/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19106/86865c1b-7bc3-4c96-8f3f-4e2b93b29816.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19106/984e2a73-7418-4c68-bb26-31701edfc323.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19106/690be731-7717-4e9a-a24b-f1044110fd95.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19106/c259504a-407d-4ffc-94ac-7ab732d0e3df.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19106/c346d44a-3f02-4dcc-adac-23ba6b841d0a.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19106/0d0b96bc-0258-4c01-9af4-1e2cb04ae8a6.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19106/94ca8bf5-a674-4240-b243-6d270339c2ef.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19106/bdc8c486-33f1-4008-ace9-b32b7f4b0c5f.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19106/68a147fa-6a27-4e85-8a3d-ef03c306b00a.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19106/da5e0c59-cac8-4667-9bd6-c81a519b5c22.jpg)
Kyoto Spiritual Tour! – Half Day by Private Car
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/fd80eadc-3b71-477e-917c-1c4924bd4a5a.png)
Joined 2025
Visit 3 special places in Kyoto and feel the spiritual energy.
You can relax in a quiet car.
This tour is only on weekdays, It’s good to enjoy Kyoto slowly and peacefully.
Each place has beautiful nature. The air is very clear and fresh.
Your mind can feel calm and clean again.
This is for people who want to take care of work, family, and themselves.
The car can take 3 adults.
If you come with kids, just tell us before!
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Your hotel
- Pick-up is available from your hotel . Please let me know your exact location or a nearby landmark when you book the tour.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
Built in 1482 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa during the Muromachi period.
He built this villa to enjoy art, nature, and a peaceful life after retirement.
Later, it became a Zen temple.
The building is simple but full of beauty.
It shows the Japanese idea of “wabi-sabi”, which means the beauty of simplicity and imperfection.
・Admission fee: ¥500 for adults / ¥300 for children
・Parking fee ¥400
Shimogamo-jinja Shrine
Shimogamo Shrine ....is known for purification, renewal, and protection.
It’s a perfect place to reset your heart and body.
The air here feels fresh and sacred — especially when you walk through the forest.
・Parking fee: ¥600
Shopping and Sweets
Let’s visit one of my recommended wagashi (Japanese sweets) shops.
It’s located away from the city center and is loved by local people.
・Parking fee: ¥600
Lunch
I’ll also introduce you to some of my favorite local spots.
I especially recommend trying takoyaki, a popular local street food!
・The parking fee is ¥800. (In some cases, free parking is available.)
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
The most powerful spot here is the Senbon Torii – the thousands of red gates.Walking through them is said to help you clear your mind and move forward in life.Each gate represents a wish, and as you pass through, you walk closer to your goals.
You can actually eat grilled sparrow here.
Why? Well… I’ll tell you during the tour.
・Parking fee: ¥600
END/your hotel
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
*Private car transportation (air-conditioned, up to 3 guests)
*English/Japanese speaking guide throughout the tour
*Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or nearly Station
*Entrance coordination at shrines and temples
*Transportation via Nissan cube (5-seater)
*Gasoline fee
*Toll fee
*Entrance fees
*Meals and drinks ( Lunch cost: about ¥2,000〜 per person,Traditional Kyoto sweets
*Personal purchases such as souvenirs or omamori (charms)
*Special blessings or goshuin (temple/shrine stamps) – optional
*Parking fees (approx. ¥2,900 total for the full tour)
*Travel insurance – Please arrange your own coverage before the tour.
Tour Important Information
*This tour involves a lot of walking and stairs, so please wear comfortable shoes.
*This tour is not recommended for people with serious back or knee problems.
*This tour is available on weekdays only.
*The car fits up to 3 adults. Please contact me if you are traveling with children.
*Parking fees (total ¥2900〜) and temple admission fees are not included in the tour price.
*Lunch and sweets are not included
*Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions.
There are many other beautiful spiritual spots in Kyoto.
