Kyoto Private Tours & Local Tour Guides

“A lovely day in Kyoto with Michiko”

We made the booking very last minute, and yet, Michiko was a star in preparing a programme. She was extremely attentive to our requests and she arranged a very nice tour for us. She knows well the art scene, theatre and can arrange very interesting visits. Michiko is very open to discussion, she likes her city and is genuinely happy to show it to tourists like us. She explained many things to us about the places we visited and about the daily life in Japan. She even helped us in visiting a supermarket and bring back some actual food souvenirs … She drove us through the city and is a very prudent driver. We recommand visiting Kyoto with her

“Una experiencia inolvidable en Kyoto gracias a José!”

Organicé un tour privado en Kyoto para mis padres con José, y estoy inmensamente agradecida por la increíble experiencia que tuvieron. De principio a fin, el servicio fue profesional, atento y profundamente enriquecedor. José no solo tenía un conocimiento increíble de la historia, la cultura y los tesoros escondidos de Kyoto, sino que también fue paciente y atento al ritmo e intereses de mis padres. Esto fue más que un tour: fue una experiencia verdaderamente significativa. Mis padres se sintieron bienvenidos, informados y atendidos en todo momento. Si buscas un guía en Kyoto que combine profundos conocimientos con genuina hospitalidad, no busques más y contacta a José!!!

Jose david V.

(7 reviews)

Muchísimas gracias por tan agradables palabras. Espero que tus padres pasen unos días excelentes en Japón.

William T.

5 / 5

Aug 27, 2025

Arima Onsen- day-trip

Aug 27, 2025

Kyoto

7 hours

Customized

“Awesome Arima Onsen day-trip”

I wanted to visit Arima Onsen, known for it's amazing healing properties, however, being unfamiliar with the Kansai area decided to go with a highly customized tour that would use the Shinkansen as well as the day use of Onsen including lunch. I used Mary's guide service for my daughter previously, and was sure she could come up with a great tour plan for me. It ended up being one of the best guided tours I have taken thus far. Not only did Mary plan every detail of the tour per my requests, but my guide, Layla, was exemplary in her planning and research of the Arima Onsen area that we visited. The highlights of the tour included: 1. Arima Onsen Ginsuisou Choraku - this ryokan was wonderful and beyond description as the pictures don't do it justice. Both the silver and gold springs were very clean and pleasant and I had the most relaxing and invigorating time with it's day usage. 2. Kaiseki lunch - the traditional and seasonal meal far exceeded my expectations as it was absolutely a gorgeous peace of art in itself. 3. Mt. Rokko Ropeway - initially not part of the tour but we had arrived early and were able to take the ropeway to the top of the mountain with amazing views of Kobe and Osaka. In summary, I was touched by the care and attentiveness that my guide, Layla, exhibited during the tour. Everything went smoothly even when we had to go off the plan such as the detour to Mt. Rokko per my last-minute request. Not only did she thoroughly research the area regaling me with in-depth knowledge of the history and cultural significance of Arima, but Layla also did little things like bring a small electric fan so I could cool down in the very hot weather. She was really organized and did not miss a beat. I highly recommend Mary and tour guide Layla for any future tours in Kansai. I could not have done this Arima Onsen excursion without them. Thank You!