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

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$267/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yasuhisa K.
Yasuhisa K.
4.97 / 5
(35 reviews)
Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Kinkakujicover image

Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Kinkakuji

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$214/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Koichi W.
Koichi W.
4.96 / 5
(70 reviews)
Must-See Kyoto in One Daycover image

Must-See Kyoto in One Day

Kyoto
8 hours

This tour is the most effective way to discover Kyoto by yourselfes for only one day. Kyoto is an ancient capital of Japan , and the center of her civilization for over a thousand years. There are too many Shinto- shrines and Buddhsist temples to visit. So , in this tour I carefully sellected sightseeing spots among all of them. I,m sure you are satisfied with this once in a life time experience.

FROM$191/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Shinichi E.
Shinichi E.
4.40 / 5
(5 reviews)
Kyoto Full Day Private Tourcover image

Kyoto Full Day Private Tour

Kyoto
9 hours

This is a one-day tour of Kyoto. Kyoto is an ancient capital for over 1,000 years. You will visit Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari Shrine. All of these places are World Heritage Sites. You will also stroll around Gion in central Kyoto, where you might come across with a beautiful Maiko/Geiko by chance.

FROM$482/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Shogo K.
Shogo K.
4.82 / 5
(33 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$302/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hiroyuki T.
Hiroyuki T.
4.97 / 5
(158 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$348/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Nori I.
Nori I.
5.00 / 5
(41 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$55/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - 裕治
裕治
4.71 / 5
(14 reviews)
Private tour Fushimi Inari,  Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market Start form Kyoto or Osakacover image

Private tour Fushimi Inari, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market Start form Kyoto or Osaka

Kyoto
6 hours

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.

FROM$261/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Akari Y.
Akari Y.

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$214/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Mana F.
Mana F.
4.86 / 5
(96 reviews)
Your most memorable tour in Kyotocover image

Your most memorable tour in Kyoto

Kyoto
6 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$248/ 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$402/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Kenji M.
Kenji M.
4.72 / 5
(85 reviews)
Le tour de KYOTOcover image

Le tour de KYOTO

Kyoto
8 hours

Ce circuit couvre certaines des attractions touristiques les plus célèbres de Kyoto. Dites-moi, s'il vous plait, ce que vous intéresse. Nous pouvons changer certaines de ces destinations pour d'autres endroits comme votre convenance.

FROM$241/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Nobuyuki  S.
Nobuyuki S.
5.00 / 5
(7 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$57/ per person
Japan Tour Guide - Kanae O.
Kanae O.
5.00 / 5
(34 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$516/ 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$214/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Tomoya H.
Tomoya H.
4.67 / 5
(3 reviews)
Hike to Enjoy Panoramic View in Kyotocover image

Hike to Enjoy Panoramic View in Kyoto

Kyoto
5 hours 30 min

Walk from bottom to top and find the townscape from different angles. Kyoto has been the capital for 1000 years because of geographical advantages from the viewpoint of governance, defense, transport, and citizen’s lives: the center of Japan, 3 large rivers running, and mountains on 3 sides. Many temples and shrines were built on hillsides, creating attractive scenery each season. On this tour, we hike from the riverbank to the hillside while dropping in some historical spots on the road.

FROM$208/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yosshi S.
Yosshi S.

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$402/ 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$201/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yuriko S.
Yuriko S.
4.94 / 5
(54 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$60/ per person
Japan Tour Guide - Harumi S.
Harumi S.
5.00 / 5
(8 reviews)
KYOTO - Calligraphy Workshop & Half-day Kyoto Tourcover image

KYOTO - Calligraphy Workshop & Half-day Kyoto Tour

Kyoto
6 hours

This is a introductory calligraphy lesson and 4 hour tour. If you are with small kids, expecting to have a hands-on experience with a local, please feel free to contact me!

FROM$355/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Mari I.
Mari I.
4.88 / 5
(41 reviews)

Kyoto Off the Beaten Path Tours

[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$155/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yoshiharu K.
Yoshiharu K.
4.69 / 5
(52 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$295/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Jay T.
Jay T.
4.33 / 5
(3 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$235/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Koichi W.
Koichi W.
4.96 / 5
(70 reviews)
[Bukkouji street] Hanging around east-west street in Kyotocover image

[Bukkouji 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 current tourism. It is like Kyoto of 30 years ago. You could see Japanese kitchen knife shops, Nishijin kimono shops and etc.You can visit some of the shops and I will interpret between the shop owner and you.

FROM$155/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yoshiharu K.
Yoshiharu K.
4.69 / 5
(52 reviews)

Day Trips from Kyoto

Kyoto Tour Reviews

S

Shawna L.

5 / 5
Feb 21, 2025

Kyoto 6 hour tour

Kyoto
6 hours

Customized

Excellent!

We had a great time with Michiko. Her communication prior to our meeting was excellent, she showed up on time, and she stuck to the plan! She helped us explore and enjoy Kyoto without all the stress that can come with visiting a new place. We visited beautiful shrines, walked through a busy shopping street, ate lunch at a brewery (our request to sample local beer), and did a private tea tasting. I only wish I had planned for more time to shop!

Shawna L.

Michiko T.

Thank you for the wonderful review. I also had a great time with you. It was really helpful you had shared your ideas on what you'd like to experience in Kyoto beforehand. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed sampling local beer and tea tasting. Above all, I was deeply impressed you two are warm-hearted and respectful to each other. I hope you will come back to Japan and make more time to enjoy shopping!

A

Aidan B.

5 / 5
Feb 21, 2025

Free Time in Kyoto for 5 Hours

Kyoto
5 hours

Top day in Kyoto

We spent the most pleasant day of stay in Japan seeing the highlights of beautiful Kyoto . Seeing it with the help of a local , Eric T, was special. It was like being with a long time friend on a leisurely walk. Knowledgable , interesting and a gentleman . We left the itinerary to him and went with the flow . A special day and thank you Eric .

Aidan B.

Eric T.

Mr Aidan Thank you for your Comments for the tour and I am very happy to meet you and have had a good time in Kyoto I wish if could guide you again in next occasion Regards Eric Tanaka

K

Kerry B.

5 / 5
Feb 21, 2025

West to Northwest Kyoto Tour

Kyoto
6 hours

Customized

Oromo in Kyoto

Hiroko would be the perfect choice for English speaking visitors to Kyoto. Her English is impeccable even with colloquial phrases. Her knowledge of the historical and cultural places is simply encyclopaedic. She made our tours exactly as we had hoped and she’s good fun too. Cannot recommend her highly enough. Thank you Hiroko.

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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.