If you have a place you want to visit, just let us know!
We’ll check if it’s safe and easy to go by car and do our best to include it.
However… there’s just one exception: Yasui Konpira Shrine!
I’m sorry, but I won’t go inside. It’s too powerful for me!
Important message from the supplier
-Last-minute bookings (1 day before) are sometimes possible — feel free to ask!
-If you want me to make reservations for shops or restaurants, please contact me at least 1 week in advance.
-A walking tour is also possible, but to be honest, I wouldn’t recommend it. Kyoto is an extremely popular tourist destination, and buses and public transportation are often very crowded. For the places I would like to show you, I believe traveling by car would be much more comfortable.
-Please note: I love wine! But if I drink during the tour… I might forget where we’re going. So I’ll stay sober—but if you like, I can show you some great wine spots in Kyoto!
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 2025
About Tour Guide Michiko N.
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page!
I’m Michiko, a local guide born and raised in Kyoto.
I love meeting people from around the world and sharing the spirit of Japanese hospitality.and I love fun things!
I went to the UK to watch musicals, and recently I spent a year living in Thailand — experiences that deepened my love for art, culture, and people.
Besides guiding, I also work in theater and performance art, creating unique shows in shop windows!
Let’s explore Kyoto together and find its heart — the beauty, people, and stories that make it special! with BIGLOVE!
Reviews
Colette L.
“Experience the real Kyoto! ”
Spending a day with Michiko was a highlight of our time in Kyoto. Going with her to the temples gave us such appreciation for what we were seeing. She has such love and knowledge of Kyoto and is full of joy. We highly recommend taking a private tour with her. It's worth it!
Tommy L.
“Great tour around Kyoto”
Had a great experience with Michiko including communicating with her before the tour to refine the itinerary. Did the tour with elderly parents and she was great about choosing and modifying the itinerary to match their needs. I can’t remember the name of the place we went to for lunch but she made reservations at a very small counter-seating only restaurant where we had a “fisherman’s” rice bowl that was one of our best meals of our trip.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/82396/37a9d6e4-c314-46da-91ee-7b9a68e09aad.png)
Mark F.
“Superb Guide with a great personality.”
Michiko guided us in Kyoto for 2 days and we had asked for a gentle introduction to the City rather than a frenetic rush to cram as much in as possible. Day 1 was Imperial Palace and Philosopher's Walk with Eikan-do and Ginkaku-Ji at either end. Lovely weather with stops for refreshments ending in a Korean BBQ meal near to Dotonbori but not in the busy area. Rain affected Day 1 but managed to tour the Saga TO Toriimoto Preserved Street with the 2 very different Adashino Nenbutsu-Ji to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temples at either end. She took us to the family favourite Imamyia Shrine for toasted Mochi lovely way to watch the rain in the shelter of the Cafe. Michiko was a very warm and charming host with a sense of humor and energy to brighten our trip and felt more like a friend as we shared experiences of travel and family. Thank you for your help and care with Anin as she had fallen badly before Kyoto and needed some TLC.
$197/ per group
More tours by Michiko N.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20118/cdbc7bae-ea55-4b73-afe8-053fee47dc32.jpeg)
Whispers of Kyoto
I will guide you to a quiet place with a beautiful garden. In autumn it can be a little crowded, but during other seasons it is relatively peaceful. For this tour, I would especially like to focus on lunch. Please let me know your preferences and budget. If you can make your reservation early, it will be easier to secure a table. Of course, even with a last-minute booking, I will do my best to find a good restaurant. Let’s enjoy the quiet atmosphere with both our hearts and bodies!
Whispers of Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19105/6ebe47b8-e090-430f-9360-aff8c79f55ba.jpg)
KYOTO A Sunday Breakfast Tour in Kyoto's Countryside at Ohara
Join us for a simple and peaceful morning in the countryside of Kyoto. We will leave early by car and visit Ohara Morning Market, a local farmers’ market held only on Sundays.And Let's visit beautiful moss Garden.(Sanzen in temple) This is not a busy sightseeing tour. It’s a small trip to feel local life, fresh air, and the slow morning of Kyoto.
