Kyoto Private Tours & Local Tour Guides
Discover Things to Do and Plan a Trip to Kyoto, Japan with a Local Guide
Popular Kyoto Tour Guides
Koichi W.
4.94 / 5
(49 reviews)
Japan
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Takashi M.
5.00 / 5
(14 reviews)
Japan
Hi, my name is Takashi!! When I go abroad, I think that how nice it would be to have a friend there and hang out together. I want you to feel like you have a friend in Osaka and we can go around and explore the city. I was born and grew up in Japan. And I speak English, Spanish and Japanese. I can be the perfect guide for you!! I can also guide you any other cities in Japan, just let me know where you wanna go :)
Yoshihisa T.
4.96 / 5
(193 reviews)
Japan
Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest. Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise. One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?
Yuri T.
4.39 / 5
(23 reviews)
Japan
I'm Yuri, a national lisenced English tour guide. I was born and raised in Osaka. Now I live in the countryside of Nara. Also, I do love eating, traveling, meeting local people, and exchanging our value and cultures. I'm flexible. Please tell and ask me if there are any places which you want to visit and anything which you want to do in Japan. I'll plan the trip only for you. I am looking forward to seeing you in my tour, let's make your trip unforgettable!
New Kyoto Tour Guides
Masayuki I.
Japan
My name is Masayuki currently living in Kyoto. Everyone casually calls me Massy. I grew up in a bilingual ( English / Japanese ) background. I am a new entry in here, but I am already very well experienced in hosting and guiding. I like to explore things to discover all the hidden beauties and treasures off the beaten path and share with others. I would only show you to the places you really need a guide with no information in English. If you are interested in things truly unique known only to some locals, I am the one. I like to explore in nature and show my footsteps to everyone to discover new hidden ground. It is almost my natural instinct to avoid crowd. I am not into ordinary tourism of Kyoto because I don't want to be another one of them doing the same guide in Kyoto. I want to show you to a true state of sacred and beauty which is unharmed by commercialization and over-tourism. My itinerary cuts off overrated attractions from the view point of a local. In Kyoto I mostly write about places never been introduced in English. I am not a licensed tour guide interpreter, but I have different field of knowledge to introduce things. I am more of an English-hosting guide without strict business manner. I am a professional in writing introduction pages mainly for north parts of Kyoto in English. The courses are my own creation since I am the original one to write in English. I am a very open and friendly person who can communicate in English nearly as good as a native speaker. I was in Canada and U.S. I once took a leading role of an international community as well as being an English teacher. My wife is from Ukraine often assisting me to host my guests.
Kazuyoshi M.
Japan
I am a guide working mainly in Osaka and Kyoto. I can provide travel guidance to places where foreigners do not usually go. I can also guide you to places popular among foreigners if you want to visit them. I have lived in Osaka for 7 years, so I am a specialist in sightseeing in Osaka. I can also guide sightseeing in Kyoto, as it is my favorite city to visit. I look forward to having an enjoyable trip with you.
Roberto A.
Japan
Experience the essence of Kyoto and its captivating culture on my essential walking tour. Immerse yourself in the heart of this beautiful city and gain a profound understanding of its rich heritage. I'm a licensed National Tour Conductor with 26 years living in Japan.
Minori U.
Japan
Hello I'm Minori. Kyoto is a popular destination so you might look for deeper place of it. My area is Yamashina, where you pass when traveling Shiga. It has beautiful mountains and water, also its temples and shrines are less crowded. It's a good place for those who have visited famous sites already. I used to work at travel agency so I had chances to company a group tour with a guide and it was an amazing experience that I could see people actually having a fun. I also worked in a hotel and learned how important hospitality is to make guests feel comfortable. I teach kids English so I would like to show them how rewarding and proud it is to show people around our beautiful countries, and English would be helpful in many ways. Let’s go and see beautiful Kyoto and experience some of the best attractions here with me!
Popular Kyoto Private Tours
1 day special customized tour in Kyoto
Kyoto
7 hours
Kyoto has many beautiful places to visit. I especially would like to take you to the most exciting spots in Kyoto in 1 day. Please pick a few of the options from the following sightseeing places and I will take you as many places as possible at a reasonable price.
