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Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto

The Golden Pavilion

Fushimi Inari

Kiyomizu temple

Beautiful cherry blossoms in Arashiyama

Foliage in Saga

Aburimochi - The oldest sweets in Kyoto

Arashiyama Monkey Park

Cherry blossom park in Murasakino

Famous weeping cherry blossom in zen garden

Beautiful moss garden in Saga

The aburimochi shop

Keninji zen garden

Pagoda of Kiyomizu temple

Foliage in Saga

Kyoto Tower

Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto

Art, Culture, & Historical

Joined 2023

Nori I.

5.00 / 5

(84 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English, Japanese (Native)

4 hours

Private tour (only you and Nori I.)

Up to 6 people

There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. Also, Kyoto is getting very crowded due to a lot of foreigners visiting there. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference.

I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with Wabi Sabi such as those in Sagano and the oldest Japanese sweet shop in Murasakino.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel or wherever you choose

09:30 AM

Kiyomizu Temple

Will visit Kiyomizu temple which is one of the most well known temples in Japan. Established in the 8th century and the temple has been welcoming people from across Japan and now from all over the world. It is one temple that is better to have someone explaining the meanings of all the areas inside.

10:30 AM

Walk on Sannenzaka and traditional narrow paths to Gion

Will stroll on the famous Sannenzaka after seeing Kiyomizu temple and see the well known Yasaka pagoda. We will continue walking towards Gion by going through the old traditional narrow paths.

11:00 AM

The Gion area

Will go through the Gion area where you can see the traditional tea houses that Maiko/Geiko (Geisha) entertain customers. If you are lucky, we might be able to come across the beautiful geisha ladies going out and about.

12:00 PM

The Nishiki Market

After going through the traditional Gion area, we will walk over to the Kyoto's Kitchen, the Nishiki Market. All kinds of Japanese food especially ones famous in Kyoto such as Kyoto pickles are there to see and possibly try. Kitchen related items such as the famous Aritsugu knives are sold here.

Ending Point

West side exit of the Nishiki Market (Takakura street)

Want to personalize this tour?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

- Interpretation/guide fee

What‘s not included

- Transportation fee (you and the guide), lunch (you and the guide), entrance fee, experience fee (if included)

Examples of entrance fees: Kiyomizu temple ¥500, The golden Pavilion ¥500

Arashiyama Monkey Park ¥800

- Lunch and transportation costs for the guide also have to be borne by your side.

Tour Important Information

- In order to create a fully customized tour, we need enough time to plan together. Please book well ahead of your time of travel to allow

enough time to communicate by email and come up with the best tour for you.

- This tour involves walking and public transportations.

- This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

- Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.

- Need to allocate at least 45 - 60 mins for lunch time.

- The guide will not be liable for any injuries or loss incurred during the tour. It is recommended to have overseas travel insurance.

Also, please remember to carry enough cash in Japanese Yen since some small stores do not accept credit card. Thank you.

Important message from the supplier

For some tours I can not guide everyday due to facility and store closings. Please send me a message and check my availability first before booking. Thank you!

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

Joined 2023

Nori I.

5.00 / 5

(84 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Nori I.

I have lived in the US, UK, and India for approximately 20 years, and I’ve also traveled to about 30 countries. Living abroad for such a long time made me realize Japan’s value and sparked my interest in working as a translator/guide for foreigners. I’m truly passionate about introducing people to historical sites, authentic Japanese culture, and stunning natural spots that may not be widely known to people outside of Japan. There are countless places that I believe people would love.

I am a certified English interpreter guide certified by Kyoto City, Uji City and Otsu City. Plus, I passed the Kyoto Tourism and Culture Exam (the 3rd level). Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around the Kansai region including Kyoto, Shiga, Nara and Mie. I’m here to ensure your trip to Japan becomes an unforgettable memory. Looking forward to meeting you!

Reviews

Sharon P.

5 / 5

Oct 7, 2026

Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Omi beef just outside Kyoto

Oct 7, 2026

Shiga

7 hours 30 mins

“Amazing Tour Guide”

Nori did an outstanding job in accommodating the various levels of fitness our senior group of 4 had. He did not hurry us along to ensure we accomplished everything on our list. He let us make the decision as to speed and what we wanted to see and adjusted accordingly. He did provide input when he felt his experience would help. The historical background he provided at the sights we visited was greatly appreciated. The day was like a group of 5 friends touring the Shiga area. Lots of teasing and laughter. No language barrier as Nori is fluent in English. Highly recommend Nori to anyone visiting the Kyoto area. Best guide we have ever had.

Nori I.

Thanks for your kind comments. I really appreciate it. I was a bit worried about going up on the stairs to see the Hikone castle tower but you did it! Also finding and visiting the small town you wanted to go is a nice memory for me too. I am really glad that you felt like you were going around with a friend. That is my motto whenever I guide guests. Hope you can come again and we can go to more fun places.

Matan B.

5 / 5

Jul 3, 2026

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

Jul 3, 2026

Kyoto

8 hours

“Excellent Tour”

Nori is wonderful. Friendly, easy going and super knowledgeable. He speaks perfect English and was just great to be with. I highly recommend him for families or any group.

Nori I.

Thanks for your kind comments. I really appreciate it! I am really glad that you all were able to have fun. I also enjoyed the tour with you guys. We were lucky to see the big turtle crossing. Hopefully he was able to get to wherever he wanted to go! Have a wonderful summer!

Scott H.

5 / 5

Jun 7, 2026

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

Jun 7, 2026

Kyoto

8 hours

“Great day in Kyoto”

Nori was a fantastic guide. We gained so much over doing it by ourselves. He added value to the experience making it mire fun and enjoyable. I highly recommend Nori and would use him again next time we are in Kyoto. The restaurant we had lunch at was one of the best meals we had on our Japan trip. Best udon we’ve ever had. (Sorry, don’t recall the name of the restaurant but it is on the main street).

Nori I.

Thanks for your kind words. I really appreciate it. I was amazed to find out so many things in common as well. You guys made me want to go back to AZ. Maybe I will do that sometime soon. Take care!