Private Tour
Kyoto: Classic Highlights Tour — Fushimi Inari, Nijo & Kinkaku-ji
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Our tours are about connection—connecting you with the places you visit and our passionate local guides. Think of our guides as your local friends, sharing personal favorite spots, hidden gems, and stories you won't find in guidebooks.
We aim for authentic experiences where you feel the city's soul, not just see the sights. We cover must-see attractions efficiently but ensure a relaxed pace to soak in the atmosphere.
We design our tours thoughtfully, offering early starts to avoid crowds and clear guidance on public transport to maximize your time and minimize stress. (Select tours offer unique 3D photo capture to preserve memories.)
Join us to discover Japan beyond the typical tourist path. We promise an engaging, enriching journey.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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
Local guide
Food and drinks
What To Expect
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Our first stop immerses you in the spiritual heart of Kyoto. Prepare to be mesmerized by the iconic 'Senbon Torii' - a seemingly endless pathway lined with thousands of vibrant red gates that snake up the sacred Mt. Inari. Walk through this breathtaking tunnel, a symbol of prayers for prosperity, and capture unforgettable photos. Your guide will explain the history and significance of this important shrine dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and business.
Nijo Castle
Step back into the era of the samurai rulers at Nijo Castle, a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the stunning Ninomaru Palace, the former residence of the Tokugawa Shogun. Admire the opulent architecture, intricate carvings, and beautiful gold-leaf paintings designed to display absolute power. Listen carefully as you walk across the famous 'nightingale floors' – a clever security system that chirps to warn of intruders.
Options
Kyoto: Classic Highlights Tour — Fushimi Inari, Nijo & Kinkaku-ji
Reviews
15 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must-Do Tour
T2277LIethanb,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent experience on this tour.This tour is I think perfect if you wanna see Kyoto's most famous spots in one efficient day. especially, the tour on fushimi-inari was so exciting.There were approximately one thousand red torii (tbh,it's much more lol) and walked thorough under of them.It def made me tired but I'll never forget that view from the top of there and the price of water bottle on the top (It's 300yen even only for common 500mL water bottle in the vending machine lol)
A tour that covers all the must-visit places in Kyoto
judyjI5769BM,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined this tour, and it covered all the must-see places in Kyoto. I was very satisfied; the guide, Ryu, was very friendly and entertaining. I recommend it if you want to explore Kyoto efficiently!
I feel like I've made a great friend.
julym400,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00After joining this tour, I feel like I've found a best friend in Japan. I met Kazuya on this private tour, and he was very knowledgeable and showed me every detail of Kyoto. He was also very kind, and we hit it off so well that it felt like we were old friends. Thank you, Kazuya!
Kyoto Was Pure Magic: A Journey Through Japan's Historical Heart
Connector57076459125,
Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Kyoto truly feels like the "soul" of Japan. I stayed for five days, but it wasn't nearly enough time! The entire city feels like a living museum; everywhere I walked, there were beautiful temples and preserved old streets. It was incredibly calming, and I felt as though time flowed much slower here compared to Tokyo—it was a real mental reset. My absolute favorite spot was Arashiyama, famous for its bamboo grove. I went early in the morning, and the sight of the light filtering through the towering stalks was absolutely mystical, like being inside a fantasy movie. The beauty is something photos simply cannot capture. Of course, the famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) is a must-see. I visited on a sunny day, and the reflection of the golden structure in the pond was truly breathtaking. It gave me a strong sense of the power of Japanese history and art. Strolling through the old Gion district was another wonderful experience. I stopped for some delicious Matcha green tea and traditional Japanese sweets at one of the small shops along the cobblestone paths. My Japanese is still a work in progress, but the staff were so kind, using gestures and simple English to help me out. I was incredibly touched by the Japanese spirit of Omotenashi (hospitality). I mainly used the public buses for transportation. At times they were quite crowded, but buying the One-day Pass made things incredibly convenient—even when I got a little lost, I could just hop on the next bus. With a map app and the pass, I think any first-time tourist can navigate the city easily. Kyoto is a place I would wholeheartedly recommend to everyone in the world. If you want to feel the authentic, historical heart of Japan, this is where you need to be. Next time, I plan to stay longer, perhaps during the cherry blossom or autumn leaves season!
Thank you for taking me to Kinkakuji Temple.
Q9843ZGjackr,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined this tour because I wanted to go to Kinkakuji Temple. Our guide, Tom, knows Kyoto inside and out and answered any questions I had. The highlight of the tour was definitely Kinkakuji Temple. I've never seen such a magnificent building. It was the best tour ever. Thank you.
Great Kyoto Tour with Beautiful Spots and Local Stories
T7856WVethanc,
Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was a wonderful way to explore Kyoto. We visited several of the city’s most famous sites, and the guide’s stories made each place even more special. I truly enjoyed the day and learned a lot about Kyoto’s history and culture.
It was fun
O373FWnoahr,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maki accompanied us on our tour. She was a very knowledgeable guide who knew everything about Kyoto. Nijo Castle was the best part of the tour. I would definitely use her services again if I visit Kyoto again.
A Peaceful Kyoto Experience
U7980HHcamilam,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined this Kyoto tour with my friend, and it was truly a wonderful experience. Each spot—Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji—had its own unique charm, and we could enjoy them without the usual crowds. The guide was kind and knowledgeable, sharing interesting stories about Kyoto’s history and culture. It felt calm, beautiful, and perfectly balanced between tradition and nature. I’d highly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience Kyoto in a more relaxed and authentic way.
Kyoto sightseeing was wonderful
V2215GXdanielb,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Taking part in this tour has made my Kyoto sightseeing one of my best memories. It covered all the famous spots in Kyoto, and the history of each place we visited was explained, which was very educational. I was also very happy to receive information that only someone living in Kyoto would know.
I made some great memories with my guide.
I8834FLyusufm,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The highlight of the tour was visiting Nijo Castle. The magnificent building and ancient stories brought history back to life in my mind. Our guide, Tom, was very knowledgeable and shared a lot of information about Kyoto's history.
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Operated by JAPAN TRAVEL STAGE