBD
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha was founded in 708 as a shrine for agriculture, before Kyoto had become the capital and it later added the role of commerce and attracted the devout faith of the common people. It is the main shrine of 30,000 Inari shrines nationwide, and is famous for the 1,000 torii gates that stand on the pilgrimage road leading to the Okuno-in, but 10,000 torii gates are lined up on the pilgrimage road leading to the summit. (free)
Bamboo Forest and Arashiyama
This bamboo forest in Arashiyama is the most famous one in Japan and has been a tourist destination for a long time. The promenade that walks under the sun shine through the bamboo trees of a 20-meter-high represents the beauty of Japan. The observation spots of the Hozu Valley and the famous Togetsu Bridge are also nearby. (free)
Lunch
If you want to try authentic Zen vegetarian lunch, please let me know in advance
Ryoan-ji, the Rock Garden
Built in 1450 by a daimyo (war lord), this temple is very well known for its Rock Garden. This simple garden with only 15 rocks lined up in a rectangular garden with pebbles is itself the spirit of Wabi and Sabi that finds beauty in simplicity. Many artists say that they were inspired by this garden, which is also a place to practice Zen. (JPY600)
Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion
Built in 1397 as the residence and office for the 3rd Ashikaga shogun, this luxurious building was converted into a Zen temple after the shogun's death. At the top of the three-story building is a statue of the Golden Phoenix with Eternal Wishes, and the third and second floors are covered with gold leaf. There is a garden with a pond with the image of the Pure Land of Paradise (heaven) in front of the building which reflects the Golden Pavilion on its water. (JPY500)
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kyoto 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
guide fee
Insurance
Transportation cost after we meet for guests and guide
Entrance fee
Lunch for guests and guide
Tour Important Information
As we will walk a lot, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Tours are NOT covered by insurance. Make sure to be covered by your own insurance.
Transportation fare, entrance fees and lunch are NOT included in the guide fee.
Direct payment for tickets, lunch and others will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
As bus ride in Kyoto is sometimes hectic, I recommend to use a taxi to and from Kinkaku-ji to avoid this,.
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 2019
About Tour Guide Hiroyuki T.
Hi!
I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations.
I am very good at cultural heritages.
And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area.
I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government.
I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka and other places as I was a cultural heritage management and international relations professional.
I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
If you need a good guide in the Tokyo area, I have a friend on GoWithGuide I can recommend you!
Reviews
Hong wei C.
“An enriching experience”
The tour lead by Hiro for me and my partner was relaxing and informative. We had the option to rent a car, hence it saved us a lot of time and we spent quite a while to explore the areas without feeling rushed. Hiro was very patient and explained about Buddhism and the historical significance of Mount Koya. The explanation was clear and was easily relatable as we can match it to what we see. Thank you Hiro for bringing us around!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/25006/81709.jpg)
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind words, it was very nice meeting you today. It is good to know that you liked Koyasan, it's culture, food and others. Enjoy Wakayama Castle and Wakayama Ramen tomorrow!
Ellen T.
“Excellent day out with our guide Hiro!”
We had a fantastic day with our guide Hiro. We visited the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama the Okochi Sanso Garden, Ryion-ji Rock Garden and the Golden Pavilion. Hiro coordinated the whole day and gave us lots of interesting information about each area. Hiro was very friendly and personable and spoke prefect English. Our family are very interested in the culture of Japan and had lots of questions and Hiro was very knowledgable and happy to answer them. We highly recommend Hiro as a guide for your day out.
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It was very nice meeting you and your family today. I am very glad to know that you liked the tour. There are a lot more to see in Kyoto. I hope that you will have anoffer nice day in Kyoto tomorrow and have nice days in Osaka as well. Hiro
Christian W.
“Interesting day trip to Mount Koya”
We had a great day with Mr. Hiroyuki, traveling from Osaka to Koyasan and spending the whole day there. We learnt a lot about the concepts of Buddhism and Shintoism, their history and how they developed and partially mixed. He knows a lot about it and explains it very well and understandably, writing down the main facts. Easy to follow. Of course their was plenty of time to ask questions and learn. Thanks for the very interesting day.
