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Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

”Thousand Torii Gates” of Fushimi Inari Shrine

Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama

The garden of Tenryu-ji Temple

The view of Hozu River

Kinkakuji Temple

Kamishichiken Geisha Destrict

The plum tree garden of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Honda Vezel 4 seaters

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Shore Excursion

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2023

Kanae O.

5.00 / 5

(87 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English, Japanese (Native)

5 hrs 30 mins

Private tour (only you and Kanae O.)

Up to 4 people

Join me on this early morning tour to discover five of Kyoto's must-see sights before the crowds arrive. Travel comfortably by car as your knowledgeable guide drives you between each destination, allowing you to save time and energy while making the most of your visit. It's also an ideal way to explore Kyoto during the hot summer months, with less walking between attractions and more time to enjoy the city's beauty and history.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

07:30 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel or JR Kyoto station

- I will pick you up at your hotel if it is located in Kyoto city. Otherwise, please meet me at JR Kyoto station, or Yamashina station, which is the next station east of JR Kyoto station.

08:00 AM

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Kyoto’s most famous shrines, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up Mount Inari. Dedicated to the Shinto deity of prosperity and business success, it offers a unique and mystical atmosphere.

09:00 AM

Arashiyama Area (Bamboo Forest)

Once a retreat area for aristocrats and priests, Arashiyama still retains a charming atmosphere today. Famous for its bamboo forest, the area attracts many visitors, but I’ll also take you to some quieter, authentic temples away from the crowds.

11:00 PM

Kinkakuji-Temple (Golden Pavilion)

Originally built as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397, Kinkaku-ji is now one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples. Famous for its golden pavilion reflected on the pond, the temple is also known for its beautiful strolling garden. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.

12:00 PM

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Kamishichiken Geisha District

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, with over 1000 years of history, is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning and scholarship. Famous for its beautiful plum blossoms, the shrine offers a peaceful atmosphere in northwest Kyoto. Nearby is Kamishichiken, one of Kyoto’s oldest Geisha districts, known for its traditional and authentic charm.

Ending Point

Your hotel or a destination of your preference

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

What‘s included

Guide fee

Hotel pick-up, toll, fuel, parking

Transportation between locations by Honda Vezel 4-seaters

What‘s not included

Admission fees for temples (about 500-700 yen per temple, please bring cash)

Travel insurance (The guide is not responsible for any accidents that occur during the tour)

Tour Important Information

*Although the guide will drive you between sites, please be aware that the tour entails a considerable amount of walking. Therefore, it's advisable to wear comfortable shoes.

* The car can accommodate four people besides the driver; however, you may find the rear seat to be somewhat cramped and less comfortable. If your group has more than four people, please contact the guide before booking.

* If your hotel does not have sufficient parking space, I may ask you to wait in front of your hotel for pick-up.

* The guide does not pick up guests outside Kyoto city or from the Cruise terminal.

This tour does not include a designated lunch break. However, if you’d like something to eat, we can stop at a food shop or a restaurant during the tour.

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

Kanae O.

5.00 / 5

(87 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Kanae O.

Hello! I am Kanae, a nationally licensed guide. While working full-time as a lecturer at a local university in Kyoto, I have also been guiding for two years.

Born and raised in Kyoto, I am excited to share the beauty and culture of my hometown with my customers. Kyoto is an enchanting city, and even as a local, I am continually fascinated by its many charming spots. Whether it's the serene temples, vibrant markets, or hidden gems, there is always something new to explore and appreciate in this wonderful city.

Also, since my home is close to Shiga Prefecture, I am very familiar with the area. While Shiga may not be as popular as Kyoto, it offers a wealth of attractions for tourists. From historical sites such as temples and shrines to the stunning natural beauty of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, there is much to see and do. I am passionate about promoting Shiga and sharing its unique charm with visitors.

Reviews

Frederik T.

5 / 5

Jul 15, 2026

Kyoto to Uno Port Travel Assistance Service

Jul 15, 2026

Kyoto

3 hours

Customized

“Excellent Customized Experience and Service”

While in Kyoto, my family had a specialized travel interest that required a custom experience and some complicated travel routing. Throughout, Kanae provided excellent communication, proactively suggested ideas to improve our route and experience, performed research and was incredibly reliable. We would absolutely work with Kanae again if the opportunity allows.

Soleil H.

5 / 5

Jun 25, 2026

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Jun 25, 2026

Kyoto

8 hours

“Excellent Kyoto Experience with Kanae-san!”

We had a wonderful day exploring Kyoto with Kanae-san. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. The early start allowed us to visit some of Kyoto's most beautiful highlights before the crowds arrived, which made the day even more special. One of the highlights was the amazing local lunch she recommended and arranged for us! it was absolutely delicious and something we probably would not have discovered on our own. Kanae-san was attentive throughout the tour, shared interesting insights about Kyoto's history and culture, and made us feel very comfortable. We highly recommend Kanae-san to anyone visiting Kyoto, especially first-time travelers looking for a personalized and memorable experience. Thank you for such a fantastic day! Love, Brooke and Mark

Kanae O.

Dear Brooke and Mark, Thank you so much for your lovely review and your kind words. I had a wonderful time spending the day with both of you, and it was a pleasure showing you around Kyoto. I'm so glad we could share such a fun and memorable day together. I wish you all the best and hope you enjoy many more amazing travels in the future! Warm regards, Kanae

Wendy S.

5 / 5

Jun 17, 2026

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Jun 17, 2026

Kyoto

6 hours 30 mins

“Wonderful Tour!”

Our family loved our Kyoto tour with Kanae! She is kind, very knowledgeable, and fun to spend time with. We appreciated some of the less touristy sites we would have never seen on our own. Great to let her do all the planning and driving! We saw so much in just a few hours. We highly recommend her!

Kanae O.

Wendy, thank you so much for your kind review! It was a pleasure spending the day with your family. I'm glad you enjoyed exploring some of Kyoto's quieter spots and making the most of your time here. Wishing you many wonderful memories of Japan, and I hope to see you again on a future visit!