Had two days tour with Takuya-San. One in Kyoto and another one in Nara. Both days were most enjoyable for me and my family of 6. He was very knowledgeable and very attentive to all our needs. He made all the sights come alive for us.
Cuisine Tours
Cultural Heart of Japan
Japanese Heritage
Discover the Ancient Capital of Japan
Let me take you beyond the Kyoto guidebook and give you an unforgettable experience of Japanese tradition and culture. We’ll explore Kyoto’s major cultural landmarks on an exclusive and customizable private tour of this ancient city. Discover why Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,200 years, with its rich history of emperors, aristocrats, and unique religious traditions.
I can guide you through the head temples of Buddhism and the historic Shinto shrines, sharing fascinating stories of Japan’s past. If you wish to step off the beaten path, I’ll take you through Kyoto’s stone-paved back alleys, where you can feel the city’s hidden history.
For those looking for a peaceful escape, you can enjoy the famous bamboo walk without overtourism or feel the history of Kyoto at the quiet and historic moss garden of a Zen temple. These serene spots offer a glimpse of the authentic, untouched beauty of Kyoto away from the crowds.
And if you’re a food lover, you can indulge in one of my Kyoto food tours, with some of the best soba noodles and freshest sake Japan has to offer.
Highlights
Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture and head to Kyoto’s entertainment district Gion
Taste the delights of Japanese cuisine by sampling the finest soba noodles and tempura
Take in a sake brewery tour in one of the 24 breweries producing the freshest sake in the world
Weave through the back alleys of the city between some of the famous Buddhist temples and major Shinto shrines
Explore the charming rural areas around the city
Witness the beauty of Hanami (cherry blossom in springtime) or Koyo or Momijigari (beautiful fall leaf season with stunning red, gold, and orange colors)
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
Departure time
Full-day: 9 AM
Half-day: 9 AM for the morning tour, 1 PM for the afternoon tour
Meeting point
1-1-2 Shibata, Kita-Ku, Osaka. We will meet in front of Big Man, the popular TV screen, right by Kinokuniya Book Store at Hankyu Umeda Station in Osaka. Upon request, I can pick you up at your hotel, a pier, or an alternative place at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me.
Availability
All-year, but no half-day tour is offered during the peak season (mid March to May). Please inquire about availability first before booking.
Duration
- Full-day – 8 hours
- Half-day – 4 hours
Group size
1-4 people (for larger groups please contact me)
Included
Guide fee
Not included
- Transportation
- Entrance fees
- Meals
What to bring in autumn
- Camera
- Warm clothes
- Umbrella
- Cash
Recommended Sample Itineraries
My private tour of Kyoto is carefully tailor-made for you. I craft your itinerary with the destinations which you cannot miss in combination with unique destinations that will amaze you. I will choose these places for you based on your tastes and seasonal availability. I want to make sure that your private tour is a memorable experience.
Please keep in mind my recommended sample itineraries are just a taste of what I have to offer. I will always strive to create the best possible itinerary to match your needs and desires.
See all the must-visit attractions in Kyoto in one day including:
- Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
- Nijo Castle
- Gion (Gion Shinbashi, Yasaka Shrine)
- Kiyomizu Temple (through Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka)
Fringes of Kyoto:
- Toriimoto
- Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple
- Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple with a bamboo forest walk
- Giouji Temple
Not everybody has time for a whole day of sightseeing, so I’m happy to offer you a half-day tour (4 hours) of Kyoto:
- Downtown area
- Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion)
- Honen-in Temple
- Path of Philosophy
- Gion (Kyoto’s entertainment district)
or
Arashiyama Tour (4 hours)
- Bamboo forest
- Tenryuji Temple
- Okochi Sanso Garden
- Kameyama Park to Togetsu Bridge
See What My Previous Guests Say
We spent the first day in Kyoto and the second in Nara and Osaka. Takuya showed us traditional sights as well as local life, and he offered us some opportunities to experience special things that we would not have known about had we chosen to go out on our own.
He provided an outstanding tour showing us the highlights of both cities, including the Nijo Castle in Kyoto and the Todai-Ji temple in Nara.
If you are traveling to Japan and are looking for a local that is fluent in English and that will be able to give you an inside look to amazing food, culture, history plus anything else you may want to know about the country, look no further. Takuya is the one for you.
