GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
GoWithGuide
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
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Kyoto Private Tours

Book a Private Kyoto Tour with a Local Tour Guide

Kyoto Highlights Tours

Early Bird Tour in Western part of Kyotocover image

Early Bird Tour in Western part of Kyoto

Kyoto
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!

FROM$196/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Koichi W.
Koichi W.
4.95 / 5
(63 reviews)
One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)cover image

One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)

Kyoto
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.

FROM$260/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yasuhisa K.
Yasuhisa K.
4.96 / 5
(24 reviews)
Kyoto Golden Route : Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama areacover image

Kyoto Golden Route : Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama area

Kyoto
8 hours

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.

FROM$183/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yuri T.
Yuri T.
4.48 / 5
(27 reviews)
Kyoto : Fushimi Inarii ・Kiyomizu-dera・Geisha Districtcover image

Kyoto : Fushimi Inarii ・Kiyomizu-dera・Geisha District

Kyoto
8 hours

"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.

FROM$235/ per person
Japan Tour Guide - Toshi  M.
Toshi M.
4.78 / 5
(46 reviews)

Kyoto Art, Culture, & Historical Tours

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyotocover image

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

Kyoto
8 hours

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.

FROM$261/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Nori I.
Nori I.
5.00 / 5
(26 reviews)
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forestcover image

Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest

Kyoto
8 hours

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.

FROM$294/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hiroyuki T.
Hiroyuki T.
4.96 / 5
(135 reviews)
Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)cover image

Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)

Kyoto
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.

FROM$131/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Kenji O.
Kenji O.
5.00 / 5
(9 reviews)
Exploring Six Scenic Spots with Sushicover image

Exploring Six Scenic Spots with Sushi

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.

FROM$297/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Koin M.
Koin M.
4.96 / 5
(24 reviews)

Kyoto Day Trip Tours

Your most memorable tour in Kyotocover image

Your most memorable tour in Kyoto

Kyoto
8 hours

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.

FROM$242/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Kazuhiko G.
Kazuhiko G.
4.77 / 5
(182 reviews)
Charming must -see in north west area of Kyoto citycover image

Charming must -see in north west area of Kyoto city

Kyoto
8 hours

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

FROM$183/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Mana F.
Mana F.
4.85 / 5
(88 reviews)
Customized Private Tour in Kyotocover image

Customized Private Tour in Kyoto

Kyoto
8 hours

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.

FROM$366/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Kenji M.
Kenji M.
4.71 / 5
(83 reviews)
Kyoto welcome tourcover image

Kyoto welcome tour

Kyoto
8 hours

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!

FROM$405/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hero I.
Hero I.
4.92 / 5
(48 reviews)

Kyoto Unique Experience Tours

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

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

Kyoto
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.

FROM$392/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Ryuichiro M.
Ryuichiro M.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Let's enjoy early morning Kyoto and maiko experiencecover image

Let's enjoy early morning Kyoto and maiko experience

Kyoto
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!!

FROM$196/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yuriko S.
Yuriko S.
4.94 / 5
(53 reviews)
Koto Lesson in Nijo,Kyotocover image

Koto Lesson in Nijo,Kyoto

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.

FROM$59/ per person
Japan Tour Guide - Harumi S.
Harumi S.
5.00 / 5
(7 reviews)
Half day Guided tour and memorable Photo shooting in Kyotocover image

Half day Guided tour and memorable Photo shooting in Kyoto

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.

FROM$183/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Koichi T.
Koichi T.
4.84 / 5
(25 reviews)

Kyoto Nature & Outdoor Tours

Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramencover image

Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen

Kyoto
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.

FROM$55/ per person
Japan Tour Guide - Kanae O.
Kanae O.
5.00 / 5
(24 reviews)
Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours]cover image

Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours]

Kyoto
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.

FROM$503/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Jay T.
Jay T.
4.00 / 5
(2 reviews)
Kyoto back road trail/behide the major templescover image

Kyoto back road trail/behide the major temples

Kyoto
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.

FROM$209/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Tomoya H.
Tomoya H.
5.00 / 5
(2 reviews)
One Day Tour with the Magnificent View in Saga Arashiyamacover image

One Day Tour with the Magnificent View in Saga Arashiyama

Kyoto
8 hours

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.

FROM$222/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Atsuko T.
Atsuko T.
4.96 / 5
(55 reviews)

Kyoto Off the Beaten Path Tours

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

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

Kyoto
8 hours

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.

FROM$392/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Masayuki I.
Masayuki I.
5.00 / 5
(2 reviews)
Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tourcover image

Half-day Kyoto History and Culture Tour

Kyoto
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.

FROM$392/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Eco H.
Eco H.
5.00 / 5
(2 reviews)
Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-docover image

Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do

Kyoto
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.

FROM$228/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Koichi W.
Koichi W.
4.95 / 5
(63 reviews)
Ancient Wizard of Kyoto [4 Hours]cover image

Ancient Wizard of Kyoto [4 Hours]

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!

FROM$287/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Jay T.
Jay T.
4.00 / 5
(2 reviews)

Kyoto Food & Drink Tours

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

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

Kyoto
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!!

FROM$228/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yuriko S.
Yuriko S.
4.94 / 5
(53 reviews)
Japanese foods introduction tourcover image

Japanese foods introduction tour

Kyoto
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!!

FROM$150/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hero I.
Hero I.
4.92 / 5
(48 reviews)
KYOTO - A Tailor-Made dining experience for youcover image

KYOTO - A Tailor-Made dining experience for you

Kyoto
3 hours

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.

FROM$228/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Mari I.
Mari I.
4.86 / 5
(37 reviews)
One day tour  From Gion to the Nishiki Marketcover image

One day tour From Gion to the Nishiki Market

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.

FROM$133/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Toshiyo O.
Toshiyo O.
4.68 / 5
(245 reviews)

Day Trips from Kyoto

Kyoto Tour Reviews

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!

Tomo G.

Thank you very much!

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!

Vivian A.

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!

Perfect Day in Kyoto with an Amazing Guide!

We had an incredible experience in Kyoto with Nori as our guide! From the moment he met us at our hotel, he was organized and thoughtful, taking time to go over our itinerary before we set out. His passion and pride for Kyoto and Japan were evident in every story he shared and every detail he pointed out. Nori gave us a deeper understanding of the city’s culture and history, and we loved all the highlights he showed us: the Monkey Park in Arashiyama, the Bamboo Forest, and many beautiful gardens. We even got to taste traditional-style mochi, a delightful experience we’ll never forget. Nori made our visit truly special—highly recommend!

Jeremy S.

Thanks so much for your kind comments. I am really glad that you were able to enjoy my tour. I can not plan what those monkeys do but those moments that we interacted with them were priceless! There is so much more to see here in Kyoto. Hope you guys will come back in the future!

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Private Tours in Kyoto

Unlock the mysteries of Kyoto with a local tour guide! From temples in Gion to lush gardens in Arashiyama, discovering Kyoto’s global appeal is one click away.

Ready to cool off from the day’s heat and high activity? Book a tour to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a mesmerizing forest of towering bamboo stalks. While a popular destination, private tour guides can lead you off the beaten path to explore lesser-known trails and rest stops, allowing you and your travel team to escape the crowds and rest in the peaceful ambiance of the grove.

Beyond the visual appeal, your Kyoto tour guide can share stories about the significance of bamboo in Japanese culture overall, and help you gain appreciation for Arashiyama's natural beauty in a more intimate way.