We are here to help you discover new things, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is so more than its famous tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. Most people are satisfied by a scenic view of it. But this has a lot of stories to tell that will connect you to the Japan's history and culture and your guide will show you deeper. You will see a fascinating story attached to the origin of the shrine dedicated to the god of grains – that’s what “Inari” means – . This is also why you’ll see statues of the fox around the shrine. “Kitsune” or the fox is a servant to the god Inari. They are cunning tricksters, clever minded animals who make perfect guides for the treacherous business world. You may would want the foxes on your side after this tour.
Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).
Exploring the narrow alleyways of Kyoto’s Geisha District—Gion can be daunting for a first-time visitor. Eliminate the worry of getting lost by going on a guided tour. It’s a great way to discover hidden places that locals love, and to hear about Kyoto’s ancient past. Highlights include learning about Geisha culture and rituals, and visiting Gion, Pontocho, and Miyagawacho.
Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi. Nishiki Market has a pleasant but busy atmosphere that is inviting to those who want to explore the variety of culinary delights that Kyoto is famous for. The stores found throughout the market range in size from small narrow stalls to larger two story shops. Most specialize in a particular type of food, and almost everything sold at the market is locally produced and procured.
Discover one of Kyoto’s most popular temples—Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Exploring the temple grounds with a guide means you’ll be able to learn about Japan’s history and culture as you explore the magnificent building. Enjoy commentary from your English-speaking guide who will make sure you don't miss any important features.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), an attractive park in the center of the city that also encompasses the Sento Imperial Palace and a few other attractions.
Pontocho (先斗町, Pontochō) is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. It is a narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of Kamogawa River. The alley is packed with restaurants on both sides offering a wide range of dining options from inexpensive yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, foreign cuisine and highly exclusive establishments that require the right connections and a fat wallet. Business hours and closing days of the restaurants, bars and shops along Pontocho vary by establishment, but most places are usually open from around 17:00 to 23:00. Some also open for lunch. An increasing number of establishments offer English menus.
The Higashiyama District (東山) along the lower slopes of Kyoto's eastern mountains is one of the city's best preserved historic districts. It is a great place to experience traditional old Kyoto, especially between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine, where the narrow lanes, wooden buildings and traditional merchant shops invoke a feeling of the old capital city. Recent renovations to remove telephone poles and repave the streets have further improved the traditional feel of the district.
Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple along Kyoto's eastern mountains (Higashiyama). In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the grounds of today's temple, modeling it after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather's retirement villa at the base of Kyoto's northern mountains (Kitayama). The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa's death in 1490. As the retirement villa of an art obsessed shogun, Ginkakuji became a center of contemporary culture, known as the Higashiyama Culture in contrast to the Kitayama Culture of his grandfather's times. Unlike the Kitayama Culture, which remained limited to the aristocratic circles of Kyoto, the Higashiyama Culture had a broad impact on the entire country. The arts developed and refined during the time include the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, noh theater, poetry, garden design and architecture.
Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺), whose spacious grounds are located at the base of Kyoto's forested Higashiyama mountains, is one of the most important Zen temples in all of Japan. It is the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism and includes multiple subtemples, that make the already large complex of temple buildings even larger. The history of Nanzenji dates back to the mid 13th century, when the Emperor Kameyama built his retirement villa at the temple's present location and later converted it into a Zen temple. After its founding, Nanzenji grew steadily, but its buildings were all destroyed during the civil wars of the late Muromachi Period (1333-1573). The oldest of the current buildings was built after that period.
Tofukuji (東福寺, Tōfukuji) is a large Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto that is particularly famous for its spectacular autumn colors. The temple was founded in 1236 at the behest of the powerful Fujiwara clan. Its name is a combination of the names of two great temples in Nara that were also associated with the Fujiwara, Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple. Tofukuji has historically been one of the principal Zen temples in Kyoto, and is a head temple of one of the schools of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. In autumn, people come from all over Japan to see Tofukuji's autumn colors. The most popular view is of the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which spans a valley of lush maple trees. The view from the bridge is equally spectacular, and the 100 meter long, covered walkway becomes extremely crowded when the colors reach their peak, usually around mid to late November.
