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.
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.
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.
Will visit Hikone Castle which is one of the only five original castle towers in Japan date back to the early 17th century.
We will go to a restaurant that serves Oumi beef which is one of the three best beefs in Japan.
We will go through the photogenic streets with old style houses and visit an area where some charming/unique shops are.
We will walk along the moat and see the beautiful traditional scenery of Japan.
We will visit Himure Hachimangu Shrine.
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.
I will take you back to the JR station where our tour started and
end the tour.
JR Oumihachiman station
- 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, for the guide also)
* 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.
For some tours I can not guide everyday due to store closings. Please check my availability on each tour page. Thank you!
“Nori was very knowledgeable ”
I came to Japan with a broken ankle -: and Nori made sure I got to see Zen temples and Shrines that were easier to walk to. He also took me for authentic mochi and tea. He was very nice and accommodating. I would highly recommend..
Nori I.
(8 reviews)Thanks for your wonderful review. I really appreciate it. I hope you are healing fine and feeling less pain. I think you need to come back to Kyoto to experience the places you originally wanted to go! I will be waiting for you! Thanks again.
Jacqueline C.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
“Fantastic! ”
We enjoyed a great day with Nori who took us to places we would otherwise not known about or not found! He was terrific - we have already recommended him to friends travelling to Japan.
Nori I.
(8 reviews)Thank you for your kind comments. I appreciate it! Hope you were able to find a kind of dress that you wanted to get in Tokyo. Thanks for recommending me to your friends too!!
“Best day trip in Kyoto and Arashiyma”
Nori planned the perfect day trip, based on our general guidelines to experience the traditional Tokyo. Nori took us to beautiful zen temples and gardens, that are less popular to the western tourists, as well as to some common attractions as we asked - the golden temple and the bamboo path. We also experienced the local food and sweets - based on Nori’s excellent recommendations. Nori is very knowledgeable and has a very good English. Thank you Nori for Planning this wonderful day trip for us!
Nori I.
(8 reviews)Thanks Maya! It was a pleasure exploring Kyoto with you all. I am really glad that you liked my tour. It is amazing to see how eager you guys are to learn all the new things here in Japan. I learned a lot from you and was able to see the things I need to improve on too. There is a lot more to see here in Kyoto and surrounding areas. Hope you will come back sometime and we take another great adventure together. Thanks again!!