Private tour in Kyoto Katsuko O
5.0
(4) reviews
8 hours
1
8 hours
1
Katsuko O.
5.0
Guide rating
158
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4 hrs
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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 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.
Mt. Hiei is considered as a guardian mountain which has been protecting Kyoto since the ancient times. Also, the sacred Mt. Hiei is said to be the mother mountain of Buddhism in Japan. In Mt. Hiei, You can enjoy being close to nature of deep mountain surrounded by tranquil cedar forest, although the access to there from the central Kyoto is relatively easy. This tour would be highly recommended, if you have already visited major sites in Kyoto, and look for sites which are off-the-beaten-track as well as full of history and nature. During this full-day tour, you will enjoy a visit to Hieizan or Mt. Hiei and Enryaku-ji temple, a sacred and serene place where history, culture, and nature are all condensed in one spot. This tour starts at hotels/stations in Kyoto or Shiga.
Katsuko is Loving , Caring, Polite and Wisdom filled. She discussed the origins of Buddhist religious history in Japan on the culture from the past to the present and how they live today. It was fun and I learned the value of experiencing spiritual Mt. Hieizan. I will definitely request for her again.
We had a great time exploring the Mount Hiei area with Katsuko. Even if you have already seen multiple temples, Hiei-zan is truly unique. The cable car ride through the forest was lovely. Katsuko gave a very good explanation of the history of Buddhism in the area. The temple is beautiful, and is known for a yearly summit with religious leaders from many different faiths. Even for us as non-Buddhists, it felt like a very serene, holy place. Katsuko was a true pleasure as a tour guide. Polite, friendly, and well organized, she made this tour special. Thank you, Katsuko-san!
Katsuko was a very personable guide, very gentle and knowledgable. She met us at our hotel and took us on the tour going by taxi there and bus back. The area was a pleasant surprise as it was so peaceful and Katsuko explained everything in such good english. She even took us on the way back to a textile shop and walked us to our hotel which meant she was 1/2 an hour over her time. I would highly recommend Katsuko as your guide.
Sample Itinerary A: visit two areas of Enryaku-ji temple and Sakamoto temple town - take train to the cable station then cable upward to Mt. Hiei - Enryaku-ji Todo eastern area: Konpon-chudo hall, the great lecture hall, Amida-do hall - a pleasant walk in a serene mountain - Enryaku-ji Saito western area: the mausoleum of Saicho, Ninai-do hall, Shaka-do hall - take cable downward to Sakamoto temple then lunch - visit a renowned temple/shrine with a beautiful garden - take train back to Kyoto city center Sample Itinerary B: visit three areas of Enryaku-ji temple - take train to the cable station then cable upward to Mt. Hiei - Enryaku-ji Todo eastern area: Konpon-chudo hall, the great lecture hall, Amida-do hall - a pleasant walk in a serene mountain - Enryaku-ji Saito western area: the mausoleum of Saicho, Ninai-do hall, Shaka-do hall - Lunch at a restaurant with a view of Lake Biwa - Enryaku-ji Yokawa area: Yokawa Main hall, Gansan Daishi hall - take cable downward then train to Kyoto city center
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Public transport (train, subway, cable and ropeway), and transportation cost wil be around 4,000-5,000 JPY per person
Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Meeting at your hotel is recommended
Japanese
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8 hours
1
8 hours
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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