If you're planning a leisurely trip to Kyoto, one that isn't rushed and allows you to deeply experience the beauty of Kyoto's mountains, forests, and ancient temples, I truly highly recommend this tour! 🌿
I especially want to give a strong recommendation to tour guide Wang Zhaoyu! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you only speak Chinese, there's absolutely no need to worry. Mr. Wang speaks Chinese very fluently, and his professionalism was evident from the day before the meeting. The day before, I couldn't find the meeting point, so I called the guide on a whim, and to my surprise, he not only answered immediately but also patiently helped me step-by-step. This level of service alone deserves a five-star rating!
Throughout the entire trip, Mr. Wang's explanations were clear, and he was friendly and approachable. His driving skills were also incredibly impressive; despite being very prone to motion sickness, I didn't feel sick at all. His driving was smooth and comfortable, allowing everyone to safely enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
The itinerary was also excellent, very suitable as an introductory tour for these attractions. It not only allows you to quickly understand the characteristics of each spot but also helps you identify which places best suit your preferences. If you find a particularly favorite spot, you'll have a better direction for planning a deeper, self-guided exploration next time. For a one-day tour, this pace is very comfortable, suitable for companions who walk slower, with ample time reserved at each attraction to experience the charming blend of Kyoto's mountains, ancient temples, and streams. It's a route I highly recommend.
🍃 Nanzen-ji Temple boasts a solemn and ancient temple atmosphere, complemented by the famous Suirokaku aqueduct, where history and nature perfectly merge, offering different charms in each season. Eikan-do Temple is renowned for its autumn foliage, and although this wasn't the maple leaf season, the tranquil and elegant garden still had a unique charm, each with its own beauty.
🍃 Sanzen-in Temple is filled with a strong sense of Zen, with its quiet and healing moss garden. Strolling through it instantly calms the mind. This time, I was also lucky enough to catch an exhibition by Professor Kumiko Minami (on its last day), adding an unexpected surprise to the trip.
🚃 Although the Eizan Electric Railway (Takaragaike Station – Kurama Station) doesn't have the spectacular autumn maple tunnel, the summer's lush green mountains and the fresh, healing scenery along the way showcase another kind of vibrant Kyoto landscape.
⛩️ What's most unforgettable about Kifune Shrine are the red lanterns neatly arranged on both sides of the approach, looking especially dreamy against the green backdrop. Although I didn't experience Kawadoko cuisine this time, just seeing the Kawadoko landscape built along the stream deeply conveyed the unique charm of Kyoto's summer.
Overall, this was a relaxed, stress-free, in-depth trip to Kyoto, where there was no constant rushing, but rather a genuine opportunity to slow down and experience the beauty created by the intertwining of mountains, ancient temples, and streams. If you're still hesitating whether to join, I truly recommend choosing tour guide Wang Zhaoyu; he is professional, friendly, meticulous, and reliable, and will definitely enhance your Kyoto trip!