FROM$205/ per group
Toshiyo O.
4.67 / 5
(238 reviews)
My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour
Kyoto
8 hours
This tour is designed for those who would like to visit major scenic sites in Kyoto and off-the-beaten spots as well in a single day. The route is the one that has been favored and admired by many of my guests for the past few years. The itinerary mainly consists of three areas; Kitayama, Arashiyama and Fushimi areas. You will surely have unforgettable memories through the tour with me.
FROM$211/ per group
Yoshihisa T.
4.96 / 5
(193 reviews)
Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities
Kyoto
8 hours
This tour covers 3 must-see sites and Nishiki Market. You can experience the most renownd sites such as the Golden Pavilion, the rockGarden at Ryo-anji Temple where you may find an elegant beauty in its simplicity Nijo-castle ,the luxurious palace of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Sanjyu-sangendo is one of the three must -see sightseeing spots in kyoto.The thousand life-size statues and the Principal statue( height 3.5 meters) lining along the longest corrider in Japan , with a length of 120meters or 390 feet make you feel like you are in a forest of Buddhas! Every one who visits this temple says " Woow ! , It's amazing ! It's awesome ! It's awful ! " . Lastly visit Nishiki Market,where you can enjoy Kyoto’s specialities such as charming sweets , high quality tohu and Sake etc.
FROM$115/ per group
Hiroshi Y.
4.66 / 5
(307 reviews)
The tour covers 4 must-see sites in Kyoto
Kyoto
8 hours
This tour covers 4 must-see sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Firstly, we visit Fushimi Inari Shrine. If you walk through in the countless Trii-gates in the late evening , you must be feeling getting into a mysterious world. Sanjyu-sangendo temple where you can see the magnificient main statue and one thousand life sized Kannon statues. Every people says " I'ts awesome !" "I am in a forest of Buddha!!" Kiyomizudera-temple is one of the most oldest and famous temples in Kyoto. About 4mllion tourists visit this temple every year ! Lastly, we visit Nijyo-jyo Castle where you can enjoy the finest architecture and artworks and Shogun's private life in the Edo period. them we head for Gion area or flower town . If you have a good chance, you can meet a Maiko-san or a Geisya-san walking around the town.
FROM$115/ per group
Hiroshi Y.
4.66 / 5
(307 reviews)
New Kyoto Private Tours
Zen garden tour along Kinugake extended road
Kyoto
9 hours
There is a road named "Kinugake" road along the foot of mountain in northern Kyoto. This tour is along the road and extended parts of the road to west and east. The name "Kinugake" means covering with silk. When the Emperor Uta said he wanted to see snow in the summer, he was comforted by covering the Kinugasa mountain with silk. This road named after this story. This tour starts from Tenryu-ji and ends at Daitoku-ji visiting Ryouan-ji and Golden Pavilion. We will visit these good Zen gardens.
FROM$237/ per group
Yoshiharu K.
4.71 / 5
(41 reviews)
Hidden Gem of Arashiyama; Another Bamboo Forest
Kyoto
6 hours
You can visit another bamboo forest in the precinct of Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple. There are thousands of pretty tiny stone buddha statutes in the precinct. Why don't you extend your legs a little deeper to the hidden gem of the Arashiyama district?
FROM$211/ per group
Kenji O.
5.00 / 5
(6 reviews)
Tour of three major Kyoto landmarks: Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Kyoto
6 hours
Explore Kyoto's enchanting beauty on a 6-hour tour, starting at the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), followed by the serene Ryoan-ji Temple's Zen garden. Wander through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and visit Tenryu-ji Temple to see traditional Japanese garden design. Enjoy local Kyoto cuisine in Arashiyama for lunch, and conclude at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its vermilion torii gates. This tour offers a profound glimpse into Kyoto’s rich culture and history.
FROM$64/ per person
Kazuyoshi M.
