In Kyoto, there are a lot of cultural properties. Of them, seventeen temples and shrines are included in World Heritage. On this tour, we will visit some of them Osaka to feel the profundity and splendor of Kyoto.
If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, for example, if you would like to visit Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, Silver Pavilion, Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Sanjusangen-do and others, just let me know. I will customize the tour for you.
TBD (at your hotel)
Arashiyama is very well known for cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. Located in the west of Kyoto City, it has been a typical tourist destination in Kyoto for more than 1200 years. The Togetsu Bridge and the Bamboo Forest are the symbols of Arashiyama.
Ryoanji is a Zen-style temple built in 1450. It is well known all over the world for its Zen-style Rock Garden. It became so famous after Queen Elizabeth II of England praised it when she visited the temple in 1975. However, exact construction date, intention and the name of the designer of the garden still remain unclear.
Kinkakuji Temple, which was built in 1397, is also called the Golden Pavilion because it used to be a noble villa. Japan at the time when Kinkakuji Temple was built was rich both in national power and culture due to the trade with Ming. The symbol of it is the gorgeous structure of Kinkakuji, which is filled with gold foil.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is a guardian shrine for rice cultivation and business, worshipped by a lot of people. We will make a pilgrimage under the famous One Thousand Torii gates here to wish prosperity.
TBD (at your hotel)
In this tour, we will visit some of the World Heritage sites and other cultural properties in Kyoto.
I will meet you at your hotel in Osaka before taking a train to Kyoto.
I will reserve train seats for you for round trip (optional and subjects to availability).
You may follow the model itinerary, or you may choose places you want to visit. I will customize a tour for you.
If you want to customize a tour, please let me know TWO DAYS PRIOR to the tour date.
I used to work for a prefectural government for a World Heritage project as a manager. I have a lot of knowledge on the World Heritage sites. I will be able to give a very intellectual guidance to you.
guide fee
Insurance
Transportation fare, entrance fees and lunch (you and guide),
Transportation fare
Ask for details
As this is a TRAIN and WALKING tour, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Tours are NOT covered by insurance.
Transportation fare, entrance fees and lunch for guests and guide are NOT included. Ask for details.
Direct payment will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
I used to work for a prefectural government as a director of Cultural Heritage Management Department. I have a lot of knowledge on cultural properties and the World Heritage sites in Japan. I will give an intellectual guidance to you based on my knowledge and experience.
Kiroyuki was so knowledgeable about the area and gave us historical background on everything. He listened to what we were wanting to experience and made sure he provided it for us. He was very patient and considerate with my health conditions as well. He went above and beyond by helping us navigate the trains and cab. He helped us purchase train cards and download the best app to get cabs. He spoke really good English and was familiar with American customs. We had an amazing time thanks to him.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was a very hot mid-summer day. We had a record-breaking hot summer this year in Japan. It is raining today, and the weather forecast says that today in the last summer day here. Please take care of yourself and come back to Japan in spring or fall next time. Many thanks to you. Best wishes, Hiro
Hiro was fantastic. I felt like I was in my own college class. He made history come to life. If you are looking for the best guide he is your man. Thanks Hiro for two adventure full days. Best. George.
George san, Thank you very much for everything. I had wonderful two days with you in Kyoto. By the way, Osaka is a place to enjoy its culture. And Nara, Mt. Koya and Himeji Castle are easy to access from Osaka. You can make a one day trip to Hiroshima as well. I hope you will have a wonderful time in Osaka as well. And enjoy the SHOW!
We spent our first day in Nara with Hiroyuki, who gave us an exceptional tour of Nara Park and its breathtaking shrines and temples. Hiro is incredibly knowledgeable, answering all our questions with fascinating details, and his decades of experience as a tour guide truly shine through. He is also very accommodating, patient, and speaks good English. We couldn't have asked for a better guide to introduce us to Nara's rich history and culture. Thank you Hiro O.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It was really nice meeting such a nice couple like you. Yes, you asked me a lot of questions and liked your questions. I hope you liked my answers as well. Take good care of yourself and enjoy rest of your days in Japan.
Hiro was a fantastic tour guide, showing us all the sites of Osaka. He was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with all of our questions. We cannot say enough good things about our experience with him. Thank you!
Thank you very much for your kind words. I hope you had a good time in Osaka yesterday. By the way, how is your knee? Are you okay? Have you heard that JR had made a cancellation announcement? I hope that everything will go well with you.