Tour GuidesGuides Private ToursTours Private Car ToursCars Virtual ToursVirtual A Wonderful Half Day in Kyoto (South-east Kyoto) 4h
This tour is recommended for the first timers to Kyoto. Kyoto had been the capital of Japan for 1000 years and has many old temples and shrines to visit. In this tour, you can visit the most popular sightseeing spot for travelors from abroad and the temple which is very famous for its beautiful garden.
FROM$127/ per group
Superb View Spots in Kyoto Part 1.
It is impossible to visit all of marvelous viewing spots in Kyoto in a day.
Today, I wish to offer you to visit "Saga-Arashiyama Area", and "Yasaka-Kiyomizu Area, in a day.
"Saga-Arashiyama Area is originated in Summer Villa Area of Emperor family since 1000 years ago.
Yasaka-Kiyomizu Area is an approach path to Kiyomizu Temple, located at the foot of mountains.
You can overview Kyoto City together with Historic Panoramic Viewing Spots.
FROM$330/ per group
Kyoto Uncovered: Full-Day Private Experience for First-Time Visitors
Unveil the magic of Kyoto with our "Kyoto Uncovered: Full-Day Private Experience for First-Time Visitors." This exclusive tour offers a comprehensive introduction to Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
This private tour ensures a personalized and unforgettable experience, perfect for first-time visitors.
Highlights:
Bamboo grove , Fushimi Inari shrine, old streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Nijo castle and Kinkaku-ji, Gion area and Geisha spotting streets.
FROM$534/ per group
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.
FROM$102/ per group
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to Takao One-day Hiking along the Mountain Stream
On this tour we will first visit Arashiyama area, one of the Kyoto's most famous tourist destinations, and Takao area which is famous for Jingo-ji temple and the World Heritage temple Kosan-ji. After walking through the Arashiyama Tenryuji Temple and its Bamboo Grove, We will walk on a trekking route along the beautiful mountain stream called "Kin-un-kei" gorge. After walking on the mountain path, the final highlight, World Heritage Kosan-ji Temple awaits you.
FROM$340/ per group

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.
FROM$68/ per group
Half day western Kyoto, two bamboo forests
This tour is to enjoy the less busy area near the popular spot. We walk along the beautiful downhill course in Toriimoto, which is listed as a Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. You will see another bamboo forest. We finish in the busy and popular Arashiyama area.
FROM$234/ per group
Mt. Koya 1 day tour from Kyoto
Mt.Koya is one of the center of Buddhism in Japan which was built by monk Kukai(Kobo Daishi) 1200 years ago. He went China to study esoteric Buddhism and spread it in Japan. He built a temple building complex for training here. In Koya there are more than millions of graves or tombs or memorials of all kind of religions including Christianity. It is very interesting place.
FROM$267/ per group
Nara Palace site, Yakushi-ji, Toshodai-ji
Nara was the Imperial capital of Japan between 710 and 784. The city has many places of historical and artistic interest including the Nara Palace site, or the Heijyokyu remains, Yakushi-ji Temple, Toshodai-ji Temple and Saidai-ji Temple.
FROM$227/ per group
Vermillion Torii Gates Tunnel and Tasting Japanese Sake 4h
In this tour, we visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, the most popular sightseeing spot for visitors from abroad in Japan.
Then, (we take the public transportation) and visit Fushimi District, which is famous for producing good quality of Japanese sake.
FROM$127/ per group
Free Time in Kyoto for 4hours (2 spots)
Please select 2 Beautiful Scenic Spots by your favorate , out of Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji-Temple, Jojakkouji Temple, Golden Pavillion( Kinkakuji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, Emperor Palace, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu Temple, Nannzenji Temple, Chioin Temple, Nishiki Market (Fish Market), Gion District, Toji Temple and so on
And please appreciate Temple, Shrine and Kyoto Culture and feel the atmosphere of Kyoto.
FROM$174/ per group
Arashiyama Highlights: Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour
Experience the best of Arashiyama with our 6-hour guided tour from Kyoto. Explore the serene Bamboo Forest, visit the historic Nonomiya Shrine, and admire the stunning gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple. Discover the picturesque Hozu-gawa River and Togetsu Bridge, and encounter playful macaques at the Monkey Park. Enjoy a delightful lunch before returning to Kyoto, making this tour a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration.
FROM$401/ per group
Cycling Tour along Japan's Biggest Lake -15mins from Kyoto-
During the Edo priod, Tokugawa Shogunate established the highway system connecting cities to cities. The Tokaido Highway was the most important route connecting Kyoto and Tokyo (Edo). On this tour, we will cycle around the first post town of the highway from Kyoto, Otsu. The city Otsu is also famous for Lake Biwa, Japan's biggest lake. Let's enjoy the views of the lake and historical sites while cycling.
FROM$234/ per group

