Isaac K.
“A Superb Viewd of the Imperial Palace ”
An awesome tour, well explained and with a fair amount of trivia. The cafe at the end was a real treat as well!
Rochelle S.
“Amazing tour of Kyoto ”
Kenji gave us an unforgettable day in Kyoto. He was so kind and knowledgeable. He shared lots of history with us and although it was a very hot day he was able to keep us on schedule. We highly recommend using Kenji as your tour guide.
Phil P.
“Thank you from Paul Family”
A fantastic guided tour of Kyoto - Yoshihisa was so personable, friendly and knowledgeable - if you want to experience a fantastic, authentic day in a magical city then Yoshihisa is certainly the guide to accompany you. You need a week to visit Kyoto but we managed to really squeeze in all the main sights between taxis and trains whilst learning lots about Japanese culture. A visit to eat a traditional Japanese pancake was also a highlight. There was something for the whole family including two teenagers who were captured and entertained throughout the whole visit. Thank you!!
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Paul. Thank you very much for your kind review for my tour in Kyoto. I am pleased to know that you have learned a lot about the history and culture of Kyoto from my tour. I hope our paths will cross again someday in the near future. I wish you and your family the best of luck! Yoshie
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.
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