Boasting 17 World Heritage sites and a stunning array of Buddhist temples and Shintō shrines, Kyoto is a treasure house of Japanese history and culture. But while this ancient city is one of the world's most culturally rich places, its true beauty can sometimes lie hidden behind modern facades. Take a Kyoto tour with a knowledgeable local guide to discover the 'real' Kyoto - the Kyoto of your dreams.

Walk with your guide around Old Kyoto, through winding alleys lined with traditional narrow wooden houses. In Gion Corner you can experience dance performances by apprentice geisha, and learn about the traditional Japanese arts of puppetry and flower arranging. Your guide will want you to see Kinkaju, the shimmering Golden Pavillion, and the beautiful Kiyomizu Temple - especially during the spring Cherry Blossom season.

Kyoto's attractions are too many to list, but your guide will make sure you see the very best this enchanting city has to offer on your private Kyoto tour.

Kyoto

In this tour, you can visit very famous tour spots in the ancient capital , Kyoto.
We use my car for transportation.
We visit Arashiyama Area, Tenryu-Ji temple (If you like to visit), Bamboo forest, Ryo-An-Ji temple (Rock Garden), Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Market, Gion Area and Fushimi Inari Shrine when the time permits.

[West Side]
Arashiyama Area, Tenryu-Ji temple and Bamboo forest are located west side of Kyoto where you can enjoy a very restful moment.

[North West Side]
Ryo-An-Ji temple (Rock Garden) is Zen Buddhism temple. There is a very famous the Rock Garden which has 15 rocks inside and is telling 55 Zen teaching. Let's discover why there are 15 rocks in this garden. . .
When you visit Kyoto for the first time then you must visit the Golden Pavilion! You can see the very opposite side of Zen teaching of Buddhism.

[Downtown Area]
Nishiki Market and Gion Area are showing old fashion style of Kyoto.

[South Side]
Fushimi Inari Shrine is the top awarded tour spot in Japan for the past 4 years.

Let's find what ancient capital of Japan Kyoto is - by private transport

Explore Kyoto Full Day Tour

I am pleased to share this historic district's beauty with you!

Gion is the famous geisha quarter on the eastern bank of the Kamo-river. While Gion's true origins were in teahouses catering to weary visitors to the nearby shrine Yasaka-jinja, by the mid-18th century, the area was Kyoto's largest pleasure district.

On this tour, you will enjoy the history and culture of the Gion area while walking at a leisurely pace. Along the way, you will learn more about geisha education and their unique training system. The area also has many beautiful historical streets and paths.

I live near this district and very much enjoy a stroll around the area. Also, as a member of the major festival celebrating the district, I love the beautiful, subtle, and authentic atmosphere.

3 hours private walking tour with a local expert

Discover Kyoto's Gion District - Private Tour

Western Highlights in Kyoto for first time visitors - Full Day Tour

Kyoto is a big city where about 1. 5 million people live, full of attractive things from old times to present day such as stone garden of Zen temple, orange gates of Shito shrine, traditional café, local cuisine loved by Kyoto people, modern art museum and so on. I think Kyoto is a kind of "Theme Park". Particularly the most attractive thing in Kyoto is a unique atmosphere Kyoto creates, mixture of the old and new. You can see a small shrine that local people prey to next to a modern shopping arcade. If you walk into a backstreet in Gion amusement quarter from the hustle and bustle of the main street, you may come across kimono-clad Geisha, female entertainers called Geiko and Maiko. On the corner of down town, the smell of burned Teriyaki sauce may attract you to a nice gourmet restaurant. I would like to show you not only major sightseeing spots but also small tips to enjoy the city. Let's explore together and discover the real Kyoto with me!!

"Shishinden" main hall in Kyoto Imperial palace

Oikeniwa Garden in Kyoto Imperial GardenPalace

Explore major sites and discover some hidden gems with a private guide

Full day private guided tour of Must See in Kyoto

Suitable for first time visitors and travelers with limited time in Kyoto.

