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
Marek G.
“Fantastic Kyoto Tour with Nori”
We had an amazing experience exploring Kyoto with our guide, Nori. His English was excellent, which made communication smooth and enjoyable. What truly stood out was how well-prepared and knowledgeable he was — Nori could answer every question we had, no matter how detailed. He shared fascinating stories and historical anecdotes about each place we visited, which brought the sites to life in a unique and memorable way. His passion for the city and its culture was truly inspiring. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a deeper, more meaningful Kyoto experience!
Nori I.
I am really glad to hear that you were able to enjoy my tour. You had some tough questions but I guess I was able to satisfy them. Those questions make me realize there is a lot more to learn. Thanks again for taking my tour. Take care!
Sydney G.
“Wonderful tours”
We are so glad we had Nori to guide us on our first few days in Japan. He was incredibly knowledgeable about history and culture, as well as a pleasure to spend time with. He was able to customize the tour to match our interests, even making updates on the fly as he got to know us better! We would highly recommend Nori to anyone visiting the area.
Nori I.
Thanks for the kind words. I really appreciate it. It was my pleasure to go around Kyoto and Shiga for the 1.5 days. I am really glad that you two enjoyed the tours. Hope to see you again in the future!
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!
$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
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
Kyoto, un viaje al corazón cultural de Japón.
Kyoto, un viaje al corazón cultural de Japón.
Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest in Eastern Kyoto
Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest in Eastern Kyoto
半天周游京都宇治地区（平等院凤凰堂、黄檗山万福寺）
半天周游京都宇治地区（平等院凤凰堂、黄檗山万福寺）
