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.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
At your hotel or wherever you choose
I will come and meet there.
Will visit three temples inside Daitokuji. Each one has its own unique zen stone garden and interesting history behind it. After that, will visit the oldest sweets shop in Kyoto which started more than 1,000 years ago.
Will visit the famous Kinkakuji which is surrounded by gold leaf.
Will decide where to go together either near Kinkakuji or in Arashiyama.
Will hike up a small mountain to the top to see Japanese monkeys wondering around freely in the park.
Will go through the garden of Tenryuji and go to the bamboo forest.
Will visit Giouji which is further in the back of Arashiyama to see the beautiful moss garden.
Will go back to your hotel.
At your hotel or wherever you choose
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
- Interpretation/guide fee, hotel pick up
- 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 for the guide also has to be borne by your side
- 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.
For some tours I can not guide everyday due to store closings. Please check my availability on each tour page. Thank you!
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!
Rachel P.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
“Nori very knowledgeable, we saw a lot! ”
Thanks Nori for an excellent day yesterday! We felt very lucky to see so many different things in one day. Nori was incredibly knowledgeable about everything from history to culture and happily answered all the questions we peppered him with! Strongly recommend the “secluded garden” option if Nori suggests it, it was a real highlight for us!
Nori I.
(36 reviews)Thanks for your kind comments! I had a fun day also with you two as well! Though it was a bit early in the season, the "secluded garden" was amazing, wasn't it. All the colors and the atmosphere there were quite nice. Hope you will have a safe and fun rest of your trip!
Petar D.
Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto
“Beautiful trip in the countryside near Kyoto”
I had an amazing two days with Nori as guide. First day was in Kyoto and it was nice to know the place and some of the shrines in it. The countryside trip on the second day was quite amazing for a guy like me who know a little bit about Japanese history. Nori is very well prepared guide so he can help you really get into the atmosphere and also get some deeper knowledge about Japanese culture.He is also easy to communicate with and a nice company.Thank for the nice trips , see you next time I'm in Japan!
Nori I.
(36 reviews)Thanks for your comments. I am really glad that you were able to enjoy the last two days. It was also a nice surprise about you knowing so much about Japan and its history. Almost everywhere we went you knew something about the place. It makes me more motivated to communicate regarding those places. Like I said and you saw there are so many amazing hidden places in this area just outside Kyoto. I really hope you can come back and we explore some other places together. Have a safe rest of the trip! If you need any help from my side, please let me know anytime!
Andrea A.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
“Great mix of walking/culture/history”
Nori was knowledgeable, helpful and relaxing. We toured with him for one 1/2 day and one full day in Kyoto. I highly recommend.
Nori I.
(36 reviews)Thanks for your kind comments. I am really glad you two were able to enjoy those two days. It was fun for me also to converse and explore Kyoto together. Please have a safe rest of your trip!
$259/ per group
Reserve