Less 3 hours Kyoto Private Tours
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Tranquil Kyoto: A Serene Journey from Ginkaku-ji to Nanzen-ji
Kyoto
3 hours
This 3-hour tour takes you through the Ginkakuji to Nanzenji area, perfect for those seeking to experience Kyoto beyond the usual tourist destinations. Explore serene temples, tranquil pathways, and hidden gems, providing a peaceful and authentic glimpse into the city's timeless charm.
FROM$140/ per group
Mary T.
5.00 / 5
(5 reviews)
Koto Lesson in Nijo,Kyoto
Kyoto
1 hour 20 min
Let's learn Japanese instrument Koto at cozy Kyo-machiya house! Koto, Japanese traditional instrument, seems difficult to play and try for beginners. However, at Soushunan, the lesson by the professional instructor enables you to play one song in 80min.
FROM$60/ per person
Harumi S.
5.00 / 5
(8 reviews)
Half day Guided tour and memorable Photo shooting in Kyoto (Limited time sale happening now!
Kyoto
3 hours
I would like to introduce you Highlights of Kyoto city with my authentic portrait lens equipped camera.I will send you memorable shoots after the tour.
FROM$227/ per group
Koichi T.
4.85 / 5
(27 reviews)
Arashiyama Awaits: A Serene Blend of Scenic Views and Cultural Gems
Kyoto
3 hours
This tour will take you through the serene and picturesque Arashiyama area, known for its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. You will experience some of Kyoto's most iconic sights, including the Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple, and discover the rich cultural heritage of the area.
FROM$140/ per group
Mary T.
5.00 / 5
(5 reviews)
Japanese foods introduction tour
Kyoto
3 hours
I can show you Japanese traditional food and local food at Nishiki market and downtown after hearing your preference. Let's explore Kyoto foods together!!
FROM$153/ per group
Hero I.
4.92 / 5
(49 reviews)
Kyoto Night Walking Tour
Kyoto
1 hour 30 min
Would you stroll Gion, Kiyamachi, Ponto-cho, Shirakawa,Yasaka Shrine with me, which are Kyoto entertainment areas ? Old wooden houses and narrow alleys such as old townscape exist as they are. Some areas are lighted up and many poeples will gather there after 18:00pm Please feel the night enthusiasm, today.
FROM$133/ per group
Eric T.
4.88 / 5
(52 reviews)
Fushimi Inari - Secret Hiking Tour (private)
Kyoto
3 hours
Did you know that the famous Fushimi Inari is not just a shrine? It is build on a holy mountain with thousands of red torii gates spread along the hiking trails! In this tour I want to show you some secret walks, where you have a view of the many beautiful red shrine gates without the tourist crowds while also enjoying the nature. It is an easy 3-hour-hike! This is a private tour. Perfect for solo travelers, family or friends!
FROM$167/ per group
Yuta I.
5.00 / 5
(36 reviews)
Japanese Home Cooking experience with Keiko
Kyoto
3 hours
Keiko, a cooking instructor can provide Japanese home cooking lesson at Keiko's real Japanese home kitchen or a rental kitchen.I offer various menu from which you can please choose. Those ranges from Kawaii (cute)Bento Box , Sushi-making, to seasonal cooking, which are listed in the Itiniary process.
FROM$107/ per person
Keiko U.
5.00 / 5
(23 reviews)
(Short time) Kyoto Old Town Walking Tour
Kyoto
2 hours 30 min
This tour is perfect for people who want to make a time-slip into ancient Kyoto! We will visit famous sites of the old town during a short tour AND you also get insights from me - a Japanese local! If you wish to visit other different sites in Kyoto, please let me know. I'm flexible and we can customize the tour for you!
FROM$200/ per group
Yuta I.
5.00 / 5
(36 reviews)
Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion District Exploration
Kyoto
3 hours
Join our tour for a captivating journey through Kyoto's historic and cultural highlights. Begin with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, renowned for its stunning architecture and panoramic city views, beautifully illuminated as twilight descends. Next, immerse yourself in the charm of the Gion District, Kyoto’s famous geisha quarter. Wander through its traditional streets, lined with historic wooden machiya houses and teahouses.
FROM$300/ per group
Ahmed A.
