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Japanese Kyoto Private Tours

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Kyoto

8 hours

Explore Kyoto with a Local ! A Tailor-Made Day

A certified local guide from Kyoto will design a private tour just for you! Every itinerary is fully customizedーfrom destinations to timingーto suit your group's interests and pace. From Kyoto's iconic landmarks such as Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, or Nijo Castle to hidden gems. Tell me what you'd love to see or experience in Kyoto, and I'll create a personalized plan with my local recommendations. No idea yet? No problemーI'm happy to craft a special itinerary for you from scratch.

Explore Kyoto with a Local ! A Tailor-Made Day

Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views

Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.

Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views

Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour

Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts

Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour

Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.

Perfect for those with limited time, this well-organized tour allows you to experience Kyoto’s most iconic sights efficiently. The itinerary includes the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji, Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge. While these popular spots can be crowded, we utilize taxis to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey through this culturally rich city.

Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.

Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities

This tour covers 4 must-see sites and Nishiki Market. You visit the most renowned sites such as the Golden Pavilion, Ryo-an-ji temple where you may find an elegant beauty in its simple rock garden Nijo-castle ,the luxurious palace of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Sanjyu-sangendo temple, where the thousand life-size statues and the Principal statue make you feel like you are in a forest of Buddha! says " It's amazing ! Lastly visit Nishiki Market, where you can enjoy eating Kyoto’s cuisine.

Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities

Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!

Please feel free to share your interests- places you wish to visit, foods you'd like to try, or how long you'd like to stay at each location. I"ll create a fully customized 8-hour tour just for you, blending famous sights with local hidden gems!

Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour

This tour is designed for those who would like to visit major scenic sites in Kyoto and off-the-beaten spots as well in a single day. The route is the one that has been favored and admired by many of my guests for the past few years. The itinerary mainly consists of three areas; Kitayama, Arashiyama and Fushimi areas. You will surely have unforgettable memories through the tour with me.

My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour

Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple

Why not enjoy your holidays in Kyoto? You can certainly get in touch with many things Japanese that we are proud of. They are old temples and shrines, cultural assets and the beautiful natural surroundings. You can also enjoy dropping in at souvenir stores and buy exquisitely made products, such as folding fans, porcelain and traditional Japanese cakes. I would like to take you to the following places, which are the three representative tourist destinations in this city: (1) Arashiyama It is the place where all the traditional natural beauties of Japan are combined together. They are Togetsukyo bridge, bamboo grove and the old temples. If you go up to the observation spot, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the gorge below. You can also see rickshaws of the olden times drawn by young people with smiling passengers on board. There are souvenir shops selling variety of goods and products. (2) Nijo-jo Castle (World Cultural Heritage Site) This castle was built in the early 17th century by the Tokugawa Shogunate government for the purpose of protecting the Kyoto Imperial Palace and as the accommodations when Tokugawa Shogun was in Kyoto. It was subsequently enlarged by successive Shogun. It is the castle as well as the palace, where you can see the powerful structures and beautiful gardens. You can learn, in addition, how great the power of Tokugawa Shogun was. (3) Kinkakuji temple (the Golden Pavilion) (World Cultural Heritage Site) The history of this temple began when the third Shogun of the Muromachi period acquired a tract of land in this area from a powerful statesman in 1397 and built a villa of his own to entertain the Emperor and members of the nobility. The upper two levels of the temple are covered with pieces of gold foil and are shining brilliantly against the background of the rich greenery. The pond in the foreground reflects the golden structure. It looks like the materialization of Pure Land of Buddha in this world. In addition, on the top of the golden structure is the shining phoenix.

Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple

Kyoto Half-Day Tour: Highlights & Hidden Spots

We'll begin the day by taking a train to Fushimi Inari and its 1,000s of vermillion shrine gates. Afterwards, we'll go see the emperor's collection of buddha statues at Sanjuusangendo Temple by taxi, and talk about samurai, the shogun, and the emperor. Finally, we'll have lunch and walk to a nearby Zen Buddhist temple to try some light meditation.

Kyoto Half-Day Tour: Highlights & Hidden Spots

Northern Kyoto with UNESCO Sites

This tour takes you through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Arashiyama bamboo forest, and Tenryū-ji, famous for a Zen landscape garden with a pond. You will also visit the ancient Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines, sacred sites nestled in nature that reveal the spiritual heart of Kyoto. Blending history, architecture, and tranquil landscapes, this experience offers a perfect balance of Kyoto’s beauty, tradition, and quiet wonder.

Northern Kyoto with UNESCO Sites

One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto

On this tour, you can enjoy the autumn foliage depending on the season. Kyoto is very popular with tourists, so most tourist attractions are usually crowded with people. While that can be lively and fun, some people might occasionally want to visit a less crowded place. This tour is perfect for those people. On this tour, you will spend a full day walking through Sagano, visiting Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Gio-ji Temple, Jojakko-in Temple, and Seiryo-ji Temple.

One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto

Kyoto’s Must-See Wonders: Red Gates, Bamboo Forest & Golden Temple!!

Experience Kyoto’s top highlights in one unforgettable day. Walk through thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an iconic symbol of Japan’s spiritual heritage. Wander the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and enjoy its riverside charm, a perfect escape into nature. End the day at the shimmering Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), glowing against the reflection of its tranquil pond. This tour blends culture, history, and natural beauty—capturing the true essence of Kyoto in just one day.

Kyoto’s Must-See Wonders: Red Gates, Bamboo Forest & Golden Temple!!

Kyoto, Hike in Peaceful Forest & Temple

Experience the charm of tranquility in a mountain temple. Take a 3km walk around the foothills of the Higashiyama Mountain Range, visiting shrines and temples along the path. Starting at Seikanji Temple on Mt. Kiyomizu (242m height), follow the Uta-no-Nakayama Road to Kiyomizu-dera. Then, go through Sanneizaka and Nene-no-michi, and reach Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, we can feel old stories of tragic love while enjoying panoramic views of the Kyoto cityscape.

