Kyoto Private Tours &amp; Local Tour Guides

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.

Yoshihisa T.

4.96 / 5

(192 reviews)

Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest. Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise. One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?

Hiroyuki T.

4.95 / 5

(95 reviews)

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.

Makoto Y.

4.96 / 5

(94 reviews)

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Hello, I’m Makoto (Mac) and I'm a national-licensed tour guide. My previous career as an automotive engineer, gave me the opportunity to learn English and to live in the US, Germany, and England. After I retired, I learned more about the Japanese history especially focusing on Nara and Kyoto to become a historical specialist of the Nara area. I now live in Ikaruga town in Nara prefecture, where the UNESCO World Heritage, Horyuji temple is located. I regularly offer guides on the Fujinoki tumulus, which is located near the Horyuji temple. It contains very interesting Archaeological findings from the end of the Kofun Period. Recently, there are many foreign tourists who come to Japan, and I hope they enjoy learning about the culture and history of Japan. I would like to help tourists have a broader and deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and that is the reason why I decided to become a tour guide to help and support their experience in Japan. Nara is the place where Japan started. The capital was located in Asuka, Fujiwara and Nara before it moved to Kyoto. Therefore, there are many places to visit in Nara to trace the original history of Japan, which I have a depth of knowledge. Let’s explore the roots of Japan together!!

New Kyoto Tour Guides

Masayuki I.

My name is Masayuki currently living in Kyoto. Everyone casually calls me Massy. I grew up in a bilingual ( English / Japanese ) background. I am a new entry in here, but I am already very well experienced in hosting and guiding. I like to explore things to discover all the hidden beauties and treasures off the beaten path and share with others. I would only show you to the places you really need a guide with no information in English. If you are interested in things truly unique known only to some locals, I am the one. I like to explore in nature and show my footsteps to everyone to discover new hidden ground. It is almost my natural instinct to avoid crowd. I am not into ordinary tourism of Kyoto because I don't want to be another one of them doing the same guide in Kyoto. I want to show you to a true state of sacred and beauty which is unharmed by commercialization and over-tourism. My itinerary cuts off overrated attractions from the view point of a local. In Kyoto I mostly write about places never been introduced in English. I am not a licensed tour guide interpreter, but I have different field of knowledge to introduce things. I am more of an English-hosting guide without strict business manner. I am a professional in writing introduction pages mainly for north parts of Kyoto in English. The courses are my own creation since I am the original one to write in English. I am a very open and friendly person who can communicate in English nearly as good as a native speaker. I was in Canada and U.S. I once took a leading role of an international community as well as being an English teacher. My wife is from Ukraine often assisting me to host my guests.

Kazuyoshi M.

I am a guide working mainly in Osaka and Kyoto. I can provide travel guidance to places where foreigners do not usually go. I can also guide you to places popular among foreigners if you want to visit them. I have lived in Osaka for 7 years, so I am a specialist in sightseeing in Osaka. I can also guide sightseeing in Kyoto, as it is my favorite city to visit. I look forward to having an enjoyable trip with you.

Roberto A.

Experience the essence of Kyoto and its captivating culture on my essential walking tour. Immerse yourself in the heart of this beautiful city and gain a profound understanding of its rich heritage. I'm a licensed National Tour Conductor with 26 years living in Japan.

Minori U.

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Hello I'm Minori. Kyoto is a popular destination so you might look for deeper place of it. My area is Yamashina, where you pass when traveling Shiga. It has beautiful mountains and water, also its temples and shrines are less crowded. It's a good place for those who have visited famous sites already. I used to work at travel agency so I had chances to company a group tour with a guide and it was an amazing experience that I could see people actually having a fun. I also worked in a hotel and learned how important hospitality is to make guests feel comfortable. I teach kids English so I would like to show them how rewarding and proud it is to show people around our beautiful countries, and English would be helpful in many ways. Let’s go and see beautiful Kyoto and experience some of the best attractions here with me!

Popular Kyoto Private Tours

1 day special customized tour in Kyoto

7 hours

Kyoto has many beautiful places to visit. I especially would like to take you to the most exciting spots in Kyoto in 1 day. Please pick a few of the options from the following sightseeing places and I will take you as many places as possible at a reasonable price.

My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour

This tour is designed for those who would like to visit major scenic sites in Kyoto and off-the-beaten spots as well in a single day. The route is the one that has been favored and admired by many of my guests for the past few years. The itinerary mainly consists of three areas; Kitayama, Arashiyama and Fushimi areas. You will surely have unforgettable memories through the tour with me.

Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities

This tour covers 3 must-see sites and Nishiki Market. You can experience the most renownd sites such as the Golden Pavilion, the rockGarden at Ryo-anji Temple where you may find an elegant beauty in its simplicity Nijo-castle ,the luxurious palace of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Sanjyu-sangendo is one of the three must -see sightseeing spots in kyoto.The thousand life-size statues and the Principal statue( height 3.5 meters) lining along the longest corrider in Japan , with a length of 120meters or 390 feet make you feel like you are in a forest of Buddhas! Every one who visits this temple says " Woow ! , It's amazing ! It's awesome ! It's awful ! " . Lastly visit Nishiki Market,where you can enjoy Kyoto’s specialities such as charming sweets , high quality tohu and Sake etc.

