Kyoto Early Riser Platinum One-day Walking Tour

If I could give Koichi 10 stars I would! This tour was nothing short of amazing, and Koichi is maybe the best guide I’ve had on any tour, ever. We traveled all over Kyoto for the entirety of a day, and there was really never a dull moment. He is well informed, kind, and funny, and has so many little activities and things to fill the inevitable gaps in conversation or travel time on a day long tour. We saw incredibly beautiful sites, but didn’t just see them. We learned, and had a deeper understanding of the things we were seeing because of his guiding. My teenage children also had a fabulous time. Koichi gave us all thoughtful gifts, and I have incredibly fond memories of this tour. Strong recommendation to book this with a small group of friends, or your family, or even as a solo tour. It was truly a highlight of the trip.

"Gigi" was excellent! Showed us all the great sights, set up a wonderful lunch, and made sure we enjoyed at our pace. He would even make the extra effort to see what we had interests in to make the best of the day. Great picture taker, very easy to meet at the start point and made sure to make it an easy and comfortable process for our first time in Kyoto. Well done.

The tour was perfectly paced. We were able to see every part of Kyoto that we had hoped to see. Our guide Satomi was a cheerful and knowledgeable guide - we really enjoyed her company! It is really worth getting up early to miss the crowds.

This tour was a great glimpse of Kyoto we visited several temples and shrines without the hassle of the crowds. It made me wish our group was staying for more time! Going early in the morning was 100% worth it! Satomi-San made our tour 100000x more enjoyable she was patient, kind, accommodating and had great recommendations. As someone who grew up in Kyoto she has tons of knowledge and unique insights. Do yourself a favor and book this tour!

My husband & I enjoyed an amazing day with Fuji-san in Kyoto. We saw everything we wanted to and more. He is very knowable and provided the important details of all the places we went to. He knew the most scenic places and also offered to take our picture together as well. It really was a magically day we will never forget! Thank you so much Fuji-san!

We had such a great time with Seiyan San. The tours was amazing. Love doing the transit with buses and subway you get to walk and see the neighborhoods. The lunch place he took us was so delicious. One of our highlights for the trip to Kyoto.

Brilliant tour with Meg around some amazing Kyoto sights. Guide was lovely, answered all our questions, even brought little hand warmers at the start of the tour as she was worried we’d be cold!

Embarking on the Kyoto Early Riser Platinum One-Day Tour with Taki enabled us to unveil the hidden marvels of Kyoto, even though the surprise use of public transportation initially caught us off guard. Regrettably, we had overlooked the importance of notifying the tour organizers about my wheelchair-dependent condition beforehand. Nevertheless, Taki's warm and caring personality, although momentarily thrown off balance, remained steady throughout the day. Taki's potential as a remarkable guide shone through, as they adeptly adapted to the situation and added the delightful surprise of visiting an artist specializing in fruit sculptures. In this review, I will delve into the highlights of our captivating journey and emphasize Taki's progress in crafting their own unique storytelling style while exploring the history of the places we visited. Resilience and Thoughtful Adaptability: Despite the unexpected reliance on public transportation, Taki showcased inspiring resilience and thoughtful adaptability when faced with the challenge at hand. While our failure to provide prior notice of my mobility requirements was unfortunate, Taki's unwavering warmth and caring demeanor brought solace in the face of this oversight. Their quick recovery and dedication to ensuring our comfort created an atmosphere of reassurance, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the wonders of Kyoto. Promising Narration and Historical Revelations: Taki's potential as a knowledgeable guide was evident throughout the tour, even as they continued to refine their storytelling capabilities. While navigating the intricacies of public transportation, Taki effectively conveyed the historical significance of the places we visited. As they further develop their own unique storytelling style, Taki has the potential to enhance their narratives, adding a personal touch that will captivate future travelers. Their passion for Kyoto's history remained palpable, igniting our own curiosity and deepening our understanding of the city's profound heritage. Unexpected Delights and Cultural Immersion: One of the tour's highlights was the delightful surprise addition of a visit to an artist specializing in fruit sculptures—an outstanding stop that left a lasting impression. Taki's adaptability and flexibility proved invaluable, allowing us to experience this unique artistic endeavor firsthand. This unexpected detour not only showcased the richness of Kyoto's cultural tapestry but also emphasized Taki's resourcefulness in enhancing the tour's diversity of experiences. Such encounters fostered a deeper connection to the local community and added an element of excitement and discovery to our journey. Conclusion: In reflection, the Kyoto Early Riser Platinum One-Day Tour with Taki promised a rewarding expedition through Kyoto's captivating landscapes. While the utilization of public transportation caught us by surprise, Taki's resilience and genuine care played an instrumental role in maintaining our comfort and enjoyment throughout the day. As Taki continues to grow as a guide, their ability to weave their own compelling stories into the historical tapestry of the places visited will undoubtedly bring an added layer of depth to future tours. Furthermore, the unexpected stop to admire the unique fruit sculptures underscored Taki's adeptness at adapting and adding surprising elements to the itinerary. Despite any initial challenges, this tour with Taki will provide a memorable and immersive journey through Kyoto's cultural wonders, leaving visitors with a profound appreciation for the city's beauty and Taki's significant potential as a guide.

Great experience! Great tour guide! Much better to get out early to not have to deal with the huge crowds.

Best to split the tour into two days. There is excessive use of public transportation to sites which is tedious and not well connected. You def need a Suica card else you would be counting change all day. Cuts into the time to sightsee. The tour is priced high and for that money one can get a driver (late realization). Also, be warned that multiple tours and individuals now do the Fushimi inari in AM, better to do it in evening. Bamboo forest deserves a morning half day trip including train/boat rides/monkey park. We liked our guide, she was sweet and lovely. But we would def not recommend this trip in its current format and pricing.