Beverly F.
“My 15-year-old daughter and I loved our tour with Nori! ”
My 15-year-old daughter and I had a fantastic day touring Kyoto with Nori! He was incredibly organized, responsive, and helpful during the planning process. His deep knowledge of history and culture made each stop in the Arashiyama area more meaningful, and it was such a relief to have him guide us effortlessly through trains, buses, and crowds. He was also so easy to be around—funny, kind, and very relatable. The highlight of our tour was Okochi Sanso, the stunning private garden we might never have discovered if not for Nori’s recommendation. It was an extremely hot day, and by the time we reached the Golden Pavilion, the line was so long we decided to pivot and go shopping instead—Nori led us to market spots where we found some of our favorite purchases, including sesame and wasabi snacks, a cutting board, a kiwi slicer, and Spingle shoes! (Nori—when my husband was feeling better, I took him to Spingle and we both ended up getting shoes there! :)) I highly recommend Nori—he’s an exceptional guide and a great guy!
Daisy S.
“Fumi’s fabulous tour guide”
Fumi was such a fantastic and appreciative guide. At the beginning we had a quick history about all the sites and Japan we would visit which made the overall experience even more immersive. She took our wants into consideration and tailored the day accordingly. Fumi was so very friendly and kind, there was never a dull moment. It was so nice knowing the history behind each place we visited and learning more about the culture. What a joy the day was!
Anna S.
“Wonderful Experience with Jasmine as Our Guide in Kyoto!”
We had the pleasure of being guided by Jasmine during our visit to Kyoto, and it truly was one of the highlights of our trip. She is very knowledgeable about the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems. She is also genuinely invested in giving her guests a memorable experience. 5 out of 5 :) Thank you Jasmine :) Jasmine took us to places we never would have found on our own :)
Jasmine L.
⸻ Hi Anna, Thank you so much for booking the tour—it was truly lovely meeting you and your family! I really enjoyed showing you around and spending time together. Wishing you all safe travels and wonderful memories for the rest of your trip!
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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