Private Tour
Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Overview
Available languages
6 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 3 to 4 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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Wheelchair accessible
Pick up & Drop Off is on foot
This is a walking tour
Please reserve at least 2 weeks in advance
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kyoto
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private Vehicle
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. This shrine 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. You’ll see statues of the fox around the shrine. “Kitsune” or the fox is a servant to the god Inari. 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 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pickup included
Reviews
1,316 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun relaxed tour of major temples
FrequentFlier623724,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Mr. Tsugito (Tomy) Shimizu did a fantastic job, his instructions were clear, showed up at the scheduled time in our hotel, we then preceded by foot to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, he was knowledgeable and shared precious pieces of information about the history and architecture. We then went by train to Fushimi Inari Shrine and Nijo Castle. We finished our tour by around 12:30 PM visiting Nishiki market where we had lunch. Tomi recommended food spots and he even picked up the trash in a little bag he had in his backpack. We enjoyed the tour a lot. The pace was slow to moderate so you won’t find yourself burning too many calories and sweating in this tour.
Not recommended
Don S,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Tour guide regularly lost track of us. English skills were fairly poor. Tour was 8am to 2pm with no time for lunch. Overall, a terrible experience
Tour to remember
ashoken n,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Outstanding tour since our guide Louis was outstanding. He is highly knowledgeable and passionate about his job and shown so many places and made this tour intersting and informative. It is one of our best tours in recent times from Viator.
Best guide in Kyoto!Book him now!
serenacF3403XE,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We recently spent a day with our wonderful guide, Kazu Akiyama, in Kyoto. We visited the Nijo castle, then 2 zen gardens that were hidden gems and ended at the Golden Pavilion. We cannot say enough about how great Kazu was. He was knowledgeable, kind, fun and took such good care of us. He was super organized and had prepared printed itineraries for us to review before starting off our day. I was not feeling well and he took me to a pharmacy and helped me buy some medication. He feels like an old friend. At the end of our lunch, he taught us how to say thank you in the Kyoto dialect which is “O Kini”. For the next 3 days in Kyoto, we were greeted with big smiles and extra warm welcome. You must book Kazu when you visit Kyoto.
An amazing memorable day in Kyoto.
Jila B,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Kiyoshi was a gentleman with great knowledge and insight about Kyoto. As a native who loves his city and country, he spoke perfect English. We were able to visit significant and amazing sites and learned so much about each one. I highly recommend this private tour to anyone who is interested in visiting Kyoto.
Fabulous walking tour with Bell
ChrisM13360,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We started early to miss some of the crowds and had a very informative, and interesting walking tour with Bell to beautiful temples, shrines and shops. She is a very well informed and knowledgeable guide. English was good. She responded to our requests and showed us a side of Kyoto we couldn't have done by ourselves.
Kyoto like a local!
J9711TKdanab,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shu is a wonderful guide and a kind human. He made arrangements well in advance of our trip date and tailored our tour to our interests. He gave us facts and details of all the places he took us to that we wouldn’t otherwise have known about. Kyoto is a beautiful place made more fascinating by and with Shu. Highly recommend this city tour.
Wonderful Tour of Kyoto Highlights
CanuckBCTravel,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an absolutely wonderful day with Shuichi Manya (Shu) touring some highlights of Kyoto. Shu took very good care of us and designed our itinerary to suit our needs. He had lots of information on the sites we visited, provided lots of general information on Kyoto, and answered all of our questions. We couldn’t have asked for a more wonderful start to our Kyoto visit.
The Perfect Kyoto Side Trip
adamlP3532OT,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shuichi (Shu) was an extremely knowledgeable and gracious host - adding color and context to the many sights and historical elements of Tokyo. A wonderful and highly-recommended way to spend a day in Kyoto.
Wonderful and informative guide for your tour around Kyoto
Travel22392152490,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shu is an exceptional professional—patient, knowledgeable, and deeply rooted in local culture and traditions. He shares his insights generously, making every interaction enriching. You’d be remiss not to hire him.
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