Private Tour

Kyoto full day private tour with local guide & Nara Option

Overview

Available languages

Japanese

English

8 hours

Mobile ticket

Kyoto is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved traditional Japanese culture. Our tours are designed to help visitors explore and appreciate the beauty of Kyoto while enjoying a fun and memorable experience.

As Kyoto’s famous landmarks are spread out—often requiring extensive walking, navigating hills, and locating hidden spots—a private tour by car offers a more comfortable and efficient way to explore the city.

Led by our knowledgeable guide, Riku, and organized by a dynamic young team, this tour is dedicated to creating unforgettable memories for every guest.

For tours departing from Kyoto, we will visit Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, Gion, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

For tours departing from Osaka, the itinerary includes Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

*Kindly be advised that the customer is responsible for covering the tour guide's entrance fees to the attractions, as well as any meal expenses, including lunch.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

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

Parking Fare Gasoline Fare Expressway fare

English-Speaking Guides

Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Lunch fee when taking a break in each area

Admission to attractions

Kiyomizudera around 10 dollars

Kinkakuji around 10 dollars

What To Expect

Kinkakuji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Kinkakuji is famous for its stunning architecture, with the top two floors covered in gold leaf and beautifully reflected in the surrounding pond. Originally built in the 14th century as a retreat for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the temple was later converted into a temple. The gardens surrounding the temple were also carefully designed in detail to showcase the beauty of the traditional Japanese landscape. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction.

1 hour•Admission Not Included

Arashiyama

Arashiyama is a pleasant, natural tourist destination located in the western suburbs of Kyoto. The area has been a popular tourist destination since the Heian period (794-1185), when aristocrats enjoyed its natural surroundings. Arashiyama is especially popular in the fall for its autumn foliage and in the spring for its cherry blossoms. The Togetsu Bridge is the central trend mark of Arashiyama, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast river. Near the bridge, there is a boat pier, the famous bamboo grove street, many restaurants, and shopping for even the youngest visitors.

2 hours•Admission Included

Options

Kyoto full day private tour

Pickup included

Nara half day private tour

Pickup included

Van tour more than 7 people

Pickup included

Reviews

4.76

42 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Kyoto in 1 day from Osaka Cruise Terminal
Sarah M,
Jun 15, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We were picked up by Riku from Osaka cruise terminal in his very comfortable and spotless car and spent the day visiting Kyoto. Riku is an extremely attentive and caring guide and made sure we were happy every minute of the day. We had a terrific day and saw the 4 places on the itinerary plus had lunch too. You can adapt the itinerary to suit and I can’t recommend Riku more highly if you want to see as much as possible in 1 day.
Riku’s Kyoto
antoine L,
Jun 7, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Riku, our local guide was so kind, polite, considerate and knowledgeable. He made our tour very enjoyable and comfortable. As my wife can’t walk fast Riku didn’t hurry us and always consulted with us how far we wanted to go. He has a very comfortable car, is a very good driver and his English is excellent. The various sights we visited were those we wanted to visit. Due to Riku’s extensive general knowledge, we could interact with him really well. We felt very privileged to have met a Japanese young man who is so patient, respectful and understanding. We thoroughly recommend visitors to Kyoto to book this tour.
We had a great day! Our...
Kelly B,
May 31, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had a great day! Our guide was very kind and knowledgeable and willing to adjust the plans to accommodate our interests.
Superb tour of Kyoto for a group of 8 of us. A+ guide
Michael M,
May 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Riku-san was a very good guide with great English and knowledgeable about the area. He took us to all the places that we were expecting and went beyond, making sure that we had a good time. He knew the area around Kyoto and had a great lunch place for us picked up. Would highly recommend him and would select him again for tours in the Osaka Kyoto area. A+++++.
Kyoto in a day!
Pamela S,
May 27, 2025
- Viator
4.00
Kyoto / Osaka is a large city and this is the only way to see things if you are limited for time. Riku did his utmost to include all our wishes during our day in Kyoto.