Private Tour
KIYOTO’s Private Kyoto Experience: Landmarks & Hidden Gems
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Hi, I'm Kiyoto from Kyoto! Yes, I'm named after this beautiful city - quite unusual, right?
I love showing visitors the best of Kyoto, from famous landmarks to hidden gems tucked away in vibrant neighborhoods.
Forget the guidebooks - let's create an unforgettable adventure together!
Partnering only with passionate guides who share my philosophy, and working with a small team of guides I have personally trained and approved, I promise you the best day trip experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing.
If you are eager to explore off-the-beaten-path spots like local pottery shops and family-run izakayas, we've got you covered. You'll discover Japanese dishes and delicious street sweets that you might miss on your own! Immerse yourself in Kyoto's world of scenic beauty, unique customs, history, and culture through our guides' captivating storytelling. First-timer or seasoned Kyoto explorer? Either way, I guarantee a magical experience.
Ready to discover the heart of Kyoto together?
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
A passionate and fun guide with a knack of snapping amazing photos.
A kind guide with the spirit of "omotenashi" (Japanese hospitality).
Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)
We kindly ask our guests to cover the cost of things above for the guide as well as yours.
Gratuities
What To Expect
Pontocho District
Pontocho is a narrow alley stretching along the Kamo River between Sanjo and Shijo streets. It's one of Kyoto's five geisha districts, known for its traditional atmosphere, diverse restaurants, and tea houses. The area is especially popular for its summer dining platforms over the river.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Step into a world of wonder as you enter the iconic Senbon Torii, or "Thousand Torii Gates". Imagine yourself walking through an endless tunnel of vibrant vermilion gates, each one a testament to centuries of hopes, dreams, and gratitude. Marvel at the rich tapestry of history that unfolds before your eyes. With roots stretching back over 1,300 years, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a living testament to Japan's enduring spiritual traditions. As you explore the numerous shrines and sacred spots scattered throughout the complex, let your imagination run wild with tales of ancient rituals and mystical encounters. Fox Guardians and Hidden Treasures Keep your eyes peeled for the playful fox statues that guard the shrine grounds. These clever creatures are said to be the messengers of Inari, the deity of prosperity and good fortune. Who knows? You might even spot a real fox if you're lucky!
Options
Half Day Kyoto Highlights
Duration: 4 hours: Explore Kyoto's charm - from stunning temples to quiet backstreets, perfect for a relaxed yet rich half-day adventure.
Your Favorite Spots: -Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu, Hokanji, & Gion
-Arashiyama & Kinkakuji
-Nijo Castle & Imperial
-Nishiki Market & downtown
-Others
8h: Kyoto Your Way
Duration: 8 hours: Explore Kyoto your way — from famous sights to hidden teahouses, shape the day with your guide for a full cultural experience
Your favorite spots: -Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu, Hokanji, & Gion
-Arashiyama & Kinkakuji
-Nijo Castle & Imperial
-Nishiki Market & downtown
-Others
Reviews
25 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Being with Kiyoto is like being with a friend
paullC9527XL,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kiyoto was my guide through the beautiful bamboo forest in Arashiyama. He is an excellent guide and has a very genuine personality.
Kiyoto’s amazing tour of Kyoto
Traveler60865995326,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kiyoto is an amazing tour guide and created an amazing experience for my wife and I. Highly recommend his tours to anyone visiting Kyoto!
Educational, relaxing, beautiful sights, and darling tour guides. This place has it all really.
MicaiahH,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you’re ever in Kyoto even for a day trip I highly recommend doing this bike tour! Our guide Mana was such a sweetheart and so knowledgeable about the history of Kyoto. She even gave us recommendations for food/shops that are popular with tourists and some that are popular amongst locals. If you do this tour I 100% recommend requesting Mana! She and this tour was seriously the highlight of my entire trip. I will be doing this again when I’m able to make another visit to this beautiful city.
A Truly Special Day in Kyoto with Kiyoto
MadhuPerera,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked a private, custom walking tour in Kyoto with Kiyoto - and it turned out to be the best tour of our entire Japan trip. From the moment he picked us up from our hotel, he had a great understanding of what we wanted - a mix of culture, local life, and food - and he tailored the day perfectly for our family. We were travelling with our 10-year-old son, and he was incredibly thoughtful about pacing the day. The breaks were timed perfectly, and it often felt like he could read the moment - knowing when we needed a rest, a snack, or something fun to keep our son engaged. He took us through several temples, sharing stories and history with a real passion for his city. But what we loved most was how he introduced us to the people of Kyoto - local food vendors, small family-run spots, and kind older couples who welcomed us with such warmth. We tried local dishes like okonomiyaki and other home-style foods, and even stumbled into a small café where the owners invited us to try on a kimono, play with a samurai sword, and just relax for a while. It felt genuine, personal, and so different from any other tour experience. To top it off, Kiyoto captured photos and short clips throughout the day and surprised us with a beautiful highlight video he created after the tour - such a thoughtful touch. If you’re visiting Kyoto and want more than just sightseeing - if you want to feel the city through its people and culture - we can’t recommend Kiyoto highly enough. A wonderful person, a great guide, and someone who truly understands how to make a day special
What a day !
A4835XGjoelleb,
Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Here’s a smooth, natural translation: If you decide to spend a day in Kyoto or even a few days nearby, I highly recommend booking a full-day or half-day tour with him — he’s absolutely fantastic. The day flew by; we saw everything, tasted the local specialties, and as a bonus, you even receive a short video at the end. I truly recommend him without hesitation!
Go for it!
Nxwwg,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great and very entertaining day trip with our guide Kiyoto - clear recommendation!!! Great reminder video and more helpful tips.
Delightful
Flowerbulbs,
Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kiyoto , our guide was amazing . There is no typo with his name , his name is spelled sounding like Kyoto the city .. Kiyoto was very thoughtful and intelligent . He shared with us pertinent info during our and introduced us to delicious soba, moichi and Crema. He even took the time to make a video of us with images he took thru out the day . How thoughtful ! Highly recommend his tour .. PS - he took the time to ask us in advance what we had interested in and checked all our wish boxes!!
MUST DO in Kyoto
Y2188AZmatthewb,
Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had such a wonderful experience on this private tour! From start to finish, it felt completely customized to our interests and preferences. Kiyoto was extremely knowledgeable and shared so many fascinating insights that we never would have learned on our own. The pace of the tour was just right—not rushed, but never slow—so we felt relaxed while still seeing and experiencing a lot. We really appreciated how thoughtful and attentive he was in tailoring everything to what we enjoy. This was one of the highlights of our trip to Japan, and we would absolutely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a more personal, enriching experience.
Goes above and beyond
U8076KYmattheww,
Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kiyoto is a fabulous tour guide. Very knowledgeable and knows those secret locations. The video he did for was was an added treat. Thanks.
Best guide and tour in Kyoto!!
lorauc,
Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an incredible tour! We learned about the Kyoto culture! We found hidden gems in food and shops. We were enriched by the history. A MUST experience!!
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