Kyoto Tours
Would you like a guided Art tour of Kyoto, Japan's beautiful historic city and tourism mecca?
View of Kyoto from Kiyomizudera Temple on the side of Higashiyama
5th successful year! Places fill fast! Second Tour now available...
Tour Dates September 25th - October 5th, 2019Book a place (Green = place available, Blue = taken, Grey = holding) |
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Tour Dates October 15th - 25th, 2019Book a place (Green = place available, Blue = taken, Grey = holding) |
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Connect with Japanese art and Mokuhanga..See the range of galleries, incredible shops and interesting places of Art and Mokuhanga..Visit professional mokuhanga artists and teachers..Experience the temples, shrines, shops and restaurants of Kyoto without spending a fortune..Enjoy this great experience led by an experienced guide with local knowledge..
For ten days I will guide our small group of five to the best and most interesting places in Kyoto, some where Western tourists seldom or never go! You can have a relaxed guided tour and avoid the tourist traps and unnecessary spending. Create mokuhanga surrounded by an inspiring and authentic environment in a three day mokuhanga workshop at the studio of Kyoto Teacher, Richard Steiner. The tour includes a mix of Art & mokuhanga specific experiences as well as visits to a selection of Kyoto's fantastic places. Having lived in Kyoto for two years and visited several times, I have the knowledge and connections to deliver a once in a lifetime experience of Kyoto for a great price! The previous year's tours have all been full of great experiences for everyone involved. With only five places available, these are assured to be a comfortable, personalised tours, that I expect to fill quickly.
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Timing
October in Kyoto is one of the best times to visit. The weather is generally settled and still warm, without the heat and humidity of summer. It is also less crowded than peak tourism seasons, so perfect for stress free sightseeing! Kyoto's famous Momiji (Autumn Leaves) are later in the year.
Accommodation
Stay in a comfortable single room with full ameties only a short walk from convenient train and subway stations, large supermarket and a range of shops and cafes. Just around the corner from Nijo-jo (Nijo Castle), this is out of the bustling main centre. It is also easy access for a bus to the mokuhanga workshop with Richard Steiner. With helpful, English speaking staff and a free breakfast, this is a great place to stay, without costing a fortune.
Download Tour Brochure (PDF 1mb)
Close to Nijo Castle, a large supermarket, and a range of restaurants and cafes, it is out of the busy central area, but only a 10 minute walk to convenient train stations. Buses are even closer at hand! Our previous tours have stayed here and everyone was happy with the accommodation. The staff are especially helpful, speaking good English. Location: * Accommodation may be changed according to availablity. In the case of these options being booked out, similar options may be substituted. Eat truly authentic sushi and other Japanese dishes! One of the great attractions of Japan is the incredible food available. There are literally hundreds of restaurants and choices available! Prices range from several hundred yen obento from Convenience stores or supermarkets up to tens of thousands of yen (=$100's!!) at exclusive restaurants only available to existing customers. Your guide knows many great places to eat, and we can also explore and enjoy finding new ones! True vegetarian food is limited, as dashi fish stock is extensively used in many recipes. If you are happy to eat fish, it is no problem. Specialist shojin ryori (Temple food) restaurants are available, and are generally expensive, however even the simplest restaurant has some traditional dish that is suitably vegetarian. Gluten free used to be virtually unheard of, however some restaurants have become more aware of this. Although most dishes are rice based soy sauce with wheat content is extensively used, so avoiding wheat gluten is more difficult than you first imagine. It is possible to avoid foods containing wheat / gluten, although your food choices are limited. Your guide has experience in asking for and finding meat-free and wheat / flour free options, and information is freely available on the internet. If you have special diet needs, please contact us and we can discuss the possibilities with you. Please note the terms and conditions of the tour which outlines your and our responsibilities in regard to special diets on the tour. It is convenient and interesting to walk to various destinations in Kyoto. Along the way you can see many interesting sights and find small shops and temples that are worth a visit. Our tour is based around walking to many of our destinations, so a degree of mobility and fitness is required. Kyoto is mostly flat but walking in Higashiyama, most temples and Kurama requires some hills and stairs. For farther destinations we will use local trains and subways - these are convenient