Kyoto is a wonderful city, and its ~1100 years as capital of Japan is still palpable - and even visible - in the oldest parts of town. Many famous people have lived in Kyoto and have left their own footprints behind. On our private tours, Kyoto's famous sights are not the main focus. Instead, we follow in the footsteps of these celebrities, visiting the places they lived in or frequented. We will meet a diverse range of people: political leaders, warriors, artists, business men... from the Heian period to modern times.
Experiences visitors to Kyoto will enjoy Japan's ancient capital off the beaten tracks and dive deep below the surface with our special private tours! At the moment, we are building our tour portfolio, so do check in again for new tour ideas.
Spring season: March - June; perfect for cherry blossoms and fresh green leaves of early summer
Autumn season: September - December; enjoying the warmth of late summer and the turning of the maple leaves
If you're interested in any of the tours below, please use our contact form.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598) is known as the second "Great Unifier" of Japan. From his humble peasant origins, he worked his way up to the country's elite and became Imperial Regent and Chancellor of the Realm. Although he was never Shogun, and his family lost power after his death, Hideyoshi has probably had the largest impact on Kyoto, as far as individuals go, and his legacy can still be found throughout the city. In our tour, we'll explore a small part of his plans for Kyoto with a focus on what happened directly after his death.
Abroad, Miyamoto Musashi (c. 1584-1645), is probably Japan's best-known warrior, undefeated in more than 60 duels during his lifetime. His The Book of Five Rings is a bestseller to this day and his Dokkodo inspires people in all ways of life. In his younger years, Musashi visited Kyoto, where he fought the members of the Yoshioka school of sword fighting, bringing an end to the school. This feat made him a living legend, and we'll visit the place where this happened in our tour. Note that this tour involves hiking up a steep mountain; it is not possible with wheelchairs or baby strollers.
Minamoto-no-Yoshitsune (1159–1189) is another famous Japanese warrior, this time of the Heian period. After his father was killed in a rebellion, 10-year old Yoshitsune was placed in the care of a temple in the north of Kyoto. From this time onwards, many legends surround the young man, and some of them are even true! This tour focuses on Yoshitsune's youth in Kyoto and some of the legends that surround it. Note that this tour involves hiking up a steep mountain; it is not possible with wheelchairs or baby strollers.
Ogawa Jihei VII (1860-1933), also known as Ueji, was Kyoto's foremost garden architect of the Meiji and Taisho eras. While he was active throughout Japan, his main work was carried out in Kyoto, in particular in the area around Nanzenji Temple. In our tour we will visit several of his publicly accessible gardens and look for differences and similarities.
Ito Jakuchu (1716-1800) is Kyoto's quintessential painter of the Edo period. He is most famous for his fowls, which he depicted in vivid colors as well as in quick but masterful ink strokes. What makes his work stand out to this day is his willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of what was accepted (and acceptable) in art circles of the time. We will try and find out where Jakuchu found the inspiration for his unique paintings with the timeless appeal.
We're still building our tour portfolio, so please check in again!
Ginkakuji, the Silver Pavillion, and the cherry-lined Philosopher's Path are the must-see sights on this tour.
Kiyomizudera is one of Kyoto's main attractions. The way there is lined with shops, but there are some gems hidden even there.
Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavillion, is the most recognizable temple in all Japan. Equally famous but much more quiet is Ryoanji with its typical Zen garden.
The bamboo forest is the highlight of Arashiyama. Nearby lies Tenryu-ji Temple with his famous garden, protected by a fierce dragon.
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