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 experience of Japanese tradition and culture you won’t forget. We’ll see the major cultural landmarks on an exclusive and customizable private tour of this ancient city. Find out why Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,200 years with its history of emperors and aristocrats. I can guide you to the many head temples of Buddhism and major historic Shintoism shrines, keeping you entertained throughout with my fascinating historical stories of Japan’s past. If you want to go off the beaten path, then I can also show you the intriguing stone-paved back-alleys of this historic city. Or you could partake in my Kyoto food tours, the city has some of the best soba noodles and the freshest sake the world 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)

Click the tabs to find out more...

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


Included

Guide fee


Not included

  • Transportation
  • Entrance fees
  • Meals

What to bring in autumn

  • Camera
  • Warm clothes
  • Umbrella
  • Cash

Recommended Sample Itineraries

example of geiko dress up

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


Check Out My Other Private Tours of Japan