1-Tailored Full Day Private Experience of Kyoto for 1 Day Visitors
This full-day private tour offers a personalized experience of Kyoto’s iconic landmarks. Perfect for 1-day visitors, it covers famous sites like Bamboo grove, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nijo Castle. You'll also explore the historic Gion area, known for traditional teahouses and geisha culture. The tour provides historical insights and great photo opportunities, and can be customized. Book now to make the most of your Kyoto visit with a fully tailored, exclusive experience.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Any place inside Kyoto city ,including your hotel
- * The guide will meet you at your hotel inside Kyoto. If outside, please let us know. * We provide shore excursion services from Osaka or Kobe ports for an additional fee, payable directly to the driver of the hired vehicle. Please be aware that the itinerary may be adjusted to fit your schedule and preferences.
Bamboo Grove & Nonomiya Shrine
Explore Kyoto’s natural and cultural treasures with our tour featuring the Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, and Tenryu-ji Temple Garden. Begin your journey in the Bamboo Forest, where towering green stalks create a tranquil and otherworldly atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful walk.
Next, visit Nonomiya Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine known for its serene setting and ancient traditions. Discover its beautiful architecture and lush surroundings.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto's iconic Golden Pavilion, shimmering brilliantly against its serene pond backdrop. Stroll through the exquisite gardens, reflecting the harmonious blend of nature and artistry that defines this UNESCO World Heritage site. Perfect for culture enthusiasts and photographers, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into Japan's architectural splendor and tranquil elegance.
Nijo Castle
Step back in time with a visit to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto that showcases stunning Edo-period architecture and exquisite gardens. Explore the opulent Ninomaru Palace, famed for its "nightingale floors" and intricate woodwork, offering a glimpse into the life of the Tokugawa shoguns. Perfect for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers, this tour promises a captivating journey through Japan's rich cultural
Lunch Break / Porta Dining
During your Kyoto tour, take a delightful lunch break at Porta Dining, located beneath Kyoto Station. This bustling underground dining area offers a variety of authentic Japanese dishes in a convenient and vibrant setting. Whether you're craving fresh sushi, hearty ramen, tempura, or traditional Kyoto cuisine, Porta Dining has something for everyone. Enjoy a quick yet flavorful meal in one of the many restaurants, perfect for recharging before continuing your exploration of Kyoto. It's the ideal stop for a delicious taste of Japan in the heart of the city!
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Embark on a spiritual journey at Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of iconic red torii gates that create a mesmerizing path through lush forest trails. Discover the beauty and mystique of this ancient Shinto shrine, dedicated to the deity of rice and prosperity, with stunning views and serene surroundings. Perfect for hikers and culture enthusiasts, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage in Kyoto.
Gion District: Discover Geiko and Maiko Spotting Streets
stroll through the Gion district, Kyoto’s renowned geisha area. Immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Japanese culture as you wander along narrow streets lined with wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and shops. Gion is one of the few places where you can spot geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) dressed in exquisite kimonos, bringing the past to life. The district offers a perfect blend of cultural elegance and history, making it an essential stop on your Kyoto journey.
Tour finish in Gion
We can drop you off in Gion where you can have dinner and spend the rest of your night, or take you back to the hotel.
Ending Point
Gion District or take you back to the hotel
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guiding Fees & Tour Management
*Transportation: The tour itinerary is based on car hiring for JPY 100,000 for up to 5 people paid in cash to the driver. If more than 5 please let me know.
*We provide shore excursion services from Osaka or Kobe ports for an additional fee, payable directly to the driver of the hired vehicle. Please be aware that the itinerary may be adjusted to fit your schedule and preferences.
* Lunch
* Entrance fees
*Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected. If you feel that your experience was exceptional, tipping is a lovely way to show your appreciation for the service provided.
Tour Important Information
*The tour itinerary is based on car hiring for JPY 100,000 for up to 5 people paid in cash to the driver. If more than 5 please let me know.
*The guide will meet you at your hotel inside Kyoto. If outside, please let us know.
* We provide shore excursion services from Osaka or Kobe ports for an additional fee, payable directly to the driver of the hired vehicle. Please be aware that the itinerary may be adjusted to fit your schedule and preferences.
* We can manage Shore excursion from Osaka or Kobe port for extra fees paid to the driver of the hired car.
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Important message from the supplier
See the calendar for availability
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Ahmed A.