During the tour we will visit four places that you can find in all Kyoto guidebooks. Golden Pavilion, a great spot for taking wonderful photos, any season, any weather, Ryoan-ji Rock Garden, perfect for a few moments of meditation. Then visit to Nijo Castle, the residence of Tokugawa Shoguns, and walk to traditional streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka to the Kiyomizu Temple. 　　

As it is a private tour, I can adjust the schedule, duration and activities according to your preferences. Please let me know if you should have any special requests.

Golden Pavilion, Ryoan-ji Rock Garden, Shogun's Residence and Kiyomizu Temple, visiting Kyoto essentials

Serene Zen -- Festive Shinto Private Tour

Visitors to Japan are typically surprised to learn that the majority of the Japanese people practice both Buddhist and Shinto rituals. From a Western viewpoint, it seems incongruous, if not nearly heretical, to practice two religions at once. How do the Japanese do it?

This tour is designed to examine this complex development from both a doctrinal and historical viewpoint. Why didn't Buddhism, with its sophisticated philosophy and doctrine of personal salvation, simply displace the indigenous, animistic Shinto belief in nature deities like the Sun Goddess or Inari, deity of agriculture? Why do Japanese typically get married in a Shinto ceremony but have their funerals at a Buddhist temple? And, of course, why do many Japanese young couples now have a Christian marriage ceremony even though neither the bride or groom are Christians!

In short, this tour offers an in-depth understanding of religious practice in Japan today .

Note: If you are only 1 or 2 persons, please contact me for a new quote.

Main Entrance Gate to Tofukuji Zen Temple with Lotus Pond in the foreground

Traditional Zen (Dry Landscape) Garden at Tofukuji Zen temple

Modern Zen (Dry Landscape) Garden at Tofukuji Zen temple

Ritual Cleansing prior to entering Fushimi Inari Shrine

Main Entrance Gate to Fushimi Inari Shrine

Main Worship Hall at Fushimi Inari Shrine

Combination modern and traditional Zen (Dry Landscape) Garden at Tofukuji Zen temple

Entrance to the One Thousand Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. The red and white poles are in preparation for an evening festival.

Zen (Dry Landscape) Garden in the Shape of the Big Dipper

Torii Gate at entrance to Fushimi Inari Shrine

A tour for those who wish an in-depth introduction to Zen Buddhism and Shinto

Kyoto: Sacred Hill to Ancient Alleys [4 hours]

Start at the ancient, pure, pristine top, and slowly slide deep into the underbelly of Kyoto, Japan as afternoon passes into evening. (This is an easier 'hill hike' than most people offer, since we go downhill almost all the way!)

-Learn why a famous temple was placed on its mountaintop setting (and it's not what they say)
-The hustle and bustle of shopping streets older than most countries
-Secret spots and hidden hideaways away from the crowd
-See one of the most famous gardens and explore temple construction
-Unusual facts about how temples age and are decorated
-Enjoy Japanese traditional snacks, as you like
-How the Geisha lived in the past, as well as now
-See how Japanese cities must have looked in the past

Activities may vary by day/time (e. g. museums usually close on Mondays, many shops close at ~4:30PM or 5:00PM in Uji)
Unlisted 'bonus' activities added as time permits.
All times approximate.
This tour may be further customized! Please message me.

Spiritual Heights to Scandalous Depths

Ultimate Japanese food experience &amp; night tour

Kyoto has retained its 1000-year status as a culinary capital in Japan. With your host playing the dual role of ingredient explainer and menu decipherer, let the smells of street food guide you down a five-block marketplace filled with spectacular snacks - from seafood-stuffed dough balls under a blanket of unfurling bonito flakes, karikari takoyaki, to fresh beef sushi (yes, beef!).

The epitome of Japanese haute cuisine, kaiseki, is a must-try for any foodie. And if you're feeling adventurous? Try Senmaizuke, a delicious, traditional Kyoto pickle made from Shogoin turnips, or slurp up fragrant green tea noodles in a city known for its uji matcha. Veggie lovers can dig into ultra-umami Issenyoushoku!

