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, temples and etc
- 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 facility and store closings. Please send me a message and check my availability first before booking. 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
Karyn F.
“Nori completely elevated our Kyoto temple-shrine experience! ”
We loved our 1/2 day customized tour, visiting our three most desired Kyoto temples & shrines - Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizudera and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion). Nori was organized, patient, super knowledgable, funny and supremely elevated our experience should we have done it alone or in a big trouble group. My 13 YO was super engaged & we both considered our 4 hours with Nori a Kyoto highlight. Highly recommend!!
Nori I.
Thank you very much for leaving the comments. I appreciate it. It was a lot of fun going around those three places with you guys. Your son had quite a lot of questions and I think I was able to answer all? or most of them ( : I think all the lucky charms you two got will work! Have a wonderful rest of your trip! Take care!
Paul N.
“Five stars well deserved ”
Thanks Nori for guiding my son and I for the two half day tours of Kyoto in the extreme heat and humidity. Your knowledge and familiarity of the sites was invaluable and added greatly to our experience. Thanks for accommodating our wishes and helping with our souvenir shopping. You took the pressure off-lol. We definitely recommend your guiding services and wish you the best. Paul N.
Nori I.
Thanks for taking my tour! I really appreciate it. Due to the heat and your leg condition, I was a bit concerned but we were able to visit quite a lot of great places in Kyoto. I am glad you enjoyed visiting them! Hope your wife and family will be happy to get those souvenirs!!! Take care.
Beverly F.
“My 15-year-old daughter and I loved our tour with Nori! ”
My 15-year-old daughter and I had a fantastic day touring Kyoto with Nori! He was incredibly organized, responsive, and helpful during the planning process. His deep knowledge of history and culture made each stop in the Arashiyama area more meaningful, and it was such a relief to have him guide us effortlessly through trains, buses, and crowds. He was also so easy to be around—funny, kind, and very relatable. The highlight of our tour was Okochi Sanso, the stunning private garden we might never have discovered if not for Nori’s recommendation. It was an extremely hot day, and by the time we reached the Golden Pavilion, the line was so long we decided to pivot and go shopping instead—Nori led us to market spots where we found some of our favorite purchases, including sesame and wasabi snacks, a cutting board, a kiwi slicer, and Spingle shoes! (Nori—when my husband was feeling better, I took him to Spingle and we both ended up getting shoes there! :)) I highly recommend Nori—he’s an exceptional guide and a great guy!
Nori I.
Thanks for your kind words. It was a lot of fun for me as well exploring Kyoto with you guys! I thought maybe you bought something at a vintage shop in Teramachi but you bought Spingle shoes, huh! That is nice. Hopefully your husband is fully recovered and jumping like a kangaroo with the Spingle shoes!! ( : There is so many more beautiful places in Kyoto. Hopefully you can come back someday! Take care!
$409/ per group
