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
Nityanand B.
“Highly recommend Nori! Nori is truly amazing and his global travel experience adds to the Kyoto tour! ”
What a fantastic tour experience with Nori - 1. He is very knowledgeable about the historical significance of the various Japanese time periods. He is able to weave the historical series beautifully and it takes you back in time. 2. His global work experience adds a lot of flavor to the tour. 3. He is flexible with what we wanted on the tour. 4. He gave us some great food, tea ceremony suggestions for our time in Tokyo. Highly recommend Nori!
Nori I.
Thanks for your wonderful comments. Due to the high heat, I was a bit concerned but I am happy to hear that you all enjoyed my tour. Hopefully you can come to Japan again some time!! Take care, Nori
Meghan S.
“A Fantastic day with a knowledgeable guide”
We had a great day with Nori and saw so much! He was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. He calibrated the day exactly right for our family. We had a limited time and really felt we were able to get the most out of our trip because of Nori’s planning. We saw all of the sites we wanted to see in a sequence that made sense, had a tasty lunch, and learned so much. Absolutely don’t hesitate to book with Nori. You will get so much more out of your visit and your day will be stress free! We can’t wait to come back and do another tour. Thanks so much for making our visit so smooth!
Nori I.
Thanks for your kind words. It was fun touring around Kyoto with you guys too! It was unfortunate that your husband could not join. Hope he is feeling better. Yes, please come again to Kyoto. There is so much more beautiful places you can visit! Take care!
Michele M.
“Beautiful, Serene, and Delicious”
We had a fantastic day trip to Shiga from Kyoto with Nori. He tailored the tour perfectly to fit the time we had, and it was such a treat to escape the hustle and bustle of Kyoto. Every stop was peaceful, beautiful, and felt like a hidden gem. Traveling by private car allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the surroundings. Nori speaks fluent English, which made communication easy. He took us to some incredible off-the-beaten-path spots that we never would have found on our own. For our sixteen-year-old, the highlight of the day was enjoying Omi beef at a charming little restaurant with a private Japanese garden. The servers wore traditional kimonos, and we had the entire place to ourselves. The chef prepared the meal right in front of us—it was an unforgettable experience. We've had Wagyu before, but Omi beef was even better! Shiga is absolutely worth the trip, especially if you're staying in Kyoto. Of all the private day tours we did in Japan, this one was truly one of our favorites. Thank you, Nori!
Nori I.
I am so happy to hear that you really enjoyed the tour in Shiga. As you said, there are quite a lot of historical places in the area which are often older than Kyoto yet many people even Japanese don’t know their existence. Oumi and Kobe beefs are the top quality beefs in Japan. Luckily when we went to the restaurant, the special section was offered just to us. Hope you can come back to enjoy the amazing teppanyaki beef!! Take care!
$361/ per group
More tours by Nori I.
Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto
Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto
Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto
Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto
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