Explore "Kyoto's kitchen," where you will eat and drink your way through this historic neighborhood.

Explore the Authentic Kyoto with a History and Culture Guide

I love gardens.
Japanese and English gardens are especially my favourite. It's delightful to compare the differences in their sense of nature.
An English garden designer in the 19th century wrote in her book, "There is something religious in Japanese gardens. " She was attracted to landscape gardens and dry gardens.
The first diplomat from the UK travelled extensively to rural villages. There, he saw ideal English gardens.
Kyoto still inherited the old Japan it used to be.
Temples, shrines, and traditional architecture are also indispensable parts of Kyoto culture.
It is special and unique, nowhere in Japan and across the world.

"The Authentic Kyoto Tour" is planned for those interested in deep Kyoto, recommendable to families with kids, history, culture, nature, and food lovers, first visitors to Kyoto, spiritual persons, young and senior couples, and architects.

Destinations can be adjustable to your wishes.

Visiting temples & shrines, gardens, and an imperial palace site

Time Travel in Kyoto: Full Day Journey Through 1000 Years

Kyoto locals often boast of Kyoto as the 1100-year capital city of Japan, but it has long since changed. The emperor moved to Tokyo, accompanied by aristocrats and his officers. The population of Kyoto decreased by one-third. The people left in Kyoto were quite discouraged.

To encourage them, one big project was undertaken: the Lake Biwa Canal, connecting Kyoto to Lake Biwa, 30 km long; half of the way is tunneled.

Several years ago, to become a guide, I walked around Kyoto and visited many temples and shrines. I became able to guide clients to their satisfaction, but I felt something essential was lacking and couldn't identify what it was.

Then I encountered the Canal, where some of its facilities were abandoned, but most are still in operation. It was spectacular, and I thought I felt the living breath of Kyoto's people. I wanted to share my sensation with my clients. Soon, it became one of my best tours. Yes, this tour is the one! Please join me to explore modern Kyoto (as well as its historic sites).

From Ancient Shrine Over 1200 Years Old to Modern Architectural Marvels

Kyoto is Japan's ancient capital with a thousand years of unique & rich history, religion and culture that is still alive today and easily accessible to people who live there and people who visit for a glimpse of the diversity that such a long history develops.

This tour is perfect for visitors with a day to enjoy both Kyoto and its outskirts.
By combining tours of 'Kyoto World heritage' and 'hiking in the nature' or 'sake/beer tasting ', you can quickly learn about why Kyoto is unique in the world. I will guide you to historical temples, shrines and also fun places to try local activities. Also, I love customising tours to suit what your interests are, from copying of sutras, meditating at a Japanese temple garden or more. I'm a local experienced guide who loves travelling!

Kyoto City Metro and Bus ticket 
Kyoto to Sake brewery 
Sake brewery to Fushimi Inari 
Inari back to Kyoto 

- Chionin Temple 
- Entokuin temple 
- Sake Brewery 


Enjoy a visit to UNESCO sites, to a sake brewery & more with a local!

Kyoto World Heritage Sites and Outskirts Tour (K01)

Bespoke One-Day Tour: Kyoto's Must-See Sites with Some Hidden Gems

Hi! Welcome to Kyoto!
The fact that you chose to come visit this city itself makes me utterly happy, let along be your tour guide!

This tour takes you to Kyoto's must-see sites, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are well-known for a reason!
With the dynamic and historically important buildings, I also take you to local hidden gems.

I believe the value of having a good time and learning different cultures and history when you travel will NEVER fall.
So I want to create maximum value EVERY TIME.

I worked in high-end hospitality for a long time so I'm not going to talk only about history all day long (unless you want it) but always aim to create a comfortable, entertaining, and bespoke experience.
So this itinerary is an example or framework which works best most of the time, but I can accommodate most requests.

