Kyoto Private Tours

5 hours

Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? I would also like to take you some hidden gemes in Kyoto. Beat the crowds!

One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)

7 hours

Tour will start from the Hotel in Kyoto. Frst visit is Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavillion ),then, to Ryoanji tmple where is famous for rock garden. Tour will stop at Arasiyama area to take lunch and visit Togetsu bridge, Bamboo grove, Tentyuji temple and others. The last visit is NIjyo castle. As these places are normally crowded. using chartered taxi is highly recommended in order to effectively use your valuable time in Kyoto.

Kyoto Golden Route : Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama area

This tour covers the most popular spots in Kyoto. We will visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama area, Kinkakuji, Nijo Castle. I will pick you up at your hotel. You can visit almost all the popular tourist sites in Kyoto, incliding Kinkakuji, Arashiyama ( Bamboo forest, Togatsu bridge, and Tenryuji temple), Nijo castle and Fushimi Inari shrine. The itinerary can be customized according to your request.

Kyoto : Fushimi Inarii ・Kiyomizu-dera・Geisha District

View all Highlights in Kyoto

"Higashi-yama" means Eastern mountain in Japanese. It is an interesting area with historic and scenic spots. They are located on the foot of Eastern mountains in Kyoto city. Anyone can enjoy visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu temple. In addition, walking in the historic site gives you a feel of olden time Kyoto atmosphere, and you will find a unique impression while strolling in the Gion Geisha district.

Kyoto Art, Culture, & Historical Tours

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. Also, Kyoto is getting very crowded due to a lot of foreigners visiting there. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with Wabi Sabi such as those in Sagano and the oldest Japanese sweet shop in Murasakino.

Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest

There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyma to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.

Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)

3 hours 30 min

Kyoto served as a capital city where the Emperor resided between 798 and 1868. The ancient capital city has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage. This walking tour gives you a fun time to experience strolling in the backstreets where few tourists visit. You can walk in the famous Geisya quarter including Miyagawacho and Gion, Keninji Zen Temple and Shirakawa riverside.You have a fun walking in the alley in Kyoto. You can encounter Geiko (Geisya) or Maiko if you are lucky.

Exploring Six Scenic Spots with Sushi

View all Art, Culture, & Historical in Kyoto

6 hours 30 min

On this tour, you'll be able to see, hear, and taste the culture of Kyoto at some especially exciting spots. We will explore the three major areas of Kyoto: Kitayama, Higashiyama, and Gion. We, the team (tourism experts in our 20s and 30s), promise to offer a unique and special tour experience that you won't find anywhere else in Kyoto.

Kyoto Day Trip Tours

Your most memorable tour in Kyoto

Kyoto is an ancient capital that has existed for over 1000 years. There are many shrines and temples, and you can also see traditional Japanese culture such as tea ceremony and flower arrangement. You can also see the beautiful scenery that will take your breath away. Please feel Kyoto, which can be said to be the origin of Japan, with all five senses.

Charming must -see in north west area of Kyoto city

This tour covers 4 must-see sightseeing spot . Firstly, we visit the golden pavilion. We go to Arashiyama. We walk through Tenryuji garden and bamboo forest. In the afternoon, we'll visit Nijo castle. (We enjoy watching a live demonstration of Japanese sweet making with green tea(Mattcha).Finally you can learn about Kyoto’s traditional and wonderful kimono

Customized Private Tour in Kyoto

This is customized private tour in Kyoto which guests can create easily by selecting any spots from a list of popular tourist destinations. The list consists of 16 tourist destinations (S01-16) that are very popular especially among foreign tourists. After the guest's selection the guide will arrange best itinerary with tour cost and feedback proper offer to the guest for formal booking.

Kyoto welcome tour

View all Day Trip in Kyoto

We go to Fushimi Inari shrine in the morning. Fushimi Inari is the most popular sightseeing spot in Japan. So no way to skip this spot!! Next, we will go to Kiyomizu temple. Also, there is Sanneizaka which is a traditional slope pass around Kiyomizu district. Then walking around the Gion area in the nighttime! If we have extra time, I will introduce you Nishiki market!

Kyoto Unique Experience Tours

One day bike tour to southern part of Kyoto, Uji and Fushimi

8 hours 30 min

In this tour, we can visit all the must-see places in the southern part of Kyoto together. Fushimi, known for the Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousand torii gates and sake breweries, and Uji, famous for its matcha and the Phoenix Hall, each hold a unique position in Kyoto. During this tour, I, who have lived in Uji for three years and now work in Fushimi, will share the charm of these two towns from a local's perspective, as we explore by bicycle.

