Ana P.
“Kyoto Custom Tour in Kyoto day 2”
I contacted Hiroko back in the December to organize my Kyoto tours with her. From the beginning Hiroko was very helpful, and she promptly answered to my emails. I booked three tours with Hiroko, and I had an amazing time during the three tours.. Hiroko, is very patient, kind, knowledgeable of the Japanese history, and she speaks perfectly English! Hiroko, took me to a tea place at Kyoto Station that I tried for the first time Matcha with some tiny Japanese delicious pastries. Hiroko, looked after me very well, and as I was very jet lagged she carried out our tour at my own pace. I highly recommend Hiroko as your tour guide specially if you’re looking for someone who speaks fluent English. Thank you Hiroko for the wonderful tours you gave me in Kyoto… I would love to come back again to Kyoto, and have more tours with Hiroko again.
Linda R.
“Perfection!!”
We had an incredible two-day tour with Kaori in Kyoto and Osaka! She was fantastic—respectful of our walking limitations and took us to hidden gems off the beaten path in Kyoto. We explored the beautiful bamboo forest, serene Japanese gardens, and historic Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Kaori shared her deep knowledge of these locations, as well as fascinating stories about shoguns, samurai, and emperors. She also arranged the Shinkansen bullet train for us, which was an amazing experience. We visited a fabulous local restaurant, a charming coffee shop, and vibrant food markets, where we enjoyed delicious king crab. Highly recommend Kaori for an unforgettable and enriching experience!
Ross H.
“Captivating Kyoto and More with Kanae”
Several months before our trip to Japan in March, 2025, my wife and I scheduled a three private tours of Kyoto and the surrounding environs of Shiga (Hikone, Lake Biwa, etc.) with Kanae who drove us to all the locations we visited in her car. She was extraordinarily responsive to my inquiries and sent us a proposed itinerary for our consideration and comment, offering to make any changes we desired (the plans were so well curated that we never needed to make any modifications or suggestions for other or different venues to explore). Kanae was punctual in meeting us at our ryokan each day and organized our tours in a sensible manner to make travel around Kyoto and Shiga as efficient as possible. She is knowledgeable as to the sights we visited and provided interesting information in English we could clearly understand (unless Kon'nichiwa and Arigato constitute fluency, my Japanese is woefully deficient). Most important, though, Kanae is a lovely, warm and thoughtful person (she even brought us thermoses of homemade tea to have on our travels to Shiga) and we greatly enjoyed spending time with her, talking about her family, daily life, favorite foods, and interests. My wife and I are grateful and consider ourselves incredibly fortunate that we chose to tour Kyoto and Shiga with Kanae. I am confident that you will as well.
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.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
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