Private Kyoto Tours・Pro Guide Tips
Just like a local friend, I connect you to local Kyoto I help visitors connect with "Local Kyoto." A.K.A.
experience a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history. Use my pro-guide tips, join one of my private tours or check out info. about food, shops, activities and more. A deeper experience awaits...
Working with me feels just like a local friend in Kyoto, who happens to be a guide. I know what it’s like to be a “foreigner” just like you, struggling with language issues and not knowing w
hat to see or do in Kyoto, but I’ve gone through the pain of learning the language, getting lost and countless other struggles, so you don’t have to!!!! I use my 10 + years of professional guide experience and 2 years working at one of the best hotels in Kyoto. I draw on all this experience and expertise to connect you to local Kyoto. I’m like your local friend, you can trust to help you discover Local Kyoto! I can’t wait to help you go beyond the touristy stuff, and discover Local Kyoto. Visit us at the link below for details about Private Tours
http://handsonkyoto.com
An off-the-beaten track temple on my Hands On Kyoto Private tour with clients the other day.
They discovered an innovative honey comb tatami mat room and a few other stylish art installations.
The highlight of this buddhist temple-a calming, yet aesthetic zen garden to sit next to, drawing in your breath and exhaling while the sounds of nature wash over you.
I was treated to a wonderful kaiseki lunch by my past Japanese teacher, Takemi sensei.
She introduced me to owner/chef Yagi san who trained and worked at famous kaiseki restaurant Kicho, but opened up Kanzan which is in the process of getting a Michelin star.
He uses carefully selected local ingredients, while artfully creating innovative seasonal masterpieces.
The ambience of the restaurant is very minimalist with a few delicate touches with a flower arrangement and a few pieces that adds a nuanced touch.
Click on my bio if you’re interested in Kyoto tours or Free Insider’s Guide to Kyoto to help you connect to Local Kyoto-deeper side of Kyoto.
After a tour, I visited Chikumo restaurant in Gion (Kyoto) last night.
We had a variety of grilled skewers using seasonal ingredients, carefully selected by the chef. Chikumo also serves tempura (I had some of the best conger eel tempura ever, but forgot to get a picture lol) and a range of beef (A5 ranked).
Listening to the chef I realized the speciality of this place is that they use a combination of steaming, frying and grilling methods to bring out the maximum flavour of the seasonal ingredients.
My mouth was exploding with indescribable textures and nuanced tastes I hadn’t experienced before with grilled skewers.
Click on my bio if you’re interested in Kyoto tours or Free Insider’s Guide to Kyoto to help you connect to Local Kyoto-deeper side of Kyoto.
Brought clients to Arashiyama "stormy mountain" on a Kyoto tour the other day.
Mostly ignored but occasionally a monkey would grab an apple or peanut at its own whim.
By the way, these guys are the same species commonly known as snow monkeys.
Looking for a good vegan option when you visit Kyoto?
While you eat vegan ramen, moving kanji characters feel as if they are flowing around you mirrored in the lacquer tables and multiple mirrors on the wall. You also can try organic cocktails and depending on the time vegan gyoza 🥟
Rainy season or tsuyu has basically fallen upon Kyoto in the past week or so and next month, Gion matsuri festival begins.
And the other day my friend Inoue san outfitted me with this beaut yukata or summer style kimono, perfect for the heat and humidity, I wore during his IG Live.
The design is h**p grass, not for smoking 😂, but looks incredible with the mattcha green colour.
Other day I checked out Kyoto Photographie, a local Kyoto art, photography festival currently going on in Kyoto.
My friend Patrick is holding an exhibition of his photos of maiko apprentice geisha and geiko inside his ochaya (him and his wife purchased an old tea house previously used by geisha to entertain clients at dinners). You get the rare chance to see the inside of an ochaya (usually exclusive membership only) and learn about the fascinating lives of maiko and geiko.
Highly recommended if you're coming to Kyoto in the next week or so, going on until May 15.
Are you coming to Kyoto soon to see the sakura cherry blossoms in Kyoto?
I was on my way to meet some clients for a tour and came across this somei yoshino cherry blossom tree-one of the few early blossoming ones right now.
Looks like the majority will bloom earlier this year, possibly two weeks or so earlier than usual.
