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Private tour in Kyoto Dragoslav T
Arashiyama and Western Kyoto Highlights – Full Day Private Tour
5.0
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7 hours
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7 hours
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Dragoslav T.
5.0
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I am a Kyoto-based Japanese Garden Specialist holding a Master’s degree in Japanese Garden Design and recognized as a Master of Traditional Japanese Garden Arts. Most guests simply call me Drago. I have been living in Kyoto for over 20 years, combining academic knowledge with long-term hands-on experience in traditional landscapes. My journey began in 1998, when I first came to Japan and participated in the restoration of a traditional Japanese garden pond in Tokyo. That early experience shaped my dedication to Japanese gardens and cultural spaces. Since then, Kyoto has become both my home and the foundation of my professional path. I am a full member of the Japanese Institute of Landscape Architecture (JILA), reflecting my continued engagement within Japan’s professional landscape community. Today, I guide private guests and small groups through Kyoto’s temples, shrines, gardens, and historic districts with a calm, structured, and design-informed approach. Rather than simply visiting locations, I help guests understand the aesthetic principles, spatial composition, and cultural meaning behind what they see. Whether exploring Zen temple gardens, Arashiyama’s scenic landscapes, or Kyoto’s traditional quarters, my goal is to create meaningful experiences that balance insight, atmosphere, and thoughtful pacing.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Dragoslav T.
Bamboo Grove, Zen Temples and Timeless River Scenery With a Local Kyoto Guide and Japanese garden specialist
Overview of your Kyoto tour
Discover Kyoto’s most iconic landscapes on this full-day private tour of Arashiyama and Western Kyoto. For over a thousand years, visitors have been drawn to Arashiyama to admire its seasonal beauty, river scenery, and timeless atmosphere. Today, it remains one of Kyoto’s most celebrated and photogenic districts. This experience is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the Kyoto they’ve always imagined — bamboo forests, Zen temple gardens, historic bridges, and sacred shrines — while also gaining meaningful cultural and historical insight. With thoughtful pacing and careful route planning, we balance famous highlights with moments of quieter appreciation, helping you experience both the beauty and deeper spirit of this remarkable area. This tour can be adjusted to your interests and pace. If you would like to include specific sites, cultural themes, or a lunch stop, please contact me and I will be happy to customize the experience for you.
Your Kyoto tour itinerary
• Meet at JR Saga-Arashiyama Station • Togetsukyo Bridge and Katsura River views • Arashiyama Bamboo Grove • Tenryu-ji Temple and garden (UNESCO site) • Explore surrounding temple gardens • Visit a historic Shinto shrine • Scenic river walk and seasonal viewpoints • Tour concludes at JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (same as meeting point) Optional (advance reservation required): • Hozu River boat ride • Sagano Scenic Railway • Monkey Park hike • Visit to a secluded private Japanese garden rarely included in standard tours (subject to availability)
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Walking
This is a walking tour. All sites are located within comfortable walking distance from the meeting point.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Kyoto, Kyoto, 616-8373, Japan
We will meet outside the main ticket gates of JR Saga-Arashiyama Station (central exit). Detailed directions and a Google Maps link will be provided after booking. Address: 11-1 Sagatenryuji Kurumamichicho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8373
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English
Japanese
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Frequently asked questions
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7 hours
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7 hours
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Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.