Hello! I’m Ahmed, a passionate tour guide based in Kyoto, Japan. Originally born in Kuwait, I moved back to Palestine where I earned my Medical Degree (MD) in 2008. In 2015, I was fortunate to receive a Japanese government scholarship to pursue further studies at Kyoto University, one of Japan’s top institutions.
Living in Kyoto opened my eyes to the rich history and stunning scenery of this ancient city, which served as Japan’s capital for over a thousand years. It ignited my passion for culture, history, and food, leading me to embark on a rewarding career as a tour guide.
I have traveled extensively across Europe and Asia, and I love sharing my knowledge of Japanese culture with others. I can provide historical insights at every stop, recommend the best local cuisine, and create personalized itineraries, including day trips from Tokyo to Kyoto.
I’m fluent in English and Arabic, and I thrive on connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Whether you’re interested in exploring temples, experiencing traditional cuisine, or simply enjoying the beauty of Kyoto, I’m here to make your visit unforgettable.
Your safety and comfort are my top priorities. I measure my temperature before our tours and am happy to wear a mask if it makes you feel more comfortable. While I'm not a driver, I will accompany you in your vehicle or arrange for a separate car and driver if needed.
Book with confidence and get ready to explore Kyoto with me! I can’t wait to show you why I believe this city is the most beautiful in Japan.
Ahmed, MD, PhD, MBA
Reviews
Varija R.
“Gion 2 hour evening tpur”
Ahmed is an excellent guide. He explained everything in detail. He accomodated eveeyone and took photos patiently.
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Ahmed A.
Thanks alot for the nice review and always my pleasure
Ahu A.
“Excellent Kyoto Tour with Ahmed!”
We had a truly wonderful day exploring Kyoto with Ahmed. Everything was perfectly organized — from the comfortable transportation to the thoughtful timing at each stop. Ahmed is not only knowledgeable about Kyoto’s history and culture, but also incredibly kind, patient, and attentive to our group’s needs. He made sure we saw all the must-see highlights while keeping the day relaxed and enjoyable. Lunch was delicious, and we appreciated how flexible he was with our schedule. We always felt safe, comfortable, and well cared for. Thank you, Ahmed, for such a memorable experience — we’ll warmly recommend you to anyone visiting Kyoto!
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Ahmed A.
I am so happy and thrilled to know you enjoyed it and to read your review. Wishing you and your lovely group all the best. This is also one of the best tours I even did because your group was so friendly and nice, and their company was just a total joy. Thanks a lot again and wishing to meet you again in Japan
Lynn P.
“Poor communication”
We cannot really say much about Ahmed as a guide because he sent us someone else. As for Ahmed as a tour operator, we are very disappointed with his services. Because the information given by him by private message was not very clear, we almost ended up booking a tour that was 3 times as expensive as a similar tour offered by other operators. In the end, we figured out that he asked more than 1,000 euros for a day tour by private car in Kyoto. After that he sent us a booking link to another tour that was still different to what we requested. When we realized that he sent us a link for the wrong tour, it was already too late to cancel. Our guide Kazz was great. He was helpful, friendly and very flexible with spontaneous requests. On top of that he took a lot of pictures of us that he sent us via Google Drive the same day. We highly recommend him as a guide.
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Ahmed A.
Thank you. For future tours, please check well what the tour description is, what is included and what is not, otherwise you end up in troubles like this. Its good that the guide was great and you enjoyed with him.
$515/ per group
More tours by Ahmed A.
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Discover Kyoto: 6-Hour Guided Sightseeing Tour
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Kyoto in a Day: Ultimate Sightseeing Adventure
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Nara Highlights: Personalized One-Day Private Tour
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion District Exploration
Join our tour for a captivating journey through Kyoto's historic and cultural highlights. Begin with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, renowned for its stunning architecture and panoramic city views, beautifully illuminated as twilight descends. Next, immerse yourself in the charm of the Gion District, Kyoto’s famous geisha quarter. Wander through its traditional streets, lined with historic wooden machiya houses and teahouses.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion District Exploration
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
Tour will start from the Hotel in Kyoto. Frst visit is Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavillion ),then, to Ryoanji tmple where is famous for rock garden. Tour will stop at Arasiyama area to take lunch and visit Togetsu bridge, Bamboo grove, Tentyuji temple and others. The last visit is NIjyo castle. As these places are normally crowded. using chartered taxi is highly recommended in order to effectively use your valuable time in Kyoto.
One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
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Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
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Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
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Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Kinkakuji
Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? I would also like to take you some hidden gemes in Kyoto. Beat the crowds!
Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Kinkakuji
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