Private Tour
Kyoto: Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market. Private
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore Kyoto’s rich history with an experienced and licensed guide from the city of Kyoto, I will give you a unique insight into the intrigues of the samurai, feudal lords and the power of the Shogun.
Experience authentic time travel, delving into the reality of Japanese history, free of Hollywood ornaments.
I use an iPad as a visual aid, you will appreciate the historical context better as we discover the events that shaped Kyoto.
At the end of the visit, you will not only learn in depth about the history of Kyoto and Japan, but also have an itinerary of nearby locations to further enrich your travel experience.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Northwest of Kyoto is the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkaku-ji, declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and one of the main tourist destinations in the area. This notable temple was originally built as a villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the 14th century, but was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple after his death. The temple is adorned with authentic gold leaf, which contributes to its stunning beauty and historical importance.
Nijo Castle
Discover the profound historical importance of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, which vividly depicts the epic fights between samurai warriors, feudal lords and powerful military dictators, known as Shogun. You will immerse yourself in the captivating story of the end of the samurai era and the modernization of Japan in this iconic location.
What‘s Included
Offered in English by native speaker
The guide will make a short video of about 90 seconds, as a souvenir, and will hand it out at the end.
The guide will take photos and deliver them via Airdrop
The guide will explain the facts with graphics and notes using an iPad.
The cost of entrance fees to temples and shrines is not included
Transportation costs are borne by the customer
Options
Language option
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Roberto is an expectacular guide.
Y1084PYluisa,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just the experience was wonderful. Roberto has made us a guide, a historian, has been very attentive to us, our needs and very friendly. We have learned a lot with all the explanations he has been giving us. We have been very comfortable with it, and as a plus it has helped us with topics that go beyond the guide, such as trains and buses that we had to catch the next day among other things. Certainly much of the experience we have and will have in Kyoto will be owed to him.
Unforgettable guide and day
M1709SCjuliob,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best tour guide in Kyoto. He explained each visit in all kinds of detail (history, context, anecdotes, curiosities...etc). I had everything planned and it showed, he gave us an unforgettable day and we will repeat without hesitation when we return to Japan, a 10 out of 10
Unbeatable day in Kyoto.
427palomag,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Roberto is an excellent tour guide. It is very punctual, we answered the doubts at all times. He explained the visit accompanied by his Ipad very well, which made it much easier to understand the story. It is a very detailed and friendly tour guide. Best in all of Japan. I'll repeat with him another time we get back. A 10/10‐️
Experience 100% recommended.
JavierA2076,Jan 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had Roberto as a guide for two days in Kyoto and it was the best decision of our trip. In his explanations you can see the passion he feels for his work, they are very clear and also with his recommendations we were able to live experiences out of the ordinary. He was very attentive throughout, helped us in everything and had many details with us. We'll definitely pick him again when we get back.
Two days in Kyoto, Spanish group of 8 adults
Nuriabvg,Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Roberto has been a great guide, in addition to explaining everything phenomenal, he has given us alternatives to the excursion that was scheduled, as it rained a lot. He is a friendly, well documented, friendly and resourceful guide. Highly, highly recommended.
Good Guide, in Spanish
S1733RBguillermop,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were lucky to have Roberto, for a couple of days in Kyoto and the experience could not be better. Not only do you get to know the history and the most authentic corners of the city, but you also care about making the visit close, dynamic and very enriching. We recommended typical and authentic restaurants, away from the most tourist routes, which made us enjoy even more local cuisine. Even, outside of his working hours, he was kind enough to join us and make sure everything went perfectly. Your professionalism, sympathy and dedication make a difference. We definitely recommend it 100% and would repeat with it without thinking. William
Kyoto
339joaquind,Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Extraordinary guide. Explanation very complete and as extensive as required. Very good recommendations, both on suggested visits and in restaurants. Fully recommended
Highly recommended!
716analuciaa,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Roberto gave us a very complete tour of Kyoto, we also went to Nara. Very friendly and very informed, sharing very interesting data, which made the tour very enriching.
Excellent experience
Paradise65953796094,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Roberto is one of the best guides we've ever had. He is very attentive, has great knowledge of history, culture and customs. He gave us very interesting explanations. Besides everything he gave us a video of all the places we met. Our complete thanks.
Stay in Kyoto
Mart21n,Sep 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Taking advantage of our stay in Kyoto, we had the opportunity to take two private tours with Roberto. We couldn't be happier! Lots of spectacular photos to show our friends (even video summary at the end of each excursion), interesting explanations and recommendations of places to enjoy the wonderful cuisine of Kyoto. We have no doubt that if we had to recommend someone to guide us during your visit to Kyoto, that would be Roberto!
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Operated by Kyoto Guide