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice meeting you and your family, I am glad to know that you liked the tour. Did you go back to the Temple Complex after dark? Did you see a monk ringing the bell there? It is a quiet and beautiful place, isn’t it? You had a right choice. Koyasan is a place for people like you and your family. Hiro
$296/ per group
More tours by Hiroyuki T.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/83568.jpg)
Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
There are a lot of places to visit, a lot of things to do in Osaka. From historical sites to food venders hopping. CHOOSE 3-4 places you want to visit from the list below and let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4774/90528.jpg)
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well.
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/5313/98398.jpg)
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
In Nara, eight Buddhism temples and Shintoism Shrines are included in the World Heritage as “Historic Monuments in Ancient Capital of Nara” as those represent close cultural exchanges between Japan and China, and even Hellenism culture in the 8th century. On this tour we will visit three of them in a day from Osaka.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/5312/94744.jpg)
Cultural Properties in Ancient Capital of Kyoto- from Osaka
In Kyoto, there are a lot of cultural properties. Of them, seventeen temples and shrines are included in World Heritage. On this tour, we will visit some of them from Osaka to feel the profundity and splendor of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places not listed here, for example, if you would like to visit Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, Silver Pavilion, Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Sanjusangen-do and others, just let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Cultural Properties in Ancient Capital of Kyoto- from Osaka
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17360/cc1ab6a7-dcb9-4099-8358-8ad0b3173e95.jpg)
Eastern Kyoto, Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest
Experience the charm of tranquility in a mountain temple. Take a 3km walk around the foothills of the Higashiyama Mountain Range, visiting shrines and temples along the path. Starting at Seikanji Temple on Mt. Kiyomizu (242m height), follow the Uta-no-Nakayama Road to Kiyomizu-dera. Then, go through Sanneizaka and Nene-no-michi, and reach Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, we can feel old stories of tragic love while enjoying panoramic views of the Kyoto cityscape.
Eastern Kyoto, Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/61875/d7d4e207-5e4f-476f-811a-dbd7043e46b1.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18650/7a1ddaca-c360-4c7d-bef2-51970b52fe39.jpg)
Kyoto the Amzing city
You will experience on of the best cities in Japan. Kyoto has unique architecture and wonderful atmosphere. If you want to see the old traditional Japanese design with in modern Japan Kyoto is waiting for you.
Kyoto the Amzing city
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/69610/c49801c3-752f-4733-905c-f0c443200719.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18106/dd915127-29b6-44da-9332-02741b0cf6be.jpg)
Kyoto Cultural & Scenic Tour
Discover Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage on this full-day guided tour (6-7h). Explore shrines, temples, traditional streets, and even local hidden spots if you’d like. Perfect for first-time visitors and anyone wanting to experience the true spirit of Kyoto. This model course can be customized to your preferences after booking. Pace: Moderate, with walking, bus and train (or taxi if you'd like) Best for: Culture lovers, history fans, and first-time visitors
Kyoto Cultural & Scenic Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/62160/81c96642-6d94-42fe-ac14-10f0b768323e.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/15234/049cccae-8ada-4c64-8854-3a117a234a29.jpg)
Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, 2 Zen temples, Nishiki Market & Gion—experience it all in one day!
Enjoy a full-day Kyoto tour of its highlights. Start at Ryoan-ji, walking through the famous Zen rock garden. Next, visit Kinkaku-ji to see the Golden Pavilion reflected in the pond. Explore lively Nishiki Market and sample local specialties, then stroll along Hanamikoji Street in Gion to enjoy the historic streetscape. Finish at Kennin-ji, relaxing in its serene Zen gardens. Experience Kyoto’s history, culture, and cuisine—all in one unforgettable day!
Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, 2 Zen temples, Nishiki Market & Gion—experience it all in one day!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/56749/6ede1b29-fa76-4e06-9819-4c2f08b9b612.png)