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Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto
Joined 2023
First, while it is early enough, we will drive and hike a little bit on the ancient steps to one of the oldest temples in Kyoto and Shiga called Hyakusaiji. After that, we will explore a castle that has a tower that is one of the five originals remaining in Japan, Hikone Castle.
We will enjoy Oumi beef for lunch. Oumi beef is if not better, as good as Kobe beef known as one of the three best beefs in Japan.
We will enjoy the scenery in Oumihachiman from the mountain top and the old moat.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Oumihachiman station
- Will come and pick you up at the station by my car. * Oumihachiman is about 30 minutes by JR train from the Kyoto station.
Visit Hyakusaiji temple
Will visit Hyakusaiji which was established by the famed prince, Syotoku back in the early 7th century. We will hike up for about 15 mins through the woods on the ancient steps and get to the main hall of the temple.
Visit Hikone Castle and the town
Will visit Hikone Castle which is one of the only five original castle towers in Japan date back to the early 17th century.
Lunch
We will go to a restaurant that serves Oumi beef which is one of the three best beefs in Japan.
Oumihachiman old street and the shopping area
We will go through the photogenic streets with old style houses and visit an area where some charming/unique shops are.
Hachiman moat
We will walk along the moat and see the beautiful traditional scenery of Japan.
Himure Hachimangu Shrine
We will visit Himure Hachimangu Shrine.
Hachimanyama castle ruins
We will ride on the cable car to go up the mountain to the castle ruins area. Will trek a bit and see the beautiful view of Lake Biwa and rice paddies.
JR Oumihachiman station
I will take you back to the JR station where our tour started and
end the tour.
Ending Point
JR Oumihachiman station
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
- English translation / guide fee
- Private car
- Pick up and drop off by car (at JR train station)
- Transportation cost from Kyoto to Oumihachiman (JR train)
- Lunch has to be paid by yourself based on what you would like to have (avg. 15 to 30 USD per person).
- Lunch for the guide also has to be borne by your side
- Entrance fee to the castle
- Parking fee (if necessary)
- Cable car fee (up & down, cash only, 6 USD
Tour Important Information
- This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
- Need to allocate at least 45 - 60 mins for lunch time.
- The guide will not be liable for any injuries or loss incurred during the tour. It is recommended to have overseas travel insurance.
Also, please remember to carry enough cash in Japanese Yen since some small stores do not accept credit card. Thank you.
Important message from the supplier
For some tours I can not guide everyday due to store closings. Please check my availability on each tour page. Thank you!
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 Nori I.
I have lived in the US, UK, and India for approximately 20 years, and I’ve also traveled to about 30 countries. Living abroad for such a long time made me realize Japan’s value and sparked my interest in working as a translator/guide for foreigners. I’m truly passionate about introducing people to historical sites, authentic Japanese culture, and stunning natural spots that may not be widely known to people outside of Japan. There are countless places that I believe people would love.
Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around the city and the Kansai region including Kyoto, Shiga and Mie. I’m here to ensure your trip to Japan becomes an unforgettable memory. Looking forward to meeting you!
Reviews
Rachel P.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
“Nori very knowledgeable, we saw a lot! ”
Thanks Nori for an excellent day yesterday! We felt very lucky to see so many different things in one day. Nori was incredibly knowledgeable about everything from history to culture and happily answered all the questions we peppered him with! Strongly recommend the “secluded garden” option if Nori suggests it, it was a real highlight for us!
Nori I.
(36 reviews)Thanks for your kind comments! I had a fun day also with you two as well! Though it was a bit early in the season, the "secluded garden" was amazing, wasn't it. All the colors and the atmosphere there were quite nice. Hope you will have a safe and fun rest of your trip!
Petar D.
Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto
“Beautiful trip in the countryside near Kyoto”
I had an amazing two days with Nori as guide. First day was in Kyoto and it was nice to know the place and some of the shrines in it. The countryside trip on the second day was quite amazing for a guy like me who know a little bit about Japanese history. Nori is very well prepared guide so he can help you really get into the atmosphere and also get some deeper knowledge about Japanese culture.He is also easy to communicate with and a nice company.Thank for the nice trips , see you next time I'm in Japan!
Nori I.
(36 reviews)Thanks for your comments. I am really glad that you were able to enjoy the last two days. It was also a nice surprise about you knowing so much about Japan and its history. Almost everywhere we went you knew something about the place. It makes me more motivated to communicate regarding those places. Like I said and you saw there are so many amazing hidden places in this area just outside Kyoto. I really hope you can come back and we explore some other places together. Have a safe rest of the trip! If you need any help from my side, please let me know anytime!
Andrea A.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
“Great mix of walking/culture/history”
Nori was knowledgeable, helpful and relaxing. We toured with him for one 1/2 day and one full day in Kyoto. I highly recommend.
Nori I.
(36 reviews)Thanks for your kind comments. I am really glad you two were able to enjoy those two days. It was fun for me also to converse and explore Kyoto together. Please have a safe rest of your trip!
$291/ per group
Reserve
