Rohan P.
“A Perfect Day in Kyoto with the Wonderful Tomoe”
We had the absolute pleasure of having Tomoe as our tour guide during our visit to Kyoto, and she was truly exceptional! From the very beginning, Tomoe was warm, friendly, and incredibly personable, making us feel welcome and comfortable right away. Her knowledge of Kyoto’s history, culture, and hidden gems was outstanding — she shared fascinating stories and insights that brought every site to life. What really stood out, though, was how thoughtful and considerate she was with our children. She went out of her way to make sure they were engaged, entertained, and included throughout the day, which made the experience even more enjoyable for our whole family. Thanks to Tomoe, we didn’t just see Kyoto — we truly experienced it. We can’t recommend her highly enough and would absolutely book another tour with her in a heartbeat.
Tomoe S.
Dear Rohan and my favorite family! Thank you sooo much for such a wonderful review! I'm really glad to hear that you liked my tour. I enjoyed my Kyoto with you, too!!! I was happy when your adorable daughter held my hand. Sharing lunch time with your lovely son gave me another wonderful time. Talking with your wife while walking was a lot of fun. Yes! I hope that I can see you, such a wonderful family again! Thank you very much for booking me as your guide. TOMOE
Christine B.
“10 hours tour in Kyoto”
I wish to thank very much Takashi for the very interested tour of Kyoto. Everything was perfect, well organized and timed. Such a great and fantastic experience and day for my first visit in Japan. Takashi was so kind, helpful, patient, passionnated in providing me a lot of information about his country and culture. Thanks also for the lovely lunch and place. An unforgettable day and for sure I shall come back to Japan. Many thanks again Takashi ! I highly recommend this experience to anyone.
Raul M.
“AN EXPERIENCE WE HAVE NOT LIVED IN ANY OTHER COUNTRY”
I’ve traveled to many countries and had countless experiences, but this one was by far the best of all. The guide made every moment special — combining deep knowledge, passion, and contagious energy. The way he connected with the group and brought each story to life made a huge difference. Thank you for turning this trip into an experience I will never forget.”
Agustin M.
Raul Thank you so much for your review! I am glad you had a great time with Unai. I hope you keep on enjoying your trip All the best! Muchas gracias!
Discover Kyoto's hidden gems with a private tour guide! Navigate the city's rich history, culture, and food like a local with a tour guide that knows the way.
Push beyond tour favorites like Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari Taisha, and the crowds they attract, towards hidden gems waiting to be discovered with the help of a private tour guide. One such place is the Tofuku-ji Temple, known for its stunning autumn foliage and serene atmosphere. A private tour guide can provide insights into the temple's architecture, Zen gardens, and historical significance, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty beyond the surface level.
With calmer crowds, you and your loved ones can create the kind of memories you want, with no interruptions. In Kyoto, your private guide will ensure you have the time, knowledge and space to savor moments of tranquility and reflection and soak in the spiritual ambiance of this lesser-known gem.
On average, 2-3 days in this historic city will introduce you to places like the Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Arashiyama bamboo forests. If you've got a bit more time on your hands, exploring Kyoto can be stretched out into a 5-day tour experience with these highlighted destinations;
Have more you'd like to see? Check out our Kyoto Private Tours
March to May and October to November are the best times to visit Kyoto as the weather reaches that sweet spot of cool, slow winds and warm days. The calm weather, cherry blossoms, and festivals make these months popular for travelers, so expect larger crowds. For a different experience, try;
For more information on weather, festivals, and travel tips, check out our Japan Tourism Statistics 2023: The Ultimate Guide.
Absolutely! Kyoto has achieved the perfect balance of remaining close to its historical roots as Japan's original capital, rich in culture and customs, while including modern conveniences and tourist-friendly services. It's one of Japan's most tour-conscious cities, next to Tokyo.
That's a tough one! Kyoto has history, slow living, and breathtaking landscapes. Osaka has fantastic food and modern conveniences and is slightly more affordable.
Osaka is great for;
Kyoto is ideal for;
The greatest thing about these two cities is that they're just a train ride away from one another. So whichever you decide, the other option is only 15 minutes away.
Kyoto is often considered more beautiful than Tokyo because of the visually stunning architecture and Edo period buildings, especially those that highlight the nagare-zukuri style. It’s almost like a time machine. City lovers will consider Tokyo more beautiful thanks to its glowing billboards, high-end hotels, buzzing restaurants, and nightlife. Our recommendation? See both and decide for yourself. Tokyo and Kyoto are only 2 hours apart.
Start By Messaging Your Guide
Just You and Your Local Tour Guide
Screened and Verified via Interviews