4.79 / 5
(38 reviews)
Tour of Gion
Kyoto
2 hours 30 min
(Highlights) Located in the north-east of JR Kyoto station, Gion district is where entertainment facilities and natural beauties are combined: banks on both sides of Kamogawa river where you can spend time sitting, chatting and cooling down, roads on the sides of a smaller river where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, a whole variety of restaurants and eateries on both sides of "Ponto-cho" alley about three meters in width, shops on the sidewalks of the main road where various items of goods are on display and Yasaka shrine in the eastern end, and so on. The area bustles with people, constituting a striking contrast to the northern areas of the city where many temples and shrines serenely stand. (How to enjoy) Walking along the narrow roads, sidewalks of the main road and banks of Kamo-gawa river will give you a great enjoyment, both physically and spiritually. In particular, you will be amazed at the countless variety of restaurants along the narrow path of "Ponto-cho" district, where you will never miss your favorite food. You can also enjoy seeing "Kamogawa-odori" dance in the theater in that area. There is a huge variety of souvenir shops selling goods representing the traditional Japanese culture. The "Gion Festival " held in July is a spectacular event which you should not miss. There is "Nishiki-ichiba" shopping street nearby, where hundreds of shops selling food items stand. (Others) You can go to Gion by bus for a fare of 230 yen.
FROM$68/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Extra Day in Kyoto: Explore Ancient Capital
Kyoto
2 hours 30 min
This tour visits Kyoto Heian Capital museum to see the elaborate display of Heian Capital replica around 8th to 12th century including relics around the museum. You will slip back to ancient Kyoto with a detailed display including virtual 3D. All of them are explained in English by me. (Option) Visit the relic of wall which was surrounding Kyoto Capital called Odoi. This is another important relic in Kyoto history. Recommended to the history lovers or time travel lovers !
FROM$112/ per group
Rick I.
4.86 / 5
(65 reviews)
NijyoCastle, time slip to Edo period
Kyoto
2 hours
The castle is located in the center of Kyoto city and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. It was originally built in 1603 as the official Kyoto residence of the first Tokugawa Shogun,Ieyasu. Nijo Caslte is one of the finest examples of early Edo period and Momoyama culture in Japan, as it makes splendid use of early Edo period building designs, lavish paintings, and carvings that Iemitsu generously commissioned. In 1867, when Yoshinobu, the fifteenth Tokugawa Shogun returned soverignty to the Emperor, the caslte became the property of the Imperial family. Inside Ninomaru Palace Yoshinobu summoned the coultry's feudal lords and declared that soverignty would be restored to the Emperor. There are two Japanese gardens.You can enjoy the bearutiful scenary.
FROM$53/ per group
Toshiyo O.
4.69 / 5
(253 reviews)
Tour of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine
Kyoto
3 hours
(Highlights) A long time ago, God descended from heaven on the mountain near this shrine, which was originally built in 678, and buildings in the compound were reconstructed one after another in the 17th and 19th centuries. Since the God`s descent, people and successive emperors paid enormous respect to the shrine, many important events were held and prayers offered there when the nation was in the crucial crossroads. It was ranked the first among the nation`s shrines along with Ise-Jingu Shrine in Mie prefecture until 1945. "Honden" main hall and "Gonden" subsidiary hall were designated as the national treasures and the entire shrine precincts were added to the list of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites in 1994. (How to enjoy) The shrine enclosure is the perfect combination of the beautiful nature and man-made structures built in accordance with the traditional Japanese construction technology. Once you are admitted to the main shrine building, you will hear a Shito priest explain about the origin of the shrine, including a myth of a young woman having a heavenly baby boy. There are various events held in the shrine precincts, including a horse racing competed by two horses on May 5, Aoi-maturi Festival on May 15 and "Karasu" crow Sumo matches on September 9, to name a few. (Others) The bus fare is 230 yen and the entrance fee is 800 yen.
FROM$102/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Konchi-in and Tenju-an---beautiful gardens
Kyoto
3 hours
Konchi-in Temple is one of the subordinte temples of Nanzen-ji Temple, which is the head temple of the Nanzen-ji branch of Rinzai Sect of Zen Buddhism. Originally founded by the priest Daigo in the 15th Century in the Kitayama ourskirt of the morthern section of Kyoto City, it was later transferred to its present place by the priest Suden. For more than 25years in the early 17th century, Suden, who was also known as the "prime minister in the black robe", dominated in the fields of politics,diplamacy and culture. All of the present buildings of Nanzen-ji Temple were constructed in the 16th century. Moreover many of them are designated as "Important Cultural Assets". Konchi-in has a famous dry landscape garden, Crane and Turrle garden. Tenju-an has two gardens, east and southgardens.
