Private Tour
Kyoto Highlights & Hidden Gems in Nature (Private Van Eng-Guide)
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Explore Kyoto more deeply with a local Japanese guide, comfortably in a Japanese minivan!
•Visit the best temples located far from the main area, including Arashiyama bamboo forest, Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari "Red Gates" Shrine
•Meditate in hidden temples with no other tourists
•Cross the whole city of Kyoto to see everything from the car instantly
•Drive to mountains and countryside of Kyoto well-known for beautiful villages and shrines between mountains, get amazed by sacred giant trees worshiped by locals shintoists
•Local Japanese Guide with expert knowledge of Buddhism and history will enhance your experience and mind, all guided in English
Book this tour now for an unforgettable experience and have a perfect day in Kyoto!
Additional Info
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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Some temples need walks and walking up stairs to visit
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Fuel and Toll Fees
Pick-up and Dropping off at anywhere in Kyoto City
Knowledgeable Guide with Fluent English
Parking Fees
Comfortable Private Van
Total entry-fees (approximately)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a must-see destination in Kyoto. Located in the northern part of the city, it's easily accessible by car, even though the public bus takes about an hour from the main area of Kyoto. The temple's main attraction is the stunning golden pavilion that shimmers in the sunlight and is surrounded by a tranquil pond and meticulously maintained gardens. The pavilion is a prime example of the traditional Japanese Zen style, which emphasizes simplicity and natural beauty despite its gorgeous color. You’ll be guided by a local guide with plenty of knowledge about Zen Buddhism and its influence on Japanese culture. (30 min. Transfer Time - 30 min. Walk Around)
Gio-ji Temple
This temple, located in Arashiyama, is small but a compilation of true Japanese scenery in one place. The serene Japanese garden covered in moss and modest thatched hut surrounded by a bamboo grove and maple trees make tourists want to stay here forever. The guide will give you a story of its origin, the tragic love story of a nan "Gio" in Japanese history.
Options
Private Van (6 max)
Nissan Serena
Pickup included
Convertible Car (1 guest only)
Mini Cooper Convertible: Limited Edition (HighGate)
Pickup included
Reviews
26 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!
asingh0528,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time! Being able to see different parts of Kyoto Daiki was amazing! He showed us so many parts that we would’ve never been able to find without him!
Daiki, excellent guide and tour.
Denise M,
Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The driver tour guide was interesting and knowledgeable. It was a fun day with many sights and as promised hidden gems that we would never have seen on our own. The conversation was interesting and friendly. I highly recommend to get a good feel for Kyoto and the surrounding areas and see the real Kyoto and the sacred and mysterious Kyoto. Excellent tour and highly recommended. I've already booked a second experience with Daiki. English is at native level.
Entertaining and insightful Kyoto tour
Anonymous,
Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a wonderful tour full of interesting sights. Our favourite was definitely the rain temple in the mountains surrounding Kyoto! Daiki was an entertaining guide who provided us lots of information and was very accommodating to our schedule and requests about what to do. Travelling in an air conditioned van was a bonus as well. Would highly recommend booking this tour.
Excellent tour of Kyoto
sheelagh w,
Jun 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Daiki is a very experienced and knowlegable guide. I had a great day with him going around kyoto despite the rain, and he was able to tailor the tour to my specific interests and needs. Its always a concern booking a tour with someone who you have never met but I can wholeheartedly recomend Daiki for being 100% reliable, with good communication and very flexible. So book with confidence.
Private Kyoto tour
shahidb580,
May 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful family private tour of Kyoto with Daiki, our tour guide. Daiki showed us not only the popular not to miss areas, but also many “hidden gems”. Definitely recommend this tour!
Kyoto wonders
Lorelai N,
Feb 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We learned alot about the history of Japan specifically Kyoto and it's landmark structures - our host is very knowledgeable and personable. We experienced the secret places hidden away from most tourist and did not have to deal with the crowds. We booked the private event and it was comfortable, allowing us to travel at our own pace untethered by the usual large tour groups. Well worth it - will rebook for another tour with him upon return to Japan!
Highly Highly recommend! Best tour & tour guide!
susiepQ7623GL,
Jan 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Daiki was an amazing tour guide for our family. He catered the tour to our interests and he had so much knowledge about the history of each place we visited that enhanced our experience greatly. Even the kids were interested!! Daiki has an enthusiasm for everything he shows you and takes you to places most tourists don't go to so it was a great way to avoid lines and see all the main tourist sites in a short trip. Daiki was easily one of the best tour guides we have had and it really was like travelling with a very knowledgeable friend. Highly Highly recommend this tour!!
Wonderful guide! Excellent English!
Anne-Marie T,
Jan 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Daiki is a fabulous guide. He is fun, patient and knowledgeable. We spoke about so many interesting topics during our drive around Kyoto with him- samurai, ninjas, Japanese history, impacts of westernization, why there are no EV cars around, Japanese characters…. It was a fabulous 6 hours and so reasonably priced. We highly recommend! Our teenagers found him really interesting to talk to too- and they were initially not keen to go on tours.
Absolutely brilliant
V540TLluker,
Nov 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guide was lovely. He was informative, upbeat and nice. The tour itself was great. The locations were beautiful and the guide really went out of his way to make it a perfect experience!
An amazing tour of Kyoto with a fantastic guide
irener191,
Nov 18, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such an amazing time on this tour. The guide gave us great commentary throughout. He was engaging, fun and enthusiastic. I can not rate him highly enough. His English was excellent. It's was a lovely tour of Kyoto highlights . He also took us to some nice hidden spots. Being a small tour with only our family of 4, made it extra special.
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Operated by WadaF Tours