Feel free to do Kyoto on your own with tips from my FREE Insider’s guide to Kyoto or join a tour to feel Local Kyoto.
“Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experiencing a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history.
Are you coming to Kyoto soon and looking for some local, Kyoto restaurants?
I enjoy finding cool, off-the-beaten path, local restaurants in Kyoto. If you’re into tonkatsu-breaded pork cutlets with curry, then the Coltrane Sweet/Spicy Curry restaurant might be a fit for you!
It’s situated right next to the picturesque Takasegawa canal. Walking distance to the Kyoto downtown area and Kamogawa river.
The interior is a blend between modern and traditional with the roof partially exposed. it’s traditional rafters infuse the ambience with a rustic feel, further enhanced by the sleeves of iconic Jazz artists showcased on the wall and playing over the sound system.
They use their own blend of spices but I asked the staff and they can amp up the spice level by adding extra spices.
Feel free to do Kyoto on your own with tips from my FREE Insider’s guide (link in bio)to Kyoto or join a tour to feel Local Kyoto.
“Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experiencing a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history.
Are you coming to Kyoto soon and looking for some local, authentic shops?
Tosai is a pottery shop located near Kiyomizudera temple, specializing in Kyoyaki or Kyoto-style ceramics.
I’ve developed a relationship with the owner Yamada san and have brought clients and friends alike to his shop over the years.
We also worked together in the
わん碗One pottery network. He speaks good English and can tell you not only about the pieces, but the history and culture breathed into each piece.
Feel free to do Kyoto on your own with tips from my FREE Insider’s guide to Kyoto or join a tour to feel Local Kyoto.
“Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experiencing a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history.
Are you coming to Kyoto soon but don’t know what you should see and do?
One of my favourite temples, Ginkakuji is a must if you’re looking for a Zen moment! No matter how many people are at the temple, the moss seems to absorb all the noise along with any troubles you might have in mind. The peace and tranquility seems to wash over you during your visit.
Feel free to do Kyoto on your own with tips from my FREE Insider’s guide to Kyoto or join a tour to feel Local Kyoto.
“Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experiencing a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history
Are you coming to Kyoto soon but don’t know what you should see and do?
If you’re interested in Zen gardens, Tofukuji Houjo Hasso Garden is a great option.
This is a garden not as well-known, yet a great place to feel Local Kyoto.
“Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experiencing a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history.
Have a look at my FREE Insider’s Guide to Kyoto for more Pro-Guide tips on restaurants, shops, places to see and much more about Kyoto. Or join a tour by booking on my website handsonkyoto.com
Are you coming to Kyoto soon and possibly thinking about a tour?
This is the second half of the video from the previous post but I share with you deeper elements of the type of Local Kyoto Tour I provide for clients.
Tours in Kyoto feel as if you’re with a local friend who happens to be an experienced tour guide.
My private tours in Kyoto focus on a theme I call “Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experience a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history.
Check out this video to see what a tour with me would look and feel like…
Have a look at my FREE Insider’s Guide to Kyoto for Pro-Guide tips on restaurants, shops, places to see and much more about Kyoto.
Are you coming to Kyoto soon and possibly thinking about a tour?
Tours in Kyoto with me feel as if you’re with a local friend who happens to be an experienced tour guide.
My private tours in Kyoto focus on a theme I call “Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experience a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history.
Check out this video to see what a tour with me would look and feel like…
Sign up for FREE Insider’s Guide to Kyoto (link in Profile) for Pro-Guide tips on restaurants, shops, places to see and more
about Kyoto.
Visiting Kyoto soon?
In this short video, I share with you a valuable Pro-guide tip to help you make the most of your time in Kyoto, plus I give you a bonus! Check out the video to find out more!
**FREE Insider’s guide to Kyoto**
http://handsonkyoto.com/free-downloadable-kyoto-guide/
**FREE 1-Day Itinerary for Nara**
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WnYS1aao2Z-s-6dUqRzZfWGx4BVPl1lw/view?usp=share_link
**Join a Private Tour**
https://handsonkyoto.com
Visiting Kyoto soon?
Discover Pro-guide tips and tours designed to connect you to local Kyoto.
**FREE Insider’s guide to Kyoto**
http://handsonkyoto.com/free-downloadable-kyoto-guide/
**Hands On Kyoto Private Tours**
https://handsonkyoto.com
In the next video I share a Pro-guide tip to help you avoid making one of the most common mistakes visitors make when coming to Kyoto, plus I have a bonus for you.
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#handsonkyoto #sush*time🍣🍱 #sushifan #sushiadictos #sushilovers #kyotoinsider #kyotocafegram #kyototours A visit to Kikyo sushi restaurant in Kyoto
Are you coming to Kyoto soon but don’t know what you should see and do? One of my favourite temples, Ginkakuji is a must if you’re looking for a Zen moment! No matter how many people are at the temple, the moss seems to absorb all the noise along with any troubles you might have in mind. The peace and tranquility seems to wash over you during your visit. Feel free to do Kyoto on your own with tips from my FREE Insider’s guide to Kyoto or join a tour to feel Local Kyoto. “Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experiencing a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history
Are you coming to Kyoto soon but don’t know what you should see and do? If you’re interested in Zen gardens, Tofukuji Houjo Hasso Garden is a great option. This is a garden not as well-known, yet a great place to feel Local Kyoto. “Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experiencing a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history. Have a look at my FREE Insider’s Guide to Kyoto for more Pro-Guide tips on restaurants, shops, places to see and much more about Kyoto. Or join a tour by booking on my website handsonkyoto.com
Are you coming to Kyoto soon and possibly thinking about a tour? This is the second half of the video from the previous post but I share with you deeper elements of the type of Local Kyoto Tour I provide for clients. Tours in Kyoto feel as if you’re with a local friend who happens to be an experienced tour guide. My private tours in Kyoto focus on a theme I call “Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experience a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history. Check out this video to see what a tour with me would look and feel like… Have a look at my FREE Insider’s Guide to Kyoto for Pro-Guide tips on restaurants, shops, places to see and much more about Kyoto.
Are you coming to Kyoto soon and possibly thinking about a tour? Tours in Kyoto with me feel as if you’re with a local friend who happens to be an experienced tour guide. My private tours in Kyoto focus on a theme I call “Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experience a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history. Check out this video to see what a tour with me would look and feel like… Sign up for FREE Insider’s Guide to Kyoto (link in Profile) for Pro-Guide tips on restaurants, shops, places to see and more about Kyoto.
Visiting Kyoto soon? In this short video, I share with you a valuable Pro-guide tip to help you make the most of your time in Kyoto, plus I give you a bonus! Check out the video to find out more! **FREE Insider’s guide to Kyoto** http://handsonkyoto.com/free-downloadable-kyoto-guide/ **FREE 1-Day Itinerary for Nara** https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WnYS1aao2Z-s-6dUqRzZfWGx4BVPl1lw/view?usp=share_link **Join a Private Tour** https://handsonkyoto.com
Visiting Kyoto soon? Discover Pro-guide tips and tours designed to connect you to local Kyoto. **FREE Insider’s guide to Kyoto** http://handsonkyoto.com/free-downloadable-kyoto-guide/ **Hands On Kyoto Private Tours** https://handsonkyoto.com In the next video I share a Pro-guide tip to help you avoid making one of the most common mistakes visitors make when coming to Kyoto, plus I have a bonus for you.
Part 3 Epic adventure on the Kyoto trail. Happen to come across this earthworm referred to as a Siebold worm, named after the German naturalist. First time seeing one this long and impressed by the shimmer as he slinks along. www.handsonkyoto.com #hiking #hikingkyoto #kyotoinsider #naturelovers #worms #japantravelguide #forest #countryside#handsonkyoto 京都一周トレイルの冒険 第3 歩いているときにこんなデカイ水虫を見つけるのは人生で初めて! 最近、雨量がめっちゃ多くてこいつの長さでびっくり! なんと３０センチぐらいちゃうか? 特に驚くながこいつの玉虫色が面白いね #京都一周トレイル #自然が好き #生物 #ハイキング #しんりんよく
It's been torrential downpours in Japan over the past week but finally the rains let up today and had a chance to go for a little walk in the neighborhood. I live close to Heian shrine and happened to encounter this car show. #handsonkyoto #japantravelguide #kyoto #heianshrine #cars #carshow #lowrider #japan www.handsonkyoto.com
Down around shirakawa canal again today and stumbled up some kind of filming with a few extras dressed up in kimono, yukata and even one dressed as a maiko-geisha apprentice. If things gradually go like this, the economic situation in Kyoto will get better www.handsonkyoto.com #kyotoinsider #kyoto #japantravelguide #japan #kimono #yukata #filming #filminglocation #handsonkyoto 今日も辰巳橋の辺りにおってたまたま何か撮影があって色んな一人が集まって舞妓さんの役をやっている女性も見かけったね! このままで徐々に京都も元気になるだろう… #辰巳橋 #白川 #着物 #浴衣 #何の撮影 #京都 #日本 #祇園
Brought a family to the monkey park in Arashiyama last week and happened to catch the daily feeding time. It's mainly used for observation and monkeys are free to come and go as they please but recently I met a Japanese lady who runs an Italian pizza restaurant with her Italian husband and her uncle happens to be the owner. What are the chances? www.handsonkyoto.com www.handsonkyoto.com/gion-night-tour/ www.handsonkyoto.com/private-kyoto-tours/ 先週、嵐山のモンキーパックへ家族を連れていて幸いに餌をあげる時間に重なってきて良かった! 猿さんは自由に来たり、帰ったり、できるけどこの場所は主に猿さんについての研究が行われているようです。最近、近所にあるイタリアンピザのレストランをやっている日本人の奥さんとイタリア人の旦那さんを知り合って奥さんの叔父さんがモンキーパックのオーナーさんと知っててビックリした! #kyotoinsider #kyoto #kyototours #kyotomonkeypark #arashiyamakyoto #arashiyamamonkeypark #monkeysofinstagram #japanesemonkeys #japan #japantravelguide #japantravels #travelingram #traveljapan #handsonkyoto #京都 #嵐山 #嵐山モンキーパーク #猿
In Cherry blossom heaven last week. Riding my bicycle along the Kamogawa river. www.handsonkyoto.com www.handsonkyoto.com/private-kyoto-tours/ www.handsonkyoto.com/gion-night-tour/ 先週、桜の天国です。鴨川沿い、自転車に乗っているときのビデオです。 #桜 #サクラ #🌸 #鴨川沿い #鴨川 #自転車 #春 #japantravelguide #japantravel #japantravels #kyotocherryblossoms #kyoto #kyototours #handsonkyoto #sakurakyoto #sakura🌸 #cherryblossom
Fukunori-chan, from Miyagawa-cho district-House Shigemori, performing a lovely dance at a maiko dinner last week. This was her very first performance since making her Maiko debut the week before. Impressive! 先日、舞妓ディナーで宮川町しげ森置屋に所属しているふくのりちゃんの素敵な披露です。 一週間前、舞妓デビューしてから、これが初めての座敷なんて信じられません? #japan #kyoto #japantravel #japanculture #maiko #geisha #miyagawacho #fukunori #handsonkyoto #京都 #日本#舞妓#芸者#舞子 #舞妓はん #宮川町#しげ森 www.handsonkyoto.com www.handsonkyoto.com/gion-night-tour/
Part 3 The swords can easily go upwards of 100, 000 USD and one sharpening is around 2000 USD. We were using rolled up tatami mats but one gruesome fact is samurai used to use condemned men or prisoners to test out their new blades apparently. Glad I'm not living in the Edo period. #japanesemartialarts #iaido #iaidoka #kobe #martialarts #martialartslife #japaneseswords #katana #kata #samurai #tours #handsonkyoto www.handsonkyoto.com
Part 2 I got to try too! The master laughed at me, saying "You were the worst out of everyone" In modern times it's a non-combative art, combining hundreds of sword techniques along with philosophical elements of Zen, Confucian ism, Taoism and Shintoism. Similar to the Kata or forms you learn in karate, you are essentially working on how to improve and master yourself, including some dangerous techniques that could literally slice a person in two. The blades are razor sharp. #japanesemartialarts #iaido #iaidoka #kobe #martialarts #martialartslife #japaneseswords #katana #kata #samurai #tours #handsonkyoto www.handsonkyoto.com