Also, I always make slides to brief you on Japanese history and culture, and I carry a good camera so you don't need anything to fully enjoy the day.

I can also drive a private car too.

A full-day tour generally includes 4-5 must-see sites, like UNESCO World Heritage Sites with some local hidden gems.

KONICHIWA!

Welcome to Kyoto!

Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan from 794 over one thousand years, is by far one of the most popular travel destinations in Japan, there is so much to see and do.

Depart from Kobe, Osaka or Kyoto to explore Kyoto's most famous sites on this culture-focused day trip, explore Japan's ancient capital to see the splendid Torii Gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu-Dera temple, and the enchanting Arashiyama district, famous for its beautiful scenery.

Enjoy A Unique Full Day Tour of Kyoto Must-See Places with Private Guide

Kyoto Highlight Private Tour

Zen Garden, Zen Mind (Kyoto Half-Day Tour)

The Japanese garden defies quick and easy understanding. As we move in awe through one of these masterpieces we can feel that there is something deeper than just the physical beauty that surrounds us. This experience will go to the heart of that "something deeper".

While getting away from the crowds and occupying some of Kyoto's most magical and sacred spaces that artists, nobles, and Zen monks created hundreds of years ago, you will hear in-depth explanations and insights into the world of Japanese gardens that you would never learn about otherwise. The Japanese garden will be revealed to you as an expression of profound art-- amazing living and breathing sculptures nestled within the larger landscape of Kyoto.

As you will undoubtedly visit at least several temples and gardens while you are in Japan, this experience will equip you with all the tools you need to help make your experience one that will form a lasting impression on your heart.

"Spending tranquil moments that will form a lasting impression on your heart."

Welcome to Kyoto! A city that effortlessly blends the old with the new, where tradition meets modernity in the most captivating way. I'm thrilled to take you on a journey through the heart of this enchanting place. Kyoto, the 1100 years old capital with its centuries-old temples, serene gardens, and vibrant cultural scene, is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you're drawn to the whispers of history in its ancient streets, the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms in spring, or the peacefulness of its Zen temples, Kyoto has something to offer every traveler.

With me, you will have a rounded knowledge about Kyoto. You will visit the main highlights but also hidden gems only known by locals. As we explore, I'll be your storyteller, unraveling the secrets and sharing the stories that make this city so unique. Get ready to immerse yourself in the authentic Kyoto, where every corner holds a piece of its remarkable history and culture.

This tour can be customized.

Tickets for the following : 
Otagi Nenbutsuji
Adashino Nenbutsuji
Secret Zen temple
Golden Pavillion

Let's immerse ourselves in the beauty and the essence of Japanese culture!

(All Essential Fees Included) Kyoto Highlights and Hidden Treasures - Full day Private Tour By Public Transportation

This course has four choices. Please select one of the four courses shown below. Rick will guide you deep inside the Kyoto history, culture, tradition and nature in each course. Each course can be customized upon your request as far as possible. Every course has spectacular spots which will satisfy you with visiting Kyoto!

This tour is only for the visitors who stay in Kyoto.

History, arts and culture, tradition, nature of Kyoto

Full Day Kyoto highlight Tour

I always want to make my tour unforgettable to the guests whether the weather is good or not. So l selected all time impressive sites in Kyoto, which are iconic and important in terms of not only their visual values but also spiritual and religious ones. At the Fushimi Inari you climb Mt. Inari through its tunnel of thousands vermillion torii gates. Because the whole mountain is Shinto's sacred area and there are numerous fox stone statutes along the paths. They are god messengers. But we go back to the front torii gate for next site after getting to its turn-back. At second place we stroll in the best preserved old street of Kyoto which is for pilgrimages to Kiyomizu temple: UNESCO World Heritage site. The ancient capital can provide its rich and cultural experience of Old Japan for you. i. e, tea ceremony or zen meditation at a Buddhist temple as an optional activity. Around noon we proceed to Gion district famous for geisha and its traditional entertainment, and downtown of Kyoto.

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