Let's enjoy early morning Kyoto and maiko experience

6 hours

Kyoto is one of the most popular places to visit, but so crowded. If you want to enjoy quiet Kyoto, I recommend you visit there early morning. In this tour, you can enjoy bamboo grove, morning coffee at a Japanese style coffee shop and beautiful river and mountains scenery from a wooden bridge. After that, why don't you try 'washoku', or Japanese cuisine and maiko, or cute apprentice geisha's dancing? My special early morning tour will give you wonderful and unforgettable memories in Japan!!

Koto Lesson in Nijo,Kyoto

1 hour 20 min

Let's learn Japanese instrument Koto at cozy Kyo-machiya house! Koto, Japanese traditional instrument, seems difficult to play and try for beginners. However, at Soushunan, the lesson by the professional instructor enables you to play one song in 80min.

Half day Guided tour and memorable Photo shooting in Kyoto

View all Unique Experience in Kyoto

I would like to introduce you Highlights of Kyoto city with my authentic portrait lens equipped camera.I will send you memorable shoots after the tour.

Kyoto Nature & Outdoor Tours

Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen

3 hours 30 min

Departing from Kyoto City Subway’s Keage Station, we will pass by Himukai Daijingu Shrine before making our way towards Mt. Daimonjiyama. As we ascend to the mountain's peak, you'll be greeted with panoramic views of Kyoto, stretching as far as Osaka. After descending towards Imadegawa Street, our journey will conclude at a charming local ramen restaurant.

Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours]

The tranquility of a meticulously maintained bamboo forest, a mountain shrine with vibrant red torii gates, and a breathtaking view of the city from a mountaintop temple. In this adventure we will explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, and wander through the Tofuku-ji temple (especially beautiful in Fall or Spring). Later, we check out Kiyomizu-dera and walk through Yasaka Shrine, Gion, Shirakawa Lane, Pontocho, Teramachi, and over to the Nishiki Market.

Kyoto back road trail/behide the major temples

6 hours

There's numbers of trails around Kyoto where people's life and forest are closely coexist. In this tour, guests will be guided half-day tour which starts from just beside one of the famous tourist spot "Silver temple". The trail starts from well-maintained road, getting gently increase in slope. Then we suddenly jump into an open space which is called "Hidoko (fire bed)" where Kyoto's biggest festival ”Okuribi (bonfire)" is held. Great panoramic view of Kyoto city is also available here.

One Day Tour with the Magnificent View in Saga Arashiyama

View all Nature & Outdoor in Kyoto

Saga Arashiyama is located in the northwest of Kyoto city, which was an ancient capital of Japan. It is famous for its scenic beauty. There are many picturesque places such as bamboo groves, mountain ranges, bridges, rivers, historical temples and shrines , scenic trains, and a 'Kimono Forest'. On this tour we will walk down the mountainside, visit some peaceful temples, see the beautiful bamboo groves and attractive gifts (pottery, cocoon dolls, handmade bamboo products) there.

Kyoto Off the Beaten Path Tours

Kyoto Murasakino ( Daitokuji ) to Kamigamo tour ( peaceful tour with no hassle with crowd )

This comfortable way is highly recommended for seniors who are looking for peace and tranquility. This is a guide course of visiting my own home town of Murasakino area. I know the most efficient way to move around. We are starting our tour from Daitokuji Temple to Imamiya shrine where you can enjoy at the oldest tea house in Kyoto. Later on, move on to Kamigamo by a bus which is never crowded from this point. I'll be showing you to a town-scape of historic Kyoto. Let's travel in a peace.

Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour

4 hours

First and foremost, I do not want to provide a typical tour to the standard fair of tourist attractions. As with the majority of visitors to Kyoto, you do not really need a guide to visit such places. Instead, what makes my tour special is that I can show you the unique places of Kyoto with the addition of a historical and cultural background. Lunch at local restaurants, visit temples of the beaten path, go to local shopping arcades for unique products. Enjoy Kyoto without the crowds.

Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do

5 hours

Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for many torii gates like an orange tunnel. But most tourists just visit only the entrance. I would like to show you the deep inside of Fushimi Inari Shrine through tunnel and take you to the top of mountain. From Inari mountain, we will walk a part of “Higashiyama Trail” hiking course, then we will visit the family temple of imperial house and Sanjusangen-do temple.

Ancient Wizard of Kyoto [4 Hours]

View all Off the Beaten Path in Kyoto

4 hours

A thrilling ancient tale of a formidable Japanese sorcerer, who wielded unimaginable power over a thousand years ago. Join us as we venture to a sacred shrine dedicated to his memory, and explore the eerie abode of his otherworldly assistants. Be amazed as you encounter a collection of mystical religious talismans and amulets, each intricately decorated with symbols that will leave you spellbound. Don't miss out on this extraordinary journey into the realm of magic and mystery!

