Top Experiences in Katsura Imperial Villa (Katsura Rikyu)

This is the ideal tour for travelers wanting to discover Kyoto's highlights efficiently in a private vehicle accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide!

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Discovering around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our private car tour with Government Licensed Guide. Meet your guide at your hotel in Osaka, then head to Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

Accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide, explore the area of Arashiyama and Sagano, where aristocrats once unwound in their villas more than 1,000 years ago.

The highlights of this tour include the scenic countryside views from Togetsukyo bridge; Tenryu-ji temple with its beautiful traditional gardens; the enchanting world from within the Bamboo Grove; and Jojakko-ji Temple with its breathtaking green moss. During the tour you will also visit some secret spots unfamiliar to the usual tourists.

Enjoy the walk and delicious food while learning about Japanese culture and history. Our guides are looking forward to arranging a tour that’s best for you!

Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

In this tour, you will visit Katsura Imperial Villa , unchanged for 400 years popular circular gardens, and experience a tea ceremony in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese house wearing an antique kimono.

◯Japanese aesthetic Katsura Imperial Villa
Katsura Imperial Villa was built in 1615 as an imperial villa with a circular garden and a tea ceremony house. Although it has undergone numerous renovations, it has remained almost completely unchanged over the past 400 years and can still be seen today. It is also famous that the world-renowned German architect Bruno Taut praised the beauty of the Katsura Imperial Villa. Visitors to this place will discover how important the Japanese sense of beauty and the tea ceremony were to the Japanese people.

◯We will take care of all the troublesome arrangements.
Only those who have permission to visit Katsura Imperial Villa are allowed to see the garden during limited hours. Only for customers who have chosen our plan, the owner will prepare the hard-to-obtain numbered admission tickets. In order to obtain them, you must be familiar with the rules of admission and apply for them. We will take care of this complicated work for you. Our store is located about 5 minutes by car from Katsura Imperial Villa, and we will pick you up and drop you off on the day of the tour. Also, please be assured that Tokusaburo, the owner of the store, will be responsible for accompanying you on the tour.

◯An antique kimono and a tea ceremony experience in a tranquil setting
After the visit, you will experience a tea ceremony in a 100-year-old traditional Japanese house. Due to our location near Katsura Imperial Villa, you will be able to enjoy the hospitality of the tea ceremony in a much quieter and calmer atmosphere than in the city. In this tea ceremony experience, you will wear a rare and valuable antique kimono from the early Showa period. The fourth generation owner will help you coordinate the kimono and our staff will dress you in it.

This is a unique experience where you can learn the tea ceremony while wearing a rare and valuable antique kimono.

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 4 to 5 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

This is the ideal tour for travelers wanting to discover Kyoto's highlights efficiently in a private vehicle accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide!

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Discovering around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book this tour!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

Note: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 2 to 3 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

Kyoto keeps traditional arts and beauty alive, but the busses and subways can be confusing and provide challenges for those with walking limitations. At Japan Guide Agency, we want everyone to experience Kyoto so we are happy to provide this customizable, private guided tour with a vehicle!

Join us on a tour of Kyoto to see Kiyomizu Temple as it towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. The bamboo forest of Sagano and the gardens, shrines and temples in Kyoto will provide you with a window into old Japan. There is much in this city that you don’t want to miss!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will contact you to plan your personalized tour. Choose 4 to 5 spots from ‘Tour Details’ to visit. Don't know where to go? Ask the guide to send you their recommendations. Whether you are a history buff, love Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

Maximum 7 participants per tour.

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

Traditional and historical Japanese gardens are best sites to see Japanese aesthetics. Both artistic landscape gardens with seasonal plants and dry landscape gardens at Zen temples help you get relaxed for meditation. Visiting various styled gardens and experiencing traditional Japanese spirits which are represented in plants, rocks, and total design.

Our government-licensed and experienced multilingual guides will help you efficiently enjoy a one-day private tour of the best Japanese gardens in Kyoto.

Select gardens from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. In addition to gardens, you may also choose any famous site in Kyoto for a truly memorable experience!

Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Arriving or staying in Osaka but want to visit Kyoto? This driving tour from Osaka to Kyoto is for you!

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Discovering around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book this tour!

Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

・Note: This tour is for independent travelers that need private transportation only. This tour does not come with a guide and you will not be able to ask for recommendations from your driver or Japan Guide Agency.

In this tour, we start early to beat the crowds. Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 2 to 3 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!