Private tour in Kyoto Koichi W

One-day Medieval Castle Towns Tour on the shores of Lake Biwako from Kyoto

5.0

(1) review

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Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Koichi W.

5.0

Guide rating

185

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi ! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga which is famous for the biggest lake in Japan. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I do this job as a freelance tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I'm also a member of Kyoto City Bus & Subway Information Center. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. But If you need a private car please feel free to contact me. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai-city Osaka which has just become the one of world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware when I was a primary school student. I felt I was like the adventure archaeologist "Indiana Jones" (It's our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activity such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and so on. So I can also take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling, heavenly given job! Let's go and enjoy together. I hope to see you soon. National Government Licensed Guide Government Licensed General Travel Supervisor Certificate of Kyoto Sightseeing & Culture Examination Certificate of Home Care Worker Guide Helper Certification for the Visually Impaired Education Bachelor of Laws from Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Koichi W.

Overview of your Kyoto tour

On this trip, we will visit two old castle towns, Hikone and Oumi-Hachiman which are located on the Shores of Lake Biwako. Hikone is a small town, but it was a major transportation hub where the old highways intersected. It is famous for the Ii clan, a leading member of the Tokugawa Shogunate, who ruled over the Hikone domain. Hikone Castle the residence of Ii family, still remains its original appearance. Let's walk up the path to the castle keep with the intention of conquering the castle. In the other town, Oumi-Hachiman, most powerful medieval warlord Toyotomi Clan built the castle and castle town. He promoted commerce, and the canals for that trade still remain as they were in those days. Why not take a cycling trip and cruise the canal?

Your Kyoto tour itinerary

AM -Meet you at JR Kyoto Station, or at your hotel in Kyoto City area -JR Kyoto Station (JR train: about one hour ) -JR Hikone Station (Walk to the castle :15min. ) -Hikone Castle Sawaguchi entrance→Omotemon Gate→Large Dry Moat→Tenbin Yagura Turret→Taiko-Maru Bailey→Honmaru-Bailey→Casle Main Keep ("Tenshu-Kaku" Donjon) -JR Hikone Station (JR train: about 20min. ) PM -JR Oumi-Hachiman Station (Bicycle: about 15min. ) -Oumi-Hachiman Old Town Hachiman-Bori Moat (Cruising: 30min. )→Himure-Hachiman Shrine→(Bicycle)→La Collina*(Big Confectionery Shop) →(Bicycle)→JR Oumi-Hachiman Station *LaCollina is the most visited tourist spot in Shiga Pref. - JR Oumi-Hachiman Station (JR train: about 20min. ) - JR Kyoto Station

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Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Train

We use public transportation systems from Kyoto to Hikone and Oumi-Hachiman in Shiga such as -JR(Japan Railways) Train -Rental Bicycles in Oumi-Hachiman city.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. -Rental Bicycle -Admission Tickets -Boat Cruise Fare
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: We will meet you at JR Kyoto Station, or at your hotel

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
History
City Highlights
Day Trip
Tour reference number
1001088
Languages
Japanese
English
Activity level
Moderate

Traveller reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Kyoto best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who are interested in exploring historical sites and learning about Japan's medieval history. It's ideal for those who enjoy walking and cycling, as the tour involves moderate physical activity. If you're looking to connect with a local guide for deeper insights into the culture and history of Kyoto and its surrounding areas, this tour is a great choice.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Kyoto 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?

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

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 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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