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- Half-day eastern Kyoto must-sees and a hidden gem
Half-day eastern Kyoto must-sees and a hidden gem
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.
Shuji O.
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Meeting Point
at your hotel lobby in Kyoto
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Popular for the countless vermilion Torii Gates
We will use routes which locals do to avoid busy areas and traffic jams.
A hidden gem. Highly recommended.
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).
Tofukuji Temple
It’s a must-see place in the fall. Famous for its stunning fall foliage and beautiful gardens. Zen Buddhist temple with ancient history.
Kiyomizu Temple to Higashiyama Hills (If you have been there, you can change it to another place)
Stunning views and atmospheric hills
Gion district
You may see some Geisha in the evening
Ending Point
Your hotel or where you never get lost
Ending Point
At your hotel
What to Expect
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.
Want to personalize this tour?
- Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
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Inclusions & Exclusions
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)
Important Information
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.
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
Reviews
Julien M.
“ Narra day trip and Uguisu Waterfall ”
We really wanted to see some of Japan's wild forrest, so Shuji organized for a taxi van to take us (from Narra)to Uguisu waterfall. This was really off the beaten track and was quite unique.Although It was very wet we really enjoyed it.He also guided us through Nara's Deers, buddhist temples and statues. I would recommend Shuji for anyone looking for a guide, he is a long time Osaka resident, great with kids, good English and a nice Man.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your kind message. Your request made this tour a fantastic one. Despite the rain, we explored the sacred forest and met many beings and wonderful views. I hope your children had fun and it was exactly what you wanted. I also enjoyed it very much. And I hope this tour will be a good memory for your family. Thank you very much.
Diego G.
“ Visit Kyoto with Shuji, your very own history profesor ”
What better way to discover amazing Kyoto than with Shuji ? This ex- history professor who speaks very good English, well traveled, and at the same time passionate of working his family-rice field, made us discover both the great history and spiritually of the place and the every day life of the region and Japan at large. The tour was adjusted to our preferences and Shuji's suggestions fitted perfectly who we are, him having immediately understood us. Thank you Shuji for these memorable moments we shared and the diverse and profound discussions we had on the way.
Shuji O.
Thank you so much for the great review. And thank you for your wonderful and interesting questions. You hit the nail on the head. It means that you have a deep understanding of Japanese history and culture. We had a really lucky day with great weather. We were able to choose places off the beaten track. They were very beautiful. Thank you again for a happy day! Shuji O.
Stephen K.
“ Osaka 6 hour private tour ”
Despite being called last minute to cover for another guide, Shuji was great in reworking our tour based on our interests, on the fact that the day of the tour was a Japanese holiday, and the weather was unseasonably hot and humid. Overall we had a good time with Shuji and learned about Osaka history and culture.
Shuji O.
Dear Stephen, Thank you very much for the kind words and the lovely photo. Although I was a substitute guide that day, I had a good time with you both despite the sweltering weather. I'm afraid that you got tired because of the heat. I hope your business is perfect today. Thank you again. Shuji O.
Peter B.
“ Shuji is the best ”
Had an absolutely incredibly time with Shuji and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.
Shuji O.
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!