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8-Hour Kyoto Shore Excursion
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Joined 2023
Kyoto seasonal tour starting from Osaka Port. We will visit the best spots according to the season. For example, during autumn, we visit Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove, Jojakko-ji Temple (a famous fall foliage spot), Tenryu-ji (a World Heritage Site), and Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). We will return to Osaka Port by 5:00 PM.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Osaka port
- I will meet you at the port building. We will travel by subway and train (Hankyu Line).
Togetsukyo Bridge
This iconic landmark is a must-see, especially during the peak autumn foliage season. Next, we will walk to the Bamboo Forest.
Bamboo Forest
The most popular exotic place.
We walk to the Jojakkoji Temple. It's a hilly little walk, but just a 10-minute walk.
Jojakkoji Temple
A top spot for autumn foliage. We'll return through the Bamboo Forest and proceed to Tenryu-ji Temple.
Tenryuji Temple
Enjoy the temple's World Heritage garden—one of Japan’s finest. Afterward, we will take a taxi to a restaurant near Kinkaku-ji Temple.
Lunch
Please let me know your preferences.
We will take a taxi to go there.
Kinkakuji Temple (golden temple)
A stunning golden pavilion framed by beautiful gardens and the northern mountains, this is a must-see in Kyoto. Afterward, we will take a taxi to the Gion district.
Gion district
A historic district home to Geisha (traditional female artists). I will share how they live here, and a museum visit offers a chance to see a real Geisha. Next, we'll take the Hankyu or Keihan train to Osaka; I can reserve premium seating upon request.
Osaka Port
Ending Point
Osaka Port
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 8,000 JPY for one taxi, max three people. For a larger number of people, you need a large taxi or two taxis), metro and train (2,800 JPY/ per person)
- lunch (you and the guide) of about 3,000 JPY /per person, or a more reasonable lunch of about 1,500 JPY
- admission fees of about 2,000 JPY/per person, no guide required
To visit the Gion Museum, the admission fee is 3,100 JPY.
Tour Important Information
If it's too busy, we have to skip some of the spots.
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
Tom B.
“Shuji is an extraordinary guide, do not miss out on this opportunity”
Shuji is known and respected in Kyoto and his decades of experience shine through in his explanations. He led us on a beautiful downhill course beginning at Kiyomizu Temple. Each time he said "and around this corner, you'll find another world," we were truly in another world. We will always be grateful to him.
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Shuji O.
Thank you very much for the great review! Yes, there are so many wonderful things in Kyoto. We discovered amazing places just by turning the corner. It was like entering a different world! But I'm sorry, I made you walk so much when you were jet-lagged. I hope this trip will be a good memory for your family!
Lauri S.
“Beautiful day in Nara”
A bit crowded but we'll worth seeing. Another excellent day with Shuji.
Shuji O.
I feel happy whenever I visit Nara. The deers in Nara are always friendly. They look like old friends of ours. We could see things that were much older than Kyoto. Every old building is unique. We were very happy on that day with you all. Thank you! Shuji
Lauri S.
“Kobe - Beautiful City So Worth Exploring”
I organized a one week tour for a group of friends staying one week on Kyoto. Not sure of what to do Shuji O. our guide recommended Kobe. Such a surprise and so worth seeing. Imagine taking a tram to the top of a hillside and then walking 4 levels down to see beautiful gardens, a tea room, instrumental areas in how to make perfume with flowers and herbs. How about creating a kitchen garden, a medicinal garden and tea garden. Classical music playing, a wonderful restaurant for lunch in a house of glass. A total of 16 days in Japan and this was my favorite day. Shuji is an expert at finding the hidden gems of the greater Kyoto area. He met us in our hotel and seamlessly connected the train system to Kobe. With skill and patience he navigated Kobe to bring us to the Herb Gardens and Ropeway and then on to the waterfront to see the living museum of the great earthquake of 1995 that killed thousands in Kobe and the restoration efforts to build this beautiful city. If you are lucky enough to book Shuji O. have him take you here. It's such real treasure of Japan.
Shuji O.
Thank you for the wonderful, fragrant sachets that you secretly gave me along with the other gifts! We had such a happy time in Kobe that I changed my itinerary quite a bit. Instead of eating Kobe beef, we enjoyed lunch at a scenic restaurant in a garden. That restaurant was amazing! I'm often asked when the best season to visit Japan is. Maybe May is the best season, not during the cherry and the autumn foliage season. Thank you for your wonderful reviews!
$317/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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.
The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
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Western Kyoto: Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.
Since my tour is always flexible, you can add seasonal events and other activities you like. I will suggest options based on the season. Arashiyama is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. This area also has many other beautiful places with touching stories. We can visit two World Heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji.
Western Kyoto: 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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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 Shore Excursion Tours in Osaka
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Best of Osaka and Kyoto, Cruise Excursion
Since there are so many beautiful places in Kyoto, please choose one or two places to visit. I can recommend some places depending on the season or situation. And on the way to Kyoto, you can visit Osaka Castle and the Sky Building or Dotonbori in Osaka.
Best of Osaka and Kyoto, Cruise Excursion
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Kyoto Shore Excursion from Osaka Port: Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera & Gion
It gives cruise passengers four of Kyoto’s most recognizable experiences without wasting time going to Arashiyama or Kinkaku-ji: 1. Fushimi Inari – famous vermilion torii gates 2. Kiyomizu-dera – one of Kyoto’s signature temples 3. Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka – traditional historic streets 4. Gion/Hanamikoji – Kyoto’s famous geisha district
Kyoto Shore Excursion from Osaka Port: Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera & Gion
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Kyoto, Nara & Osaka in One Day — 3-City Cruise Excursion
Discover three of Japan’s most famous destinations in one carefully planned shore excursion from Osaka Port. This circular itinerary is designed especially for cruise passengers who want to experience Kyoto, Nara and Osaka in one day, while keeping the ship’s departure time as the highest priority.
Kyoto, Nara & Osaka in One Day — 3-City Cruise Excursion