Private Tour
10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour (up to 7 people)
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
If you have only one day in Kyoto and want to see all the top 10 must-see spots of Kyoto, this tour is the best for you.
A professional local guide shows you the best, comfortable and convenient way to the spots. And you can enjoy walking along with the beautiful sceneries, paths, and back alleys only the local people know.
We use taxis 3-4 times to save you time and energy. This tour is a mixture of public transport and taxis.
Thanks to taxis and a friendly local professional guide, you can visit the 10 most famous attractions such as the Fushimi Inari shrine (thousands of Torii gate), Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu temple (with huge balcony), bamboo forest, Geisha district, and so on.
If you check the spots you can visit on this tour, you can notice that all must-see points in Kyoto are included!!
Please enjoy the top ten spots with the beautiful stories of your guide.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You will visit so many places only one day so you can not change the itinerary, lunch place and starting point.
If you have some food you can not eat, please inform us when you book this tour
This tour will take you to not only tourist attractions, but also to nice Japanese-style streets and back alleys. Please wear comfortable shoes.
Many places in Kyoto such as temples and taxis do not accept credit cards. Please be sure to have some Japanese yen ready before joining the tour.
＊On very hot summer days, it is recommended to change to Plan B course, which requires fewer steps and takes you to Chishakuin Temple( a hidden gem indoor temple) and Sanjusangendo Temple(famous for a forest of Buddhist statues).
The cab can accommodate four people. 3 guests + a guide, so if there are 4 guests, two taxis are required.
Attention: This tour is restricted to cruise ship guests who can independently reach Kyoto Station.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kinkakuji Temple
You can see the shining golden pavilion which used to be the political center of the Shogun(the head of Samurai warrior).It is one of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites in Kyoto.
Bamboo Forest Street
You will go through the Bamboo forest. This beautiful bamboo forest appears many times in the advertisement poster of Kyoto.
What‘s Included
Infants under 3 years old are free of charge.
English speaking Professional Guide
Age 3 and up are charged the same rate as adults.
Pick up service: not included
for all temples(1500yen par person)
＊This tour uses both taxi and public transportation(1000yen per person)
Taxi: (7000 〜9000 yen per cab for all rides) If You are 4 or more people, you need two cabs.
Options
UP to 7 people
Reviews
1,081 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highly recommend - Tammy is a fantastic guide!
hazthegr8,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had SUCH a wonderful day with Tammy exploring the sights and sounds of Kyoto. Tammy was friendly, knowledgeable and flexible (even adding on a bonus sight as we were running ahead of schedule!). I would highly recommend this tour for anyone who is travelling to Kyoto dor the first time and would like to see it all before you go!
Kyoto tour !!
phyllisw429,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our recent trip to Kyoto was absolutely unforgettable, and much of that is thanks to our amazing tour guide, Fujiko. From the moment we met her, we knew we were in for something special. Fujiko’s warm and welcoming personality made us feel right at home in a city that was both new and exciting. She started the day by introducing herself and sharing a little bit about her background. Her passion for Kyoto’s culture and history was evident from the very first words she spoke, and it quickly became clear that we were in the hands of an expert. Fujiko’s knowledge of Kyoto’s history, traditions, and landmarks was incredibly impressive, but it was her ability to bring those facts to life that really set her apart. We began our tour with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), and Fujiko took great care in explaining the significance of the temple and the surrounding gardens. She was so detailed in her descriptions, pointing out the subtle aspects of the architecture and landscaping that made the place feel magical. She even shared a few local legends and personal anecdotes about the temple, which made the experience feel even more personal and special. Next, we visited Fushimi Inari-taisha, home to the famous thousands of vermilion torii gates. Fujiko was patient and kind as she guided us through the maze of gates, offering helpful tips on how to navigate the trail. Her explanation of the history behind the shrine and its connection to the Shinto faith added so much depth to the experience. As we walked up the path, Fujiko made sure to take breaks and offer insight into the symbolism of the shrine, keeping us engaged and interested the whole time. We also had the pleasure of visiting Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples. Fujiko was so thoughtful, allowing us plenty of time to soak in the stunning views from the temple’s balcony, which overlooks the beautiful city of Kyoto. She shared fascinating stories about the temple’s construction and the spiritual significance of its architecture. It was clear that Fujiko had a deep respect for the temples and their cultural importance, and her reverence was contagious. Throughout the day, Fujiko not only shared historical facts but also took the time to share the local customs and