Secret Kyoto: Our Tour Leaders' Exclusive List in Local Neighborhoods

Five stars for Jake Campbell’s “Secret Kyoto” tour. Jake met us at the hotel and joined breakfast, smoothly handling ordering and communication with a non-English-speaking server. He guided us through a pleasant market, pointing out interesting stores and offering help so we wouldn’t overpay. On the beautiful Philosopher’s Path he gave an engaging overview of Kyoto’s history, skillfully linking it to the sights: the late-19th-century Keage power and pumping station of the Lake Biwa Canal beside the old Incline tracks, the cemetery at Nanzen-ji, and the brick Suirokaku aqueduct. At the temple itself he explained its history and significance with clear, interesting detail. Knowing the area well, he later found a charming café run by an older couple for sandwiches, baked goods, and delicious matcha milkshakes. At the station he showed us efficient SUICA use (helpful for Tokyo) and helped locate a few items before returning us to the hotel. This beautifully guided, thoughtfully curated tour exceeded our expectations. Jake’s dinner recommendation was, in the opinion of four experienced travelers from three continents, one of the best meals any of us had ever eaten. His knowledge, helpfulness, and genuine care made the day memorable. Highly recommended.

We really enjoyed our tour! We saw places that we would have never found ourselves. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. We highly recommend her!

Jake was awesome! Our favorite tour yet. Highly recommend. He had lots of suggestions. Was very knowledgeable about the history and neighborhoods we walked through. Speaks excellent Japanese and English.

The tour of Kyoto was fantastic, but primarily because our tour guide, Jake, took us to the best spots. If you’re interested in seeing the breath taking, and hidden spots of Kyoto- this is it.

Rei was really thoughtful in planning our itinerary visiting shrines or temples where locals go, going on streets off the beaten path, and sharing beliefs and the local way of life. It was exactly what our family wanted to get a taste of local culture. We would highly recommend Rei as a guide and her English is excellent for easy communication.