Half day Arashiyama
Kyoto
4 hours
Arashiyama is an area you can walk famous bamboo forest. Tenryuji temple there has a iconic dragon drawing on the ceiling. If you have kid, monkey park is another attraction in Arashiyama. With a little hiking, feed Japanese monkeys on the top of the mountain.
FROM$96/ per group
Minori U.
Popular Kyoto Private Cars
Kyoto sightseeing with a private chartered van (1-12pax)
Kyoto
8 hours
You can plan to visit several places around Kyoto within a limited time with our van. Our commuter can accommodate a group of up to 12 people and our service is available for 24h!
FROM$544/ per group
Van transportation M.
4.48 / 5
(153 reviews)
Kyoto and Osaka sightseeing with a private van (1-12pax)
Kyoto
8 hours
You can plan to visit several places around Kyoto and Osaka within a limited time with our van. Our commuter can accommodate a group of up to 12 people and our service is available for 24h!
FROM$544/ per group
Van transportation M.
4.48 / 5
(153 reviews)
Kyoto 8-Hour Tour with a Private Car
Kyoto
8 hours
Experienced local taxi drivers will cordially show you around the area so that you can visit both must-see and hidden sightseeing spots and enjoy local food.
FROM$350/ per group
Tr taxi R.
4.87 / 5
(215 reviews)
Kyoto 4-Hour Tour with a Private Car
Kyoto
4 hours
Experienced local taxi drivers will cordially show you around the area so that you can visit both must-see and hidden sightseeing spots and enjoy local food. Please choose the itinerary from A or B.
FROM$239/ per group
Tr taxi R.
4.87 / 5
(215 reviews)
Kyoto Tour Reviews
C
Chip M.
5 / 5
May 21, 2024
Mystical Mountains: A Tour of Kurama and Kifune Shrines
Kyoto
6 hours 30 min
May 21, 2024
“Great tour in countryside away from city”
We loved this tour. Chiharu was an excellent guide since he was local and knew the area well. We wanted to fo beyond the city and see the country side, normal life and the mountains. This tour was great for that as the train ran up the mountain through villages and also a magical Japanese Maple Forest. Our guide was patience with us as the hike was fairly steep at times. Food along the river was excellent and a wonderful experience. We were exhausted at the end of the day but totally recommend the company and the tour.
S
Shari P.
5 / 5
May 20, 2024
Kyoto Golden Route (Nijo Arashiyama Kinkakuji Fushimi Inari)
Kyoto
8 hours
May 20, 2024
“Perfect Tour in Kyoto”
Hideo was very responsive prior to the tour and helping us plan a perfect day to Kyoto from Osaka Port. He arranged private transportation and built an itinerary to get us to all the places we wanted to visit. We were able to communicate well, but there were a few lost in translation moments. Hideo selected a great lunch spot!
“Amazing!! ”
I can’t recommend Yoshihisa enough!! He is the absolute perfect tour guide!!! Our day with him was amazing, we couldn’t believe how much we were able to see in just one day in Kyoto. Yoshihisa was waiting for us at the Kyoto station and every minute of our day was spent looking at fantastic temples and sights. He was so organized and nimble, able to guide us through huge crowds to find the best vantage points. He took amazing pictures for us, told us about the history of each place and was able to answer our millions of questions. We had the most delicious lunch stop and regular breaks for cool drinks and treats. We took trains and taxis to cut down on walking and saw SO MUCH!! He is an absolute gem and I would love to take another tour with him. Yoshihisa: THANK YOU for a day that was truly ichigo-ichie!!!
Yoshihisa T.
(193 reviews)Hi Carol. I really appreciate your excellent review for my tour in Kyoto. I had a very pleasant time, guiding and talking with you two. I am pleased to learn that you spent a wonderful time with me on My Favorite Golden Route. I hope our paths will cross again someday soon. Best wishes. Yoshie
Kyoto Private Tour Guide
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.
Kyoto Frequently Asked Questions
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The best tours and activities
With a real local of your choice
The option to personalize your tour
Just contact your favorite local
Only private tours!
So no group tours with strangers
