Cheryl F.
“Wonderful day with Tomoe”
Our group of six people booked the Nara & Kyoto 8 hour tour with Tomoe in May 2025. We met Tomoe at Kyoto Station and she was prompt, friendly, inquisitive, and knowledgeable. Even before the tour started, she was available for questions by chat. We took the Limited Express train to Nara where we fed and petted the deer and toured Todaiji Temple and Isuein Park (highly recommend). We had ramen for lunch then returned to Kyoto to see the Inari Gates. Tomoe shared lots of history about the sites we visited, even about the deer. Tomoe took lots of pictures of us and sent them to us which really helped enhance our trip. I highly recommend Tomoe! Tip: Be sure to bring cash. We paid for the train tickets to Nara by card (about 1500¥ each way per person) but the temple (500¥/pp) and garden (1200¥/pp) as well as our lunch (2000¥/pp) was cash only. Also be prepared for lots of walking. We racked up over 20,000 steps!
Brandon T.
“Covered a lot in a short time ”
If a brisk pace and local knowledge is your thing then Mana is perfect. She is very fit and we got a great workout while touring several sites. She also had visual aids and taught us how to count in Japanese.
Kenneth K.
“Trip to Kyoto”
Our experience with SoQ Bright Taxi was outstanding. The communication was clear and consistent and they followed up several times on the itinerary and timing or our trip. Our driver Mr, Li was very friendly and helpful. He even helped us find a delicious ramen restaurant to eat at. The vehicle was nice and comfortable and very clean. It suited the 6 of us well and made our day trip to Kyoto perfect.
SoQ Bright Taxi
Thank you so much for your kind words! Mr. Li will be very happy to know that he made your trip even more enjoyable. It’s wonderful that you found a delicious ramen restaurant too! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback, and we hope to have the pleasure of serving you again on your next visit to Japan. Safe travels and best wishes to you and your group! SoQ
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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