Kyoto Private Tour Guides
Contact a private tour guide to plan your Kyoto itinerary and Book Online.
Popular Kyoto Tour Guides
Kazu Y.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)
Japan
*[LIMITED TIME DISCOUNT] I created my profile a few days ago! Hi, I’m Kazuto! Please call me “Kazu”! I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been working as a Japanese tutor and sometimes show my students around Osaka. My students sometimes feel stressed in Japan due to the language barrier even though they study Japanese and I’ve decided to become a tour guide in Kansai to help tourists! DO YOU WANT A STRESS-FREE TRIP? I can be your private concierge for your trip. Let me know if you need any help! By the way, I like anime, manga, video games, I’m an Otaku :) There are a lot of “otaku” places in Osaka like “Nintendo Osaka”, “Pokemon Center”, “Shonen-JUMP store”, “Universal Studio Japan” and so on. I want to show impressive Japanese Pop Culture so much!! Japan has limited-time anime, game or manga-collab cafes. You have to book for many of them and I can help you with the booking! Also, I like eating out! I can offer bar-hopping tours, share good ramen restaurants, and so on! I’m looking forward to seeing you! Let’s explore deep Osaka!
Takashi M.
5.00 / 5
(21 reviews)
Japan
Hi, my name is Takashi!! When I go abroad, I think that how nice it would be to have a friend there and hang out together. I want you to feel like you have a friend in Osaka and we can go around and explore the city. I was born and grew up in Japan. And I speak English, Spanish and Japanese. I can be the perfect guide for you!! I can also guide you any other cities in Japan, just let me know where you wanna go :)
Nori I.
5.00 / 5
(26 reviews)
Japan
I have lived in the US, UK, and India for approximately 20 years, and I’ve also traveled to about 30 countries. Living abroad for such a long time made me realize Japan’s value and sparked my interest in working as a translator/guide for foreigners. I’m truly passionate about introducing people to historical sites, authentic Japanese culture, and stunning natural spots that may not be widely known to people outside of Japan. There are countless places that I believe people would love. Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around the city and the Kansai region including Kyoto, Shiga and Mie. I’m here to ensure your trip to Japan becomes an unforgettable memory. Looking forward to meeting you!
Koichi W.
4.95 / 5
(63 reviews)
Japan
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Yasuhisa K.
4.96 / 5
(24 reviews)
Japan
I have worked in the multi-national organizations including UN agency for around 30 years and stationed at various cities including Rome, Bangkok and Hanoi. Although I have retired from those international carriers, I wish to keep the international cooperation and develop the friendship with people who visits our country. As I like history and am practicing Noh song and wood curving of Buddha images, I have decided to live in Nara where is surrounded by many historical places and traditional cultures, when I returned back to Japan in 2017. I wish to offer you custom made trip ideas to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of old city, Nara. I am also planning to develop trip plans to enjoy the local cultures. Please call me Yasu.
Kanae O.
5.00 / 5
(24 reviews)
Japan
Hello! I am Kanae, a nationally licensed guide. While working full-time as a lecturer at a local university in Kyoto, I have also been guiding for two years. Born and raised in Kyoto, I am excited to share the beauty and culture of my hometown with my customers. Kyoto is an enchanting city, and even as a local, I am continually fascinated by its many charming spots. Whether it's the serene temples, vibrant markets, or hidden gems, there is always something new to explore and appreciate in this wonderful city. Also, since my home is close to Shiga Prefecture, I am very familiar with the area. While Shiga may not be as popular as Kyoto, it offers a wealth of attractions for tourists. From historical sites such as temples and shrines to the stunning natural beauty of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, there is much to see and do. I am passionate about promoting Shiga and sharing its unique charm with visitors.
Yuri T.
4.48 / 5
(27 reviews)
Japan
I'm Yuri, a national lisenced English tour guide. I was born and raised in Osaka. Now I live in the countryside of Nara. Also, I do love eating, traveling, meeting local people, and exchanging our value and cultures. I'm flexible. Please tell and ask me if there are any places which you want to visit and anything which you want to do in Japan. I'll plan the trip only for you. I am looking forward to seeing you in my tour, let's make your trip unforgettable!
