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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

(94 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

(94 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

Robin G.

5 / 5

Sep 8, 2026

Kyoto Highlights in Two Relaxed Half-Day Tours

Sep 8, 2026

Kyoto

2 days

Customized

“Book Kanae - you won't regret it! ”

We spent two days touring Kyoto with Kanae. She is a wonderful guide, has excellent English and made it possible for us to see all of the major sights. Without her driving us around there is no way we would have been able to see everything we did. It was extremely hot and she thoughtfully provided us with drinks and cooling towels. She really thought of everything! She also brought us to two of the best meals we had the whole trip in a places you would never find as a tourist. More than that, she is a delightful person so it was fun to spend time with her. When we return to Kyoto we will definitely book her again.

David K.

5 / 5

Sep 6, 2026

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Sep 6, 2026

Kyoto

5 hours 30 mins

“Family Tour”

Kane was a wonderful and patient guide with our family of four. We saw the best of Kyoto and even had time for some shopping and sake tasting. Highly recommended.

Nishal S.

5 / 5

Aug 8, 2026

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Aug 8, 2026

Kyoto

6 hours 30 mins

“Excellent guide”

Kanae was amazing, she was prompt, clean car and very friendly with excellent English. She was very good with the kids and chatted to them a lot. She had cold drinks for all of us too, water and refreshing lychee juice which was really appreciated in this heat and even shared her cooling wipes with us - which really helped in this heat. Would definitely recommend her to anyone visiting Kyoto.

Kanae O.

Dear Nishal, thank you so much for your kind review! It was a pleasure spending the day with your family. Your children were absolutely lovely, and they did such a great job despite the intense heat! I hope you all enjoyed the rest of your time in Kyoto, and I’d be delighted to see you again someday.