The tour covers 4 must-see sites in Kyoto

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This tour covers 4 must-see sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Firstly, we visit Fushimi Inari Shrine. If you walk through in the countless Trii-gates in the late evening , you must be feeling getting into a mysterious world. Sanjyu-sangendo temple where you can see the magnificient main statue and one thousand life sized Kannon statues. Every people says " I'ts awesome !" "I am in a forest of Buddha!!" Kiyomizudera-temple is one of the most oldest and famous temples in Kyoto. About 4mllion tourists visit this temple every year ! Lastly, we visit Nijyo-jyo Castle where you can enjoy the finest architecture and artworks and Shogun's private life in the Edo period. them we head for Gion area or flower town . If you have a good chance, you can meet a Maiko-san or a Geisya-san walking around the town.

New Kyoto Private Tours

Zen garden tour along Kinugake extended road

9 hours

There is a road named "Kinugake" road along the foot of mountain in northern Kyoto. This tour is along the road and extended parts of the road to west and east. The name "Kinugake" means covering with silk. When the Emperor Uta said he wanted to see snow in the summer, he was comforted by covering the Kinugasa mountain with silk. This road named after this story. This tour starts from Tenryu-ji and ends at Daitoku-ji visiting Ryouan-ji and Golden Pavilion. We will visit these good Zen gardens.

Hidden Gem of Arashiyama; Another Bamboo Forest

6 hours

You can visit another bamboo forest in the precinct of Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple. There are thousands of pretty tiny stone buddha statutes in the precinct. Why don't you extend your legs a little deeper to the hidden gem of the Arashiyama district?

Tour of three major Kyoto landmarks: Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine

6 hours

Explore Kyoto's enchanting beauty on a 6-hour tour, starting at the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), followed by the serene Ryoan-ji Temple's Zen garden. Wander through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit Tenryu-ji Temple to see traditional Japanese garden design. Enjoy local Kyoto cuisine in Arashiyama for lunch, and conclude at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its vermilion torii gates. This tour offers a profound glimpse into Kyoto’s rich culture and history.

FROM$64/ per person

Kazuyoshi M.

Half day Arashiyama

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4 hours

Arashiyama is an area you can walk famous bamboo forest. Tenryuji temple there has a iconic dragon drawing on the ceiling. If you have kid, monkey park is another attraction in Arashiyama. With a little hiking, feed Japanese monkeys on the top of the mountain.

FROM$96/ per group

Minori U.

Popular Kyoto Private Cars

Kyoto sightseeing with a private chartered van (1-12pax)

You can plan to visit several places around Kyoto within a limited time with our van. Our commuter can accommodate a group of up to 12 people and our service is available for 24h!

FROM$546/ per group

Van transportation M.

4.48 / 5

(153 reviews)

Kyoto and Osaka sightseeing with a private van (1-12pax)

You can plan to visit several places around Kyoto and Osaka within a limited time with our van. Our commuter can accommodate a group of up to 12 people and our service is available for 24h!

FROM$546/ per group

Van transportation M.

4.48 / 5

(153 reviews)

Kyoto 8-Hour Tour with a Private Car

Experienced local taxi drivers will cordially show you around the area so that you can visit both must-see and hidden sightseeing spots and enjoy local food.

Kyoto 4-Hour Tour with a Private Car

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4 hours

Experienced local taxi drivers will cordially show you around the area so that you can visit both must-see and hidden sightseeing spots and enjoy local food. Please choose the itinerary from A or B.

Day Trips from Kyoto

Osaka

Nara

Kobe

Hyogo

Shiga

Kyoto Tour Reviews

Danielle K.

5 / 5

May 17, 2024

Kyoto Custom Tour

6 hours

Customized

May 17, 2024

“Hiroko is great!”

I’m so glad I found Hiroko through GoWithGuide! I arranged a tour for my friends, visiting Kyoto for the first time. I knew a local guide would add so much value , enable them to really relax and enjoy the experience . Hiroko made that happen! She turned my tour outline into a professional itinerary, met the guests on time on the day, gave a fantastic tour including Nishiki market and Kiyomizudera and delivered my friends, safe and very happy,, to Pontocho. Thanks so much Hiroko! You’re great!

Hiroko D.

(68 reviews)

Danielle, I am truly grateful for your kind and generous review. Your friends are very nice, and I really enjoyed being their guide in Kyoto. Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity. I hope that they will visit here again sometime in the future as there are more to see. Kind regards, Hiroko

Tracey L.

5 / 5

May 17, 2024

Daitokuji and the Aburimochi Shop

Customized

May 17, 2024

“Full day tour of Western Kyoto”

We've had many guides on our extensive travels throughout the world and Nori is one of the very best we've ever toured with. His wide ranging knowledge, incredible flexibility, careful planning, amazing attention to detail......I could go on and on..... We thoroughly enjoyed our day with him (in spite of the 20,000+ steps we walked!) and particularly appreciated his insights on historical and contemporary Kyoto/Japanese culture. We recommend him highly! Thanks so much, Nori, for making our visit to Kyoto so very memorable!

Nori I.

(9 reviews)

Thank you very much for your kind words. Hope your legs are ok now after walking so much. You have been to Japan so many times, so I was concerned if I met your expectations… Hope we can explore more together in other areas the next time you come. Will wait for you!

Matthias H.

5 / 5

May 17, 2024

Japan tour from Tokyo to Kyoto