Private Tour

Kobe Shore Excursion to Kyoto: Private Tour with Local Guide

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

8 hours

Mobile ticket

Take the train to Kyoto with your local host, and discover another side of Japanese culture in its 8th-century capital. Explore the cobbled streets of traditional entertainment district Gion, see the famous flame-colored tunnel of Fushimi Inari Shrine, or visit the Arashiyama bamboo grove in western Kyoto. At dusk, when the city’s iconic paper lanterns are lit, you could even spot a mesmerizing geisha floating through the streets. Whatever you decide, you’ll discover more than just the Kyoto in your guidebook.

Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

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

Return train transport via regular train to Kyoto and back

8 hours with a host (including travel time) – this can be customized

Return taxi transport from Kobe Port to Sannomiya station

Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Private and personalized walking tour with a passionate local

Food and drinks

Transportation (primarily a walking experience however public transport may be used)

Tickets to any attractions

Gratuities (optional)

What To Expect

Kobe Sannomiya Station Hanshin Electric Railway Service Center

With your local host leading the way and taking care of transport, travel to Sannomiya station from Kobe Port via a taxi, and to Kyoto from Sannomiya station (Kobe) on public transport IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

•Admission Not Applicable

Gion

Amble down the lantern-lit streets of Gion, the traditional entertainment district (and see if you can spot a geisha floating by) IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

•Admission Not Applicable

Options

DaytriptoKyotofromKobePort8hrs

Reviews

4.40

10 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Elliott’s tour of Kyoto
WIlliam E,
Apr 12, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Tiago was an excellent guide. very knowledgeable and an excellent communicator. Did a good job of showing historic and cultural sites.
We took the bullet train!!
Eileen S,
Apr 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We decided to upgrade and do the trip to Kyoto by bullet train. Firstly because of time saved in travelling and secondly because I always wanted to try it. Ryan met us at our cruise terminal and we went by taxi to the train station. We went to buy tickets and navigated to our platform. I was relieved Ryan was there to guide us through everything. We took a metro and a regular train before taking the bullet train. We didn’t have reserved seats….sometimes easier than searching for your seat, though we did have to stand sometimes. Ryan took us through some back streets in Kyoto to avoid the crowds and explained the culture. We visited Shrines and Gardens and did a bit of souvenir shopping…he was very patient :). Our time was short as we had to be back on our cruise ship but Ryan had it worked out. We took a taxi to the station and then back in the bullet train and taxi to the port. A short but full day with no anxiety thanks to Ryan.
Tour was very good!...
Lotario C,
May 29, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Tour was very good! Marwan was very friendly and adapted to our group very well! We enjoyed kyoto and nara
Recommended.
Andrew D,
Apr 12, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Great day out. Very different from a ship excursion, only the 3 of us and Ryan the guide. Saw much more, travelled and ate with the locals and no waiting for everyone to catch up. Great experience and a great guide.
Our guide Taiga was...
Deborah C,
Apr 3, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Our guide Taiga was absolutely fantastic He took the time to get to know us and made sure the tour was catered to our liking. A very knowledgeable man with a great sense of humour A brilliant day!