Toji Temple (東寺, Tōji), literally "East Temple", was founded at the beginning of the Heian Period just after the capital was moved to Kyoto in the late 700s. The large temple, together with its now defunct sister temple Saiji ("West Temple"), flanked the south entrance to the city and served as the capital's guardian temples. Toji Temple is one of Kyoto's many UNESCO world heritage sites. About thirty years after the temple's establishment, Kobo Daishi, the founder of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, was appointed head priest of Toji, and the temple became one of the most important Shingon temples besides the sect's headquarters on Mount Koya. Kobo Daishi also added many of the large wooden buildings that stand on the grounds today.
Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later. Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.
Ninnaji (仁和寺) is one of the many great temples in Kyoto which are listed as World Heritage Sites. It is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism and was founded in 888 by the reigning emperor. Over many centuries, a member of the Imperial Family used to serve as Ninnaji's head priest, and the temple was also known as Omuro Imperial Palace. Due to the many wars and fires that ravaged Kyoto throughout its history, none of the buildings from the temple's foundation in the 9th century still survive. The oldest buildings date back to the beginning of the Edo Period in the early 1600s, including the main hall (Kondo), the Kannon Hall, the Niomon front gate, the Chumon inner gate and the five storied pagoda.
Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyū) was built in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno and is now managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It consists of the Upper, Middle and Lower Villa areas, each featuring gardens and buildings of the traditional imperial style. Shugakuin's name comes from a former temple built on the same site in the tenth century. The Imperial Villa was constructed between 1655 and 1659, with a palace for Gomizuno's daughter added ten years later. More recently in 1964, the surrounding farmlands were bought by the Imperial Household Agency. They are leased out to local farmers who continue to work the fields.
Kibune (貴船) is a small town in a forested valley in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, which developed around Kifune Shrine. According to legend, a goddess traveled in a boat from Osaka all the way up the river into the mountains north of Kyoto, and Kifune Shrine was built at the site where her boat journey had come to an end. Kifune Shrine is dedicated to the god of water and rain and believed to be the protector of those at sea. Here you can obtain a unique type of fortune written on paper slips (omikuji) that reveal their messages when dipped into water. Okunomiya, the inner sanctum and original site of Kifune Shrine, lies about one kilometer further up the valley. It has a large rock, known as the boat stone, which is said to be where the goddess' yellow boat is buried.
Kurama (鞍馬) is a rural town in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, less than one hour from the city center. Kurama is best known for its temple Kurama-dera and its hot spring, one of the most easily accessible hot springs from Kyoto. Outdoor and indoor baths can be enjoyed at Kurama Onsen, a ryokan located at the upper end of the town of Kurama. It can be reached in a 10 minute walk from the train station along the town's only road or along a nature trail following the river. Staying guests can use the baths for free, while daytrippers pay 2500 yen(Weekday), 2700 yen(Weekend) to use all of the baths or 1400 yen(Weekday), 1600 yen(Weekend) for just the outdoor bath (rotemburo).
Ryoanji Temple (龍安寺, Ryōanji) is the site of Japan's most famous rock garden, which attracts hundreds of visitors every day. Originally an aristocrat's villa during the Heian Period, the site was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 and belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, whose head temple stands just a kilometer to the south. As for the history of Ryoanji's famous rock garden, the facts are less certain. The garden's date of construction is unknown and there are a number of speculations regarding its designer. The garden consists of a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks laid out in small groups on patches of moss. An interesting feature of the garden's design is that from any vantage point at least one of the rocks is always hidden from the viewer.
Arashiyama (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons. The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.
Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮, Katsura Rikyū) is one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden in their present form were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan's Imperial Family. Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires joining a tour. The tour follows the garden's circular walking trail around the central pond. Palace buildings can be viewed only from the outside, and photographing is allowed only from designated spots. Tours in English are available.
Daikakuji (大覚寺) is a large temple in the northern part of Kyoto's Sagano district. It was originally built in the early 800s as the detached palace of Emperor Saga, who thoroughly enjoyed spending time in this calm area on the outskirts of Kyoto. Thirty years after the emperor's death, the palace was converted into a temple and has since been one of the highest ranked temples of Shingon Buddhism. Daikakuji has had a role in several significant historical events. A succession of retired emperors reigned from here, and in the 12th century the temple hosted peace talks that reunited the Northern and Southern Imperial Courts after 50 years of civil war. Daikakuji is also featured in the Tale of Genji, the first novel in Japanese literature. Today, the temple is one of the best places to still feel the ancient court atmosphere described in the novel and is often used for filming historical dramas.
Tenryuji (天龍寺, Tenryūji) is the most important temple in Kyoto's Arashiyama district. It was ranked first among the city's five great Zen temples, and is now registered as a world heritage site. Tenryuji is the head temple of its own school within the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism. Tenryuji was built in 1339 by the ruling shogun Ashikaga Takauji. Takauji dedicated the temple to Emperor Go-Daigo, who had just passed away. The two important historic figures used to be allies until Takauji turned against the emperor in a struggle for supremacy over Japan. By building the temple, Takauji intended to appease the former emperor's spirits.
Yoshiminedera (吉峰寺) is a temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism located in Kyoto's western mountains. Similar to Kiyomizudera on the opposite side of town, Yoshiminedera is built along the mountain side and looks out onto Kyoto. The temple grounds are spacious and there are many buildings distributed up the mountain side. A priest from Enryakuji, named Gesan, established Yoshiminedera as a personal retreat in 1029. In 1467 the temple was destroyed in the Onin War but was rebuilt in 1621. The temple's main objects of worship are a Kannon statue carved by Gesan and a Kannon statue given to the temple by Emperor Gosuzaku in 1042.
The Togetsukyo Bridge (lit. "Moon Crossing Bridge") is Arashiyama's most iconic landmark. It was originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and most recently reconstructed in the 1930s. The bridge looks particularly attractive in combination with the forested mountainside in the background. A riverside park with dozens of cherry trees is located just adjacent to the bridge.
The walking paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk or bicycle ride. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. The bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes and mats at local workshops for centuries.
This is the former villa of the popular actor Okochi Denjiro (1896-1962), located in the back of Arashiyama's bamboo groves. Okochi Sanso consists of several different gardens and buildings, including living quarters, tea houses and gates. The buildings can only be viewed from the outside. Admission includes matcha green tea with a snack.
Ranked among Kyoto's five great Zen temples, Tenryuji is the largest and most impressive temple in Arashiyama. Founded in 1339 at the beginning of the Muromachi Period (1338-1573), the temple is one of Kyoto's many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition to its temple buildings, there are attractive gardens with walking paths.
This mountainside temple was founded in 1596. With small, attractive buildings and gates, the temple has a quiet and understated atmosphere. Maple trees and moss are located just beside the paths and stairs that lead across the temple grounds. From a number of spots, visitors can enjoy views over Kyoto.
Similar to Jojakkoji, Nisonin Temple is a hillside temple with slightly larger and imposing buildings. A generally understated atmosphere on the temple grounds is partly due to the overhanging trees along approach. Founded in the mid 9th century, Nisonin is a temple of the Tendai sect. There are views over the city from the upper grounds.
Gioji is even more nestled into the forest than Jojakkoji and Nisonin. It is known for its moss garden that is punctuated with tall maple trees. The temple's entrance gate and small main hall have thatched roofs. The latter has an attractive round window looking into the gardens.