Tour of Toei Uzumasa Studio Park
(Highlights)
You can experience a "time travel" to and enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603-1867) of Japan in this theme park, otherwise known as the "Hollywood of Japan". There are many houses and structures mostly made of wood that were in use in Japan`s feudal ages: ordinary houses, "Ninjya house", haunted house, sake merchant`s shop, old-fashioned restaurants, and so on. Samurai walk on the streets and there are "chambara" performances in which a couple of Samurai fight with a mock sword against each other. You can spend a good part of your day just strolling on the unpaved streets between buildings, while being amazed at how minutely Japan`s former period is reproduced. You have no worries about eating: there is a large restaurant just inside the entrance of the park and other smaller, old-fashioned ones nearby. It`s hard to describe what the park is all about in this column.To see is to believe. Just visit the place.
You can enjoy seeing buildings and structures that may appear in the Japanese Samurai movies and you can also take part in the "chambara" mock-sword fighing. You can immerse yourself in the Edo period atmosphere and meet Samurai. You can imagine how the Edo period was like. Above all, just visit the theme park and see whatever you can.
(How to enjoy)
No word is necessary. Just go and see the theme park. It may be fun to talk to "Samurai" who stand at the entrances of some of the buildings. Or, you may be able to remember the scenes of a "Samurai" drama that was once put on the air on Japanese TV networks.
(Others)
The train fare is 200 yen and the entrance fee is 2,200 yen.
FROM$170/ per group
Arashiyama Best Spot for Cherry Blossoms and Autumn Leaves
Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan from 794 over one thousand years.
I would like to introduce you Arashiyama, Ninnaji Temple , Hirano Shrine and Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.
Please take a look at my blog "https://gowithguide.com/blog/kyoto-chrry-blossom-with-video-4556"
Thank you.
FROM$284/ per group
Exclusive tour for handmade-lovers and Ginkakuji Temple
There are many flea markets held in Kyoto on only one day in every month. In this tour, first, we will visit Ginkakuji Temple, and then, another temple where the famous handmade flea market is held. If you are interested in handmade, you will surely have a lot of fun! Only held on the 15th day of every month.
FROM$174/ per group
Kyoto Experience & Town walking
This tour consists of 3 elements.
One is an experience of Japanese culture (Tea Ceremony)
2nd is to touch with Japanese Food culture. Ingredient of Nishiki Market represents the best food in Kyoto.
3rd is to sroll Gion Distirct and to realize the Gion culture, which is continuing for more than 400 years.
FROM$217/ per group
Tailored 3-Day Private Tour Package: Explore Kyoto, Arashiyama, and Nara's Top Highlights
Discover Kyoto’s beauty in a 3-day private tour! Visit the golden Kinkakuji Temple, historic Nijo Castle, and iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its 10,000 torii gates. Explore the stunning Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the geisha district of Gion, and the serene Arashiyama bamboo forest. Customize your experience and immerse yourself in Japan’s rich history and culture at your own pace. Book now for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind Kyoto adventure that will leave you with lasting memories!
FROM$1,669/ per group

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).
FROM$102/ per group
Kyoto Visiting the Sites of Hidden Legend and Devildom
Kyoto has many legends. I'd like to show you a couple of Shrines. Abeno Seimei, a yin-yang master, told pros and cons of official functions of Imperial Court. Wake-no-Kiyomaro was saved by wild boars, so the divine messenger of the Goo shrine is a boar. Near Gion area, there are some temples that have the boundary between life and afterlife. I'd like to show you those temples.
FROM$284/ per group
Hidden Gems of Kyoto covered with greenery world
Sometimes you had better choose the day when you visit somewhere when you travel. Some places are opened to public or not, depending on the day or certain period.
Ruriko-in is opened to public during only three months in spring and two months in autumn. You will be amazed at the beautiful reflection of green maple leaves on the table. Then we will enjoy visiting Sanzen-in and Hosen-in in Ohara. I recommend you visit on weekdays to avoid waiting for a long time in the long line at Ruriko-in.
FROM$220/ per group
Superb View Spots in Kyoto Part. 2
We will visit 5 popular spots in Kyoto, such as Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji Temple and Golden Pavillion.
They are one natural Forest, 2 temples, one castle and one Shrine, bearing histories for 600~1000 years.
Japanese people will go to shrine for happy things and go to temple for funeral services and appreciate natural views for refreshment and enjoy local specialties.
Pease join us and feel Kyoto with guide.
FROM$294/ per group
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
FROM$234/ per group

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.
FROM$102/ per group
More Private Tours in Kyoto