Japan, guided by someone who calls it home.
Small-group and private walking tours through temples, shrines and old streets in Kyoto and beyond — paced for real conversation, not a checklist of stops.
- LanguagesEnglish, Japanese
- FromFukuoka
- Based inKyoto
- Also guides inTokyo
- Guiding since2025
- Group size1–4 guests
- Multi-day toursAvailable, including multi-city
Still finding something new in the streets he walks every day.
Born and raised in Fukuoka, now based in Kyoto, I've been guiding since 2025 — leading private and small-group tours focused on temples, shrines and historic neighborhoods. I trained in local history and tea ceremony, and I still prefer a quiet backstreet to a crowded main gate.
Many guests are combining Tokyo and Kyoto on one trip, so I guide in both — meaning you can keep the same guide, and the same pace, across your time in Japan.
Where things are
Kyoto's sights cluster into a few walkable pockets. Here's roughly how they sit relative to each other and to Kyoto Station.
Temple & culture walks
Each tour can be adjusted to your pace, interests and mobility, and priced per group rather than per person. Based in Kyoto, with tours also running in Tokyo.
Prices below are starting rates per group. Transportation and admission fees are billed separately. Cherry blossom season (Mar–Apr) and autumn foliage season (Nov) run 20–30% higher. Multi-day and multi-city itineraries are also available — get in touch for a custom quote.
Asakusa & Old Tokyo
Senso-ji Temple through the Kaminarimon gate, the stalls of Nakamise-dori, and quiet backstreets along the Sumida River — Tokyo's shitamachi at an easy walking pace.
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Meiji Jingu & Yanaka
The forested approach to Meiji Jingu, then a contrast in the old wooden streets of Yanaka Ginza and the temple-lined paths of Yanaka Cemetery.
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Higashiyama & Gion
Kiyomizu-dera's wooden stage, the lantern-lit lanes of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Yasaka Shrine and neighboring Maruyama Park, and Kennin-ji — Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, known for its painted dragon ceiling.
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Fushimi Inari & Sanjusangendo
An early climb through Fushimi Inari's thousands of vermillion torii gates before the crowds, followed by Sanjusangendo's hall of 1,001 life-sized Kannon statues.
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Arashiyama, Bamboo & Monkeys
The bamboo grove at first light, Tenryu-ji's garden, views over the city from Iwatayama Monkey Park, and the quiet, moss-covered rakan statues of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji. Can extend to Suzumushi-dera, or to Saiho-ji (the moss temple) or Katsura Imperial Villa — both by advance reservation, which isn't always available.
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Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji & Nijo Castle
The gold-leafed pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji's famous rock garden, and the nightingale floors of Nijo Castle. The Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds can be added for guests who want a fuller morning in northern Kyoto.
Request this tour →Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Hiroshima tours are on hold for now, along with Okinawa, Hokkaido and Kagoshima — get in touch if you'd like to be notified when they're ready.
Build Your Own Itinerary
Combine sites across cities, or tell me what draws you to Japan — gardens, history, food, photography — and I'll put together a route and pace that fits your trip.
Start planning →Add to any tour
These can be arranged alongside any tour above, or booked on their own — just mention it in your inquiry.
Rickshaw Ride
A traditional jinrikisha ride through Higashiyama or Arashiyama with a local puller-guide.
Kimono Experience
Dressing in kimono, then a stroll through Kyoto's old streets.
Tea Ceremony
A traditional tea ceremony conducted in English, with a local host explaining each step.
Concept Cafés
Maid cafés, animal cafés and other only-in-Japan spots, arranged on request.
Shopping Guide
Pottery, textiles, knives or department stores — guided shopping at your pace.
Bicycle Rental
Rental bikes arranged for a self-paced day around the city.
Private Car
A chauffeur-driven hire car can be arranged for trips beyond the train and bus lines.
From inquiry to itinerary
Send your dates
Share your travel dates, group size and interests using the form below.
Get a proposed route
I'll reply within 48 hours with a suggested itinerary and price.
Confirm the details
We adjust the plan together and lock in your meeting point and time.
Walk together
We meet in person — no app, no earpiece, just conversation as we walk.
Pick a date
Green days are open. Click one to start your inquiry below.
Booking opens November 20, 2026.
Plan your visit
Fill in the form and it will open in your email app, addressed and ready to send.
Prefer to write directly? I read every message myself.
- hello@oldjapanwalks.com
- Phone / WhatsApp
- +81 80-4323-2784
- Response time
- Within 48 hours
- Languages
- English, Japanese
- Currently booking
- From November 20, 2026