and not nearly as crowded as the legendary Tokyo trains! Hiring a bicycle and riding like a local is great fun if you are up to it. In Japan you are able to ride on footpaths (with consideration of pedestrians) and are not required to wear a helmet. Depending on the tour members wishes and weather, we may hire bicycles and ride alongside the Kamogawa River to sample the local lifestyle. It is highly recommended that you purchase your own travel insurance. Minor health problems and medications for them are easily available at Drug Stores (Chemists). If you require more serious help for any reason, the Japanese health system is very expensive for foreign tourists. Bring adequate cash - Japanese Yen! Japan is still very much a cash society, although credit cards are increasingly accepted. You may be able to access funds from the ATM's available in convenience stores and banks, but despite what your local bank or Australian Post will tell you, it may be impossible or at the best difficult. I recommend exchanging money through Travelex before departing for the airport in Australia. Don't be like my friends who I met at Kansai airport. They had no money for days until we could find an ATM that worked for them, including no money to get to Kyoto from the airport! Of course, you will need a valid passport to leave Australia and enter Japan. Tourists from Australia* are given a 90 day visitors visa automatically on entry to Japan - there is no need to apply before hand. (*applies to Australian Citizens - other country's citizens please check) You can use your mobile phone, however check your provider's international roaming rates - these can be very expensive! Local mobile phones are available for hire at the airport, but are a little expensive. A travel sim is now available to buy at the airport, which comes with a pre-loaded amount of calls, text and data. Your accommodation provides free internet access, and there is a growing number of free internet access points in Cafes etc. All power in Japan is 110 volts and is supplied through the Japanese style twin plug power points. An adapter is readily available and check if your charger / device will work on 110 volts. Accommodation
Kyoto Uraraka Guest House is a studio apartment style hotel. With comfortable single rooms (twin or double rooms are also available) that feature Western style beds, private shower facilites, air conditioning and free wireless internet, it is a convenient and comfotable place to rest after the day's walking and exploring!
Food and Eating
Special Diets
Walking and Transportation
Health and Insurance
Money
Passport and Visa
Telephone & Internet
Electricity
Workshop
The three day workshop will be taken by master teacher and mokuhanga artist, Richard Steiner, at his studio in Kyoto, near to the famous Shimogamo shrine. You can receive professional instruction from Steiner Sensei at his own studio / workshop. The cost of the workshop and materials are included in the fee All tools, pigments and other equipment will be provided. As Sensei will be retiring from teaching at the end of 2019, this is one of the last opportunities to experience his wonderful teaching style and knowledge.
Echizen Washi no Sato
We include a one-day trip to Echizen washi no sato (Echizen Papermaking village), an historic area making Japan's best washi. Visit the paper making workshops, see the techniques, meet the artisans and visit washi galleries and museums. This is about a 1 1/2 hour trip into the next province (Fukui) and we will travel past Lake Biwa. A great one-day trip out of Kyoto!
Travel
Travel by train where needed, otherwise walk! Kyoto is a walking city, generally flat and you will see many amazing sights and shops along the way. There is no need for a Japan Rail pass or to travel by shinkansen (Bullet train) in Kyoto. Jump on the local trains and experience normal life in Japan. Using the train system is easy and I will guide you how to use it. We may use buses occasionally however they tend to get very crowded!
Tour Fee
The fee is only $3322 per person, which includes: transfers from Kansai Airport to Kyoto accommodation on the first and last days of the tour, local transport, visit to Exhizen Washi no Sato, entry to tour venues, accommodation at Uraraka Guest House, workshop fee with Richard Steiner, and the fee for planning and guiding the tour.
Secure Your Place Now with a 25% deposit of $830. The balance must be paid by August 15th, two months prior to departure.
Early Bird Booking - $220 discount! Book and pay in full before February 15th, 2019. Full cost only $3102!
*Paypal Surcharge - if paying by credit card through Paypal, an extra charge of 2.9% will be added, (fee free payment in Japanese yen available).
Your Costs - Not Provided in the Tour Fee
Airfare - You can choose your preferred options / carrier, but should arrive daytime 19th October (Tour 1) or 2nd October (Tour 2) at Kansai Airport, Osaka, or in Kyoto by another method.
Food - You can choose to eat wherever you like, there is a huge range of restaraunts and costs!(5,000 yen per day = $AU62 = moderate eating - I will show you how you can live cheaply in Japan!)
