Luke B.
“A wonderful day with an insightful, friend who brought the history and Kyoto and Japan to life.”
We had a wonderful day visiting some of the sights of Kyoto with Akira. The itinerary and his knowledge beautifully explained the history of Kyoto and Japan, from the move of the capital from Nara through to the present day. He brought history to life with great passion, we couldn’t have had a better time. Akira’s passion and knowledge are unquestioned, but his ability to tie the narrative together across sites, linking each to build out the history was the stand out for us and our 12 year old son, who managed to spend a day away from devices and actually learn! A win for all!! We can’t speak highly enough of our experience with Akira.
Akira F.
Thank you so much for your kind review! It was a real pleasure meeting your family and spending the day together. I’m so glad you enjoyed Kyoto, and I hope you’ll keep these wonderful memories with you. Hope to see you again someday!
Shane R.
“The most thoughtful guide you'll find. ”
Leo's tour was an absolutely pleasure from start to finish. He's super friendly and had everything prepared from extra chargers to portable fans. His English was absolutely perfect and we were able to get a rich and full Kyoto experience. We were also going with some older family members and he was very attentive and made sure everyone was accounted for. We had the best tempura in a nice peaceful corner of Kyoto and had the best day of Japan so far. He's perfect for all ages but also is you're a younger group it feels like you're just going around with a very knowledgeable friend. I would recommend him every time!
Thomas S.
“good guiding and english skills, a little more histoical info would have been nice”
good guiding and english skills, a little more histoical info would have been nice
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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