Kyoto Private Car Tours

“Private Kyoto Customizable Day Trip With A Local (Akira) ”

Akira was an excellent guide and outstanding photographer. He was on time and waiting for us when we entered the hotel lobby. We got an early start at my request to avoid some of the crowds during Cherry Blossom season. He was prepared with a new and spotless car waiting for us. He really knew what he was doing by having us enter the Bamboo Forest from the back to avoid crowds and to get some incredible pictures. He told us exactly where to stand and how to pose. His enthusiasm and love of Kyoto made the tour so much more enjoyable. He gave awesome recommendations for the best ice cream and food vendors when we needed a little break. He provided very detailed explanations of the various sights that and it made the day fly by. He didn't just feel like a paid guide but like a friend showing us around Kyoto. Akira is one of the best guides we have ever used in any of the cities worldwide that I have visited.

“Wonderful!”

I am a woman in my 50's and this was my first time travelling to Japan. Normally, this private tour is booked for a group of people who know each other, but since I was a solo traveller and it was not possible for me to join a group, therefore I booked this tour solely for myself. This was a very unique experience for me and it felt truly special. I booked this private tour with my Japanese guide Kanae. She is a wonderful guide and a very kind person, who also communicates very well in English. She is intelligent, knowledgeable, polite, caring and resourceful. It was so great and very convenient to travel from site to site to site with Kanae in her car. She is also an excellent driver and her car is very spacious, clean and comfortable. Touring this way, allowed me to save a lot of time and energy. During this tour, Kanae showed me many amazing places in Kyoto with beautiful architecture and stunning nature. She explained to me the significance of each place and she answered all my questions very well. I had so much fun and I truly enjoyed this private tour with her. Thank you Kanae for making this tour accessible, educational, easy and fun. I will treasure these moments forever. It was perfect for me, especially since I've developed problems with my feet while in Japan and I could not walk as far and for as long as I normally could in the past. I enjoyed having this private tour of Kyoto with Kanae and I highly recommend it. Thank you Kanae!!! Edyta (Canada)

“Unmatched Depth and Luxury—The Absolute Best Guide in Japan”

If you simply want to see Kyoto, book a standard tour. If you want to truly understand it, book Akira. He provided hands-down the best tour experience we’ve had in Japan, and honestly, nothing else even comes close. Akira had us start our day early, picking us up in a pristine luxury vehicle so we could comfortably beat the notorious crowds in ultimate style. But beyond the flawless, VIP-level logistics, what makes Akira exceptional is the sheer depth of his knowledge. It absolutely shows that he has direct connections to a top professor of Japanese culture at Kyoto University. As he guided us through various UNESCO sites, he masterfully explained both the practical history and the profound spiritual significance of each location. You don't just walk through the sites with him; you leave with a genuine understanding of their cultural weight. Do yourself a favor: reserve him as early as possible, and consider yourself incredibly lucky if you secure a spot on his calendar. An absolutely flawless experience.

Akira F.

(50 reviews)

Thank you so much for your kind words — I truly appreciate it. I had a wonderful day spending time with you. It was especially enjoyable because you have a great understanding of Japan, and I really admire your knowledge and interest in the culture. I believe this made our itinerary even more meaningful, and our conversations felt very natural and engaging throughout the day. I sincerely look forward to meeting you again in the future. I’ll be here waiting to welcome you back. Thank you once again!