Adashino Nenbutsuji is located at the end of the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street. The temple was founded in the early 9th century when the famous monk Kobo Daishi placed stone statues for the souls of the dead here. Today, the temple grounds are covered by hundreds of such stone statues. In the back of the temple, a short path leads through a bamboo forest.
Another ten minute walk north of the similarly named Adashino Nenbutsuji, the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is famous for its 1200 stone statues of rakan, devoted followers of Buddhism, each with a different facial expression. Created relatively recently in the 1980s and early 1990s, the many statues stand across the temple grounds which cover part of a forested mountain slope.
Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮, Katsura Rikyū) is one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden in their present form were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan's Imperial Family. Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires joining a tour. The tour follows the garden's circular walking trail around the central pond. Palace buildings can be viewed only from the outside, and photographing is allowed only from designated spots. Tours in English are available.
Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyū) was built in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno and is now managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It consists of the Upper, Middle and Lower Villa areas, each featuring gardens and buildings of the traditional imperial style. Shugakuin's name comes from a former temple built on the same site in the tenth century. The Imperial Villa was constructed between 1655 and 1659, with a palace for Gomizuno's daughter added ten years later. More recently in 1964, the surrounding farmlands were bought by the Imperial Household Agency. They are leased out to local farmers who continue to work the fields.
Yoshi was great, waiting for us in our hotel and ready to go at 6:30am. He was easy to spend 4 hours with and asked in advance what we wanted to do. He explained everything as we walked and was always friendly and helpful. If we come back to Japan I would certainly ask for him again!
This was an amazing experience and great opportunity to learn about the history plus unique experiences that we would have missed if it weren’t for Yuka! She was very informative and flexible to what we needed!
My solo tour of Arashiyama with Yuka-san was easily one of the absolute highlights of my trip! Her clever planning allowed us to beat the crowds completely. Visiting Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and the moss gardens of Gio-ji was deeply moving, and the quiet atmosphere truly forced a moment of silence. Hearing the nightingales and frogs made it extra magical. Yuka provided incredible guidance and care throughout the day. I am returning home with a suitcase full of unforgettable stories!
Wow ! Yuka was an amazing guide and the visite was better than our expectations ! We gave learned a lot and the kids loved it !
Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide. He reached out to us with some ideas for our private tour. He worked with us as we made the tour perfectly suited to our needs. He met us on time. He navigated the crowds and the sites perfectly. He was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot. He even put together a nice photo collection of photos he emailed us after. Highly recommend.
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Michi-san yesterday morning. He provided an excellent overview of Japan and the sites we visited. He ensured we avoided the crowds as much as possible. Michi-san was a happy and friendly guide who went over and beyond for us. We would definitely recommend Michi-san and this private tour.
Shige was a wonderful guide. He helped us navigate the public transit system and provided keen insight into Japanese cultural practices and the role of religion in modern day Japan.10/10
Exceptionnally nice guide with all the stories but also receptive to our wishes, and going beyond to make our visit the best!! Also helped with picking a nice place to eat, and showed the typical Kyoto sweets :) thank you very much Akira, we wish you all the best !!
Misho was great. He arrived on-time, helped us navigate Kyoto and some key cultural and historic places. Very informative, prepared, and friendly guide to help us out on our first day in Japan!
My mother and I loved our day with Ken! He is a national treasure! We opted for the private van, saw lots of great spots and can’t recommend him highly enough. You can tell he is passionate about touring and clearly doing this as an enjoyable hobby. Good luck on the tennis court Ken, and we hope to see you again! All the best, Jackie and Jeff
We had the most wonderful private walking tour of Kyoto with Kei. He was so knowledgeable and we really felt that we had an understanding of Japan and Kyotos history. We covered so much on our tour and felt like we had seen everything that we had wanted to cover. I highly recommend Kei for this tour.
We had a wonderful private walking tour of Kyoto with Kei. He was just lovely. So knowledgeable and covered so much of Japan and Kyotos history. We packed so much in and at the end of our tour we covered everything that we wanted to see
We had a great tour with Shuji - he was very knowledgeable about the area and arranged a lovely tour for us.
