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Private tour in Kyoto Koichi W

Full-day Kyoto EASTERN Highlights from Osaka (Osaka Cruise Ship Port)

5.0

(3) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Koichi W.

5.0

Guide rating

185

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi ! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga which is famous for the biggest lake in Japan. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I do this job as a freelance tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I'm also a member of Kyoto City Bus & Subway Information Center. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. But If you need a private car please feel free to contact me. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai-city Osaka which has just become the one of world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware when I was a primary school student. I felt I was like the adventure archaeologist "Indiana Jones" (It's our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activity such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and so on. So I can also take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling, heavenly given job! Let's go and enjoy together. I hope to see you soon. National Government Licensed Guide Government Licensed General Travel Supervisor Certificate of Kyoto Sightseeing & Culture Examination Certificate of Home Care Worker Guide Helper Certification for the Visually Impaired Education Bachelor of Laws from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Koichi W.

Overview of your Kyoto tour

This tour is designed for cruise ship travelers and explores Kyoto from Osaka. Kyoto flourished as Japan's capital from the late 8th century through the late 19th century. Consequently, it preserves numerous historical structures and cultural elements, such as Japanese traditional cuisine and kimono. Furthermore, Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion, and Buddhism have profoundly influenced the Japanese spirit. On this tour, I invite you to gain a deeper understanding of Japan. Join me as we explore Kyoto's famous sites, occasionally taking detours to fully enjoy hidden gems tucked away in back alleys.

Recent Reviews

Pamela B.United States
1 week ago

Koichi was a phenomenal guide. We had an interruption in our vacation due to a typhoon resulting in our arrival date being moved by a couple of days and shortening the time in Kyoto. Koichi was able to modify our tour and delivered a fantastic day for us. There was no way we could have navigated all the sites and learned about the history on our own (even learned how to write my name in Japanese!) We look forward to returning to see more of this beautiful place with Koichi leading the way ❤️

Stacey F.United States
February 2026

Koichi was very informative and provided diagrams to assist in explaining the history as well as customs of Japan. A picture says a thousand words. Bring good tennis shoes.

Galip Y.Turkey
February 2026

We had an excellent full-day tour in Kyoto with Koichi and couldn’t be happier. He was professional, knowledgeable, and extremely well organized. Our group included both parents in their 60s and young adults in their 20s, and Koichi managed to engage everyone with ease. His explanations were clear, insightful, and delivered with genuine enthusiasm. He adjusted the pace comfortably, navigated transportation smoothly, and shared meaningful cultural context that truly enriched our experience. Beyond his expertise, he is warm, kind, and a pleasure to spend the day with. We highly recommend Koichi without hesitation.

Your Kyoto tour itinerary

Dear Guests from Cruise Ships *Please let me know your cruise ship's arrival and departure times in advance. *This tour can generally be provided on the day of arrival when the cruise ship docks overnight at Osaka Port and departs the following day. 8:00-10:00 Pick you up at Osaka Tempozan Port (Subway:290JPY/P) -Shinkansen Shin-Osaka Station (Shinkansen Bullet Train :1450JPY/P) *Please purchase the guide's ticket along with yours. - Shinkansen Kyoto Station -Observation Deck on the top of the Kyoto Station Building (Subway:260JPY/P) -Nijo-jo Shogun’s Castle (or Kyoto Imperial Palace) *Admission:1300JPY/P (Subway:260JPY/P) -Nishiki Food Market (Walking) *Have lunch around Nishiki Food Market -Pontocho Geisha Town (or Gion Geisha Town, if possible) (Keihan Railway:180JPY/P) -Sanjusangendo Temple *Admission:600JPY/P (Keihan Railway:180JPY/P) -Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine (JR:150JPY/P or Walking) 16:00-18:00 See you off at Kyoto Station * I will show you how to get back to Osaka Port.

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: Public Transportation / Category: Train

We will use public transportation such as trains, buses, and taxis.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Tickets
Food Drinks Snacks
Public Transportation
Other
Meeting location

Osaka, Osaka, Japan

I am waiting for you at the lobby of Osaka Tempozan Port.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Art And Culture
Religious Sites
Food And Drink
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1451976
Languages
Japanese
English
Activity level
Moderate

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Kyoto best suited for?

This private tour is ideal for cruise ship passengers who are docking at Osaka and wish to explore the historical and cultural highlights of Kyoto. It's perfect for those interested in Japanese history, traditional cuisine, and cultural elements like kimono. Travellers who want to connect with a local guide for deeper insights into Japan will find this tour particularly rewarding.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Kyoto suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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