Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
Joined 2023
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. 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 one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or wherever you choose
Your hotel or a place you would like to meet.
I will come and meet there.
Togetsukyo Bridge
Will visit the most famous bridge in Kyoto. The view from there with the mountains and river have been admired for centuries.
Arashiyama Monkey Park
Will hike up a small mountain to the top to see Japanese monkeys wondering around freely in the park.
Tenryuji and Bamboo forest/path way
Will go through the garden of Tenryuji and go to the bamboo forest.
Okochi Sanso Private Garden
Right behind the bamboo paths one of the most beautiful gardens in Kyoto is hidden. The trees in the tranquil gardens as well as the views of the city and mountains from there are sure to impress you.
Giouji with the beautiful moss garden
Will visit Giouji which is further in the back of Arashiyama to see the beautiful moss garden.
Restaurant for lunch
Will have a lunch of your preference in Arashiyama.
Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion)
Will visit the famous Kinkakuji which is also called the Golden Pavilion. It is registered as one of the 17 World Heritage sites in Kyoto.
The Nishiki Market
Will visit the Nishiki Market which is known as Kyoto's kitchen. Originally started with a few fish stores about 1200 years ago and now lively shops not just food related are there on the street of Nishiki. You can try traditional Japanese snacks as well as modern Japanese sweets and etc.
Your hotel or wherever we decide to end
Will either go back to your hotel or finish around the market area.
Ending Point
At your hotel or wherever you choose
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
- Interpretation/guide fee
- Transportation fee (you and the guide), lunch (you and the guide), entrance fee, experience fee (if included)
Examples of entrance fees: The golden Pavilion ¥500, Arashiyama Monkey Park ¥600
- 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.
- Might have to use taxi as well in case busses are fully occupied and etc.
- 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
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.
Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around the city and the Kansai region including Kyoto, Shiga and Mie. I’m here to ensure your trip to Japan becomes an unforgettable memory. Looking forward to meeting you!
Reviews
John K.
“Excellent tour of interesting sites”
We had a very enjoyable visit to Kyoto. Nori was knowledgeable and provided interesting information on the locations visited. Nori's English was excellent which made it easy to follow his explanations. The visits to the various temples and shrines were enhanced by the historical information Nori provided. When we visit Kyoto again, we will request Nori as our guide.
Nori I.
Thanks for your kind comments. Yes, four hours was definitely too short since there is so much to see and do in Kyoto. Hopefully you can come back someday! Take care!
Karyn F.
“Nori completely elevated our Kyoto temple-shrine experience! ”
We loved our 1/2 day customized tour, visiting our three most desired Kyoto temples & shrines - Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizudera and Kinkakuji (Golden Pavillion). Nori was organized, patient, super knowledgable, funny and supremely elevated our experience should we have done it alone or in a big trouble group. My 13 YO was super engaged & we both considered our 4 hours with Nori a Kyoto highlight. Highly recommend!!
Nori I.
Thank you very much for leaving the comments. I appreciate it. It was a lot of fun going around those three places with you guys. Your son had quite a lot of questions and I think I was able to answer all? or most of them ( : I think all the lucky charms you two got will work! Have a wonderful rest of your trip! Take care!
Paul N.
“Five stars well deserved ”
Thanks Nori for guiding my son and I for the two half day tours of Kyoto in the extreme heat and humidity. Your knowledge and familiarity of the sites was invaluable and added greatly to our experience. Thanks for accommodating our wishes and helping with our souvenir shopping. You took the pressure off-lol. We definitely recommend your guiding services and wish you the best. Paul N.
Nori I.
Thanks for taking my tour! I really appreciate it. Due to the heat and your leg condition, I was a bit concerned but we were able to visit quite a lot of great places in Kyoto. I am glad you enjoyed visiting them! Hope your wife and family will be happy to get those souvenirs!!! Take care.
$350/ per group
More tours by Nori I.
Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto
Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto
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