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Kyoto Highlights: Temples, Bamboo Grove & Golden Pavilion (VIP Transport)

Kyoto Highlights: Temples, Bamboo Grove & Golden Pavilion (VIP Transport)

Highlights

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2026

Nicolas I.

4.86 / 5

(7 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English (Native), Japanese, Spanish (Native)

8 hrs 30 mins

Private tour (only you and Nicolas I.)

Up to 4 people

Explore Kyoto’s highlights by private vehicle in a relaxed day. Walk through Fushimi Inari’s torii gates, see the 1,001 statues of Sanjusangendo, and enjoy views from Kiyomizu-dera and its historic streets. After lunch, visit Arashiyama’s bamboo grove and a Zen garden, ending at the Golden Pavilion.

Itinerary

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

08:00 AM

Meeting Point

Your Hotel in Kyoto

- We will meet you in the lobby of your hotel.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Walk through the famous red torii gates and learn about Shinto beliefs and their connection to nature.

Sanjūsangen-dō

Discover the impressive hall lined with 1,001 statues of Kannon and Kyoto’s early Buddhist history.

Kiyomizu-dera

Enjoy panoramic views from the iconic wooden terrace and explore the historic streets nearby.

Lunch Break

Relax and enjoy a local meal in a traditional setting.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Stroll through the peaceful bamboo forest, one of Kyoto’s most photographed landscapes.

Tenryū-ji

Visit a classic Zen temple and garden designed in harmony with the surrounding mountains.

Kinkaku-ji

Conclude at the Golden Pavilion, reflected beautifully in its tranquil pond.

Ending Point

Your hotel

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

-Private Guide/Driver

-All entrances and tickets

-Transportation via Toyota Alphard model car

-Gasoline fee

-Toll fee

What‘s not included

-Extra stops

-souvenirs

-Lunch

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 2026

Nicolas I.

4.86 / 5

(7 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Nicolas I.

Hello, my name is Nicolas. I’m originally from Argentina and have been living in Japan for the past eight years, proudly calling Osaka my home. Being married to a Japanese wife has given me a strong personal connection to the culture and a deeper understanding of everyday life here, far beyond what most visitors get to see.

Tourism has always been my passion and profession, and I have spent these years working in the tour industry, helping travelers discover Japan in a meaningful and enjoyable way. I love sharing not only the famous landmarks, but also the small details, stories, and local experiences that make this country so special.

My goal is to make every tour feel relaxed, authentic, and memorable—like exploring Japan with a knowledgeable friend who truly loves living here. I look forward to welcoming you and showing you this amazing place I now call home.

Reviews

Kim H.

5 / 5

Nov 3, 2026

Kyoto Uji & Nara Private Transport Tour: Tea Ceremony, Byodoin Temple & Great Buddha (VIP Transport)

Nov 3, 2026

Nara

8 hours 30 mins

“Touring with a Star”

We took four "tours" on our trip to Japan, and our day with Nicolas was the standout! Nicolas curated the perfect day for us to combine our interests, the important sites, and our pacing. The stops we made, including refereshments and lunch, were perfect and memorable. The information he provided us about the history behind the locations was fascinating. Having VIP transport was a bonus that helped greatly with some mobility limiations. Nicolas was on top of every detail and absolutely charming. I highly recommend booking a tour with him.

Frank B.

5 / 5

Sep 28, 2026

Franks Osaka First-Time Full-Day Experience: Culture, Food, and Local Life

Sep 28, 2026

Osaka

8 hours

Customized

“Perfect walk.”

Nico was an awesome guy to meet and have as a guide around Osaka. Very down to earth and knowledgeable of Japanese culture and history. Honestly it was like walking around with a good friend from home. Thanks again Nico.

Jochen B.

5 / 5

Aug 8, 2026

Hidden Osaka After Dark: Backstreets, Local Food & Everyday Life

Aug 8, 2026

Osaka

4 hours

Customized

“THE ABSOLUTE BEST GUIDE WE HAVE EVER MET”

We spent yesterday touring Osaka with Nicolas, and he is without a doubt the best guide we have ever met! From the very beginning, he was incredibly responsive and open to all our questions even the day before the actual tour. His customer service and dedication are top-notch; he even met us at the station to pick us up and made sure we safely boarded the right train back at the end of the day. What makes Nicolas truly exceptional is how he tailors his approach. He has a very jovial, sweet, and funny personality, and he explains things in a way that perfectly fits todays modern clients. He has a massive and impressive knowledge of Japanese history, as well as the country’s economic and financial situation over the past 20 years. He seamlessly blends expert explanations with a hilarious twist, and he is a master at tuning into the specific needs and questions of his customers. He is just enormously sympathetic and made our time in Osaka unforgettable. If you are looking for an amazing guide in Japan, look no further! Jochen&Koen

Nicolas I.

Thank you so much, Jochen and Koen! Your wonderful words truly mean a lot to me. It was an absolute pleasure exploring Osaka with you both, and I’m very happy that we could make the day so memorable together. I hope to welcome you back to Japan someday!