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 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.
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
Personal expenses
Private Vehicle
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pickup included
Reviews
1,390 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Insightful Kyoto trip
375pritikac,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the pleasure to go sightseeing with wonderful Maya. She was super accommodating, knowledgeable and did not rush us during our tour. She was super excited to take photos and to tell us about the history and she also gave us some useful tips for our trip ahead, it was an absolute pleasure to have her as our tour guide. Highly recommended. Thank you so much Maya for your time with us today.
Thank you Yoshi!!
laurenejarman,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Me and my boyfriend very much enjoyed our private tour of Kyoto! Our guide, Yoshi, was very knowledgeable and kind. We learned so much from him and enjoyed spending the day with him. He’s also a fantastic photographer and took tons of great photos of us!!!
Awesome Kyoto guided tour
tannerb481,,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yuji was a fantastic guide, I'd recommend him to anyone visiting Kyoto! He was very thorough and even answered all of my dumb questions! I'd recommend touring with him early on uour trip so you can learn little things with him about the culture and etiquette your first day along with great sight seeing and history.
Great tour of Kyoto
nortonandre,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible tour with Kazu-san. Besides his great knowledge of Japanese history and traditions, it was incredibly interesting to learn about how local traditions are being followed by his own family. A true experience with a local. We visited multiple major fantastic sights in Kyoto and learned a lot. You will an amazing time if you get him as your guide!
Well thought out and well executed tour.
Peartree123,,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent walking tour hosted by Michi. The day started at 8am at the lobby of our hotel. Michi had previously contacted us prior to the tour asking for our preference of itinerary and this was planning beforehand including a lunch stop. Michi was very informative and kept a good pace, we ran over the 6 hours slightly but this was not an issue. Well thought out and well executed. All good.
A lovely tour of lovely Kyoto
LouiseJ2078,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kazuo was a friendly and knowledgable guide who helped us make the best of our time in Kyoto. He met us promptly at our hotel and then took us to some of Kyoto’s most beautiful shrines, temples and castles explaining their history to help set them in cultural and historical context. We had discussed the itinerary with Kazuo in advance and he’d made great suggestions about what we might include in our tour. Once we were out and about Kazuo proved to be a kind, patient and funny person to spend the day with and we loved the sushi restaurant he recommended for our lunch. Thank you Kazuo!
Maya was a brilliant guide, made our trip.
Chantal M,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maya was an amazing guide -before our trip she got in touch to ensure we had everything we needed for the tour. She catered our tour to our wishes and was really responsive to the needs of our group e.g when our kids were getting hangry. Maya was enthusiastic and obviously really loves her job. One of my children said ‘I loved that tour guide’. We thoroughly enjoyed our day with her and would absolutely use her services again if we have the chance!!!
Local Guide Was Wonderful
Kaia B,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00There is so much to see in Kyoto, I highly recommend a tour. Our guide, Kazuo, is a local and it was wonderful to hear his insights.
Kyoto is a magical place
kaiaeboyd,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had an amazing day touring Kyoto with Kazuo. He curated a tour for us that we will never forget. His local knowledge along with his affable personality made it even more enjoyable. Kyoto is a magical place.
Wonderful time
Pilar B,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful time with Melanie at the Gion Geisha Tour. She is very well studied and informed not only all about the Geisha but Japan’s history as well. We were very pleased with our experience!
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Operated by Japan Guide Agency