Kyoto Express Half Day Tour

Highlights

Kazuhiko G.

4.75(169) reviews
Kyoto
English
6 hours
Private tour (only you and your group)
Up to 10 people

This tour is an express customized half-day tour that will take you to several of the following attractions in Kyoto in a short period of time, tailored to your needs.

Please choose 2 or 3 places of your choice.

I will pick you up from and drop-off at your hotel or location of your choice.

・Fushimi Inari Shrine ・Arashiyama area (Bamboo forests, Monkey park etc.) ・ kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)

・Kiyomizu-dera Temple ・Nijyo-jyo Castle ・Nishiki market ・Others

Meeting Point

Your hotel or location of your choice

08:00 AM

Your hotel lobby or location of your choice

I will meet you at your hotel lobby or location of your choice.

09:00 AM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

It is a famous shrine representing Japan that enshrines

the god of fertility.

The characteristic of this shrine is that there are

more than 10,000 torii gates all the way to the summit, and

you can pass through many torii gates along the way.

Here you can learn about Japanese religion, such as

the differences between Shinto and Buddhism, and

how to worship.

(Entrance fee)free

11:00 AM

Arashiyama area (Bamboo forests etc.) or Kiyomizu-dera temple

・Arashiyama area (Bamboo forests etc.)

  It is a scenic spot where the emperor and aristocrats had

villas for more than 1000 years.  

  Please stroll through beautiful scenery such as

the bamboo forest and Togetsukyo Bridge.

(Entrance fee)

The bamboo forest and Togetsukyo Bridge : Free

Tenryu-ji Buddhist Temple :

  High School Student & Adult : 500 yen

  Elementary & Junior High School Student : 300 yen

・Kiyomizu-dera Temple

The view from the terrace, called "Kiyomizu-no-butai"

(stage of Kiyomizu), is spectacular.

The main shrine enshrines one of the Buddhist statues, the

Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.

Other statues of Buddha, such as Niou and Jizo Bosatsu, can also be seen.

Located on a hillside, the temple commands a panoramic view of

the city of Kyoto.

There are many souvenir shops along the approach to the

temple, where you can buy traditional Japanese souvenirs.

Nearby is the five-story pagoda known as Yasaka-no-to (Yasaka Pagoda).

(Entrance fee)

  High School Student & Adult : 400 yen

Elementary & Junior High School Student : 200 yen

12:30 PM

Kinkaku-ji Temple (The Golden pavilion)

The Golden Pavilion and gardens are especially

breathtaking.

 (Entrance fee)

  High School Student & Adult : 400 yen

  Elementary & Junior High School Student : 300 yen

01:30 PM

Other spots (If time permits)

・Nijyo-jyo Castle

 Nijo-jyo Castle was built by the Tokugawa shogunate in

the 17th century and has watched over the rise and fall of the shogunate.

In particular, the Ninomaru Palace is designated as a

national treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

(Entrance fee)

Adult : 1300 yen

Junior High School & High School Student : 400 yen

Elementary School Student : 300 yen

・Nishiki market

 It is a traditional market called "Kyoto's kitchen", and the narrow

alleys are lined with fruit and vegetable shops, fish shops, and

other shops. Also, eating while walking is possible.

 (Entrance fee) Free

02:00 PM

Your hotel or location of your choice

We will say goodbye at your hotel lobby or location of your choice.

Ending Point

Your hotel or location of your choice

Want to personalize this tour?

  • Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
  • Click below to tell us what you are looking for:

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Licensed Tour Guide, Your hotel or location of your choice pick-up

What‘s not included

Transportation fee, Lunch fee, Entrance fee

Important Information

Please feel free to contact me!!

*You will know following items.

 ・Japanese garden style and architecture

 ・Differnce between Shinto (Japanese original religion) and Buddhism

 ・The meaning of Torii gate etc.

 ・The type of Buddha statue

 ・How to pray at Shinto shrine and Buddhist temple

 ・Japanese history

 ・Japanese traditional cuisine

 ・Others

*I can also guide in following spots if you pay additional fee.

・Nara ・Osaka ・Hiroshima ・Himeji ・Tayama & Shirakawa-go・Hikone Castle in Shiga


Cancellation Policy

  • Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
  • 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
  • No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main features of this tour?

I don't just guide you. I will do my best to make your trip more memorable by responding to your various requests.

Is it possible to change the itinerary?

Yes, at any time. I will adapt to your requests.

Can you guide me to spots outside of Kyoto?

Yes. I can also guide you to following spots, so please feel free to contact me.

Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima, Himeji (National Treasure Castle), Hikone (National Traesure Castle),

Takayama & Shirakawa-go

Reviews

Adam K.

Aug 8, 2024

Most memorable tour in Kyoto

Dear Mr. Kazuhiko, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for the wonderful guided tour of Kyoto's historic landmarks. Your extensive knowledge and passion for the city's rich history truly enriched our experience. Your ability to convey the significance of each site, from the serene beauty of Kinkaku-ji to the profound spirituality of Fushimi Inari Shrine, left a lasting impression on us. Moreover, your anecdotes and insights provided invaluable context, making the tour both educational and engaging. I especially appreciated your patience and willingness to answer our questions, which further deepened our understanding of Kyoto's cultural heritage. Your professionalism and warmth made the tour not only informative but also enjoyable. Thank you once again for a memorable experience. I will certainly recommend your services to anyone visiting Kyoto in the future. Warm regards, Beata & Adam

Kazuhiko G.

Dear Beata & Adam, Thank you for the nice review. I am sorry for making you walk a lot in the hot weather. Have you recovered from the fatigue? I had a great time too. Thank you very much!! I hope this tour will be a memorable one in Japan, and I hope you will come back to Japan again. Best regards, Kazuhiko Goto

L

Lynda E.

Jul 26, 2024

Kazu is amazing

We were extremely lucky to have Kazu as our guide for Kyoto. He was so very patient and accommodating as we kept on changing our plans. Being a group of 11, we were his largest group he had ever worked with and we were probably very difficult to wrangle and organize. Kazu was always positive and patient. He was extremely knowledgeable about Kyoto, the culture and the landmarks. We would all recommend Kazu to anyone who is visiting Japan.

Kazuhiko G.

Hello, Thank you for the nice review. I hope you are not too tired from the hot weather. I enjoyed guiding this tour as well. I hope this tour will be a memorable one for all of us. Thank you!!

R

Reena P.

Jun 6, 2024

Kyoto visit

Kazu is a very good guide. He guided us through Kyoto and took us to many of the key spots. He was very timely and organized. He explained where we were going and what we were going to see and how we were going to get there. He also communicated very well before the trip. I would highly recommend Kazu as a guide!

Kazuhiko G.

Thank you for the nice review. I am glad you had a good time. I hope this tour will be a memorable tour in Japan. I hope you will come back to Japan again. Thank you very much!!

S

Sophia D.

May 31, 2024

Day trip to Nara!

Kazu was awesome! He met us at our hotel and helped navigate the public transit system so we could go to Nara. We were excited for the deer, but the temples blew us away. Very beautiful! He brought all these pamphlets and instruction sheets to help with history which was appreciated. Then a great local lunch spot! Highly recommend this tour!

Kazuhiko G.

Thank you for the nice review. I am glad you had an enjoyable tour. I had a great time too. I hope this tour will be a memorable tour in Japan. Thank you very much !!

$166/ per group

More tours by Kazuhiko G.

Your most memorable tour in Kyoto

Kyoto
8 hours

Kyoto is an ancient capital that has existed for over 1000 years. There are many shrines and temples, and you can also see traditional Japanese culture such as tea ceremony and flower arrangement. You can also see the beautiful scenery that will take your breath away. Please feel Kyoto, which can be said to be the origin of Japan, with all five senses.

FROM$222/ per group

Your most memorable tour in Osaka

Osaka
8 hours

The city of Osaka flourished around the eponymous Osaka Castle during the Edo era, and is now the third largest city in Japan. It is said to be the center of commerce and is a vibrant city with an atmosphere distinct from that of Tokyo or Kyoto. Please visit Osaka and get to know a different side of the country.

FROM$222/ per group

Your most memorable tour to Nara (Kyoto or Osaka departure)

Nara
7 hours

In Nara deer Park, you can feed many cute wild deers. After playing with deers, you will go to Toudaiji Temple. You can see huge buddaha statue. Next, you will go to kasuga shrine After lunch, you will viist Koufukuji Temple and you can see a five-storied pagoda. Morover, based on your request, I will take you to other spots.

FROM$194/ per group

Kyoto Express Half Day Tour

Kyoto
6 hours

This tour is an express customized half-day tour that will take you to several of the following attractions in Kyoto in a short period of time, tailored to your needs. Please choose 2 or 3 places of your choice. I will pick you up from and drop-off at your hotel or location of your choice. ・Fushimi Inari Shrine ・Arashiyama area (Bamboo forests, Monkey park etc.) ・ kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion) ・Kiyomizu-dera Temple ・Nijyo-jyo Castle ・Nishiki market ・Others

FROM$166/ per group