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Private tour in Kyoto Katsuko O
Full-day Japanese Garden and Traditional Architecture Tour near Kyoto
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8 hours
1
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8 hours
1
Katsuko O.
5.0
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Hello, my name is Katsuko. I was born and grew up in Osaka, later lived in Tokyo, then Singapore and Kyoto. Now I live in Otsu in Shiga prefecture. I have more than 15 years of experience working in a multinational corporation and now working as a national licensed guide-interpreter. One of my hobbies is travelling abroad and so far I have visited more than fifty countries. Kansai area including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Shiga is the cultural center of Japan and has great historical importance. I can offer you unique experiences in this beautiful area, which can include visits to traditional Japanese gardens, ancient temples and shrines, authentic Japanese cultural experiences. I can guide you around all Kansai area including Osaka, Nara, Shiga (such as Lake Biwa, Hikone, Omihachiman, Shigaraki pottery village etc.), Mt. Koya (Koyasan), Mt. Hiei (Hieizan), Mt. Yoshino, old samurai trails such as Nakasendo/Tokaido and so on. Considering the recent issue of overtourism, one of the highly recommended destinations is Shiga, which is a neighboring prefecture of Kyoto and easily accessible from Kyoto/Osaka, and I have a couple of tours to visit Shiga. Additionally, I can also work as an interpreter, when you require interpretation while experiencing traditional crafts and traditional culture at such workshops. I will endeavor to make sure that you will have an enjoyable and memorable trip. I look forward to guiding you here in Japan. - National Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN00750) - City of Kyoto Visitors Host - Licensed Guide certified by City of Kyoto (EN00054) - Nara Prefectural Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN00036) - Mt. Koya and Kumano Area Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN00195) - International SAKE Sommelier
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Katsuko O.
Let’s enjoy beauty and craftsmanship of Japanese gardens and traditional architecture
Overview of your Kyoto tour
The most distinctive feature of traditional Japanese architecture is the use of natural materials. Approximately 70% of Japan's land is forested, and the country has been blessed with abundance of high-quality wood. In addition, Japan's unique aesthetic sense and architectural styles have been fostered through things such as rice-farming culture, nature worship in Shintoism, and Zen teachings in Buddhism. This tour will focus on traditional architecture and gardens, and we'll visit several sites which fall in the categories in below. You will feel craftsmanship of Japanese carpenters and gardeners who pay attention to hidden details and pursue perfection. - Traditional architecture: Buddhist architecture, Shinto shrine architecture, residential architecture, tea houses - Japanese gardens: strolling style garden with a pond, dry-landscape garden, tea garden This tour can be an introductory tour before touring Japan on your own, as major aspects of Japanese culture will be covered during the tour.
Your Kyoto tour itinerary
The itinerary can be customized according to your preference and interest. Sample Itinerary 1) in Shiga, neighboring prefecture of Kyoto Visit Mii-dera temple to learn traditional architecture for Buddhist temples -> move to Sakamoto area by train -> visit Hiyoshi Taisha shrine to learn ancient architecture for Shinto shrine -> visit Former Chikurin-in temple to appreciate a beautiful garden as well as tea houses -> visit Shigain Monzeki temple to have a look of traditional residential architecture as well as a beautiful garden with a pond Sample Itinerary 2) in Kyoto Visit Toji temple to learn traditional architecture for Buddhist temples -> move to Tofuku-ji temple by taxi -> visit Komyo-in to appreciate its beautiful Zen garden -> visit Funda-in to enjoy another Zen garden as well as tea houses -> visit Himukai Daijingu Shrine to learn ancient architecture for Shinto shrine -> visit Murin-an garden to appreciate a stunning garden with a pond Note: Sample Itinerary 1 exclude Mondays
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Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Train
Public transport (train, bus) and/or taxi
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
the lobby of your hotel or train station
- You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
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Languages
Japanese
EnglishActivity level
Frequently asked questions
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8 hours
1
Tour date
Start time
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8 hours
1
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Start time
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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.