Hiroyuki T.
4.96 / 5
(135 reviews)
Japan
Hi! I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am very good at cultural heritages. And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area. I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government. I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional. I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
New Kyoto Tour Guides
Yacine Z.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan
I've been living in Japan since 2016. I speak fluent Japanese and work as a translator in addition to my guiding activities. I'd be delighted to guide you around the Kansai region, which includes Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, among others. I've been lucky enough to guide over 200 people since I started guiding, and I hope to be able to share my passion for Japan with as many people as possible. I'm available for half-day or full-day tours. Tours are available in English or French, depending on your preferences.
Hiroki K.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan
Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan! I have been doing tour guide as my side business since 2019. I am happy to announce that I became 'super host' in the area in Osaka on CityUnscripted (The tour company based in UK) I will continue to work hard to cover more area with more tours guest coming from abroad. Through my tours, my goal is to make my guests want to come back to Japan again and to recommend them to their friends. Having lived and worked in 7 cities, 3 countries and traveled to 45 countries, I believe that my mission is to efficiently guide you through the cities I love in a limited amount of time through my unique perspective. I am originally from Gifu Prefecture, Japan and I am Japanese. While a student studying international business management, I spent time in Shiga, near Nagoya and Kyoto and a short study abroad experience in Australia, UK and Israel. After working in Israel and Ireland, I came back to Kobe. So far, I have hosted over 30 tours in Kyoto and Kobe and I enjoy meeting tour guests from all over the world. I always try my best to get prepared for you to enjoy your visit to my home country. I'm constantly learning to be able to provide an enriching experience. If we come across some questions I cannot answer right away, I will be happy to do some research and get back with a full answer. For foodie, I can give you good places for all type of requirements, such as Vegetarian, vegan, Kosher or Halal. If you are coming with your parents/kids, I will arrange the tour for a shorter walking distance. IELTS Band 6.0 (English Proficiency level)
Jay T.
4.00 / 5
(2 reviews)
Japan
Welcome to my world of Small-group Private Walking Tours in Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka, Japan! Each tour is meticulously designed to showcase the local area, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Below are just a few tantalizing samples of tours I have provided. Get ready to explore Japan like never before! Remember, all tours are completely private and can be customized at a moment's notice to suit your group's preferences. If you don't see what you want, please contact me. Let's turn your dream tour into a reality! Although I'm not superstitious, I have a fascination with monster, ghost, magic, and horror stories. I find the Japanese versions of these tales especially intriguing, as they put their own spin on history and superstition. You can expect to hear some interesting tidbits about these cultural nuances during my tours. My walking tours are all about providing a personalized and focused experience for my clients. I aim to take you to lesser-known sites, share hidden secrets, introduce you to cultural curiosities, and of course, let you taste some delicious local Japanese foods. I want to show you the most unique features of each area we visit. While there may be quite a bit of walking involved, don't worry - I'll make sure to adjust the pace and frequency of rests to suit your needs. Everyone has different physical abilities and preferences, and I want to ensure that everyone has a comfortable and enjoyable experience. So lace up your walking shoes and let's explore Japan together! I'm a professional entertainer and former teacher, so I may add a bit of flair to my tours by sharing some stories about myself and my background. I have taken dozens of cruises, love meeting people from all over the world and am a proud supporter of Ukraine, Israel and Democracy in general. Plus, I'm LGBTQ+ friendly!
Shin M.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan
With a deep passion for Japanese culture and cuisine, combined with my extensive experience in hospitality and tourism, I am confident in my ability to provide an exceptional and immersive experience for you!! My background in tourism has equipped me with the skills to engage with diverse groups of people and adapt to various cultural preferences seamlessly. I possess strong communication skills and a natural ability to convey information in an engaging manner. I am fluent in both English and Japanese, allowing me to connect with guests on a deeper level and bridge any language barriers effortlessly. I am particularly drawn to Tour Guide because of its reputation for offering immersive and personalized experiences, as well as its commitment to promoting cultural exchange through food. My love for various cuisines, goes beyond mere enjoyment; it is a genuine fascination that I am eager to share with others. I am committed to providing an authentic and enriching culinary journey for every participant. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to you showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Japan to visitors from around the world. Thank you for considering!! I look forward to the possibility of joining your journey and sharing my passion Warm regards, SHINICHIRO
Yoshiroh N.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan
Hello! I am a lover of food and music. I have decided to start guiding with the desire to let everyone know more about Japan.
Kazumasa M.
Japan
Hi, my name is Kazu. I want to help people who are interested in Japan to enjoy their time here even more and have unforgettable experiences. I was born and raised in Osaka, studied abroad in the United States, and now live in Hyogo after getting married.
Kazu Y.
5.00 / 5
(4 reviews)
Japan
*[LIMITED TIME DISCOUNT] I created my profile a few days ago! Hi, I’m Kazuto! Please call me “Kazu”! I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been working as a Japanese tutor and sometimes show my students around Osaka. My students sometimes feel stressed in Japan due to the language barrier even though they study Japanese and I’ve decided to become a tour guide in Kansai to help tourists! DO YOU WANT A STRESS-FREE TRIP? I can be your private concierge for your trip. Let me know if you need any help! By the way, I like anime, manga, video games, I’m an Otaku :) There are a lot of “otaku” places in Osaka like “Nintendo Osaka”, “Pokemon Center”, “Shonen-JUMP store”, “Universal Studio Japan” and so on. I want to show impressive Japanese Pop Culture so much!! Japan has limited-time anime, game or manga-collab cafes. You have to book for many of them and I can help you with the booking! Also, I like eating out! I can offer bar-hopping tours, share good ramen restaurants, and so on! I’m looking forward to seeing you! Let’s explore deep Osaka!
Kai M.
Japan
I'm living in Osaka for 50 years. I am happy to share my experience with you to enjoy more about Osaka, Japan.
Kyoto Tour Reviews
“Very reliable and liked by the entire group!”
Excellent English and Japanese as well as having deep love and knowledge for Kyoto and Kansai area had made the entire group feel warm and at ease. His professionalism and love for his job was felt right off the bat. We will definitely use him again thank you!
Yacine Z.
(1 reviews)Thank you very much!
V
Vivian A.
5 / 5
Oct 30, 2024
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
Kyoto
8 hours
Oct 30, 2024
“Fantastic day in beautiful Kyoto with Nori!”
Nori took us on a fun and informative full day tour of beautiful Kyoto. As a Kyoto native with deep roots in the local landscape (his father was a Tea Master!), Nori added interesting historical and cultural information to all of our stops. He is flexible and will customize your day to your specific interests (or suggest key sites), and Nori’s English is fluent having spent years abroad in English speaking countries. We saw many of the beautiful Temples and gardens and loved every minute. Highly recommend!
Nori I.
(26 reviews)Thank you very much for the kind comments! It was one of my most excited tours I have ever done. Seeing the great tea master in public itself is a very rare thing but also meeting my family by coincidence during tour never happens. I was able to learn a lot by conversing with both of you too. I really enjoyed it! Hope you enjoy the rest of your time in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. If you have any questions or anything, just send me a message please. Have a safe rest of your journey!
J
Jeremy S.
5 / 5
Oct 29, 2024
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
Kyoto
8 hours
Oct 29, 2024
“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!
Nori I.
(26 reviews)Thanks so much for your kind comments. I am really glad that you were able to enjoy my tour. I can not plan what those monkeys do but those moments that we interacted with them were priceless! There is so much more to see here in Kyoto. Hope you guys will come back in the future!
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
Local Tour Guides in Kyoto
Create charming memories in Kyoto with a private guide! Tailored itineraries, insider knowledge, and personalized attention ensure an unforgettable journey.
Take on Kyoto’s traditional treasures with private tours in neighborhoods like Gion and Pontocho for a glimpse into the city's rich heritage. With their narrow alleys, quaint machiya houses, and traditional tea hubs, these areas create a sense of old-world charm. A private tour guide can navigate the centuries old streets, pointing out hidden gems such as specialty shops, historic landmarks, and hidden temples that branch off the typical trails.
Looking for deeper cultural experiences? Tour the city where Japanese tea ceremonies, kimono, geisha and the art of Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) thrive. Your guide will give the best recommendations for where to go, what to do and how to maximize your travel moments.