Kyoto Private Tours
Book a Private Kyoto Tour with a Local Tour Guide
Kyoto Highlights Tours
One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
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.
Perfect Trip in Kyoto
Do you want to visit the most popular places in Kyoto in 1 day? If your answer is “YES”, this is the tour for you ;) We will visits the famous temples and shrines and enjoy the nature around and learn the history and legends behind them. Let’s explore the old capital of Japan Kyoto and learn more about Japan!!
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 1 Day Tour covering Most Popular Spots
This tour covers the most popular spots in Kyoto with scenic beauty.The spots are selected from Fushimi area, Arashiyama area, and Kitayama area of Kyoto.From the point of scenic beauty, you will see Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo grove, and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, whereyou can take memorable pictures. You will visit the major scenic sites in one day effectively. These three areas are apart from each other, but can be travelled by JR-train and bus in relatively short time.
Kyoto Art, Culture, & Historical Tours
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.
Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)
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.
Private tour Fushimi Inari, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market Start form Kyoto or Osaka
Kyoto is the ancient and modern blend seamlessly. Join me on a private tour to explore two of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks: Fushini Inari, Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion and Nijo Castle, culminating in a vibrant exploration of Nishiki Market. Enriching journey through Kyoto's past and present, where each moment promises a new discovery.
Kyoto Day Trip Tours
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
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.
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
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
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 Full-Day Bicycle Tour
We'll visit 5 amazing places in Kyoto. From Fushimi Inari Shrine and its amazing red torii gates to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toji Temple, and its 5-layered pagoda. The Imperial Palace (former residence of Japan’s emperors) is on our list, and then onto Kinkakuji Temple (The Golden Pavilion) while you gaze at the glimmer of gold as it reflects on the water off the pond in front. Lastly, Gion, the most famous Geisha/Geiko/Maiko area and district in Kyoto. And, SO MUCH MORE!
![Kyoto: Bamboo, Mountains and Markets [8 hours]cover image](https://gowithguide.com/images/x0nGcqBMgwCpQQgzty_E2yK7lsAJntyNJVqn-CQ9mF0/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/16152/2c3b4ad9-fb64-42f6-97ce-a08f04f0cbf4.jpg)
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.
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
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
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.
Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do
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]cover image](https://gowithguide.com/images/tuQOCrOO2sM6VGcil9G5brC9iV4IdyHugNaPPtFIdis/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/15709/9e763dd4-f120-4f95-9784-cb9d18b1ca63.jpg)
Ancient Wizard of 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!
![[Ichijou street] Hanging around east-west street in Kyotocover image](https://gowithguide.com/images/eu3pdkv9yJ3iKutMcPdeD3CdllgsEGKkMfyBm6LI908/f:avif/h:480/w:480/plain/gowithguide/tours/4801/84818.jpg)
[Ichijou street] Hanging around east-west street in Kyoto
There are many old streets in old capital Kyoto area. I design a walking tour set of 31 streets.You can see the true Kyoto in this tour which is not in tourism like 30 years ago.In some streets, You could see traditional dying shops for Yuzen which is a traditional dyeing Kimono method of Kyoto.You can visit some of the shops and I will interpret between the shop owner and you.
Kyoto Food & Drink Tours
Kyoto Fushimi Sake & Food Tasting Experience
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!
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.
Kyoto Nightlife Tours
Kyoto Night Walking Tour
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
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
Kyoto Shopping Tours
Kyoto Tour Reviews
“Kyoto half day walking tour ”
Nori was well traveled and very knowledgeable about the historical and cultural sights in Kyoto. He has lived in the US for many years and we enjoyed talking to him about many subjects. He was flexible to our schedule and our 6 person group.
Nori I.
Thank you very much for your kind comments! It was fun for me also to explore the Kiyomizu area, Gion and the Nishiki Market. In Kyoto everywhere you go there is so much history behind the place. Also, you were very lucky to see the end of foliage. I might have rushed a bit but I think you were able to see quite a lot during the half day. Hope you will enjoy the rest of your trip here in Japan and come back to explore more places!! Take care!
“2 Full Fun Filled Days in Kyoto”
We spent 2 full days with Kaori. She is great fun, very engaging and speaks good English. We thoroughly enjoyed our days with her, covering a lot of ground using taxis which we think is the best way to maximise your time as the underground system is not as widespread as in Osaka and Tokyo. This meant we were not rushing away from one place to get to the next and could enjoy a more leisurely lunch having great food and sake in the restaurants she chose for us. We also had time to take a detour in search of a particular gift for someone at home. Would highly recommend choosing Kaori to guide you in any of the areas she covers. You will have fun and learn a lot along the way.
Kaori K.
Hi Naren! Thank you very much for your gentle comment :) I’m glad you had great time in Kyoto! I had fun time with you, too! And your gift,,,,, scotch whisky! I’m saving for new year:)) Thank you very much for your considering :)) Kaori
Mt C.
Day trip from Toyama, to Shirakawago and Takayama
Customized
“Shirakawago and Takayama”
This is the 2nd time that we have engaged Tomoe-san as our guide. This time, she guided us in our 2 day trip to Shirakawago and Takayama. We were glad that we did Prior to the trip, she actually made a trip to Shirakawago and Takayama to find out more about the transportation, places of interest. The homework that she did allowed us to travel smoothly from point to point. This is especially important because transport in and out of Shirakawago is limited especially during peak period. During the 2 day trips, not only were we were able to visit the key places of interest at both Shirakawago and Takayama. More importantly, her presence allowed us to communicate freely with the locals at Shirakawago and Takayama. These conversations with the locals allowed us deeper insight into the culture and customs of the Japanese living in these 2 locations. Throughout the 2 day trips, Tomoe san was very patient with us even when we took longer than usual to take photos. She would paced us so that we would still be able to complete what we aimed to do. She also enjoyed photography and she was able to help us capture wonderful moments with her phone. Definitely the guide to engage when you visit Japan
Tomoe S.
Dear Chan san, Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I was really glad that you have remembered me since our first meeting, sent me a mail of inquiry again, and I was able to spend such a wonderful time with you in Shirakawago and Takayama. I will never forget such incredibly supreme days I spent with you. That's one of my best memories as a guide. Thank you very much for booking me as your guide again! I miss you so much. TOMOE
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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.