Jeremy S.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
“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!
“Unforgettable Kyoto Tour”
Ichi made our Kyoto walking tour truly special. He met us at our hotel, fully prepared and with a clear plan, and from there, the experience only got better. Ichi shared fascinating insights about Maikos and Geikos in Gion, taught us how to count in Japanese, and even treated us to some delicious sake! He also showed us how to make origami, adding a unique cultural touch that we’ll never forget. Ichi’s knowledge of hidden gems—like a secluded zen garden we had all to ourselves—made our visit feel exclusive and unforgettable. Highly recommend!
Toichi N.
(58 reviews)Hello Jeremy, Thank you very much for recommending my tour to others! I am glad to know you enjoyed the tour very much. I think this walking tour I created is very interesting even though a lot of walkings are involved. Hope you enjoed the rest of your trip in Japan, but I'm sure your daughters are very happy to see you back. After all, there's no place like Home! Maybe next time you can visit me in my hometown of Osaka!
“Excellent tour guide!”
Thank you Nori-san! I'm looking forward to more tours from you!
Nori I.
(25 reviews)Thanks! Yes, hopefully we can!
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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