Kyoto Food & Drink Tours

Let's enjoy "yuba" cuisine and Toji Temple!

7 hours

Do you know "yuba"? It is very healthy Japanese food. Yuba is soy milk skin and you can taste "yuba kaiseki" at an old yuba restaurant. After enjoying the healthy cuisine, you can also enjoy watching the yuba factory!! Near the restaurant, there is an old temple, Toji and its branch temple, Kanchiin Temple. I'm sure you will have a wonderful and rare experience in Kyoto!!

Japanese foods introduction tour

I can show you Japanese traditional food and local food at Nishiki market and downtown after hearing your preference. Let's explore Kyoto foods together!!

KYOTO - A Tailor-Made dining experience for you

Japan has a very unique cooking style and set of table manners. Learn about the food culture and culinary history of Japan and visit local restaurants in Kyoto which offers a rich and diverse culinary tradition.

One day tour From Gion to the Nishiki Market

View all Food & Drink in Kyoto

5 hours

Kyoto is an ancient city, which used to like be the capital of Japan for 1000 years. There are about 1600 temples and 400 shrines and beautiful gardens. It also has a lot of traditional crafts,such as kimono, fans, Japanese artistic sweets. There are a lot of things to do and experience. First of all I will take you to Gion area.I will take you to Yasaka Shrine and Kenninji Temple. Then let's move to the Nishiki market. and have sushi lunch in the market. Gion is the area of entertainment, where there are many bars and taverns. Some important business and political talks have been conducted. You may run across Maiko and Geiko, Japanese entertainers in kimono. If you want to wear Japanese costume in Gion, I can arrange with extra charge. NIshiki market is the kitchen of the Kyoro, where local people buy their everyday food. Fish stores, vegetable stores, pickles stores and so on. A friend of mine owns a Yuba shop in the market. Yuba is vegan, dairy-free ,gluten free,preserve-free, additive-free and protein rich. You can see the yuba making process.

Kyoto Nightlife Tours

Kyoto Night Walking Tour

1 hour 30 min

Would you stroll Gion, Kiyamachi, Ponto-cho, Shirakawa,Yasaka Shrine with me, which are Kyoto entertainment areas ? Old wooden houses and narrow alleys such as old townscape exist as they are. Some areas are lighted up and many poeples will gather there after 18:00pm Please feel the night enthusiasm, today.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion District Exploration

View all Nightlife in Kyoto

Join our tour for a captivating journey through Kyoto's historic and cultural highlights. Begin with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, renowned for its stunning architecture and panoramic city views, beautifully illuminated as twilight descends. Next, immerse yourself in the charm of the Gion District, Kyoto’s famous geisha quarter. Wander through its traditional streets, lined with historic wooden machiya houses and teahouses.

Kyoto Shopping Tours

Exclusive tour for handmade-lovers and Ginkakuji Temple

View all Shopping in Kyoto

6 hours

There are many flea markets held in Kyoto on only one day in every month. In this tour, first, we will visit Ginkakuji Temple, and then, another temple where the famous handmade flea market is held. If you are interested in handmade, you will surely have a lot of fun! Only held on the 15th day of every month.

Day Trips from Kyoto

Osaka

Nara

Kobe

Hyogo

Shiga

Kyoto Tour Reviews

Tomo G.

5 / 5

Oct 31, 2024

One-day tour in Kyoto with a local guide

Customized

Oct 31, 2024

“Very reliable and liked by the entire group!”

Excellent English and Japanese as well as having deep love and knowledge for Kyoto and Kansai area had made the entire group feel warm and at ease. His professionalism and love for his job was felt right off the bat. We will definitely use him again thank you!

Yacine Z.

(1 reviews)

Thank you very much!

Vivian A.

5 / 5

Oct 30, 2024

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

Oct 30, 2024

“Fantastic day in beautiful Kyoto with Nori!”

Nori took us on a fun and informative full day tour of beautiful Kyoto. As a Kyoto native with deep roots in the local landscape (his father was a Tea Master!), Nori added interesting historical and cultural information to all of our stops. He is flexible and will customize your day to your specific interests (or suggest key sites), and Nori’s English is fluent having spent years abroad in English speaking countries. We saw many of the beautiful Temples and gardens and loved every minute. Highly recommend!

Nori I.

(26 reviews)

Thank you very much for the kind comments! It was one of my most excited tours I have ever done. Seeing the great tea master in public itself is a very rare thing but also meeting my family by coincidence during tour never happens. I was able to learn a lot by conversing with both of you too. I really enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. If you have any questions or anything, just send me a message please. Have a safe rest of your journey!

Jeremy S.

5 / 5

Oct 29, 2024

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto