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Less 3 hours Kyoto Private Tours

Due to high demand, we recommend that you use our date filter to make sure you view tours/guides that are available on your preferred dates.

Kyoto

1 hr 20 mins

Koto Lesson in Nijo,Kyoto

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.

Koto Lesson in Nijo,Kyoto

Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk

Kyoto rewards those who listen. We wander slowly with professional microphones, recording the tranquil peace of gardens, birds, bamboo and Enkōji’s distinctive water feature. I’ll guide you through easy recording techniques, then edit your takes into a polished 'audio postcard' to keep and share. Curious about pace, group size or timing? Message me and we’ll shape it together.

Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk

Half day Guided tour and memorable Photo shooting in Kyoto

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.

Half day Guided tour and memorable Photo shooting in Kyoto

Hear the Hidden Sounds of Demachiyanagi • Sound Walk

Kyoto rewards those who listen. From a classic shōtengai (covered shopping street) to sacred forest, we use professional microphones to capture everyday city textures and quiet shrine atmospheres. I’ll show you simple recording methods, then edit your sounds into a personal 'audio postcard' after the walk. Curious about pace, group size, or timing? Message me and we’ll shape it together.

Hear the Hidden Sounds of Demachiyanagi • Sound Walk

Discover Old Kyoto: Gion Geisha Stroll

Discover the Secret Side of Gion Take a peaceful walk through Gion and explore quiet streets full of beauty and history. Learn all about geisha culture and the traditions of Kyoto in a fun and easy way. You might even see a real geisha! With lots of pretty spots for photos and an easy route for kids and older guests, this tour is a relaxing way to enjoy the magic of Kyoto.

Discover Old Kyoto: Gion Geisha Stroll

(Short time) Kyoto Old Town Walking Tour

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!

(Short time) Kyoto Old Town Walking Tour

Evening in Gion and Pontocho, Geisha neighbourhood

Just a stroll through some of the most beautiful streets in Kyoto, who knows what we'll see, from evening lights to some of the most amazing places in Kyoto. There's five geiko (geisha) neighbourhoods in Kyoto, Kamishikien, Pontocho, Gion, Gion Kobu and Miyagawacho. We'll be visiting at least 3 of them.

Evening in Gion and Pontocho, Geisha neighbourhood

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Welcome to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, a symbol of Japan's rich cultural heritage and a site that has played a pivotal role in the country's history. Today, as we walk through these hallowed grounds, we will explore the palace's long and fascinating history, which stretches back over a thousand years. The Kyoto Imperial Palace, or "Kyoto Gosho" as it is known in Japanese, is not just a historic building, but a living testament to the traditions, politics, and culture of Japan's imperial past.

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Discover the peace of Chion-in and Shoren-in Temples • Sound Walk

Kyoto rewards those who listen. On this guided sound walk we trade the checklist for curiosity, using pro microphones to capture temple gardens, wooden gates and water under bridges. I’ll teach simple recording techniques, then edit and craft your recordings into an 'audio postcard' after the walk. Curious about pace, group size or timing? Message me and we’ll shape it together.

Discover the peace of Chion-in and Shoren-in Temples • Sound Walk

Kyoto Night Walking Tour

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.

Kyoto Night Walking Tour

Fushimi Inari - Secret Hiking Tour (private)

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!

Fushimi Inari - Secret Hiking Tour (private)

Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion District Exploration

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.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion District Exploration

Tour of Gion

(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.

Tour of Gion

Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle

Step into the world of emperors and samurai on this historical journey through Kyoto. Explore the elegant gardens and grand halls of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, then uncover the secrets of Nijo Castle—home to shoguns, hidden chambers, and the famous “nightingale floors” that sing with every step.

Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle

Extra Day in Kyoto: Explore Ancient Capital

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 !

Extra Day in Kyoto: Explore Ancient Capital

NijyoCastle, time slip to Edo period

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.

