This tour is designed for those who would like to visit major scenic sites in Kyoto and off-the-beaten spots as well in a single day. The route is the one that has been favored and admired by many of my guests for the past few years. The itinerary mainly consists of three areas; Kitayama, Arashiyama and Fushimi areas. You will surely have unforgettable memories through the tour with me.
At Kyoto Station or your hotel in Kyoto area
Kinkaku-ji built by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third Shogun of Muromachi Shogunate, in 1397. Ryoan-ji Temple with the Rock Garden said to be the masterpiece of dry landscape gardens. Ninna-ji Temple built by Emperor Uda in 888 with a weeping cherry tree garden.
Jojako-ji Temple standing on a moss-covered slope. Bamboo Grove borders on the north exit of Tenryu-ji Temple built by Ashikaga Takauji, the first Shogun of Muromachi Shogunate.
Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, the headquarters of more than 30,000 Inari sub-shrines across the country, has been selected No 1 tourist attraction in Japan for five consecutive years by Trip Adviser.
At Kyoto Station
You can visit almost all the popular tourist attractions in Kyoto except for Higashiyama area ( the eastern part of Kyoto ). In addition, you will visit off-beaten sites, such as Ninna-ji Temple, a Wrold Heritage site with a long history, and Jojako-ji Temple standing on a moss-covered slope of Mt Ogura, Arashiyama. You will have lunch at a restaurant near Ninna-ji Temple which offers you Japanese style dishes such as Kyoto-style ramen noodles, curry and rice, a bowl of rice with soy-saurce flavored beef on top. and so forth. If you like, you can visit a long-standing and popular izakaya restaurant ( Japanese-style tavern ) near Fushimi Inari Shrine after the tour.
guide fee
transportation fare ( you and guide ), lunch and entrance fee for four temples ( 2,100 yen )
It is desirable to carry overseas travel insurance because the guide is not liable for any damage or loss incurred during the tour. It is also requested to bring enough Japanese yen with you because some restaurants and taxis do not accept credit cards.
You use mainly trains but partly taxis to save time. During the tour you walk in and around the sites you visit, so wear sneakers or walking shoes, please.
I am so pleased we booked this tour for our short stay in Kyoto Yoshi was incredible he was knowledgeable, friendly and very professional and the Golden tour was just magical. If you are ever in Kyoto you should book this tour
Hi Gerry. Thank you so much for your superb review for my tour yesterday. It was very nice meeting and talking with you two. I hope you will return home safe with lots of good memories of Japan. With best wishes. Yoshie
There cannot possibly be a better, more gracious, helpful guide in Kyoto than Yoshihisa. We had an amazing, busy day, seeing exactly what we wanted to see (we don’t like too many temples but he chose ones we adored) and helped us learn the train and purchase IC cards. Highly recommend. From a family of four Canadians, including two adult children
Hi Kim. I appreciate your superb comment on my tour today. I had a very pleasant time, guiding and talking with you all. I hope our paths will cross again someday soon during the cherry blossom or autumn foliage season. Would you give my best regards to Richard, please? Best wishes. Yoshie
As a guide, Yoshie is an excellent and knowledgeable guide, able to handle subject regarding the tour and general Japanese history and culture. As a person, he is extremely personable, allowing us into his daily life that provided us with an intimate view into the real Japanese culture. We could not have had a better day than the one we had today. Arigato gozaimasu!
Hi Mike. Thank you so much for your excellent review for my tour today. I had a very pleasant time guiding and talking with you two. I am glad that you tried to learn Japanese phrases and our culture, including our dishes and ways of having nice time in the evening. I hope you will have a nice time in Japan and return home safely with lots of nice memories of Japan. Ichigo Ichie Yoshie
We took the tour with Yoshie-san on the Golden Route in Kyoto visiting multiple shrines and temples and the Arashiyama Bamboo forest. I had been communicating with Yoshie-san as soon as our Japan trip was finalized. Even outside of the tour, he has been very communicative and helpful in discussing the logistics of the trip and also in catering to our customization request of the tour. He arrived very promptly at the Kyoto train station and we had no problem in identifying him. After the morning visits we had a sumptuous lunch at a boutique restaurant catering to my vegetarian cuisine request. It was a fun day of travel by multiple trains and walks with an excellent coverage. I highly recommend Yoshie-san for as greqt experience and good coverage. Thank You Yoshie-san and GoWithGuide !!
Hi Suresh-San. I appreciate your excellent review for my tour in Kyoto. I also had a great time guiding and talking with you all. I am very pleased to learn that you spent a pleasant time on my tour, My Favorite Golden Route. Be sure to get in touch if you have another chance of visiting Kansai district. Best wishes. Yoshie