Kyoto Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

“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.

“What a star - amazing adventures!”

From start to finish Mak was the best tour guide - a complete professional! Even when we first met, he gave us information sheets to read through about where we would be heading! We had such fun in both Kyoto and Osaka with Mak and would definitely meet up again when we return to Japan in the future!!! He led us with ease around the city, and nothing was too. much for Mak even in the heat! Made everything enjoyable - even adapting the tours to suit the kids and took into account their best interests and what they would like to do! Mak even amended the tour if we made last minute changes and was very happy to do so! He went out of his way to make our experience an unforgettable one. His English was very good too and so we had no issues with language barriers - everything was just perfect!!! He WILL make your experience of Japan an even better one!!! Thank you Mak for everything!!!! Memories made and never to be forgotten!!

Makoto Y.

(134 reviews)

Dear Hannah Thank you for your nice comments. I also enjoyed very much with you as it was unique timing of OBON, when the spirit of ancestor was coming back in the middle of August. I used to stay in England and my memory of England seems to come back also. You have very nice children, and I enjoyed to talk to them. Anyway it was so nice memory of you, and thank you very much for your choosing me of your guide. I hope we can meet again someday. Makoto

“What an adventure!!!”

Wow what a day we spent with Kazu! Nothing was too much for Kazu - even my demanding schedule to take us from one side of Kyoto to another and he excelled and we all had such an amazing time! Kazu led us with ease and made even train hopping look easy. He knew the best pics to take in the areas especially at the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo groves and do not miss the MUST DO trip to the Monkey park - was fabulous and feeding the monkeys was so much fun! We can't wait to come back in the future - Kazu will give you the adventure of a lifetime and show off his beautiful country!Thank you thank you thank you!!! We will never forget the time we shared in Kyoto with you!

Kazuhiko G.

(203 reviews)

Hello, Thank you very much for your wonderful review. I was also very happy to serve as your family’s tour guide. It was a very hot day, so I’m sure you were all exhausted. However, I’m very glad you all enjoyed yourselves. I hope this tour will be a memorable experience in Japan for your wonderful family. I would be delighted if you could visit Japan again soon. Thank you!! Kazuhiko Goto