This tour takes you to the two areas, Fushimi and Uji. Both are a little away from central Kyoto and have the specific atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable away from hustle & bustle in central Kyoto.
At the lobby of your hotel in central Kyoto
In the past, Fushimi area was a large port town which faced a large lake which does not exist any more. Now you can enjoy riding the classical boat which makes you feel two hundreds years ago through the canal.
You will enjoy visiting classical Sake brewery museum where you might slip back to the good old days when the Sake brewery was in operation. There, you will know the secret how to make nicest Sake.
Japanese specialty if you like
Byodouin temple was designated as one of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. In front of Byodoin temple, you enjoy walking the front street, Omotesando, with the aroma of green tea which is the local specialty.
Ujigami shrine was designated as one of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. The area was the stage of ancient novel, "Tale of Genji", so you may feel the air of tranquility one thousand years ago.
The last spot or your hotel in central Kyoto
Guide fee, Hotel pick-up in central Kyoto area
Boat riding fee(1,200JPY), Transportation fee (apx. 1,000JPY), Lunch(apx. 1,500JPY), Entrance fee(apx.1,300JPY)
In case you want to book my tour for two or more consecutive days, please send me a message in advance.
Operated from end of Mar. to beginning of Dec.
1. This tour is operated from end of Mar. to beginning of Dec. based on boat operation schedule.
2. Mondays from Jun. to Sep. and everyday between Aug.15 and Aug. 31 are off based on boat operation schedule.
3. The tour may not be operated when classical boat is full reserved especially in April. As early reservation as possible is recommend.
On a very hot and humid day, Rick guided us through trains and trams, enabling us to visit multiple locations effortlessly. He took photos for us and was excited to discuss the significance of the historical sites we visited. Rick suggested an excellent restaurant with a beautiful view, and we had an unforgettable meal of Unagi Don. Later, he helped us plan the rest of our day with the oppressive heat in mind and walked us to our destination. I can honestly say visiting Kyoto with Rick was one of the highlights of our trip, and we couldn't have seen and learned so much without him.
Dear Karen and families, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the tour with using the public transportation. I believe you felt and touched the real Kyoto city and I hope it will be one of your nicest memories in Japan. Best regards, Rick
Rick gave us a very good and thorough tour of Kyoto. He helped us understand the history and traditions and showed us some of the best and unique aspects of Kyoto. Without him, it would be tough to see as much as we saw in half a day. On top of everything, Rick took us back to the Kyoto station and made sure that we found our locker. He took care of every detail of the tour!
Dear Leonid, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm glad you enjoyed some unique and best aspects of Kyoto. I appreciate your coorperation to go through the tour on schedule and it was my pleasure to have helped you to find your locker at the end. I hope Kyoto will be one of your best memories in Japan. Best regards, Rick
Rick is a very gentle and pleasing guide. We asked Rick to adjust our plans due to our exhaustion and without fail, he reciprocated. He went out of his way to search for an items for my husband and I, and was such a kind spirit that we really enjoyed his style. He was exactly what we needed for a more calming experience. We were ‘templed out’ and he understood that immediately. He also really wanted us to enjoy his guiding and he was a ‘no problem’ kind of guide who was clear and very patient. Without question I would utilize Rick’s services again. He represents the spirit of Kyoto very well. Quiet gentility.
Dear Veronica, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed my tour. I tried my best to adjust your plans and I'm glad I was able to help you. I hope Kyoto will be one of your nice memories in Japan and you will come back this city sometime in future. Best regards, Rick
We spent a lovely afternoon with Rick in Kyoto. We took the golden tour and Rick guided us through the golden pavilion, Nijo Castle and Gion. Along the way he told us interesting facts and took us to places in Gion we wouldn’t have seen if we had been on our own. We learned a lot about Geikos and Maikos. Rick’s knowledge about Kyoto is excellent and his command of English is good. We would highly recommend Rick as guide.
Dear Esther, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm so glad that both of you are interested in Kyoto very much and we had nice conversation during the tour. It was my pleasure replying your questions and guiding you to the best recommended places. I hope Kyoto will be your nice memory and you will come back to this city sometime in future. Best regards, Rick