Kaeko was an excellent tour guide and took me to a great selection of Kyoto sights. She was knowledgeable and provided me with just the right level of information about the sights we took in.
Hiroko kosaki was a great tour gal. We enjoyed learning about the history of Japan. Took us to different places, favorite was bamboo forest.
Uninformed guide who did not know anything about the tour she was giving. Would not recommend to anyone.
Maya was an excellent guide, prompt, informative, adaptive, an excellent communicator we had a lovely first day in Kyoto. She made our visit special and made us want to return.
Shu led us on a wonderful tour to Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyomizu-dera/Sannenzaka/Ninenzaka, and Gion. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic. We appreciated that he had answers to all of our questions and patiently waited for us as we observed the sights and collected goshuin. Although we were only able to spend limited time at each location, Shu made sure to educate us on the history and importance of the sights and make recommendations for future visits. We appreciated the personalized tour and recommend it to anyone considering booking!
This was a wonderful experience with an absolutely pleasant guide in Yoshi. He was very informative and a delightful person to accompany us.
Booked this for our honeymoon. The tour guide never showed up. No contact from Viator until we contacted them, still haven’t been refunded. I’ve contacted Viator multiple times. Really really disappointed with the entire experience.
Our guide, Rie, took us to 4 locations in Kyoto starting at 7a and ending 11a when she dropped us at her favorite sushi restaurant for lunch. Rie reached out to us a month before our trip and then again the week of our tour. We visited the Tori Gates, a Shrine, Bamboo Forest, and Gion district. It was a lot to pack into 4 hours which required some swift power walking on our parts. Rie seamlessly guided us through the subway and train systems and allowed for plenty of snack and bathroom breaks. She was also able to adjust our itinerary on the fly due to the New Year crowds, our discussion of what we had seen in Osaka (first part of our Japan trip), and finally my kids’ vocal unwillingness to walk much more 😂 This early morning tour is a must if you want to actually see anything at these tourist spots. There were still crowds of people (especially since it was New Years), but it was manageable and the sparse early morning tourists allowed you to actually see the sites and walk through relatively easily. The other major plus was having a guide who knew exactly where to go and what to do. We were a family of 6 with 3 children, my husband and I, and one grandparent. I did not have to manage figuring out where and when to go places and just followed Rie. She also took away the anxiety of trying to figure out the train systems. Def consider an early morning tour especially if you’re coming from the USA. The jet lag had us up between 330-630a the first few mornings so it was perfect with this tour!
Tomy was an excellent guide and very knowledgeable about the locations we visited. Highly recommended.
Our guide was punctual, responsive to our requests, respectful, and knowledgeable about the history of Kyoto as well as transportation to the sites we visited. Kept the tour on track and returned us to an interesting area near our hotel within 4 hours. Was able to see Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and the imperial palace. Very cool experience to have with a local guide. Some sites have their own admission fee like Kinkaku-ji, but the other two we visited were free. We paid for transportation but our guide was mindful about the cost and used the metro system where possible. Our guide spoke English with great fluency.
Kay guide us in a magical tour of Kyoto. The tour was early in the morning and we enjoyed Kay as a tour guide and our personal photographer. The Bamboo forest early in the morning is just magical. Following the Fushimi Inari Shrine just spectacular out of a movie set. Thanks to Kay for showing us these beautiful places.
Akira was wonderful and knowledgeable about the history of the Fushimi Inari Shrine as well as relaying its importance to Japan in general. He walked us through the many mini shrines on the mountain and their meanings. At Sanjūsangendō Temple, he was great at explaining the importance of the 1001 Kannon statues and pointing out the subtle differences in all of them. All in all he was patient with regard to our questions and informative! Highly recommend this tour!
We had a great time, the tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly. She gave us interesting information on all the sites. Would recommend.
