Tom H.
“Kyoto Tour”
Fumi was just lovely. She was so knowledgeable about the area and the sites that we were visiting. She was a great leader and took us with ease throughout the city. She also took us to a wonderful restaurant that was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend Fumi as your tour guide for Kyoto. We have nothing but wonderful memories of our time we spent with her. She would be a great guide for anyone for the Kyoto area. She went out of her way to take us all the way back from the city center to our cruise ship. This put her over an hour to 2 hours out of her way to help us get back safely to our ship. Wow!! She was wonderful.
Susanne A.
“Great tour in the Old town of Kyoto”
Yuta was a very nice Guide who set up a Perfect program for the Short time we had in Kyōto. He was well prepared for the hot weather. Thanks a lot Yuta for the great time!
Yuta I.
Wow, thank you so much for the kind words! I’m so glad you enjoyed your time in Kyoto, even with the short schedule. Preparing for the hot weather definitely paid off! Please come back anytime:)) Kyoto will always be waiting for you!
Isabelle S.
“Excellent guide for Kyoto”
Fumi gave us useful information about the sites in Kyoto (temples, bamboo farms, shopping districts) and picked a delicious restaurant for lunch. She was also patient with us despite the 41C heatwave. We highly recommend her.
Fumi U.
Thank you so much for writing a wonderful review. I'm very happy that you enjoyed the tour. I look forward to seeing you again.
Discover Kyoto's hidden gems with a private tour guide! Navigate the city's rich history, culture, and food like a local with a tour guide that knows the way.
Push beyond tour favorites like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Taisha, and the crowds they attract, towards hidden gems waiting to be discovered with the help of a private tour guide. One such place is the Tofuku-ji Temple, known for its stunning autumn foliage and serene atmosphere. A private tour guide can provide insights into the temple's architecture, Zen gardens, and historical significance, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty beyond the surface level.
With calmer crowds, you and your loved ones can create the kind of memories you want, with no interruptions. In Kyoto, your private guide will ensure you have the time, knowledge and space to savor moments of tranquility and reflection and soak in the spiritual ambiance of this lesser-known gem.
On average, 2-3 days in this historic city will introduce you to places like the Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Arashiyama bamboo forests. If you've got a bit more time on your hands, exploring Kyoto can be stretched out into a 5-day tour experience with these highlighted destinations;
Have more you'd like to see? Check out our Kyoto Private Tours
March to May and October to November are the best times to visit Kyoto as the weather reaches that sweet spot of cool, slow winds and warm days. The calm weather, cherry blossoms, and festivals make these months popular for travelers, so expect larger crowds. For a different experience, try;
For more information on weather, festivals, and travel tips, check out our Japan Tourism Statistics 2023: The Ultimate Guide.
Absolutely! Kyoto has achieved the perfect balance of remaining close to its historical roots as Japan's original capital, rich in culture and customs, while including modern conveniences and tourist-friendly services. It's one of Japan's most tour-conscious cities, next to Tokyo.
That's a tough one! Kyoto has history, slow living, and breathtaking landscapes. Osaka has fantastic food and modern conveniences and is slightly more affordable.
Osaka is great for;
Kyoto is ideal for;
The greatest thing about these two cities is that they're just a train ride away from one another. So whichever you decide, the other option is only 15 minutes away.
Kyoto is often considered more beautiful than Tokyo because of the visually stunning architecture and Edo period buildings, especially those that highlight the nagare-zukuri style. It’s almost like a time machine. City lovers will consider Tokyo more beautiful thanks to its glowing billboards, high-end hotels, buzzing restaurants, and nightlife. Our recommendation? See both and decide for yourself. Tokyo and Kyoto are only 2 hours apart.
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