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Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto

Hikone Castle

Hyakusaiji

Hachiman Moat

Top of Mt. Hachiman

Famous Oumi Beef - One of three best beefs in JP

Hachiman Moat

Hikone castle garden

Top of Mt. Hachiman

Himure Shrine

Hachiman Castle ruins

Old street of Oumihachiman

Kongorinji

Kyorinbo

Kyorinbo 2

My SUV

Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2023

Nori I.

5.00 / 5

(78 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Shiga

English, Japanese (Native)

7 hrs 30 mins

Private tour (only you and Nori I.)

Up to 4 people

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!

09:30 AM

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.

10:00 AM

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.

11:30 AM

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.

01:00 PM

Lunch

We will go to a restaurant that serves Oumi beef which is one of the three best beefs in Japan.

02:00 PM

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.

02:30 PM

Hachiman moat

We will walk along the moat and see the beautiful traditional scenery of Japan.

03:00 PM

Himure Hachimangu Shrine

We will visit Himure Hachimangu Shrine.

03:30 PM

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.

05:00 PM

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

What‘s included

- English translation / guide fee

- Private car

- Pick up and drop off by car (at JR train station)

What‘s not included

- 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

Nori I.

5.00 / 5

(78 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

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.

I am a certified English interpreter guide certified by Kyoto City, Uji City and Otsu City. Plus, I passed the Kyoto Tourism and Culture Exam (the 3rd level). Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around the Kansai region including Kyoto, Shiga, Nara and Mie. I’m here to ensure your trip to Japan becomes an unforgettable memory. Looking forward to meeting you!

Reviews

Julie B.

5 / 5

Mar 17, 2026

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

Mar 17, 2026

Kyoto

8 hours

“Excellent day with Nori”

We toured kyoto for the day with Nori. He was a great guide from start to finish. He speaks great English, is flexible, and very knowledgeable about the sites. I highly recommend spending time with Nori on your visit to kyoto. We hope to see him again when we return!

Greg R.

5 / 5

Jan 19, 2026

Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto

Jan 19, 2026

Kyoto

5 hours

“Enjoyable and educational day in Kyoto”

Our day in Kyoto with Nori was exceptional. He’s extremely personable, knowledgeable and a true professional. We hired several guides during our time in Japan and without question our best experience was with Nori. Do yourself a favor, look no further and spend an easy day with an exception guide and a wonderful person.

Nori I.

Thanks for your kind words. I am really glad that you were able to enjoy the day in Kyoto! It was my pleasure. There is so much more to see here, so hopefully you guys can come back and enjoy more! Have a wonderful year!

Jennifer A.

5 / 5

Jan 7, 2026

Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto

Jan 7, 2026

Kyoto

4 hours

“Wonderful enlightening half day tour with Nori”

We just finished a wonderful half day tour with Nori. We learned so much. He knows so much about the history and made it come alive. This is our fifth trip to Kyoto. We have had many guides. Nori was the best! We would absolutely use him again.

Nori I.

It was a pleasure guiding you today. I really appreciate your kind words. It was our lucky day today as well to be able to see the backside of Ninomaru palace for the first time in the history. Being able to compare the replica vs. the real one in the gallery was great for me as well. Thanks so much for taking my tour. Hope to see you two again in 2027! Take care.