Private tour in Kyoto Koichi W

Three-day Highlights Tour of Kyoto and Nara, two ancient capital cities, for first time visitors

5.0

(7) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 days
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 3 days
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

189

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

If you come to Japan, Kyoto and Nara are sightseeing destinations that you can not miss. Kyoto is a big city, full of attractive things from old times to present day. Particularly the most attractive thing in Kyoto is an unique atmosphere Kyoto creates, mixture of the old and new. You can see a small shrine that local people pray to a deity in a modern shopping arcade. If you walk into a backstreet in the amusement quarter from the hustle and bustle of the main street, you may come across kimono-clad Geisha. On the corner of down town, the smell of burned Teriyaki sauce may attract you to a nice gourmet restaurant. Nara is also an ancient capital of Japan, older than Kyoto. You will be greeted by deer, the messengers of the god of Kasuga Shrine. You can also enjoy local delicacies such as Kaki-no-ha sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves and Yomogi rice cakes. For those who like to drink, Nara's local sake will be an irresistible attraction.

Recent Reviews

Arthur S.United States
June 2026

We spent 3 great days with Koichi-San visiting Kyoto sites and Nara/Uji. Koichi-San is always well prepared with reading materials and brochures and has something interesting for everyone. There is so much to see and there is just so much time with Koichi-San (we were on our back legs every day but have seen so much)! We loved learning about your family history and archery champion from 1600s! We are glad to have met you and recommend your tours to everyone reading!

Gabriel S.Canada
October 2025

Koichi Wasa was a dream guide for our party of four seniors. He was knowledgeable, prepared (came with lots of printed material for our sites), kind, responsive and very pleasant to deal with. He showed us everything we had asked for, and organized the tours to make most effective use of time. Highly recommended.

Walter G.United States
October 2025

We had a wonderful 3 days with Koichi. He is an excellent guide , knowledgeable and a friendly disposition that made for a fun and an enjoyable experience. Koichi took excellent care of us and we learned so much more by having him as our guide. I would highly recommend him. Walter Guy

Sandra K.
February 2025

Koichi-San made our trip to Kyoto better than we could have imagined. His love and knowledge of the city was enlightening; we learned so much. He is a wonderful, kind man with a strong grasp of English. We had a fantastic 3 days with him at the pace we wanted, we covered a lot of ground which is what my husband and I were looking for. It was a delight and we highly recommend Koichi as a guide.

Laura P.
December 2024

Koichi is a great tour guide! We spent three days with him and he gave us excellent recommendations to make the best of our time in Japan. He is extremely kind, very well prepared on the history of the sites and he provides excellent explanations, supported by photos and printed materials. He gave us very good tips to avoid the crowds, so we managed to enjoy the tour in the best possible way! He also provided us excellent recommendations for transportation and he helped us with the transfer of our luggage to a different city. We would really recommend him! Many thanks Koichi (also for your constant smile!) :-)

Daniel B.Switzerland
October 2024

We had a fantastic 3-day tour through Kyoto! It was simply great and Koichi made the difference. Kyoto has a lot to offer and with Koichi’s explanations and insights, we got to know a lot of the highlights and of Japan as a whole. Koichi was knowledgeable and flexible to meet our requests or wishes. Being 3 days together from highlight to highlight, he was humble enough to leave our moment when needed. I can recommend Koichi and this tour to anyone who is truly interested in Japan! Thanks Koichi, to bring us your country closer! We got a fantastic impression! (Btw, he also knows how to take great pictures!)

Your Kyoto tour itinerary

Sample Itinerary >1st day Full-day (8-hour) Kyoto Eastern Highlights Tour!! -Pick you up at your hotel in Kyoto City area or meet at JR Kyoto Station -Fushimi-Inari Shrine -Sanjusangen-do Temple -Nishiki Ichiba Market -Kiyomizudera Temple -Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, historical preserved area: -Gion, the biggest amusement quarters of female entertainers >2nd day Full-day (8-hour) Kyoto Western Highlights Tour!! -Pick you up at your hotel in Kyoto City area or meet at JR Kyoto Station -Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryuji Temple and Togetsu-kyo Bridge -Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion -Nijo-jo Samurai Castle -Kyoto Imerial palace -Nishiki Food Market >3rd day Full-day (8-hour) Nara and Uji Gree Tea Town Tour (plus Fushimi Sake Town) -Pick you up at your hotel in Kyoto City area or meet at JR Kyoto Station -Nara Deer Park -Todaiji Great Buddha Hall -Naramachi Old Town -Uji Green Tea Town (Fushimi Sake Brewries Town if you like)

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 use public transportation such as JR train, Subway, orTaxi.

What's included
Other: Guide's admission and transportation fees are included.
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
Meeting location

Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1230442
Languages
Japanese
English
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Kyoto best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for first-time visitors to Kyoto and Nara who want to explore the must-see sights efficiently. It's also ideal for travellers who wish to connect with a local guide, Koichi W., for deeper insights into the culture and history of these ancient capital cities.

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 3 days
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 3 days
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
More tours in Kyoto by Koichi W.
Similar tours in Kyoto
Explore more of Kyoto
【All Included】 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 Tour8 hours Family trip in Kyoto1 Day_Best of Kyoto or Nara or Osaka with Kyoto-born native guideKyoto in a Day with a Buddhist Monk — History, Culture & Hidden MeaningKyoto highlights full day tour with a guide/photographerExplore Kyoto Full Day Tour by MinivanOne Day Kyoto customized tourKyoto Half-Day History/Culture Tour with Two Local Guides!Kyoto Must-See Places - Private TourKyoto Highlight One Day TourThe best course of Kyoto city tourGion & Geisha Culture — Inside Kyoto’s Iconic Geisha DistrictYour Kyoto in Half a Day — Private Tour with a Buddhist MonkKyoto Highlights Private TourPrivate Full-Day Kyoto Tour: Culture & Food ExperienceThe Soul of Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Journey Through Temples, Culture and Hidden BeautyBespoke Half-Day Tour: (ALL INCLUDED) Kyoto's Must-See Sites with Some Hidden GemsKyoto Highlights Private Tour (Full day)Private Tour - Your choice of KyotoWestern Highlights in Kyoto for first time visitors - Full Day TourGion at Twilight — Kyoto’s Geisha District by NightKyoto Day Tour with Two Local Guides!Half day Kyoto Tour with Kyoto-born native guide Kyoto Night Food tour - Gion to Pontocho DistrictsUltimate Kyoto: Full-Day Private Driving Tour from Highlights to Hidden LayersEarly Morning Tour: Avoid the Crowd in Kyoto as Popular Travel Destinations and Feel the Sacred Atmosphere in the DawnMultiple Days_Kyoto and other cities with Kyoto-born native guideKyoto Half-day Private TourKyoto Essence: Temples, Bamboo Grove & Golden Pavilion by Private CarBespoke Premium Tour: With Exclusive Access to Inaccessible Sites.A Beautiful Full Day Tour in KyotoPrivate Kyoto Tours — Discover the Beauty of SilenceNara and Kyoto Full Day Tour .Enjoy multiday Kyoto’s timeless charm with private guideHidden Kyoto: A Flexible 4 Hour Off‑the‑Beaten‑Path TourKyotos' Gion District: Evening TourKyoto Golden Course full day Private TourLUXURY EXPERIENCE: Intimate tea ceremony with a Maiko in a traditional teahouse.