NijyoCastle, time slip to Edo period

Tour of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine

(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.

Tour of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine

Nishiki Market Food Tour and Gion Stroll

Discover the perfect mix of flavor, tradition, and Kyoto charm! Stroll through the 400-year-old Nishiki Market, “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” and taste 7 authentic Japanese dishes—from takoyaki and Wagyu gyoza to matcha mochi and sake (vegetarian option available). Then explore the scenic streets of Gion and Hanami Koji, Kyoto’s iconic geisha districts, where you might spot a geisha or maiko near the wooden teahouses.

Nishiki Market Food Tour and Gion Stroll

Konchi-in and Tenju-an---beautiful gardens

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.

Konchi-in and Tenju-an---beautiful gardens

Tour of Toji temple in Kyoto

(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.

Tour of Toji temple in Kyoto

Shopping Adventure in Kyoto: Fashion & Souvenirs

Escape the summer heat with this all-indoor shopping adventure! In just 3 hours, explore Kyoto’s best spots for women’s fashion and makeup, sporting goods for men, and cute Japanese character merch for kids—perfect for families or couples. From luxury brands to local treasures, there’s something for everyone. The tour ends at the historic 400-year-old Nishiki Market, where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy Kyoto’s famous street snacks.

Shopping Adventure in Kyoto: Fashion & Souvenirs

Tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto

(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).

Tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto

Guided Gion Tour: Explore Kyoto’s Historic Geisha District and Spot Geisha

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

Guided Gion Tour: Explore Kyoto’s Historic Geisha District and Spot Geisha

Tour of Nijo-jo Castle

(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.

Tour of Nijo-jo Castle

More Private Tours in Kyoto

Less 3 hours Kyoto Private Tours

Koto Lesson in Nijo,Kyoto

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.

Koto Lesson in Nijo,Kyoto

Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk

Record the Sounds of Shisendō & Enkōji Temples • Sound Walk

Half day Guided tour and memorable Photo shooting in Kyoto

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.

Half day Guided tour and memorable Photo shooting in Kyoto

Hear the Hidden Sounds of Demachiyanagi • Sound Walk

Hear the Hidden Sounds of Demachiyanagi • Sound Walk

Discover Old Kyoto: Gion Geisha Stroll

Discover Old Kyoto: Gion Geisha Stroll

(Short time) Kyoto Old Town Walking Tour

(Short time) Kyoto Old Town Walking Tour

Evening in Gion and Pontocho, Geisha neighbourhood

Evening in Gion and Pontocho, Geisha neighbourhood

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Discover the peace of Chion-in and Shoren-in Temples • Sound Walk

Discover the peace of Chion-in and Shoren-in Temples • Sound Walk

Kyoto Night Walking Tour

Kyoto Night Walking Tour

Fushimi Inari - Secret Hiking Tour (private)

Fushimi Inari - Secret Hiking Tour (private)

Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion District Exploration

Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion District Exploration

Tour of Gion

Tour of Gion

Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle

Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle

Extra Day in Kyoto: Explore Ancient Capital

Extra Day in Kyoto: Explore Ancient Capital

NijyoCastle, time slip to Edo period

NijyoCastle, time slip to Edo period

Tour of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine

Tour of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine

Nishiki Market Food Tour and Gion Stroll

Nishiki Market Food Tour and Gion Stroll

Konchi-in and Tenju-an---beautiful gardens

Konchi-in and Tenju-an---beautiful gardens

Tour of Toji temple in Kyoto

Tour of Toji temple in Kyoto

Shopping Adventure in Kyoto: Fashion & Souvenirs

Shopping Adventure in Kyoto: Fashion & Souvenirs

Tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto

Tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto

Guided Gion Tour: Explore Kyoto’s Historic Geisha District and Spot Geisha

Guided Gion Tour: Explore Kyoto’s Historic Geisha District and Spot Geisha

Tour of Nijo-jo Castle

Tour of Nijo-jo Castle

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