Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!
Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
Pick up & Drop Off is on foot
This is a walking tour
Please reserve at least 2 weeks in advance
What To Expect
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. This shrine has a lot of stories to tell that will connect you to the Japan's history and culture and your guide will show you deeper. You will see a fascinating story attached to the origin of the shrine dedicated to the god of grains. You’ll see statues of the fox around the shrine. “Kitsune” or the fox is a servant to the god Inari. You may would want the foxes on your side after this tour.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Discover one of Kyoto’s most popular temples—Kiyomizu-dera Temple by going on a comprehensive 1-hour guided tour. Exploring the temple grounds with a guide means you’ll be able to learn about Japan’s history and culture as you explore the magnificent building. Enjoy commentary from your English-speaking guide who will make sure you don't miss any important features.
Options
Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kyoto
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
Personal expenses
Private Vehicle
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
1,582 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Michi was an incredible guide.
Philip W,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Michi was an incredible guide. His English was excellent. He wrote to us when we arranged the review and gave us several options. Met us in the hotel. We were multigenerational group(76, 45 and 9) and he found ways to engage each of us. The sites he chose were great and he was very informative. If you can choose him definitely do so.
Very interesting and informative
Rachel T,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Yuks was absolutely wonderful. Very kind and efficient. She is very knowledgeable and was quick to answer all the questions from the teenage boys. She was patient with with them as well.
Kyoto Tour
yeseniag981,Jun 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Michi was a great tour guide. He was so informative and took us to some amazing spots that I don't think in would have found on my own. The lunch spot that he recommended was also delicious and a local gem.
Sights of Kyoto
806shar,Jun 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour exceeded all expectations. Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable, engaging, and enthusiastic. The tour was well-paced, informative, and enjoyable. This tour was an unforgettable experience.
Specific Tour guide not recommended, but sites are great.
gmah2019,Jun 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.006 hours of walking extremely slowly with a guide who shared very little information about the area. The guide stretched what could have been a 2 hour tour into 6 hours by walking slowly down the same streets multiple times. It was so boring and a waste of our time. She spoke very little, exhibited extremely low energy, didn’t smile even one time, and didn’t seem to know a lot about the history in some areas. What we could see with our own eyes and could interpret or understand from information provided by previous tour guides was enjoyable. We offered to buy her lunch when we were getting a bite to eat. She politely refused. Then, when we were more than ready to move on, she proceeded to take a half hour lunch while we just waited for her to finish. We felt that she was extremely ill-suited to be a tour guide.
Exploring Kyoto
Aide S,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful wonderful experience with Mr Shu exploring Kyoto. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. Answered all of our questions. And took us to see the aqueducts that I was not expecting, great surprise!! Really encourage to use him as a guide.
Excellent tour
I1475LFmichaelr,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kazu, was amazing he is pretty knowledgeable about kyoto, the temples and history- He nailed to takes us to 4 of the most iconic ones.
Amazing Kyoto with Mizu
MamaL843,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mizu-San gave us an AMAZING tour of Kyoto. There was SO much to do and see in this beautiful area of Japan, but Mizu was able to adjust on the fly because… well, young adult sons 🤷🏻♀️ We would highly HIGHLY recommend this tour!!!
Great way to explore Kyoto
359aides,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mr. Shu was very informative and knowledgeable about Kyoto and the places we visited. From the temples to Kyoto aqueducts to the Kyoto castle. Wonderful experience. Mr Shu was very kind and sweet.
Amazing day touring Kyoto with family
jessicanjoy,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful private guided tour of Kyoto with Kaeko and could not have asked for a better experience. Traveling with my husband, our two children (ages 5 and 8), and my parents in their mid-70s, we appreciated how patient, kind, informative, and accommodating she was throughout the day. Her knowledge of Kyoto’s history and culture made each stop even more meaningful. We visited Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nishio Yatsuhashi no Sato for a delicious lunch, and Nijo Castle. Kaeko thoughtfully tailored the day to our group’s needs and ensured everyone was comfortable and engaged. Our driver was excellent as well—professional, safe, and incredibly efficient at getting us as close as possible to each destination while helping us avoid crowds whenever possible. Together, they made the day seamless, memorable, and enjoyable for all generations in our family. We are so grateful for such a special experience and highly recommend Kaeko and her team to anyone visiting Kyoto.
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Operated by Japan Guide Agency