Kyoto, Hike in Peaceful Forest & Temple

Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour

Keifuku Tram is beloved as "Randen" by Kyoto local. You can enjoy the nostalgic tram ride that takes you the Bamboo forest path in the precinct of Tenryuji temple. This tour takes you to Ryoanji temple that is famous for its rock garden and the Golden temple (Kinkakuji). This tour also includes strolling in the Geisya district of Kamishichiken.

Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour

Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen

Departing from Kyoto City Subway’s Keage Station, we will pass by Himukai Daijingu Shrine before making our way towards Mt. Daimonjiyama. As we ascend to the mountain's peak, you'll be greeted with panoramic views of Kyoto, stretching as far as Osaka. After descending towards Imadegawa Street, our journey will conclude at a charming local ramen restaurant.

Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen

Timeless Kyoto: A Day of Walking and Wonder

Step into Kyoto’s heart on this unforgettable walking tour. Begin at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, then stroll through historic lanes like Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka. Admire Yasaka Pagoda, relax at Chion-in Temple, and end at Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic red torii gates. Along the way, I’ll share hidden gems and local stories. Having lived in Kyoto for over five years and with my wife’s local roots, I’m your personal guide to the city’s best-kept secrets. Don’t miss this unique Kyoto experience!

Timeless Kyoto: A Day of Walking and Wonder

Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion

Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? I would also like to take you some hidden gemes in Kyoto. Beat the crowds!

Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion

Perfect Trip in Kyoto

Do you want to visit the most popular places in Kyoto in 1 day? If your answer is “YES”, this is the tour for you ;) We will visits the famous temples and shrines and enjoy the nature around and learn the history and legends behind them. Let’s explore the old capital of Japan Kyoto and learn more about Japan!!

Perfect Trip in Kyoto

Very Special 1day Kyoto Tour just for You

Kyoto had been the capital of Japan for 1000 years and has many wonderful places to visit. Please choose a few places among the following sightseeing spots, as you like. If you have any other preferable spots, please let me know. I'll guide you as many places as possible. Please note that some places are located in a little far away from the center of the city and it may need some time to go and come back.

Very Special 1day Kyoto Tour just for You

A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places

The Ultimate Kyoto Tour: Explore Kyoto’s top sights in just a few hours! We’ll visit Kiyomizu-dera, walk through a bamboo grove at Kodaiji, see a 1,000-year-old shrine, enjoy local shopping, and end the tour with Japanese sake in Pontocho Alley — or swap it for a family-friendly option like a market, mall, or animal café. Great for families, couples, and first-time visitors!

A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places

Western Kyoto Tour

We can go to Arashiyama to visit bamboo forests and explore some temples with Japanese gardens. The golden pagoda, Kinkakuji,you'll appreciate the most shiniest pagoda in Kyoto. Kitano Tenmangu shrine to pray for academic luck for your studies. Nijyo castle, the old history and story of the castle in Kyoto.

Western Kyoto Tour

Customized Private Tour in Kyoto

This is customized private tour in Kyoto which guests can create easily by selecting any spots from a list of popular tourist destinations. The list consists of 16 tourist destinations (S01-16) that are very popular especially among foreign tourists. After the guest's selection the guide will arrange best itinerary with tour cost and feedback proper offer to the guest for formal booking.

Customized Private Tour in Kyoto

Full Day Kyoto highlight Tour

This course has four choices. Please select one of the four courses shown below. Rick will guide you deep inside the Kyoto history, culture, tradition and nature in each course. Each course can be customized upon your request as far as possible. Every course has spectacular spots which will satisfy you with visiting Kyoto!

Full Day Kyoto highlight Tour

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More Private Tours in Kyoto

Japanese Kyoto Private Tours

Explore Kyoto with a Local ! A Tailor-Made Day

Explore Kyoto with a Local ! A Tailor-Made Day

Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views

Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views

Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour

Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts

Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour

Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.

Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.

Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities

Kyoto's most popular sightseeing spots tour and enjoy a various kinds of Kyoto's specialities

Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!

Please feel free to share your interests- places you wish to visit, foods you'd like to try, or how long you'd like to stay at each location. I"ll create a fully customized 8-hour tour just for you, blending famous sights with local hidden gems!

Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour

My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour

Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple

Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple

Kyoto Half-Day Tour: Highlights & Hidden Spots

Kyoto Half-Day Tour: Highlights & Hidden Spots

Northern Kyoto with UNESCO Sites

Northern Kyoto with UNESCO Sites

One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto

One day tour of "off the beaten track" in Kyoto

Kyoto’s Must-See Wonders: Red Gates, Bamboo Forest & Golden Temple!!

Kyoto’s Must-See Wonders: Red Gates, Bamboo Forest & Golden Temple!!

Kyoto, Hike in Peaceful Forest & Temple

Kyoto, Hike in Peaceful Forest & Temple

Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour

Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour

Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen

Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen

Timeless Kyoto: A Day of Walking and Wonder

Timeless Kyoto: A Day of Walking and Wonder

Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion

Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? I would also like to take you some hidden gemes in Kyoto. Beat the crowds!

Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion

Perfect Trip in Kyoto

Perfect Trip in Kyoto

Very Special 1day Kyoto Tour just for You

Very Special 1day Kyoto Tour just for You

A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places

A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places

Western Kyoto Tour

Western Kyoto Tour

Customized Private Tour in Kyoto

Customized Private Tour in Kyoto

Full Day Kyoto highlight Tour

Full Day Kyoto highlight Tour

More Private Tours in Kyoto

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