Kyoto Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

“Simply the best!”

Yoshie was simply the best guide we could have asked for on our day in Kyoto. From the very first moment, he made us feel like old friends rather than tourists — kind, attentive, quick with a joke at just the right moment, and wonderful company throughout the entire tour. But what truly sets Yoshie apart is the depth with which he knows and shares Japanese culture. Every temple, every corner of Kyoto became a living story through him — not the usual tour-guide facts, but rich, passionate explanations that clearly reflected years of study and genuine love for his homeland. He helped us understand things we never would have grasped on our own, striking a perfect balance between cultural depth and lightheartedness. Beyond his extraordinary knowledge, it was his warm humanity that made the day unforgettable. Funny, present, and genuinely invested in giving us an authentic experience. If you're looking for a guide who combines deep knowledge, great energy, and a big heart, Yoshie is simply the right choice. We recommend him without any hesitation to anyone who wants to discover Kyoto through someone who truly loves it.

Yoshihisa T.

(289 reviews)

Hi Alessandro. Thank you so much for your thoughtful review for my tour today. I really appreciate your kind comment. I had a very pleasant time, guiding and talking with you and your family, who were most attentive to my silly jokes and explanations. I hope you will continue a nice trip and return home safely with lots of good memories in Japan. Ichigo Ichie Yoshie

“Places not visited by many tourists ”

Young,energetic and knowledgeable guide who speaks very good English

“Private tour by car full day @ 37c°”

Akira is a knowledgable; professional and entertaining guide. Today it was 37°C 70%+ humidity it was a hot day Glad that we had private car, a good big save Toyota 7 seater with aircon available for our party of 2!. Akira is very flexible we took the standard tour but changed one of the sites which we were happy about because of the relentless heat. 4 sites: Arashimaya bamboo Forrest, Kinkaku-ji golden temple, Sanjsangen-do temple 1001 boedha, (my favourite) Fushimi inari shrine (Tori gates) Style: Story telling with history timeline and logic! Akira has fast knowledge of Kioto and not just some historical facts but the whole day was setup with a certain logic thus creating a complete story with start middle and end. Which explains the relation between the use of land (farm), control (hierarchy), influence of different religions (powers) and connecting the place you visit I suggest to watch last Samurai and Shogun on Netflix you will understand more the struggles ways and how this society is formed. Language? Good english with a American style, able to convers easily not only tell and explain but very interactive ! Can adapt easily on the whises and level of guests. Although his speach pace is fast he can change, sometimes its just a lot of volume but he is caused by enthousiast am. Of course fluent Japanese Locol? Yes very much a local guy living between Osaka and Kioto. So for lunch try local food ask him a good Ramen restaurant Go local! We ate amazing ramen! Atmosfere: Good friendly helpful and flexible! Making a good comfortable tour. Worthwihle? Yes yes yes yes We only had one day so Akira helped us to make it most out it. The sites were very nice and your not only visiting them but also learning and understanding it will give context! Driving? Save and with good manners can easily navigate and knows his way around Improvements? @Akira, get your own “Tory gate” mate, it will, help your businesses.

Akira F.

(78 reviews)

Thank you so much for your wonderful review. I feel truly lucky to have met you both in Kyoto. And rather than saying that I’m knowledgeable, I have to say I was equally impressed by your own knowledge and understanding of Japanese history. Although you may have visited Japan many times before, I truly hope that after this experience, you have gained an even deeper understanding of Japan’s fascinating history and culture. I also really appreciate all the meaningful photos you took while I was explaining everything. I absolutely love them, and I’m very happy to share them online so that more people can see them. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I sincerely hope we’ll have another opportunity to meet again in the future. Thank you!