Our 4 hours with YOSHI , was. Delight. We visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Yoshi told many folk stories about each location. He was great behind the camera as well , and made sure we all got great photos ! And made the journey a delight. We highly recommend Yoshi to other travellers . He said he covers all of Japan for guiding and loves it .. Thankyou !!!
Start early, it can get busy and hot. Yasu was very helpful and informative. He was able to take me and 3 friends all over by public transportation. It was an excellent tour.
Yasu was a fantastic guide! He picked us (two adults and two teens) up at our hotel and took us to three locations of our choosing (Bamboo Forest, Monkey Palace, Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine). He shared the history of each location and showed us areas we wouldn't have seen without his guidance. It was a very hot day and we needed to take many breaks- Yasu was very patient with our pace. We learned a lot, saw everything we wanted to, and it was so easy to follow our guide and just enjoy the sites. Highly recommend this easy private tour!
Yasu was an amazing tour guide! Not only was he patient and knowledgeable, he took a keen interest in us and what we would like to see. He brought us to some great places and was so accommodating because it was a hot day. I highly recommend him for any future tourist
Our guide was Satoko and she was amazing. We hit all the big spots to see and she was very accommodating and knew a lot of the history and gave us great insights on the places we visited.
Our guide was very flexible and responsive to what we wanted to see and ensured our time together was what we wanted to focus on. She also did a great job of helping us know how to navigate to the things we were visiting after our time with her. Very helpful orientation to Kyoto!
Mayumi was wonderful! She reached out way in advance to discuss our interests; she was highly knowledgeable, engaged, very sweet and attentive, and added an extra half hour to help my wife, who was having ankle problems. We saw Kiyomizudera Temple Fushimiinari-taisha Shrine Arashiyama (Bamboo Forest, Tenryuji Temple and Togetsukyo Bridge), and went on ourselves to the monkey forest (big climb but well worth it). We can give this tour our highest recommendation, and Mayumi in particular!
Masaaki was a wonderful guide. Very knowledgeable and kept us going at a perfect pace! The morning private tour was just right.
Nabet our tour guide was fantastic in his knowledge and experience of the areas we visited. His English was excellent and he explained each activity well. The great thing about this tour is that you get to choose where you want to go (within time and travel restrictions). The early start meant there were little or no crowds where we went. I would highly recommend this tour as it’s a great way to see the main attractions in the 4 hours time frame. Well worth it!
This was one of the best walking tours we had. Michi is very knowledgeable and skillful guide, enthusiastic about Japanese history and culture, very helpful and caring person. He was very efficient, we managed to visit three major sites, and also very caring and helpful, abl to address ou specific needs.
"Matt" was a wonderful guide who set up an itinerary that navigated us through our highlights in advance of the huge crowds over the winter holiday break. It was so nice to get the history and background of the sites instead of walking through the shrines & temples without context. He also was able to get some photos of us that we'll treasure. Would 100% book again.
The tour was great-we left early in the morning to minimize crowds and it was perfect . Kaz was very knowledgeable and entertaining
We had the pleasure of touring Kyoto with our guide, Yoji, yesterday, and I cannot recommend him enough! From the moment we met, his enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the city's history and culture were evident. Yoji's storytelling truly brought the sights to life, making every visit memorable. He was not only informative but also incredibly personable, ensuring that everyone felt included and engaged throughout the tour. His passion for Kyoto shone through in every detail. Thank you, Yoji, for an unforgettable experience. Your hard work and dedication to making our tour special did not go unnoticed!
Very Nice day with guide Kaeko! Very good english talking guide who know everything on this tour! She’s greate and we had a good experience!
Yoshi our guide was very knowledgeable and happy to answer all sorts of questions about life in Japan and its culture. Having a local guide means seeing things you might not find by yourself and this was the most memorable part of our two days in Kyoto. Would highly recommend.
Amazing kazz attention, explains in detail the places, very good recommendations and the best is the attention we loved the tour
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