Private tour in Kyoto Katsuko O

Full-Day Private Hikone Castle Samurai Tour from Kyoto/Osaka

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 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 1-4 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

Katsuko O.

5.0

Guide rating

158

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Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

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 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.

Overview of your Kyoto tour

Shiga is a neighboring prefecture of Kyoto and easily accessible from Kyoto/Osaka. Shiga has been the important transportation hub, as a strategic point linking the east and west of Japan since ancient times. During this tour, we’ll visit Hikone castle, one of the only five remaining National Treasure castles in Japan, built some 400 years ago. Additionally, we will visit one of the following locations, together with Hikone castle. Option A: OhmiHachiman, a birthplace of Omi Merchants, who are known for various innovations and philosophy of integrity. Option B: Kusatsu, an old post town, where ‘Honjin‘, an exclusive accommodation for feudal lords and shogunate officials, is still preserved. In addition to the above, a visit to Sekigahara old battlefield, or to sacred Chikubu island, can be arranged as well, combined with Hikone castle.

Your Kyoto tour itinerary

Sample Itinerary A: - move to Hikone by train - visit Hikone caslte and Japanese garden Genkyu-en - move to OhmiHachiman by train - explore old merchant town of OhmiHachiman, including a visit to preserved old merchant houses and canal boat ride - return from OhmiHachiman by train Sample Itinerary B: - move to Hikone by train - visit Hikone caslte and Japanese garden Genkyu-en - move to Kusatsu by train - explore old post town of Kusatsu, including a visit to ‘Honjin’, an exclusive accommodation for feudal lords and shogunate officials, followed by old Tokaido trail walking. *This option is except Mondays because Honjin is closed on Mondays. *The itinerary can be customized according to your preference and interest. We can also stay in Hikone for a day, exploring the castle town.

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

Public transport (train, bus) and/or taxi.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Tickets
Private Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Other: Personal expenses. This tour is not covered by insurance, so please make sure you are under your own insurance.
Meeting location

Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Your hotel or train station

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
Art And Culture
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1401122
Languages
Japanese
English
Activity level
High

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Shiga best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in Japanese culture. You'll explore Hikone Castle, a National Treasure, and have the option to visit historical sites like OhmiHachiman or Kusatsu. It's ideal for travellers who want to connect with a local like Katsuko O. for deeper insights.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Shiga be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

What happens if a site is closed, crowded, or the weather changes?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 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 1-4 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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