Private Tour
Full Day Tour of Kyoto with Private Transportation
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
This exclusive experience, tailored with private transportation, allows you to explore Kyoto’s most iconic sites in comfort and style, ensuring a day of unforgettable memories. From historical Kyoto to the nature of Kyoto city all in one day. Save your time and see the most of Kyoto now!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The remaining hours are allotted for travel time
Some destinations in Kyoto have lots of staircase and not recommended for wheelchairs
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
One of the most iconic features of Kiyomizu-dera is its wooden stage, which juts out over the hillside, offering panoramic views of the cherry and maple trees below, as well as the city of Kyoto. The stage is supported by hundreds of wooden pillars, constructed without the use of nails—a testament to traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The temple complex also includes the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. Visitors can try to walk between two stones with their eyes closed—if successful, it is said they will find true love. Kiyomizu-dera is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is especially popular during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. The temple's architecture, natural surroundings, and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination in Japan.
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
Explore Kyoto’s timeless beauty by strolling through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, two historic lanes leading to the iconic Yasaka Pagoda. These stone-paved streets, lined with traditional wooden shops and teahouses, offer a glimpse into Japan's Edo period. Capture the stunning view of the five-story Yasaka Pagoda towering above, especially enchanting during cherry blossom season or at sunset. Whether shopping for Kyoto crafts, enjoying local delicacies, or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere, a visit to Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Yasaka Pagoda is a journey into the heart of Kyoto's rich cultural heritage.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Travel time from Osaka/Kyoto to all the destinations and back to hotel
English Tour Guide
Fuel surcharge
Entrance fee to Kinkakuji Temple (500yen)
Parking Fees
Entrance fee to Kiyomizudera Temple (500yen)
Gratuities / Tips is very welcomed
Lunch / Personal Expense
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Full Day Tour of Kyoto with Private Transportation
Pickup included
Reviews
238 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing tour of Kyoto.
B1818BJsusanf,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our day trip in Kyoto. Our guide, Somei was so friendly and accommodating, and his knowledge of the sights we visited was really good. We have no hesitation in recommending him for future tours. Regards, Sue & Nick
Superb private tour
steventC776XS,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our experience was excellent. Yujiro (aka Ben) was delightful, knowledgeable, passionate about the history and cultural details of the sites we visited. He added an “off the beaten path” extra site visit because we had time. He knew how to build the day’s tour to minimize crowds, and he navigated the city as driver and guide with much grace and flare. We will recommend him to all our friends.
Fabulous tour
SusanneB1230,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I booked this tour and we were not disappointed. The car was extremely comfortable and our tour guide Christine was knowledgeable, friendly and easy going. We went to the tourist attractions but she also took us to her favourite ramen place and it was the best ramen I have tasted. We throughly enjoyed our day and highly recommend Christine to anyone looking at booking a tour
This is the Kyoto tour to book!!
Brian K,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00First things first: We highly recommend this tour! We had a cruise day in port and Ben promptly picked us up at the terminal in a comfortable van for the ~90 minute ride from Kobe to Kyoto. Ben provided excellent commentary and guidance the entire day making us feel welcomed into his city. All entry tickets were provided as was transportation to and from port. We enjoyed a delicious sushi lunch and plenty of time for souvenir shopping. Our day was well organized and fun. Can absolutely 100% recommend booking this tour and hope to return soon. Thanks Ben and Christine!!
Mozam tour guide
826sunithar,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Mozam was very helpful. He is very pleasant and helpful. Patiently and with lot of interest he explained to us about the great culture of Japan, the history of Shrines. He sounded like a person who hails from Japan. He followed us and guided and explained the various locations, took us to all key tourist locations. He patiently waited as well clicked good pictures for us. My family was also vey happy and comfortable with his dealings. We highly recommend Mosam to other tourists and wishes him a bright career.
The BEST way to view the sights of Kyoto
864nickt,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If I could give this more than 5 stars I would. If you want to experience the top attractions of Kyoto, guided by a local and in the comfort of a private car then this is for you. Yoshi picked us up from our accommodation and took us on a day of seeing the spectacular sights of Kyoto. He was able to tell us about the history and cultural significance of each site, handled all the entry fees and tickets, and was able to point us to the best locations for photos which the other tourists didn't know about! He would also let us wonder freely without setting strict time limits which made it even more special for us as we could navigate each site at our own pace.
Highlights of Kyoto
Karenjj1979,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Christine was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable. We only had one day in Kyoto so it was the perfect way to see all the highlights. We will definitely be back in the future.
A glorious day in Kyoto with Nozo
Jeffrey S,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Nozo was excellent - very friendly and competent, and he went out of his way to make our tour comfortable. He made sure to request for mobility access and parking at the sites we visited which was very helpful, and his driving was safe in a spacious car. Nozo’s English was very good and he was knowledgeable about the visitor sites and how to navigate them. I would recommend Nozo again.
Perfect Day Tour in Kyoto w/ Christine!
Chris S,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Christine was amazing, very knowledgeable, kind, and patient explaining all site history with great detail. I came from Texas and would definitely recommend Christine and this tour for anyone!
A great Day in Kyoto
Mary K,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00After a bit of a mix-up over terminals, Christine picked us up and we drove to Kyoto from Kobe port in a very comfortable clean van. She had multiple photos on her iPad to show us where we would be visiting and described the importance of each spot. At age 25, Christine spoke as if she was an American with appropriate idioms, slang and no accent. We walked through crowded streets to view the bamboo forest and she took great photos of our group; at the Golden pagoda she facilitated help from security due the fact that I was using a walker to mobilize due to an injury; we saw old town Kyoto and finally the "Thousand Torii Gates and Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine. Instead of walking half mile or more up hill to visit this spot, we were parked right next to it. In between she took us to a neighbourhood ramen restaurant that is a favourite of her husband. It was delicious. If I had a critisim is that in her youth she did not realize that 70+year old Americans walked slower and need more time to look, rest, etc. We chose this tour because so many that were offered used public transportation and we knew we were not cabable of doing that. Plus having a driver saved us so much time and allowed us to see more.
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