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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
Eric P.
“Off the beaten track”
Shuji was very friendly, knowledgeable and fun. We had a great time and enjoyed being in less touristy area. Thanks again for a wonderful experience.
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Shuji O.
Thanks to your choice, we enjoyed places away from the crowds. We had a wonderfully relaxing and fun time in quiet, beautiful spots. Since it was only a half-day tour, I really wish I could have shown you around more. I hope our tour, along with the photos I am sending you, will bring back wonderful memories of your trip to Japan. Thank you very much for your great review!
Chelsea E.
“Amazing tour of Kyoto with Shuji!”
We had a wonderful walking tour of Kyoto with Shuji! The tour covered all the major highlights while being thoughtfully tailored to our interests and preferences. Shuji was incredibly knowledgeable and provided excellent information and explanations throughout the tour, which really helped us appreciate the history and culture of each place we visited. He also took many amazing photos of us, finding creative, unique, and varied angles that made for truly special memories. He was especially thoughtful and considerate about our dietary restrictions, taking care to find a lunch spot that could accommodate our needs. The entire tour was engaging, informative, and personalized. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to explore Kyoto and highly recommend Shuji to anyone visiting!
Shuji O.
Thank you so much. I’m truly happy to receive such a wonderful review. It brought back memories of all the amazing places we visited and the restaurants where we got lucky. We even went to some pretty unusual spots, didn’t we? It was a wonderful experience for me, and I hope it will be a wonderful memory of your trip to Japan for both of you as well!
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.
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!
$316/ per group
More tours by Shuji O.
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The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years! With so many historic sites and stunning sights, it can be hard to decide where to go first. Just tell me what you're interested in, and I'll design a customized itinerary tailored to your schedule, the season, and ease of access. Whether you prefer hidden gems off the beaten track or iconic highlights that are well worth the crowds, I’ll share fascinating stories along the way to bring each location to life!
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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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