Shopping - You can find many beautiful gifts or interesting objects for yourself or others. I am happy to advise you where some great shops are located.
Travel Insurance - It is highly recommended you purchase travel insurance for yourself.
Visa - Australian citizens are automatically granted a free 90 day visitor visa on entry to Japan.
Tour Booking - Conditions and Payment Options
1. Your place on the tour can be reserved with a 25% deposit of $830. You can also pay in full at time of reservation - Early Bird $3102, Full Price $3322 It is also possible for you to pay directly in Japanese yen.
2. A place cannot be held for you if you have not paid.
3. Booking is on a "First come - first served" basis.
4. Balance of $2492 must be paid before July 27, 2018.
5. An early bird booking discount will be given for payment in full before April 12, 2018. (Full cost with early-bird discount: $3102)
6. Payment by credit card through Paypal will incur an additional 2.9% fee (Paypal's fee)
7. Payment options are:
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Payment Method |
Details |
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*Preferred Method* Direct Transfer to Bank Account |
Pay direct to our bank account through internet banking. Convenient, instant and no fees. BSB: 193-879 |
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Pay Pal - Japanese Yen *no fees for using this option |
We will send you an email with a link to Paypal, where you can pay with your credit card through their secure system. Deposit ￥68060 Early Bird Full ￥254360 Full Fee ￥272400 |
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Pay Pal - $AU |
Please contact us by email so we can confirm the right amount. We will send you an email with a link to Paypal, where you can pay with your credit card through their secure system. *incurs additional 2,9% charge, see the following: Deposit +$24 Early Bird Full +$90 Full Fee +$96 |
Refunds & Cancellations
| If we cancel the Tour | If you cancel your booking |
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1. If there are insufficent numbers to run the tour and the tour is cancelled, a full refund will be given. 2. If the tour is cancelled by us for reasons to do with our operation / personal circumstances a full refund will be given. 3. If the tour is cancelled due to circumstances outside our control, some fees (accommodation) may be deducted, depending on the closeness of the cancellation date to the tour start date. |
1. Within 3 months of the tour start date a $50 administartion fee will be deducted 2. Within 2 months of the tour start date a $200 fee will be deducted to cover administration and other costs 3. Within 4 weeks of the tour start date 50% fee will be deducted 4. Within 2 weeks of the tour start date 100% fee will be deducted |
Tour Changes
1. The tour itinerary may be changed due to unforeseen circumstances. Every effort will be made to deliver the itinerary as planned.
2. Days or tour items may be swapped due to weather, closures or other circumstances.
3. Accommodation may be changed due to availability or other circumstances beyond our control. Every effort will be made to secure alternative comparable quality, location and cost accommodation.
Mobility
1. You are accepted on the tour as represented, the tour requires walking and stair mobility.
2. If you are not able to walk 2 to 5 kilometres in a day without problem, or climb stairs as required, then you may not be able to participate in all the activities of the tour.
3. In this event we take no responsibility for your participation on a day to day basis. However guidance will be given to the best of our ability.
Allergies and Medical Emergencies
1. You are asked to disclose relevant allergies, particularly food, so your guide can assist you with food and restaurant choice. Before booking the tour, please contact us to determine any degree of difficulty your allergy / food restrictions might cause. Information is available about food restrictions / diet / allergies, please contact us before booking the tour.
2. Your guide is not a native speaker / reader of Japanese, or medically qualified, so cannot take responsibility for your food choices. There is a degree of risk involved due to language / labelling understanding and differing cultural approaches to allergy etc.
3. You are strongly advised to prepare yourself for your needs and to have adequate and appropriate medical insurance. Any medication you require is your own responsibility.
Once again we had a great time in Kyoto and on our day trips to Fukui and Shiga. This year we had not one but two typhoons arrive! The rain dampened out clothes but not our spirits as we got out and about and enjoyed our planned activities.
