Private Tour

Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

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.

What To Expect

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

You can see Japan's background that is off-limits to ordinary tourists after the tour. This short trip is a fantastic and great value way of experiencing Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine! We are here to help you discover new things, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is so more than its famous tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. Most people are satisfied by a scenic view of it. But this 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 – that’s what “Inari” means – . This is also why you’ll see statues of the fox around the shrine. “Kitsune” or the fox is a servant to the god Inari. They are cunning tricksters, clever minded animals who make perfect guides for the treacherous business world. You may would want the foxes on your side after this tour.

1 minute•Admission Not Applicable

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.

1 minute•Admission Not Included

Options

Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Pickup included

Reviews

4.92

1,193 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1142

Our tour guide was very...
Priyanka M,
Jun 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. He was engaging and fun to hangout with. Also give us idea for local food places.
Great Kyoto Experience
Christopher S,
Jun 23, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Shogo was an excellent guide, he was knowledgeable, had a wonderful calm demeanor that fit with Kyoto, and took us to some of the most beautiful places in Kyoto while keeping a reasonable pace. He truly cared about his clients. 10/10 I would recommend again.
Custom Kyoto with Kazz
Valerie H,
Jun 19, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Kazz was nothing short of incredible! I’m not the easiest tourist to please, I’ve been to several countries and I really like to have a unique experience. I had quite a long list of things I wanted out of my tour, including beautiful temples, but not tourist traps. When I tell you, our guy delivered, I cannot say enough. We started off in the northern Kyoto area at two tucked away temples, and even had a Matcha. It was so scenic and beautiful and definitely not overrun with tourist. Then we went into some of the more traditional areas of Kyoto and he even made sure we had a great sitdown lunch at one of his favorite spots. Kazz did an incredible job taking photos for us talking us through all the history of Kyoto and was so kind and helpful. I cannot say enough about our guide and our experience. When I tell you, he made sure to get absolutely everything we wanted into this tour and we were so tired and happy at the end of the day.
Warning! Guide did not speak English - do not use Viator in Kyoto
Brian d,
Jun 18, 2025
- Viator
1.00
My family and I are in Kyoto and we were looking forward to our first guided tour through Viator. Well, our guide barely spoke English. Seriously. The guide did show up and was a nice lady. However, she barely spoke English. She probably shared a total of 500 words in a full day of touring. While other guides were busy telling clients all about the sites, she pointed to her notebook and highlighted a few sentences. We basically just started reading the few signs that were in English because it was more informative. It is also useful to point out that she really did not seem that interested in our experience. She often did not stop to see if we were behind her. Our sense was that it was because speaking English was really difficult for her so she preferred to avoid any interactions. I tried to file a refund request on the Viator website and the form failed. I then tried to call the support number and it just hung up on me. Beware. I would never use them again.
Shu is a great tour guide
Rachel L,
Jun 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had a wonderful time with Shu for our first time vist to Kyoto. Shu is knowledgeable in Japanese culture and history and most organized in planning the trip. We would recommend this tour to others.