There are so many beautiful places for visitors in Kyoto. If you don't have enough time or don't want to be bothered with a lot of research, I will show you how to travel more comfortably by taking the non-standard route. This is an example of a half-day trip to Kyoto in the fall. You can easily visit hidden gems and must-see places when you book my tour.
At your hotel
at your hotel lobby in Kyoto
Popular for the countless vermilion Torii Gates
We will use routes which locals do to avoid busy areas and traffic jams.
It has a nice nickname 'Rainbow Moss Temple.'
Very nice architecture. You can sit quietly and enjoy the beautiful garden.
You can enjoy tea (only in autumn).
It’s a must-see place in the fall. Famous for its stunning fall foliage and beautiful gardens. Zen Buddhist temple with ancient history.
Stunning views and atmospheric hills
You may see some Geisha in the evening
Your hotel or where you never get lost
At your hotel
Foreign tourists have taught us that the countless vermilion Torii Gates evoke the exotic feeling of Japan. But as a local, I would like to show you more of the aesthetics of Kyoto’s eastern district.
After enjoying the exotic vermilion Torii Gates of Fushimi-Inari Shrine, let's take the typical route.
We can walk to Komyo-in Temple(a hidden gem), where you can enjoy tea (only in fall) in a quiet atmosphere in front of a beautiful moss garden.
Then let’s go to Tofuku-ji Temple, which is really a must-see spot for the fall foliage.
And walk through the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is the most popular tourist spot in Kyoto, not like other temples. As it juts out of the cliff, you will enjoy the panoramic view of Kyoto.
From Kiyomizu Temple, please enjoy the quaint feel of the atmospheric hills with many souvenir shops, restaurants, and temples. Strolling through this area in the afternoon will make you feel happy.
The Gion district is famous for its geisha (Geiko and Maiko). There are many high-class Japanese restaurants and houses where geisha live nearby. If you are lucky, you may see some geisha dressed up on their way to a party.
guide fee, hotel pick-up
transportation fee (you and the guide) for a train (about 500 yen/per person) or a taxi (about 1,500 yen/per vehicle)
lunch
admission fees (about 3,000 yen/per person, no guide needed)
We will walk on the paved road. But we go up and down stairs. So, please put on easy walking shoes. Please take water with you. Please walk with your speed. There are so many photo spots.
Had an absolutely incredibly time with Shuji and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.
Hi Peter! Thank you for this most excellent review! Yes, we really had wonderful experiences in the factories of the Sakai traditional blades. I owe it to your curiosity and love for Japanese culture. Thank you very much. You are a great traveler. See you again sometime!
Our guide Shuji took excellent care of our family. He was very considerate planning the tour so the children and adults can enjoy the place. He made suggestions so it was easy for the kids to navigate (5 and 7 years old). He recommended which place to eat and advice us which place to avoid. He was very patient answering my nephew's questions about fishing! Unfortunately it rained but it was towards the end of our tour. We would highly recommend our guide Shuji. Thank you for the wonderful tour. Lynette and family ( Philippines)
Thank you for your kind review. We visited Nara considering the sudden heavy rain and the condition of 5 and 7-year-old children. The most challenging thing for me was the series of questions from 7-year-old boys about fishing. Yes, I also had a pleasant day in Nara. Thank you very much. See you sometime.
We had a great day visiting Himeji and its garden with Shuji. He was very accommodating and discreet. It was a perfect day!
Thank you for the wonderful review. As you suggested starting early, we were able to enjoy Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden during the cooler hours. And we got amazing seats for lunch. It really was a lovely tour. I would love to go on a tour with you all anytime. I hope you enjoy the tours for the rest of your stay in Japan.
We spent a day with Shuji in Kyoto and went at the end with him to Osaka where he lives. It was a great day. He is very knowlegeeable about Japanese history and culture (he taught world history before retiring). His Englsh is great. The Kyoto part was exploring three temples that were further out and we might have missed without his guidance. Osaka was a brief tour of the central area, including the night life and street food. He recommended a great restaurant for us after. Highly recommended. Kent and Luca
Dear Kent and Luca, Thank you so much for the great review. We really had a wonderful time. Since you had already visited many places in Kyoto, I was able to take you to my most favorite hidden gems. And thank you very much for your barrage of jokes! I hope I can see both of you again. Shuji O.