Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
Overview
Available languages
8 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 4 to 5 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
You can see Japan's background that is off-limits to ordinary tourists after the tour. This short trip is a fantastic and great value way of experiencing 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.
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 Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Meet-up within designated Osaka areas
Customizable walking tour (choose 3–4 Kyoto sites)
Licensed Local English-Speaking Guide
Transportation and entrance fees
Lunch and personal expenses
Private vehicle (available on request, must be pre-booked 5+ days in advance)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
69 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
what a great guide!
fozjon,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kazu-san was a great guide. I think he showed us most everything there is to see in Kyoto, but he did edit things according to our desire. We had a busy day with some very good food and a LOT of steps. Really appreciated getting to see so many different sites in Kyoto and learning much about Japan, it's history, culture and belefs. We will not forget Kazu-san, we feel bonded as friends.
Full Day Private Tour in Kyoto - Amazing!!
sharonbK2940LQ,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00In advance of the tour, Yuka sent us messages about specific tour options and our meeting location. We used the metro system (which is incredible) and she always let us know how many stops and what direction we were heading prior to departing the train. Her explanations of the sites were informative. We explored a local market and stopped at many stands to try a variety of foods. Her patience was incredible as we wanted to explore "everything". Went to the Golden Pavilion (well worth the stop) and the Bamboo Grove, which is a gorgeous walk through the bamboo. Yuka's explanations, patience, and flexibility made for an incredible day in Kyoto.
Custom private full day tour with professional local host
James K,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Yoshi was an excellent guide, and very professionally accommodated us for our customized and private full-day tour of Kyoto.
Loved Kyoto! Loved our guide!
marciac613,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing two days in Kyoto with Yuka! She was so kind, patient and positive. We saw everything we wanted to see. And Yuka helped us navigate public transportation with no problems. Many thanks to her!
Great Value Private Kyoto Tour
Ron S,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Yoshino was excellent. We communicated quite a bit by email prior to the tour customizing our itinerary, Yoshino happily accepted a last minute change to our pick up spot. During the day he expertly guided us using trains, subways and taxis. We never waited more than 5-10 minutes. We were on a cruise and Yoshino got us back to the ship with plenty of time. He is a great photographer and was happy to take pictures of us at every stop. Highly recommend Yoshino and this tour.
No show
Frank I,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00No guide showed up to take us Kyoto. We were really looking forward to the trip because we had heard it was great trip back into history of Japan.
Day in Kyoto
MARIE C,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful day with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He came to meet us at Osaka port and then we started our tours. All travel is by train, bus and metro. Nice way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. He even planned a sushi reservation for dinner. We had exchanged in advance about the places we would like to visit. He made us a proposal for an itinerary and everything was great! Get ready to walk a lot! But a memorable day!! Thank you again Kazuo!!!
A Delightful and Thorough Day-trip from Osaka
PhilipP M,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were met at our hotel in Osaka by our guide Hiro who arranged train travel to the Kyoto area perfectly. We began at the pretty village of Arashiyama (excellent coffee at Tully’s) and then had a leisurely visit to the Bamboo forest and park. The scenery was truly beautiful with the cherry trees in bloom. Later we rode the charming local tram to Kyoto for a simple Japanese lunch near the markets. We spent the afternoon strolling in the Gion area, which is one of the most picturesque in Japan. Hiro was very knowledgeable, helpful (excellent English) and considerate. We walked over 9 kilometres, but a taxi helped (at Hiro’s suggestion we took one from the Kyoto markets to Gion). We returned to Osaka by express train by 4pm. It was a very satisfying day.
Kyoto Sightseeing Tour- Public Transportation
Jack A,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour uses public transportation and not a private vehicle. Make sure you have enough local currency for expenses. Hiro was very professional and knowledgeable about all sights. This included history and religious details in understanding what we were looking at. Using the trains made us feel like part of the locale.
Well Guided tour made with great care and attention to detail
Inspire61177070162,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nori was amazing, I had a lovely tour. Would highly recommend.
Related Experiences
Operated by Japan Guide Agency