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!
city image

Kyoto Private Tours

Book a Private Kyoto Tour with a Local Tour Guide

Kyoto Highlights Tours

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$257/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yasuhisa K.
Yasuhisa K.
4.97 / 5
(34 reviews)
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$193/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Koichi W.
Koichi W.
4.95 / 5
(66 reviews)
Perfect Trip in Kyotocover image

Perfect Trip in Kyoto

Kyoto
8 hours

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!!

FROM$232/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Takashi M.
Takashi M.
5.00 / 5
(29 reviews)
South to East Kyoto Tourcover image

South to East Kyoto Tour

Kyoto
6 hours

You will enjoy visiting some of Kyoto's historic and popular sights such as a shrine, temples and a district, from south to east. The route is planned well to be efficient by public transportation.

FROM$148/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hiroko D.
Hiroko D.
4.96 / 5
(74 reviews)

Kyoto Art, Culture, & Historical Tours

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$290/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hiroyuki T.
Hiroyuki T.
4.97 / 5
(156 reviews)
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$335/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Nori I.
Nori I.
5.00 / 5
(41 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$129/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Kenji O.
Kenji O.
5.00 / 5
(10 reviews)
半天周游京都宇治地区(平等院凤凰堂、黄檗山万福寺)cover image

半天周游京都宇治地区(平等院凤凰堂、黄檗山万福寺)

Kyoto
4 hours 30 min

从您们的宾馆,坐京阪电车。 1首先访问平等院凤凰堂(在宇治车站下车) 走着斜看宇治川过约7,8分钟,到平等院凤凰堂。(世界文化遗产) 2然后再坐京阪电车到黄檗山万福寺(在黄檗车站下车) 走着去约5分钟到黄檗山万福寺,是日本最早的禅宗寺院(中国由来的 )

FROM$52/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - 裕治
裕治
4.71 / 5
(14 reviews)

Kyoto Day Trip Tours

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$206/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Mana F.
Mana F.
4.86 / 5
(95 reviews)
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$238/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Kazuhiko G.
Kazuhiko G.
4.78 / 5
(188 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$361/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Kenji M.
Kenji M.
4.71 / 5
(84 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$399/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hero I.
Hero I.
4.92 / 5
(49 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
(29 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$496/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Jay T.
Jay T.
4.33 / 5
(3 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$206/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Tomoya H.
Tomoya H.
4.67 / 5
(3 reviews)
Kyoto Full-Day Bicycle Tourcover image

Kyoto Full-Day Bicycle Tour

Kyoto
8 hours

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!

FROM$193/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Jodie C.
Jodie C.

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$386/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Ryuichiro M.
Ryuichiro M.
5.00 / 5
(3 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$193/ 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$58/ per person
Japan Tour Guide - Harumi S.
Harumi S.
5.00 / 5
(8 reviews)
Japanese Home Cooking experience with Keikocover image

Japanese Home Cooking experience with Keiko

Kyoto
2 hours 30 min

Keiko, a cooking instructor can provide Japanese home cooking lesson at Keiko's real Japanese home kitchen or a rental kitchen.I offer various menu from which you can please choose. Those ranges from Kawaii (cute)Bento Box , Sushi-making, to seasonal cooking, which are listed in the Itiniary process.

FROM$90/ per person
Japan Tour Guide - Keiko U.
Keiko U.
5.00 / 5
(23 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$386/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Masayuki I.
Masayuki I.
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$225/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Koichi W.
Koichi W.
4.95 / 5
(66 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$283/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Jay T.
Jay T.
4.33 / 5
(3 reviews)
[Ichijou street] Hanging around east-west street  in Kyotocover image

[Ichijou street] Hanging around east-west street in Kyoto

Kyoto
5 hours

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.

FROM$149/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yoshiharu K.
Yoshiharu K.
4.69 / 5
(52 reviews)

Day Trips from Kyoto

Kyoto Tour Reviews

N

Nori C.

5 / 5
Jan 16, 2025

Kyoto 4-Hour Tour with a Private Car

Kyoto
4 hours

Good service

We highly recommend our driver, shiro, tho he can't speak English, he tried his best to understand us and the translator was of good help. He drove well, and he stays with us all the time in the sites we visit and doing head counts.

Deceitful And Inconsiderate

Be careful when booking with Ahmed. I recently booked a tour with him for the following day. A prior/separate GoWithGuide tour to Mt Fuji from Tokyo included transportation for a similar price and I accidentally overlooked that the transportation was not included in this cost. In less than 4 hours, I realized my mistake and asked to cancel. We were communicating via WhatsApp and he seemed understanding and recommended that I reach out to GoWithGuide for the refund, which I did immediately. See photo for our conversation. Come to find out, he tells GoWithGuide that he refuses to sign off on the refund. Also, there was never any proof provided regarding “turning down another tour” and I generally doubt he received another request as this all took place so quickly. I would recommend staying away from booking any tours from Ahmed unless you are comfortable knowing that you will never get your money back if something happens at the last minute.

Perfect way to explore Kyoto!

Takato was an excellent guide who thoughtfully crafted an itinerary to help us explore the highlights of Kyoto ahead of the winter holiday crowds. It was such a pleasure to learn the history and cultural significance of the sites, rather than simply walking through shrines and temples without context. He also took some beautiful photos of us that we’ll treasure forever. We would absolutely book with his team again!

Nick M.

Takato Y.

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed the tour and the photos. I’d love to guide you again sometime—looking forward to it!

All Tours Customizable

Start By Messaging Your Guide

100% Private Tours

Just You and Your Local Tour Guide

Quality Assured Guides

Screened and Verified via Interviews

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.