FROM$102/ per group
Toshiyo O.
4.69 / 5
(253 reviews)
Tour of Toji temple in Kyoto
Kyoto
2 hours
(History of the temple) The construction of this temple got started toward the end of the eighth century after the capital of Japan was moved to Kyoto from Nara . After having studied in China for two years, the Venerable "Kobo-Daishi", or "Kukai", was given this temple in 822. He wished that the peace of the nation will be maintained through the teachings of the Buddhism whose light will reach every corner of the world and that individual thought will coexist without infringing on each other to be finally realized through the cooperation of all the people. The four main structures of this temple, namely, "Kondo", "Kodo", "Jikido" halls and the five-storied pagoda were destroyed by typhoons, fires, lightnings and other natural disasters many times since their coming into being in the early 9th century. The reconstruction of these buildings as they stand now were completed in the period between 1492 and 1644. (Highlights) The four main magnificent buildings really make you sigh in amazement . All of them were built with the sophisticated building technique in the ancient times some 1200 years ago. Inside them are various Buddha statues seated, or standing with a passionless face as if they were preaching us the enlightening yet grave Buddhist doctrines. (How to enjoy) Just look at the faces of the Buddha images in the three halls and the five-storied pagoda. You will never end up not feeling the awe emanating from them. (Unfortunately, however, photo-taking is not allowed inside the buildings). Taking a walk in the temple grounds while looking at the marvelous wooden buildings will surely make you feel at ease. On the 21st of each month, which is called "Kobo-san" and is the monthly return of the date of the demise of the Venerable "Kobo-daishi ", more than 1,000 stalls are installed where you can buy various kinds of goods and souvenirs. There are more than 200,000 visitors on this day. (Others) The entrance fee is usually 500 yen, but it is 800 yen on the 21st of every month. You can walk to the temple from JR Kyoto station in 30 minutes. If you take a bus, the fare will be 460 yen on both ways.
FROM$68/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto
Kyoto
3 hours
(History of the temple) According to the Chronicle of Kiyomizu-dera temple, it originated in 778 when the noted monk, Enchin, enshrined an image of "Kannon" Goddess of Mercy on the mountain overlooking the Otowa-no-taki waterfall; later in 798, the distinguished general, Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro, built a Buddha hall there, following which the temple came under the official patronage of Emperor Kanmu. Repeatedly destroyed by fire over the centuries, it was rebuilt on each occasion. Today, the principal temple buildings are the "Saimon" West Gate, the three-storied pagoda, the "Kyodo" Sutra Hall, the "Tamurado" Founder`s Hall, the "Todorokimon" Middle Gate, the "Asakurado" Hall, the "Hondo" Main Hall and the "Amidado" Amida Buddha Hall, all aligned on an east-west axis. (Highlights) The "Hondo" Main Hall, built in 1633, is the central building of the temple compound and is an example of "Kake-zukuri", or "overhang" architecture. It is famous for its so-called "Kiyomozu-dera stage", an imposing verandha, supported by a forest of tall wooden columns with wooden braces running through them crosswise and lengthwise. Not only can you be in the solemn atmosphere accompanied by the delicate aroma of burning incense, but also get the breathtaking view below from the 12-meter-high platform, which is popularly known for the proverb "Jumping off the stage of Kiyomizu-dera temple", meaning making a bold attempt at doing something dangerous or impossible. In addition to the natural beauty surrounding the compound, the Buddhist temple is especially attractive in the cherry-blossom viewing season in early April and late in autumn when there are tree leaves in various colors. (How to enjoy) In addition to the beautiful scenery surrounding the temple, you can find various kinds of souvenir shops on both sides of the approach to it and you can spend a happy time unawares. The temple itself is a magnificent building utilizing every sophisticated construction technique available in olden times of Japan. You can meditate, pray or imagine the esoteric world of Buddhism. You can drink cold, clear water from a waterfall below the platform. However, just enjoy being in the temple; no word is necessary. (Others) The bus fare is 460 yen on both ways and the admission fee is 300 yen (at the time of lighting at night, it is 400 yen, however).
