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.

Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple

Why not enjoy your holidays in Kyoto? You can certainly get in touch with many things Japanese that we are proud of. They are old temples and shrines, cultural assets and the beautiful natural surroundings. You can also enjoy dropping in at souvenir stores and buy exquisitely made products, such as folding fans, porcelain and traditional Japanese cakes. I would like to take you to the following places, which are the three representative tourist destinations in this city: (1) Arashiyama It is the place where all the traditional natural beauties of Japan are combined together. They are Togetsukyo bridge, bamboo grove and the old temples. If you go up to the observation spot, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the gorge below. You can also see rickshaws of the olden times drawn by young people with smiling passengers on board. There are souvenir shops selling variety of goods and products. (2) Nijo-jo Castle (World Cultural Heritage Site) This castle was built in the early 17th century by the Tokugawa Shogunate government for the purpose of protecting the Kyoto Imperial Palace and as the accommodations when Tokugawa Shogun was in Kyoto. It was subsequently enlarged by successive Shogun. It is the castle as well as the palace, where you can see the powerful structures and beautiful gardens. You can learn, in addition, how great the power of Tokugawa Shogun was. (3) Kinkakuji temple (the Golden Pavilion) (World Cultural Heritage Site) The history of this temple began when the third Shogun of the Muromachi period acquired a tract of land in this area from a powerful statesman in 1397 and built a villa of his own to entertain the Emperor and members of the nobility. The upper two levels of the temple are covered with pieces of gold foil and are shining brilliantly against the background of the rich greenery. The pond in the foreground reflects the golden structure. It looks like the materialization of Pure Land of Buddha in this world. In addition, on the top of the golden structure is the shining phoenix.

Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities

View all Highlights in Kyoto

This tour covers 4 must-see sites and Nishiki Market. You visit the most renowned sites such as the Golden Pavilion, Ryo-an-ji temple where you may find an elegant beauty in its simple rock garden Nijo-castle ,the luxurious palace of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Sanjyu-sangendo temple, where the thousand life-size statues and the Principal statue make you feel like you are in a forest of Buddha! says " It's amazing ! Lastly visit Nishiki Market, where you can enjoy eating Kyoto’s cuisine.

Kyoto Art, Culture, & Historical Tours

Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest in Eastern Kyoto

5 hours 30 min

Experience the charm of tranquility in a mountain temple. Seikanji is a temple in Mt. Kiyomizu (242m high), which enables us to look down a fan-shaped view of the Kyoto area from the temple grounds covered with green moss. The temple retains such anecdotes as the emperor’s tragic love and the Waka poem composed by the incarnation of Buddha. We hike along a path at the mountain's edge from the less crowded tiny Seikanji temple to the heavily crowded huge Kiyomizu-Dera temple.

FROM$207/ per group

Yosshi S.

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.

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.

Fushimi Inari Shrine, Zen Meditation, Sake brewery visiting and tasting

View all Art, Culture, & Historical in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must-see in Kyoto. This tour also includes Zen meditation at a Buddhist temple and a visit to a sake brewery. You'll have an unforgettable experience! ※Please message me before your payment. I need to confirm the availability of the Zen meditation and sake brewery visit in advance.

FROM$301/ per group

Wendy Z.

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 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

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 Unique Experience Tours

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

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

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 (Limited time sale happening now!

View all Unique Experience in Kyoto

3 hours

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 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.

Ancient Wizard of Kyoto [4 Hours]

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, Arashiyama Expedition Walking Tour

The Kyoto, Arashiyama Expedition is a serene journey through Japan's natural beauty, perfect for all ages. Begin in Takao Forest, exploring hidden waterfalls, ancient temples, and secret shrines. Visit the peaceful Otaji Nembutsuji Temple and wander through the stunning bamboo forest. In summer, enjoy a refreshing dip in the Kyotaki River. This off-the-beaten-path tour offers a peaceful escape to Kyoto’s hidden wonders.

FROM$261/ per group

Michele S.

Walking Tour of Kiyotaki to Takao ( hidden course Kyoto Arashiyama to north : Nature Tourism )

View all Off the Beaten Path in Kyoto

This is a guide course of visiting Takao from north part of Arashiyama through Toriimoto and Kiyotaki. We'll start from walking through an area with a historical landscape before heading toward mountainous area to walk on a riverside trail. It is a beautiful combination of history and nature.

Kyoto Food & Drink Tours

Kyoto Fushimi Sake & Food Tasting Experience

4 hours

After visiting the renowned Fushimi Inari Shrine, we will explore some of the sake breweries in the Fushimi area, known for its long history of sake brewing in Kyoto. You’ll enjoy exploring the local neighborhood while tasting sake and sampling delicious food.

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

3 hours

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!!

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

3 hours

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 Kids & Family Friendly Tours

Matcha, Mochi, the Majestic Byōdōin and Tōdaiji: An Forgettable Day Exploring Kyoto & Nara

View all Kids & Family Friendly in Kyoto

9 hours 40 min

Embark on a full-day tour from Kyoto to Nara discovering Japan's rich heritage start with the iconic Fushimi inari taisha famous for its thousands of red torii gates Experience the traditional art of matcha in uji, then explore Nara's majestic Todaiji temple, home to the great Buddha. Enjoy the serene Nara Deer Park. Finally experience the lively traditional of making mochi. This memorable journey blends history, culture, and authentic Local experience for a truly unforgettable day

Kyoto Shopping Tours

Exclusive tour for handmade-lovers and Ginkakuji Temple

View all Shopping in Kyoto

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

Linda R.

5 / 5

Mar 31, 2025

Kyoto full day tour for Linda

Mar 31, 2025

9 hours

Customized

“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.

5 / 5

Mar 30, 2025

Kyoto & Shiga in Three Days: Highlights and Hidden Gems

Mar 30, 2025

3 days

Customized

“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.

Anna P.

5 / 5

Mar 30, 2025

Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto

Mar 30, 2025