Brought some clients to Musashi, Kyoto's very first conveyor belt sushi restaurant, the other day. Perfect place to check out new sushi dishes and watch the chefs work their magic. 先日、京都では初めての回転寿司がムサシという所へお客様を連れていきました。 新しい寿司の発見ができたり、目の前で作るのも楽しめるのはいいと思います! #sushi #kyoto #kyotojapan #musashi #japan #food #conveyorbeltsushi #tours #toursfromkyoto #handsonkyoto #寿司#京都#武蔵 #日本#フード#回転寿司 www.handsonkyoto.com
Autumn tours are in full swing... Some clients and I visited Kasuga Taisha Shrine on #handsonkyoto Nara Full-day Tour and couldn't resist taking video of this cute fawn. 秋季節になり、ツアーをやっています 奈良日帰りツアーの時、春日大社でこのベービー鹿にヴィデオを撮るのがたまらなかったです。 #tours #japan #autumn #nara #naradeer #deer #naratours #toursfromkyoto #onedaytours #ツアー#秋 #奈良#鹿#春日大社#日帰りツアー #日本 www.handsonkyoto.com www.handsonkyoto.com/nara-full-day-tour/
Just checked out the latest attraction to open in Tokyo, Digital Art Museum. Walking through the 10,000 SQM facility, my senses were intoxicated by a cocktail of elaborate lighting, mirrors, digital projections and props and I couldn't help but feel as if I was transported to different worlds as I navigated the labrinth of rooms. Truly one of the best things I've done in Tokyo! #tokyo #attractions #latest #art #museum #digitalart #digitalartmuseum #mustsee #handsonkyoto www.handsonkyoto.com
While on a tour in Nara the other day, I discovered archers practicing yabusame-a traditional Shinto ritual where mounted riders gallop at full speed, launching arrows at 3 targets located 300 m away. They only carry 3 arrows, one shot one target, making concentration paramount. They are practicing their form and movements of archery on this model horse before they saddle the real deal and harmoniously blend their archery and riding skills. By the way, the Aoi Festival coming up in Kyoto will feature yabusame at Shimogamo Jinja on May 15. Seeing it live gives you a deeper appreciation for the incredible level of focus and skill required. 先日、奈良を案内する時、流鏑馬をやっている方々を発見しました。流鏑馬ってご存知ですか? これは古くから伝わってきた一つの神事です。 走っている馬から三百メートルぐらいの的に弓から矢を撃っています。しかも、的が3つ、矢は3つしか持ったないとだめです。集中力が大事ですわー 実際に馬に乗る前、ここで弓の引き方や、矢の抜き取り方など身をつけて技術を磨いていきます。 ちなみに、来月の5月15日に葵祭の一環として流鏑馬のイベントが行われます。目の前で見ればどれだけ技術と集中力が必要なのか分かると思います。 #kyoto #nara #archery #horseback #horsebackriding #shinto #shrine #kasugataisha #yabusame #ritual #japan #aoi #aoifestival #handsonkyoto #京都 #奈良#流鏑馬#乗馬#神道 #神事 #葵祭 #日本 www.handsonkyoto.com
I was walking through Nara Park the other day after a tour and came across this scene. There are actually about 120 spotted deer freely roaming the park area. It's a little freaky at night sometimes as you suddenly hear leaves rustling in the trees, only to find out it's a deer. They have been revered as sacred messengers of the Shinto gods associated with Kasuga shrin. An interesting fact, similar to the sacred cows in India, harming them was once punishable by death. Now-a-days, these guys are so tame they will approach you with no hesitation and greet you with a bow, basically begging for senbe or rice crackers you can purchase near the park. As you see here, they have a keen sense of smell and will chase you if you have food. Beware! 先日、ツアーが終わってから、奈良公園を歩いているときにこの光景を見つけました。奈良鹿は１２０頭ぐらい自由に奈良公園の周辺を歩いているようです。 夜には時々怖いです。突然木からの葉音を聞くとびっくりして何!! と思った瞬間、鹿さんが現れます。 昔から神様の使いと思われて春日大社と連想してきました。それと面白い豆知識でインドの聖なる牛みたいに悪いことを鹿さにやれば死刑ということだったそいです。 今は人間に慣れてきて近くまで寄ってきます。公園でお煎餅が売っています。賢くそれをやってくれるため、お辞儀しますよ。 このヴィデオでは食べ物を臭ったら、すぐ追いかけられます。気をつけてください! #nara #naradeer #narapark#handsonkyoto #kasugataisha #todaiji #japantours #奈良公園 #奈良 #奈良鹿 #春日大社 #東大寺#日本 www.handsonkyoto.com
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