KYOTO A Sunday Breakfast Tour in Kyoto's Countryside at Ohara
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21053/5a6dc57a-967d-41ce-942e-35b083368740.jpg)
First Kyoto! Visit 3 Must-See Spots and a Traditional Sweets Shop
Welcome to my hometown, Kyoto! In this tour, we will visit three famous spots that you should not miss when you come to Kyoto. We will travel by my small but comfortable private car. Along the way, we will stop at a traditional Japanese sweets shop, where you can either enjoy sweets on the spot or buy some as souvenirs. Please enjoy your first Kyoto experience with me!
First Kyoto! Visit 3 Must-See Spots and a Traditional Sweets Shop
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20938/2c552890-8fec-4634-ba2c-67fa54a34614.jpg)
Kyoto with Heart – My Favorite Peaceful Places
Welcome to my hometown, Kyoto. I will take you to the special temples and shrines that I personally think are the most beautiful, among all the many places I have visited in Kyoto. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, I’d love to show you the places I personally love — calm, friendly, and peaceful spots where you can truly feel Kyoto’s spirit. Let’s enjoy a relaxing time away from the crowds together.
Kyoto with Heart – My Favorite Peaceful Places
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20392/971b3b7a-2e83-4d2a-90b9-ce77e6bd0346.jpeg)
Private Kyoto Customizable Day Trip With A Local
Discover the wonders of Kyoto in a day, without having to do any research, thanks to this hassle-free private tour. To help you feel like a VIP, the route is customized to suit your interests and preferences—something you wouldn’t get on a bus tour. Potential stops on the tour include some of Kyoto's most well-known attractions such as Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama bamboo groves.Slow down and discover Kyoto at a leisurely pace with a Luxury car tour.
Private Kyoto Customizable Day Trip With A Local
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/80466/d66e7dc5-1de8-450c-af34-0b31639b7a1e.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13828/7a1ef474-b1fa-42e6-aecd-da6f235f15b3.jpg)
Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
Join me on this tour as we explore five of Kyoto's must-see sights, starting early to beat the crowds. You'll enjoy the convenience of transportation between locations, with your knowledgeable guide driving you to each site. This allows you to save valuable time and energy for fully immersing yourself in the beauty and history of each location.
Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46547/13e78146-dabf-401d-9a02-2237166e2b97.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18737/57d7cea1-c960-4552-a585-28424a218c65.jpg)
Comfortable Kyoto Van Tour (4–7 Guests): See All the Must-Sees, Hassle-Free
Kyoto is beautiful, but walking long distances and moving between sights can be tiring. This tour makes it easy. Ride in a van taxi. While crowds can’t always be avoided, you’ll save time and energy between stops. Visit famous spots like Fushimi Inari, Golden Temple, and Bamboo Forests with your guide！
Comfortable Kyoto Van Tour (4–7 Guests): See All the Must-Sees, Hassle-Free
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/49707/ea7d6242-a732-49b6-8089-da21301941de.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12184/3a8ff8a1-45b0-4a41-b899-9039adb9993b.jpeg)
"Discover Kyoto's Hidden Treasures Ⅰ: Let’s explore the traditional culture untouched by tourism"
In this tour, I'll take you on a journey to experience the ancient culture deeply rooted in Kyoto, which only locals can truly appreciate, in my car. Kyoto is a basin surrounded by mountains over 900 meters high in three directions. For most of its 1200-year history, it has thrived on this flat basin. However, once you step into the mountains surrounding the area, you'll discover a world that can only be experienced with my tour.
"Discover Kyoto's Hidden Treasures Ⅰ: Let’s explore the traditional culture untouched by tourism"
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/48232/5655c714-2232-4b28-8244-66b5e144dcba.png)