FROM$102/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Guided Gion Tour: Explore Kyoto’s Historic Geisha District and Spot Geisha
Kyoto
2 hours
Gion area in Kyoto is a very famous old and historic area, as it is well known for preserving the old architecture and beauty. You may be lucky to catch up a Geisha in Hanami street. Highlights Chionin temple gate, Maruyama park, Yasaka shrine , Haname Street and Shinbashi street. Teahouse, Geisha and Maiko explanation and spotting areas, Minamiza Kabuki Theatre
FROM$233/ per group
Ahmed A.
4.79 / 5
(38 reviews)
Tour of Nijo-jo Castle
Kyoto
3 hours
(Highlights) This castle was originally built in 1603 as the official Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate Government. It was subsequently enlarged by adding some structures transferred from Fushimi Castle built in the 1573-1614 Momoyama period and is one of the finest examples of early Edo period and Momoyama culture in Japan, making splendid use of early Edo period building designs, lavish paintings and carvings. In 1867, Tokugawa Yoshinobu,the 15th Shogun, returned sovereignty to the Emperor and the castle became the property of the Imperial family. It has been owned by Kyoto city since 1939. The castle was designated as the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994. (How to enjoy) Just go through the gorgeous gate, "Nino-maru-kara-mon" gate, and you will be met by the main building, "Nino-maru-goten" hall, the main structure, being amazed at its magnificence. In other words, you will never end up admiring the power of Tokugawa era Shogun. The tour inside the main building will take you some 30 minutes. You can enjoy seeing the vast interior, splendid wall paintings, mock-up figures of Shogun and feudal lords meeting in the grand hall, and so on. As you walk on the path outside the main building, you can see the gardens with a pond and trees in perfect harmony. Other buildings will also be a pleasure to your eyes. (Others) The bus fare is 230 yen and the admission fee is 600 yen.
FROM$102/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Tour of Fushimi-Inari-Taisya Shrine
Kyoto
3 hours
(History of the shrine) Fushimi-Inari-Taisha Shrine was founded when the god Inari was enshrined on Mt. Inariyama in February, 711. It celebrated the 1300th anniversary of the god`s enshrinement and all the buildings in the ground were restored and re-painted with the vermilion color in 2011. (Highlights) Fushimi-Inari-Taisya Shrine is the "So-honzan" head shrine of 30,000 Inari shrines across the country. There are paths called "sen-bon-torii", meaning alleys of tunnels made of 1,000 torii gates. Actually, however, it is said there are a total of more than 10, 000 torii gates, large and small, in the shrine compound which includes the whole of Mt. Inariyama. You can reach the 233-meter-high top of the mountain, or rather a hill, going up the paths, but it will be a laborious, 1.5-hour walk amid the rich greenery. In the meantime, it is the guardian shrine of merchants and tradesmen, attracting millions of visitors in the New-Year period. A pair of foxes sitting at the base of the gates are regarded as the messenger of the god. (How to enjoy) Go through the huge torii gate and walk along the paved main road and you will be met by the huge main shrine building. Then, walk on unpaved narrow paths which are inside the tunnel of torii gates according to the instructions of the signboard. There are many vermilion-colored buildings on your way, souvenir shops and smaller structures selling charms. You can sit on the sides of the paths and enjoy chatting with your companions or have lunch. There are some places which commnd a fine view of the city of Kyoto. (Others) The JR fare is 140 yen one way from JR Kyoto station. No entrance fee is required (although you are expected to offer whatever amount of monetary donations at the mainn building). Also you are supposed to follow the tradition, including clapping your hands twice when you worship.
