First we will go to Daitokuji which is a collection of small zen temples. We will visit three temples there. Each one has its own uniqueness with differently designed stone gardens. We go early in the morning, so you can feel the serenity and authenticity without too much crowd. After that we go to a store which was established in the year 1000. There you will have aburimochi which is known as the origin of all the Japanese sweets. After the break, we will visit Imamiya Shrine.
Kitaoji Station
We will meet at the subway station outside exit #2.
We will take a walk to Daitokuji.
We will go inside Daitokuji and visit three small temples as well as the budda hall and the gate (San Mon).
We will walk over to the aburimochi shop and have the oldest sweets in Japan and tea.
We will visit Imamiya Shrine right next to the aburimochi store.
We will finish the tour at the gate.
Imamiya Shrine
- Experience several different types of zen/stone gardens.
- Taste the famous sweets called aburimochi known as the oldest sweets in Japan.
One of the two stores was established in the year 1000.
- Visit Imamiya Shrine and learn how to properly visit a shrine.
Plus as a local Japanese guide, I can help to clarify things you are
curious about Japan during the tour!!!
- English translation / guide fee
- Transportation fee
- Entrance tickets for the three temples
- Aburimochi cost (will depend on how much you would like to have)
For some tours I can not guide everyday due to store closings. Please check my availability on each tour page. Thank you!
It is better to wear comfortable shoes since we need to walk the entire way.
We are a mid 30s and 40s couple from the USA and UK, and we spent 2 full days with Nori experiencing Kyoto. It could not have been a better decision. We saw and learned so much that we otherwise would have missed, and his guiding is seamless. Definitely highly recommended!
Thank you so much for kind comments. I also had a lot of fun exploring Kyoto with you guys! As for taiyaki today’s was good but the one I mentioned is even better. Please try it! Hope you can come again sometime. Enjoy the rest of your trip!!
We had an incredible experience with Nori as our tour guide in Kyoto, Japan! Having worked in the US for many years with a major Japanese corporation, Nori speaks excellent English and was incredibly kind and engaging, especially with our two kids. His passion for traveling and surfing, which has taken him to many places, shines through in his tours. Nori was one of the best tour guides we have encountered in our travels across different countries. He communicated with us well before the tour started, discussing the itinerary and offering helpful suggestions for transportation options. Impressively, he provided multiple itinerary options to accommodate both sunny and rainy days, ensuring we had a fantastic experience no matter the weather. We highly recommend Nori to anyone visiting the Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka areas. His professionalism, friendly demeanor, and thorough planning made our trip unforgettable!
Thanks so much for leaving such a kind and detailed message. I really appreciate it! I am really glad that you all were able to enjoy the tour. Hope you can come again and explore more amazing places in Japan together someday!
We had a very Nice day with Nori as guide in Kyoto. A Nice mixture of culture, nature and city life. He was very accomodating to our suggestions. Maria and Igor
Thanks guys! It was a real fun day for me as well!! I hope you will continue to have a safe and exciting trip! Will go to your country someday to try the best chocolate in the world!
We had a wonderful first day exploring Kyoto with Nori! He took us to the sites we wanted to see while providing information and fun on our tour! Nori tailored the tour so we explored everything we wanted to and he provided information on other in Kyoto that we were curious about. Nori arrived on time and is a fabulous tour guide!
Thanks so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it. It was really hot that day but you two had enough energy and stamina to go around the places we planned. Please come back sometime to see other beautiful places in Kyoto someday!