Nijo castle is not just an old castle but it is a great showcase of Japanese art, history and architecture. I will explain deep inside of this it taking double time including some secret stories, latest academic findings and so on which are not described in any guide book or online information. After that, we will visit Kyoto Imperial Palace where had been emperor's resident for hundreds years. Finally the tour finishes visiting Nishiki food market which has been said as "Kitchen of Kyoto."
At the lobby of your hotel in central Kyoto
Visit Nijo castle to enjoy Japanese art, history and architecture
Japanese specialty if you like
Visit Kyoto Imperial Palace to see the imperial life hundreds of years ago
Visit Nishiki market to enjoy Japanese food culture
Walk through the traditional entertainment area where you might see Geiko(Geisha) or Maiko
Nishiki market
Guide fee, Hotel pick-up in central Kyoto area
Transportation fee (apx. 800JPY for Subway), Lunch and Foods in Nishiki market (apx. 2,000JPY), Entrance fee(1,300JPY for Nijo castle),
In case you want to book my tour for two or more consecutive days, please send me a message in advance.
This tour is not available on all days in August.
The tour will not be operated on every Tuesday in January, July, August, December and between Dec.26 to Jan.3 because Ninomaru Palace of Nijo castle will be closed.
Kyoto Imperial palace will be closed every Monday or the next day (when a Monday is holiday) and between Dec.28 and Jan.3. Also it might be closed on some specified days for some events. In this case, other visiting spot will be replaced by Heian Shrine, etc.
The total walking distance of this tour is about 5 Km. (2 Km in Nijo castle, 2 Km in Kyoto Imperial Palace, 1 Km in Nishiki market)
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