FROM$102/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Tour of Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
Kyoto
3 hours
(Highlights) Registered as the World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994, the temple, formally named "Rokuon-ji Temple", was originally built in 1397 by the third Shogun of the Muromachi period but was burnt down by a fire caused by a young Zen Buddhist student in 1950 and was rebuilt in 1955. The garden and buildings centered on the Golden Pavilion was said to represent the Pure Land of Buddha in this world. The temple also functioned as the official guest house. In 1987, gold foils were re-plated completely after one year and eight months of work. The golden structure forms a striking contrast to the water of the pond in front of it and the greenery surrounding the temple. As you walk on the path after viewing the temple, you will come across The "Sekka-tei (Place of Evening Beauty)" Tea House, where you can see the Golden Pavilion shining beautifully in the evening glow, and "Fudo-do" Temple hosing the stone statue of the Buddhist deity, "Fudo-myo-o." Yow will also find small stalls selling good-luck charms and small trinkets as well as souvenirs. (How to enjoy) Just walk on the pass leading to the Golden Pavilion and other buildings according to the instructions of a brochure you will be given after paying the admission at the gate. You can gaze at the magnificent golden structure and take its photos or ask someone for help to have your picture taken with the temple in the background. You can also enjoy drinking tea in the open-air garden near the "Sekka-tei" Tea House, or you can bask in the delicate aroma of burning incense at "Fudo-do" Temple. If you read the brochure, you can learn the history of the entire garden and the buildings. (Others) The bus fare is 230 yen and the admission fee is 600 yen.
FROM$102/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Tour of Chionin Temple
Kyoto
3 hours
(Highlights) Chionin Temple is the head temple of "Jodo (Pure Land) shinsyu" sect of Buddhism in Japan. In addition to the magnificent buildings in the precincts, it is famous for the two main features: one is "uguisu-bari" flooring technique which helped thwart the attempts by robbers to steal by emitting a sound somewhat resembling the note of a "uguisu" bush warbler as they walked and the other is the largest bell in Japan measuring 2.4 meters in diameter, 5.1 meters in height, 23.8 centimeters in thickness and weighing 74 tons. The temple buildings stand in the midst of trees on the height that can overlook the cityscape of Kyoto below. But before reaching the main hall, "Goeido", you have to go up the steep stone stairways which, in turn, enables you to take a good exercise. (How to enjoy) Just walk in the temple compound, get into the main hall and listen to the priests preach. Just see the marvelous technique utilized in the construction of the floor of corridors which is said to be the work of a noted sculptor of the late 16th century, Hidadi (left-handed) Jingoro, and see for yourself if the planking sounds like the chirping of a bush warbler as you walk. Just have a look at and wonder at the huge temple bell. (Others) The bus fare is 230 yen and the entrance fee is 800 yen. However, the main hall, "Goeido", is now under the extensive repair work which is estimated to take some four years (as of April, 2015).
FROM$102/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Tour of Daikaku-ji Temple
Kyoto
3 hours
(History of the temple) This temple is the "Sohonzan" head temple of the Daikakuji faction of Shingonsyu Buddhism sect founded by the Reverend Kobo-daishi Kukai. It was originally built as the villa of Emperor Saga when he got married in early Heian period (794 to 1191) and was later enlarged and given the name Daikaku-ji Temple in 876. It is also the place where "Ikebana" flower arrangement began and the location of Samurai dramas and other modern dramas. (Highlights) There are a total of eight buildings, a ceiling painting, a large pond and others in the spacious precincts which are built with all sorts of Japanese construction technique and are a pleasure to your eyes. (How to enjoy) Just walk inside the buildings according to the instructions. You can get in touch with the serene but refined environment and the traditional Japanese culture. (Others) The entrance fee is 500 yen and the JR fare is 240 yen from Kyoto station.
FROM$102/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Tour of Kyoto-Gosyo Imperial Palace
Kyoto
2 hours 30 min
(Highlights) Kyoto-Gosyo Imperial Palace has been the residence of Japan`s successive emperors ever since her capital was moved to Kyoto more than 1,200 years ago. It is surrounded by a huge rectangular earthen fence 450 meters north to south by 250 meters east to west and the area is 110,000 square meters. In the compound, there are many magnificent structures that will make you sigh, all of which stand in perfect harmony toward each other and are the combination of all the traditional forms of Japanese architectural technique. The present palace, however, is the reconstruction of the original structures that was carried out toward the end of the Edo period (1603-1867). (How to enjoy) A guide will take you on a tour around the palace buildings. Have a look at them and you will marvel at the traditional Japanese construction technique. You can also enjoy seeing the trees, a pond, gardens and other natural surroundings in the palace grounds. (Others) Reservation is necessary before you visit the place except during the brief period of spring and autumun. It can be done through a return card, online or in person. If you visit the palace administration office by yourself, you can get the permission for the entry on the next day, but if you make a request for a visit online, you have to wait at least four days, and in case of a return card, a month. The subway fare from JR Kyoto station is 260 yen way.
FROM$102/ per group
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)