Private tour in Kyoto Eco H

Jewish Heritage in Japan

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Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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 1-10 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

Eco H.

5.0

Guide rating

87

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16 hrs

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🪷 We only have one profile, but we are two guides! Eco and Saki working together to give you the best Japan travel experience possible! Would you like to visit Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Kanazawa, Tokyo, or anywhere else in Japan please send us a message! Please address your message to both of us so that we know you have read our profile. --- 🍵 Who are we? Eco has called Kyoto his home for the last 8 years, and is now working as a lecturer in History and International Law at two nearby universities. He completed his Ph.D. in Contemporary Asian Studies here in Kyoto in 2024 and looks forward to sharing all he knows about Japanese history and religion. If you are particularly interested in the history and culture of Kyoto and the wider region, Eco can provide the historical context behind the places we visit. He particularly enjoys introducing guests to lesser-known sites that offer a unique perspective on the area. During our tours we will also be accompanied by Saki, who was not just born and raised Kyoto, but is also officially licensed with Kyoto's Certification of Tourism and Culture. She will provide the inside view on Japanese culture from the eyes of someone born into it. Currently, Saki is a Ph.D. candidate in History at a prestigious private university in Kyoto, as well as an experienced guide who has been working as a part-time guide for over 7 years, having done many tours throughout the city. She's also well versed in popular culture, so if you have any interest in animation, music, fashion, video games, or manga she would be happy to discuss with you. Together we hope to provide a great mix of knowledge and experience. --- ⛩️ What kind of guests do we hope book our tours? Our tours are designed as intellectually engaging experiences for curious travellers. Rather than simply visiting Kyoto's famous attractions, our guests are interested in understanding the history, religion, culture, and daily life that have shaped the city. We think of our tours as walking lectures where we bring the knowledge we normally share in the classroom to a wider international audience. If you are the kind of person who normally enjoys attending lectures, visiting museums, or exploring the stories behind the places you visit, then you have found the right guides. If, on the other hand, you are simply looking for transportation between Kyoto's major attractions, there may be guides better suited to your needs. --- 🗾 On our page we have a number of tours listed, please have a look! - Either half-day or full-day tours of our hometown, or take an evening tour if you are interested in local food and the Gion Geisha district. - Want to visit somewhere special near Kyoto, please consider the Miho Museum tour for beautiful landscapes and architecture. - Do you like anime and video games? We have a pop-culture tour for you! - Just a few hours? Take our quick and concise Imperial Palace tour. - Have multiple days and want to visit somewhere outside of Kyoto? We can take you to Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Kanazawa, or even Tokyo with the bullet train!

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Eco H.

Overview of your Kyoto tour

This tour is a day trip to explores the story of Japan's Jewish community, while simultaneously teaching you about Japan and its history. Placing into context the interactions between cultures. During the tour, you will be joined by two guides. One is a Dutch professor of International Law at a nearby public university. The other is a PhD candidate in the humanities. During the tour, we will particularly focus on the community rescued by Imperial Japanese ambassador Chiune Sugihara, awarded Righteous Among the Nations for his actions during the Second World War.

Your Kyoto tour itinerary

In the morning we will guide you from Kyoto Station to the city of Tsuruga, a 1 hour and 15 minutes train ride. During this day trip we will visit the Port of Humanity, and its associated museum, the point of disembarkation for Jewish refugees fleeing Europe. As well as the Chiune Sugihara Memorial Hall, telling the story of Imperial Japanese ambassador Chiune Sugihara. With the remaining time we enjoy the Japanese sights of Tsuruga city before starting our journey back to Kyoto. NOTE: You can also book this tour from Osaka or Nara.

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 take the express train during the tour. Note that train tickets are not covered under the tour fee. The train company we will be using is JR. Therefore, if you have the Japan Rail Pass (recommended for your trip to Japan) then the tickets are free. If you start your tour from Nara or Osaka, we will first take the Kintetsu express train or Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto respectively, before boarding the train to Tsuruga.

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

Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

We will meet you at Kyoto Station. However, we can also start the tour from Nara or Shin-Osaka Station if you that is where you are based.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Jewish Heritage
History
Religious Sites
Tour reference number
1400018
Languages
English
Dutch
Japanese
German
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible
Kid Friendly

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Kyoto best suited for?

This private tour in Kyoto is perfect for travellers interested in exploring the unique Jewish heritage in Japan. It's ideal for those who want to learn about the interactions between different cultures and delve into historical stories, such as the rescue efforts by Chiune Sugihara during World War II. With two knowledgeable guides, including a Dutch professor of International Law and a PhD candidate in the humanities, you'll gain deep insights into this fascinating aspect of Japanese history.

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

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 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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 1-10 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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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