Josh W.
“Eric is wonderful”
We so enjoyed our day with Eric. He is fun and enthusiastic. He made pur day in Kyoto memorable and interesting.
Eric T.
Mr Josh Weiss Thank you for your comments for the tour today I am very happy to have had a good time with you Since tour time is only 6 hours, it is my pleasute to visit 4 spots in time Also we had a good time at Gion festival an d on shopping with ladies I expect if I can guide again Tks and regards Eric Tanaka
Kip L.
“A spectacular day!”
Fumi was AMAZING. Good communication leading up to our day made meeting super easy. We stuck to the written itinerary really well but didn’t feel rushed at all. Fumi was always ready to take our picture. My only regret is not asking her to be in one with us. I chose Fumi for a few reasons but one was I figured she would make my teenager the most comfortable. And I was right. She was so easy to get along with. Very knowledgeable and fun. I really can’t say enough good things about her. Fumi made our day in Kyoto the perfect experience we were hoping for
Fumi U.
Thank you very much for writing a wonderful review. I'm happy that you and your family enjoyed the tour. It was extremely hot day, but you had a lot of energy to complete the tour. I hope to see you again in Kyoto.
Ken F.
“Great tour with Hiroyuki!”
We had a great tour with Hiroyuki! He helped design a tour to see several of the spots we were interested in, and guided us with a mixture of public transportation as well as taxis. He had a lot of knowledge of each of the sites, and engaged our kids (14 and 11) with questions and facts. He recommended an excellent udon restaurant outside the bamboo forest for lunch! Overall, a great tour and I would highly recommend!
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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