traditions of Kyoto. She introduced us to the art of tea ceremony, explained the significance of kimonos, and even recommended some local dishes to try. At one point, she took us to a hidden gem of a restaurant, where we enjoyed a delicious meal that showcased the flavors of Kyoto. It was clear that she knew the city like the back of her hand and truly cared about making our visit as meaningful as possible. Beyond her expertise, Fujiko’s hospitality was second to none. She was incredibly attentive to our needs, always checking in to see how we were doing and ensuring that we were comfortable. Her kindness and patience made the entire experience feel like we were exploring the city with an old friend, rather than just a tour guide. She also had a great sense of humor, and her easygoing nature made the day fun and relaxed. What really stood out was how Fujiko’s love for Kyoto shone through every moment of the tour. She wasn’t just a guide; she was someone who genuinely wanted to share the beauty and culture of her hometown with us. Her passion for Kyoto was infectious, and it made us appreciate the city in a way that we never could have on our own. If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, I highly recommend booking a tour with Fujiko. Her knowledge, kindness, and enthusiasm will not only help you see the top sights, but they’ll also give you a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history and culture. Our time with her was a highlight of our trip, and we’ll carry the memories of her wonderful tour with us for years to come. Thank you, Fujiko, for making our Kyoto experience so special. We’ll definitely be back!
Taka was an amazing tour...
leopoldyin,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Taka was an amazing tour guide. We had a very fun, informative, and packed day with him. We saw and learned so much that we would not have been able to on our own. Taka was able to bring us everywhere so efficiently and saved us a bunch of time.
Kyoto’s Top Tour Guide Yoshi
Sonny S,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We are a family of six from the USA. This was our first trip to Japan and it had been a little difficult getting around before arriving at Kyoto. We booked the private full day tour of Kyoto with Viator. Our tour guide was named Yoshi, and he seemed to arrive just at the right time. We needed someone like Yoshi who was such an energetic person. He made sure to remember each one of our names and his sheer enthusiasm was contagious. His English was excellent and he truly made us feel welcomed. He described this as his dream job which was so endearing. We all should feel this way about what we do each day for a living. Yoshi was incredibly educational and also incredibly thoughtful, responsive, and fun! Yoshi gave us a customized tour of Kyoto and we ended up walking over 15,000 miles! He was so patient when we had difficulty finding him at the beginning and he never once rushed us throughout the day even when we must have been a little like herding cats. We wanted to try foods, and shop during the tour and he went with the flow. We had a whole unique and better understanding of Japan, its history, and its people. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at a place he suggested, and that was a highlight, getting to know Yoshi better. My kids had specific goals on what they wanted to find, and Yoshi was able to help accomplish that. When booking this tour, I would recommend Yoshi to any family from the USA because he was actually born in the states and understands our culture. Truly it was a positive and memorable experience! Ask for Yoshi, Kyoto’s top tour guide!
Amazing Kyoto tour from Yoshi !
87udits,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We would like to thank Yoshi, our guide, from the bottom of our hearts for giving us such a beautiful and unforgettable day in Kyoto. He didn’t just show us temples and streets, he shared the soul of the city with us. Every story, every hidden corner, and every thoughtful moment reflected his kindness and passion, and it truly made our time in Kyoto and beyond (shared best places / tips for Osaka, Nara) special.. Highly recommend this tour. The route was thoughtfully planned to avoid crowds where possible and maximize our time. Warm, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable - Yoshi truly elevated our Kyoto experience. - Singh family
Good way to hit multiple sites in one day.
Ryan B,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Be sure to pay close attention to the instructions about meeting place, and costs of transportation during the tour.
Excellent guide!
Jason H,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Mieko was a fantastic guide… The best we have had. She truly loved giving the tour and took us everywhere we wanted to see. Highly recommend!
Must do!
patel s,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Naru was a great historian and taught us about Japanese history as well as showing us important areas of Tokyo. He was kind to take us to the monkey park and a restaurant that catered to dietary restrictions. He also had interesting facts about life in Japan as a local
Naomi was so...
Brian C,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Naomi was so knowledgeable and friendly. She knew how to get to each location and saved us so much time! We really enjoyed the day.
Amazing guide
chandank993,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was amazing to have woundeeful tour guide she has greatly explained everything and take care of our family. It was amazing experience with her. Thanks
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