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Sunday 22nd Arrival in Japan & Kyoto |
Most of us arrived in the morning and made our way to Kyoto and were lucky to catch the last day of Richard Steiner's solo exhibition in downtown Kyoto. A second trip to the airport and back to Kyoto as typhoon 21 intensified. Luckily we made it back - I heard that trains were stopped in the evening! |
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Monday 23rd Gion Art street Ukiyo-e galleries, Chion-in temple area, Sannenzaka Museum, Kiyomizudera, Shopping, Gion Area Temples and shops, Yasaka Shrine The rain gradually cleared during the day and we had a lovely walk to Kiyomizudera, where we encountered the big crowds of this famous attraction. Some of us drank from the sacred spring, which the name of this temple comes from, giving us longer life! Afterwards, making our way downtown we tried okonomiyaki for dinner! |
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Tuesday 24th Visit to Shoichi Kitamura Studio, Yamashina, Daigo-ji Temple Yamashina We had a fascinating and informative visit to Kitamura san's home studio and afterwards enjoyed the peace and tranquility of Daigo-ji. No big crowds and shopping madness here. In the evening we went to Kyoto station for dinner, then enjoyed the spectacular building and amazing night time view of Kyoto from the Skywalk. |
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Wednesday 25th Day trip to Echizen no washi sato (Paper making Village) We took the train to Fukui prefecture to Echizen washi village where we saw papermaking, talked at lenght to the craftsmen, visited the paper museum and also walked to Okami-jinja - and amazing shrine in the mountain village. Again - lovely peace and quiet enjoying the rustic atmosphere. |
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Thursday 26th Our Mokuhanga workshop with Richard Steiner started and everyone got busy with their projects! |
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Friday 27th Our Mokuhanga workshop continued and with Richard's expert tuition everone made progress. Afterwards we visited a small traditional clothes shop where some of us bought samue - traditional craftsperson's clothes in japan. The shop owner was so happy to help everyone! |
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Saturday 28th Teramachi-dori Shopping precinct, Art / Paper shops, Unsodo Mokuhanga publishers Starting with Kyoto Shibori Museum we visited various Art supply shops, Ukiyo-e shops, stopped at some interesting cafe's and finished with a lovely kaitenzushi (Sushi train) dinner! The rain was starting to fall for Typhoon 21 - only one week after the previous one! |
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Sunday 29th Kawaii Kanjiro's House, Kyoto Ceramics Centre, Kyoto Museum The rain from Typhoon 22 continued nearly all day, changing our plans a little. We went to the fantastic Kawai Kanjiro museum, which is his old home, then to the newlt opened Kyoto Ukiyo-e Museum where we could see Hiroshige's 36 Views of the Tokkaido, as well as some beautiful old Hokusai prints. Afterwards we visited Nishiki-dori to see and experience the incredible array of food shops there. |
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Monday 30th Mokuhanga Workshop with Richard Steiner - Last day with Richard. Beforehand we made an early morning visit to Shimogamo Shrine. Nice mokuhanga! |
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Tuesday 31st We took a trip to Shiga prefecture to visit Sagawa Art Museum, which had an awesome exhibition of "10 Masters of Ukiyo-e" with excellent examples of the most famous artists of that time, such as Utamaro, Kunisada, Kuniyoshi, Hokusai, Hiroshige etc. The museum itself is amazing and again it was nice to visit normal, everyday Japan Afterwards we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and caught a perfect sunset view of Kyoto to end the last day. |
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| Wednesday 1st |
In the morning we left for Kansai Airport and return to Australia, or to travel elsewhere in Japan. |
Our tour in October 2016 was again fantastic...
We had great weather most days - a little cooler this year, and sometimes cloudy, but still very mild and enjoyable. This year we included a day trip to Echizen Washi village, which was most enjoyable! As our numbers suddenly were less than planned, we were able to extend the planned two day workshop with Richard Steiner into four days. This allowed participants to engage in a deeper project and learn more.
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Tuesday 4th Arrival in Kyoto.. |
We had an enjoyable dinner together in downtown Kyoto, Kaitenzushi (sushi train) as well as an orientation to Kyoto city and our accommodation. |
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Wednesday 5th Beginning of mokuhanga workshop with Richard Steiner. In the morning there was time to take in an exciting print exhibition featuring Japanese and Canadian printmakers. |
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Thursday 6th Walking to Kamogawa (river) and enjoying the beautiful morning on Sanjo Ohashi. Nearby is an amazing old family business selling brushes of all sizes and purposes. Afterwards, off to Richard's amazing studio.
