Private tour in Kyoto Katsuko O

Full-day Private Lake Biwa and Shiga Tour from Kyoto/Osaka

5.0

(8) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason 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 Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Katsuko O.

5.0

Guide rating

156

Reviews

Tours delivered

11 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 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.

Overview of your Kyoto tour

Shiga is a place with unique history and culture, including not only shrines and temples, but also samurai castle/merchant towns from the medieval period, located next to Kyoto. Shiga is also known for Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan, as well as its scenic beauty and biodiversity. This tour would be highly recommended if you have already visited major sites in Kyoto therefore look for sites with distinct culture and nature. Below is a list of suggested Shiga tours. More details can be found in the Itinerary section. [1] Hikone tour, known for the national treasure samurai castle and preserved castle town [2] OmiHachiman tour, a picturesque old merchant town [3] Lake Biwa tour, accompanied by a visit to historic temples [4] Shigaraki pottery village tour [5] Old Samurai Road walking tour (Nakasendo/Tokaido) In addition to above, tour to Mt.Hiei, MIHO museum, Nagahama city, etc, can be arranged as well.

Your Kyoto tour itinerary

[1] Hikone Tour - Lake Biwa cruise from Hikone port - Sacred Chikubu island - Hikone castle - explore castle town [2] OmiHachiman Tour - Hachimangu shrine - Mt. Hachiman by cable car - scenic boat ride over the moat - Omi merchant house in traditional buildings preservation district [3] Lake Biwa Tour with historic sites - Sakamoto temple town (Hiyoshi Taisha shrine, Old Chikurin-in) or Otsu city (Ishiyama-dera temple, Mii-dera temple) -lunch with Lake Biwa view - Lake Biwa cruise [4] Shigaraki Pottery Village Tour - Shigaraki Pottery museum - visit to a couple of pottery studios and kilns - pottery supplies shop [5] Old Samurai Road walking tour - Kusatsu, a post town where Tokaido and Nakasendo intersect - walk along old Tokaido - Otsu, once flourished post town Itinerary can be customized according to your interest and preference.

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) and/or taxi

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

Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Meeting at a lobby of hotel is recommended.

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
Day Trip
History
Boat
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Architecture
Tour reference number
811214
Languages
Japanese
English
Activity level
Moderate
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Kyoto

8 reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Shiga best suited for?

This private tour is ideal for travellers who have already visited major sites in Kyoto and are looking to explore areas with distinct culture and nature. It's perfect for those interested in unique history, culture, and scenic beauty, including samurai castles, merchant towns, and the largest freshwater lake in Japan, Lake Biwa. The tour also suits travellers who want to connect with a local guide like Katsuko O. for deeper insights.

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 languages is this tour offered in?

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

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

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
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason 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
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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