Private tour in Kyoto Eco H

Jewish Heritage in Japan

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 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 1-10 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

82

Reviews

Tours delivered

13 hrs

Avg. response time

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! And we would appreciate if you address it to both of us so we know for sure you read our profile (you would be surprise how many don't...). Eco has called Kyoto his home for the last 8 years, and is now working as a lecturer in 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. Therefore, if you are particularly interested in learning more about the history and culture of Kyoto and the wider region he can provide exciting narratives to go along with visiting to various sites, preferably those off the beaten path providing a unique view of the area. Meanwhile, he's now working on a second Ph.D. in Law in Osaka which is expected to be completed in 2027. 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 backgrounds on Japanese culture from the eyes of someone born into it. Currently, Saki is a Ph.D. candidate 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 can provide a great mix of knowledge and experience. On our page we have a number of tours listed: - Half or full-day tours of our hometown Kyoto. - Or take the Kyoto 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 (Only in Spring/Summer/Autumn). - Do you like anime and video games? We have a popular 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 different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
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

Frequently asked questions

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
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 1-10 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
Explore more of Kyoto
UNESCO: Full-day Tour in Kyoto – History and Culture Capital of Japan.Bespoke One-Day Tour: (ALL INCLUDED) Kyoto's Must-See Sites with Some Hidden GemsTomoko's Customized Kyoto Full Day TourExplore Kyoto Full Day Tour by MinivanKyoto highlights full day tour with a guide/photographerSummer sale! 1 Day_Best of Kyoto or Nara or Osaka with Kyoto-born native guideOne Day Kyoto customized tourKyoto Half-Day History/Culture Tour with Two Local Guides!Sunrise to sunset: the ultimate Kyoto experience8 hours Family trip in KyotoThe best course of Kyoto city tourA Super Packed Kyoto 2 Day Itinerary for First TimersKyoto in a Day: A Private Journey Through Time and Beauty(T5M)Kyoto 6 to 7hours Zero Emission Car Personalized Tour with a Japanese Tour Navigator(Nara optional)Savor Kyoto by Night: Hidden Delights & Historic StreetsA Leisurely Journey Through Kyoto’s Iconic SightsDiscover Gion – Kyoto’s Iconic Geisha DistrictKyoto Must-See Places - Private TourHalf-Day Kyoto Experience: Tailored Private TourMultiple Days_Kyoto and other cities with Kyoto-born native guideTwilight Elegance: A Night Stroll Through GionKyoto Highlight One Day TourKyoto Highlights Private Tour (Full day)Kyoto Day Tour with Two Local Guides!Private Tour - Your choice of KyotoKyoto Highlights Private TourWestern Highlights in Kyoto for first time visitors - Full Day TourFull day private guided tour of Must See in KyotoKyoto Night Food & Drink tour from Gion to Pontocho DistrictsSummer sale!! Half day Kyoto Tour with Kyoto-born native guide 2 full days Kyoto TourBespoke Half-Day Tour: (ALL INCLUDED) Kyoto's Must-See Sites with Some Hidden GemsA Beautiful Full Day Tour in KyotoBespoke Premium Tour: With Exclusive Access to Inaccessible Sites.Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour: Culture & Food Experience【2026】Kyoto Sakura tour with 2 guides!Enjoy multiday Kyoto’s timeless charm with private guideKyoto Half-day Private TourMagical Kyoto: 2-Hour Private Gion night walking TourKyoto Essence: Temples, Bamboo Grove & Golden Pavilion by Private Car