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. 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!
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, Daitokuji ¥1,550 for three sub temples,
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 store closings. Please check my availability on each tour page. 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
Gerald D.
“Exceptional guide, Most memorable experience in Arashiyama.”
With the kind, outstanding guidance of Nori, we visited the Arashiyama area of Kyoto. The itinerary consisted of Tenryuji, the bamboo grove, Okochi Sanso, Saihoji, Toriimoto, Adashino Nenbutsuji & Otagi Nenbutsuji. This was a carefully curated itinerary and most memorable. Thanks to Nori, who provided guidance with the planning. We visited most of theses, whiles largely beating the crowds for the most part, during the peak, cherry blossom season. He is kind, professional and an exceptional individual.
Nori I.
Thanks for your kind comments. I appreciate it. We walked a lot but by going to the back side of Arashiyama, we were able to visit many precious small temples with beautiful gardens and etc. it is always fun walking in the area with less people. I am really glad that you were able to enjoy it!
Kenneth D.
“Wonderful Day with Nori!”
Nori is pleasant, helpful and flexible. We will change paths instantly based on your preferences. He is very knowledgeable about all things Kyoto: history, places to go, must see’s and where to pause for food, drink and rest. The pace of the tour is up to you, and Nori will accommodate all of your needs. We highly recommend Nori for any type of tour that you wish!
Nori I.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it! Some places I thought about were closed but in the end those alternatives were even better. I understand you still have many fun days ahead in Japan. Please enjoy! Take care!
Gerald D.
“Amazing Experience , Outstanding Individual ”
I was so blessed to have Nori as my guide for Four non consecutive days in Kyoto. Visiting this culturally & historically prominent city during peak cherry blossom tourism season can be challenging, particularly for a first time visitor. Nori was outstanding in every way including helping curating the itinerary in a way that was effective, made sense whilst trying to circumvent the crowds. It takes only a genius to curate an same day itinerary where you are ahead of the crowds in Ryoan-ji & Kinkaku-ji respectively & consecutively, whilst still being early enough to see Gingaku-ji, the Philosopher’s path , Nanzen ji with extra time for other activities. An otherwise overwhelming & seemingly impossible task was done. This would not have been the case, otherwise.
Nori I.
Thanks for leaving the kind comments. I appreciate it. We were able to cover quite a lot of places in Kyoto during the four days. I think you saw enough amazing cherry blossoms this time. Hopefully you can come back in the fall to see the beautiful foliage next time!
$357/ per group
More tours by Nori I.
Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto
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.
Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto
First, while it is early enough, we will drive and hike a little bit on the ancient steps to one of the oldest temples in Kyoto and Shiga called Hyakusaiji. After that, we will explore a castle that has a tower that is one of the five originals remaining in Japan, Hikone Castle. We will enjoy Oumi beef for lunch. Oumi beef is if not better, as good as Kobe beef known as one of the three best beefs in Japan. We will enjoy the scenery in Oumihachiman from the mountain top and the old moat.
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyma to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest in Eastern Kyoto
Experience the charm of tranquility in a mountain temple. Seikanji is a temple in Mt. Kiyomizu (242m high), which enables us to look down a fan-shaped view of the Kyoto area from the temple grounds covered with green moss. The temple retains such anecdotes as the emperor’s tragic love and the Waka poem composed by the incarnation of Buddha. We hike along a path at the mountain's edge from the less crowded tiny Seikanji temple to the heavily crowded huge Kiyomizu-Dera temple.
Kyoto Cultural & Scenic Tour
Discover Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage on this 6-hour guided tour. Explore shrines, temples, traditional streets, and even local hidden spots if you’d like. Perfect for first-time visitors and anyone wanting to experience the true spirit of Kyoto. This model course can be customized to your preferences after booking. Pace: Moderate, with walking and train (or taxi). Best for: Culture lovers, history fans, and first-time visitors. Tour Style: Fasmous landmarks mixed with local experiences.
Fushimi Inari Shrine, Zen Meditation, Sake brewery visiting and tasting, Gion
Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must-see in Kyoto. This tour also includes Zen meditation at a Buddhist temple and a visit to a sake brewery. You'll have an unforgettable experience! ※Please message me before your payment. I need to confirm the availability of the Zen meditation and sake brewery visit in advance.
