Private tour in Kyoto Akiko M
5.0
(20) reviews
5 hours
1
5 hours
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Akiko M.
5.0
Guide rating
55
Reviews
Tours delivered
31 hrs
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Explore Japan's spirituality in Nara with me! Hello everyone, my name is Akiko. I'm a nationally licensed tour guide in Nara focusing on the Yamato area. Here, you can still feel the presence of the ancient spirits in the air as you enjoy Japan's seasonal natural beauty. Nara is famous as the ancient capital of Japan. Here, there are many historical UNESCO World Heritage sites. When the ancient capital was later moved to Kyoto (794 A. D. ) many sacred sites in Nara remained important and have been worshiped for over 1300 years. As I have experienced my own spiritual growth, both in and beyond Japan, I came to realize the true value of the spiritual heritage of Yamato, which is rarely explained to visitors in English. As we say in Japanese, 「温故知新」 or "Onko chishin". This means- if we want to learn about the future, we should consult the past. I believe history has much to teach us. True heritage is the spiritual teaching and wisdom of those who came before us. These are not religious, but universal teachings. In this sense, Yamato has a lot to offer. It is my passion, mission and honor to share what I've discovered about the long and rich cultural and spiritual history of Yamato. I truly hope you'll have the most memorable and meaningful trip ever as I guide you in Japan! I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter since 2009. As we travel through the town we will utilize public transportation, taxis or walking. I am not a driver, but I can arrange for a taxi and a driver for you.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Akiko M.
We head to Arashiyama- a small town in western Kyoto. This is one of the most wonderful areas to get close to nature and experience the long and deep spiritual atmosphere of Japan. After exploring the popular or major part of Kyoto, it will be a nice and relaxed short pilgrimage. You can enjoy the bamboo forest in an almost private setting, too. After the walk from the northern area, we will be coming back to the famous area of Arashiyma. (Depending on the guests' pace and request, you may eat lunch during or after the tour. After the tour, you may straight get on a JR train and go back to Kyoto, or visit the main area of Arashiyama with the famous Togetsukyo bridge and many shops, etc. )
I had an amazing tour with Akiko. She took me to places I would have not found on my own. And she’s incredibly knowledgeable about Japanese spirituality, history, and culture. She’d also point out the significance of stuff that I, otherwise, would have walked by unnoticed. It truly enhances the experience. It was lovely to spend the day learning from her. She even was able to share with me information about one of my favorite Japanese authors! Thanks so much Akiko
Our tour with Akiko exceeded expectations! She was super knowledgeable and so engaging. She showed us some truly special spots in Arashiyama. We had a lovely time and learned so much. We feel we have a friend in Kyoto. Thanks, Akiko!
Akiko did a great job of showing our family around Arishayama! She took lots of beautiful pictures along the way, she helped us learn how to eat and order tofu at a local restaurant (something new for us) and try strawberry mochi ( a delicious treat)! Akiko also went above and beyond in indulging my children by going beyond the schedule tour time to take us back to our hotel area and showing them an arcade they had been begging to try in Kyoto. Finally, she also surprised us by doing some calligraphy of beautiful words. I would highly recommend Akiko as a guide!
A great tour to explore temples and bamboo forests of Arashiyama (the well known and the not so well known) away from the crowds. Akiko was great at providing insights into the history and traditions of Japan.
Akiko was great, we had a wonderful morning and she was full of information about the sites we were visiting as well as the local history and culture!
This review is long overdue, but not for lack of appreciation for the wonderful work of Akiko. On our second visit to Arashiyama, her knowledge and passion helped bring it to life. Highly recommended.
Mtting at your Hotel at 9 AM Otagi Nenbutsu-ji: What we will find at this temple is something you will not find anywhere else in Kyoto. Adashino Nenbutsu-ji: A very sacred place connecting to the ancestors of this community. Bamboo forest Walk along The Atago Kaido: A former pilgrimage route, lined with traditional shops. Gioji Temple: a small but beautiful temple with a unique history with a moss garden (Lunch)
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.
Meet at the JR Kyoto station main entrance at 9 AM. Take a local JR train (about 15 minutes: 240 yen) to Saga/Arashiyama station. A short taxi ride (less than 10 minutes) from JR Saga/ Arashiyama station to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple. We will be walking down the historical path down to the main area of Arashiyama.
Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Airport: ,Cruise: ,Station: Let's meet at the JR Kyoto station at the main entrance for the local trains.,ByGuide:
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