Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
In this tour, we start early to beat the crowds. 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. 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 2 to 3 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
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
What To Expect
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
We are here to help you discover new things, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is so more than its famous tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. Most people are satisfied by a scenic view of it. But this 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 – that’s what “Inari” means – . This is also why you’ll see statues of the fox around the shrine. “Kitsune” or the fox is a servant to the god Inari. They are cunning tricksters, clever minded animals who make perfect guides for the treacherous business world. You may would want the foxes on your side after this tour.
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).
Options
Kyoto Early Morning 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 2-3 sites from 'What to expect' list
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Private Vehicle
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
38 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour!
eyeessess,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide. He reached out to us with some ideas for our private tour. He worked with us as we made the tour perfectly suited to our needs. He met us on time. He navigated the crowds and the sites perfectly. He was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot. He even put together a nice photo collection of photos he emailed us after. Highly recommend.
Excellent Tokyo highlights tour
Angela M,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Michi-san yesterday morning. He provided an excellent overview of Japan and the sites we visited. He ensured we avoided the crowds as much as possible. Michi-san was a happy and friendly guide who went over and beyond for us. We would definitely recommend Michi-san and this private tour.
A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
Sarajean s,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Shige was a wonderful guide. He helped us navigate the public transit system and provided keen insight into Japanese cultural practices and the role of religion in modern day Japan.10/10
Excellent guide, recommend 100%
JulieTheHague,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Exceptionnally nice guide with all the stories but also receptive to our wishes, and going beyond to make our visit the best!! Also helped with picking a nice place to eat, and showed the typical Kyoto sweets :) thank you very much Akira, we wish you all the best !!
Kyoto 4 Hour Tour Review
chewyloe,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Misho was great. He arrived on-time, helped us navigate Kyoto and some key cultural and historic places. Very informative, prepared, and friendly guide to help us out on our first day in Japan!
5 star day with KenYokozuka!!
jeffg38,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My mother and I loved our day with Ken! He is a national treasure! We opted for the private van, saw lots of great spots and can’t recommend him highly enough. You can tell he is passionate about touring and clearly doing this as an enjoyable hobby. Good luck on the tennis court Ken, and we hope to see you again! All the best, Jackie and Jeff
Wonderful Private Walking Tour of Kyoto
Tracey B,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the most wonderful private walking tour of Kyoto with Kei. He was so knowledgeable and we really felt that we had an understanding of Japan and Kyotos history. We covered so much on our tour and felt like we had seen everything that we had wanted to cover. I highly recommend Kei for this tour.
Wonderful Private Wali g Tour of Kyoto
traceybR2137ND,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful private walking tour of Kyoto with Kei. He was just lovely. So knowledgeable and covered so much of Japan and Kyotos history. We packed so much in and at the end of our tour we covered everything that we wanted to see
Kyoto Private Tour
Nicole D,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great tour with Shuji - he was very knowledgeable about the area and arranged a lovely tour for us.
Great Tour Experience
charlespU1300TT,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kaeko was an excellent tour guide and took me to a great selection of Kyoto sights. She was knowledgeable and provided me with just the right level of information about the sights we took in.
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Operated by Japan Guide Agency