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Friday 7th In the morning before going to Richard's studio we looked at several interesting places and shops in Kyoto, including a great shop to buy washi. After yet another delicious dinner we visited Kyoto Station, enjoying the fabulous architechture. |
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Saturday 8th Morning visit to Kyoto's best art supply shops, then the final day of workshop with Richard. That evening we all ate Okonokiyaki together.. oishii!! (delicious) |
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Sunday 9th We visited Kawai Kanjiro's house / museum, the Kyoto Ceramics Centre, walked up the hill for agreat view across southern Kyoto and caught the sunset at Fushimi Inari Taisha (Shinto shrine) while enjoying a variety of snacks from the food stalls.. |
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Monday 10th Starting at Kamo gawa (river) we walked through some historic precincts, visited Ukiyo-e shops, past incredible wooden temple gates to Kiyomizu-dera. There we joined the throngs to view the scenery from the hillside Buddhist temple. Did I mention we chanced to see real Maiko san? |
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Tuesday 11th Shopping in downtown Kyoto, including a great brush shop. Nishiki market street has the most amazing variety! |
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Wednesday 12th The exciting day trip to Echizen washi village had at last arrived. Setting off earlier than usual, we caught an express train past Lake Biwa to Fukui prefecture. At Echizen we were able to see the paper making process, visit artisans studios and buy great Kozo washi direct from the makers. Along the way we had the local specialty for lunch - Oroshi Soba! Oishii!!!! |
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Thursday 13th We were priveliged to visit the home studio of master craftsman Shoichi Kitamura. Afterwards, a change of plan and we amazed ourselves with the incredible wooden temple at Higashi Honganji, near to Kyoto Station. |
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Friday 14th The wonderful toiur was over and each of us made our way to our next destinations, either the airport to return to Australia, or other parts of Japan. |
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Our tour in October 2015 was fantastic...
We had great weather throughout and all had a great time exploring Kyoto's shops, temples and restaurants... These are a few of the photographs I took, I hope it gives you an idea of the variety of places and activities.
"I have enjoyed it so much. Your expert introduction to Kyoto has been invaluable and made it easy to get around.. thank you for all your guidance and patience with us (especially all the shopping!)...Thank you again for a wonderful tour. Ciao Putch"
See below for some of the photos!
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Wednesday 7th Arrival in Kyoto - there is Kyoto Tower! We had an enjoyable dinner together in downtown Kyoto, Kaitenzushi (sushi train) as well as an orientation to Kyoto. |
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Thursday 8th Walking by the bank of Kamogawa (river) and finding our way to Kiyomizu-dera, overlooking Kyoto. Along the way, many great, cute, interesting and fascinating shops. |
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Friday 9th Visit to Shoichi Kitamura's workshop for an inspiring introduction to his work. Afterwards visiting Daigo-ji (temple) in Yamashina - away from the hordes of tourists! That evening we had a great dinner together in one of Yamashina's Izakaya. |
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Saturday 10th Visit to the mountain village of Kurama. Some of us walked to the mountain top temple.. amazing! That evening we went to Kyoto Station, an architechtural masterpeice with great views of Kyoto city at night. |
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Sunday 11th We took in the great exhibition "Rinpa - 400 years of Kyoto Style" (sorry - no photos), visited Kawai Kanjiro's house / museum and caught the sunset at Fushimi Inari Taisha (Shinto shrine) |
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Monday 12th Shopping! At downtown Kyoto's incredible array of shops selling beautiful and amazing goods. Many of us had a wish list, so we could go straight to the shops we wanted. |
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Tuesday 13th Split into two groups after a relaxed lunch at a small sushi bar, one group started their workshop, and the other went on a tour of specialist shops. |
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Wednesday 14th The first group completed their workshop and the other went on a mission to Arashiyama! |
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Thursday 15th Swapping over, the second group started their workshop with Richard Steiner while the other group visited some specialist shops in Kyoto city. |
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Friday 16th The second group completed their workshop while the first went on a guided shopping mission to a variety of art shops and others on the wish list. That evening we had a great dinner together at a small restaurant just around the corner from our accommodation. |
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Saturday 17th Leaving to return home... some of us stayed on for further adventures! |
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Some of the great photos from the previous tours:
