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$255/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yasuhisa K.
Yasuhisa K.
4.97 / 5
(33 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$230/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Takashi M.
Takashi M.
5.00 / 5
(26 reviews)
Kyoto 1 Day Tour covering Most Popular Spotscover image

Kyoto 1 Day Tour covering Most Popular Spots

Kyoto
7 hours

This tour covers the most popular spots in Kyoto with scenic beauty.The spots are selected from Fushimi area, Arashiyama area, and Kitayama area of Kyoto.From the point of scenic beauty, you will see Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo grove, and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, whereyou can take memorable pictures. You will visit the major scenic sites in one day effectively. These three areas are apart from each other, but can be travelled by JR-train and bus in relatively short time.

FROM$148/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Makoto Y.
Makoto Y.
4.93 / 5
(110 reviews)
Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.cover image

Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.

Kyoto
8 hours

Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!

FROM$320/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Shuji O.
Shuji O.
4.93 / 5
(27 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$288/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Hiroyuki T.
Hiroyuki T.
4.97 / 5
(150 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$332/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Nori I.
Nori I.
5.00 / 5
(39 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$128/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Kenji O.
Kenji O.
5.00 / 5
(10 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$249/ 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$179/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Mana F.
Mana F.
4.86 / 5
(91 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$237/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Kazuhiko G.
Kazuhiko G.
4.78 / 5
(187 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$358/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Kenji M.
Kenji M.
4.71 / 5
(84 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$230/ 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$54/ per person
Japan Tour Guide - Kanae O.
Kanae O.
5.00 / 5
(27 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$192/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Jodie C.
Jodie C.
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$492/ 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$205/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Tomoya H.
Tomoya H.
4.67 / 5
(3 reviews)

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$384/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Ryuichiro M.
Ryuichiro M.
5.00 / 5
(1 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$192/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yuriko S.
Yuriko S.
4.94 / 5
(53 reviews)
Half day Guided tour and memorable Photo shooting in Kyotocover image

Half day Guided tour and memorable Photo shooting in Kyoto

Kyoto
3 hours

I would like to introduce you Highlights of Kyoto city with my authentic portrait lens equipped camera.I will send you memorable shoots after the tour.

FROM$179/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Koichi T.
Koichi T.
4.85 / 5
(26 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)

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$384/ 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$224/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Koichi W.
Koichi W.
4.95 / 5
(64 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$281/ 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$148/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Yoshiharu K.
Yoshiharu K.
4.72 / 5
(50 reviews)

Day Trips from Kyoto

Kyoto Tour Reviews

M

Mel C.

5 / 5
Dec 21, 2024

One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)

Kyoto
7 hours

Fantastic, experienced guide for families

We are two young families with kids and Yasu-san was an absolute gem. Firstly he has superb time management. Even with meltdowns, bruised knees and a ton of crowds at peak tourist season coming with the territory, he still managed to get us through a ton of sights and get us to great vantage points for photos. Also, his knowledge is fantastic, every sight was explained with care and he even shared some of his exciting life experiences with us. The children took to him instantly and he was very gracious with them.

T

Taylor F.

5 / 5
Dec 20, 2024

Customized Private Tour in Kyoto

Kyoto
8 hours

Best day in Kyoto with Kenji!!

Today was my husband and my first day in Kyoto and we feel so grateful that Kenji was able to show us around. Kenji arranged the perfect day for us and provided ample information, wonderful supplemental materials and was able to answer all of our questions. He is incredibly kind and has a great sense of humor, and he took us to lunch at a delicious local Soba restaurant. We would 100% recommend him to anyone visiting Kyoto. Thank you Kenji!

Taylor F.

Kenji M.

Taylor-san, Thank you for your great review of our customized private tour in Kyoto. I'm very glad that you liked my guiding , local restaurant and the most popular tourist spots we visited. I could also enjoy spending a wonderful time with you and your husband today. As we have many fascinating sites whose charms differ in each season, I recommend coming back to Japan in future, Arigatogozaimashita!! Kenji

Kyoto half day walking tour

Nori was well traveled and very knowledgeable about the historical and cultural sights in Kyoto. He has lived in the US for many years and we enjoyed talking to him about many subjects. He was flexible to our schedule and our 6 person group.

Vig S.

Nori I.

Thank you very much for your kind comments! It was fun for me also to explore the Kiyomizu area, Gion and the Nishiki Market. In Kyoto everywhere you go there is so much history behind the place. Also, you were very lucky to see the end of foliage. I might have rushed a bit but I think you were able to see quite a lot during the half day. Hope you will enjoy the rest of your trip here in Japan and come back to explore more places!! Take care!

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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.