Private Tour
Kyoto & Nara Private customized tour with English speaking Guide
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover Kyoto and Nara on a private family tour. Walk through Arashiyama's Bamboo Grove, enjoy a hands-on origami experience, and feed the deer at Nara Park.
Start your day with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Kyoto, Osaka or Nara by your English-speaking driver-guide. Then head straight to Kyoto's tranquil outskirts for a walk through Arashiyama's Bamboo Grove, where kids can spot monkeys and explore scenic riverside paths.
Continue on to Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its iconic red gates winding up the forested hills - an exciting and walkable adventure. Then enjoy a casual local sweets tasting at a lesser-known Kyoto shop loved by families.
After lunch, journey to Nara, where you can free-roaming deer of Nara Park - always a hit for families.
Throughout the trip, the pace is set around you - whether you need rest breaks, snack stops, or extra time at favorite spots. This tour isn't built for large groups or tight schedules. It's built for you.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options 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
WiFi on board
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch
All Fees and Taxes
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Nara Park
Nara Park is famous for the 1,200 or so wild deer that live freely within the park. Within Nara Park you will find the Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originated from Kinshozan-ji Temple, which was built in 728 (the 5th year of the Jinki era) to mourn the death of Emperor Shomu's crown prince, Imperial Prince Motoi. Although the present reconstruction of 1692 is only two-thirds of the original temple hall's size, Daibutsuden (Big Buddha Hall), Todaiji's main hall, is one of the biggest wooden structures in the world. The 15 meters tall, seated Buddha represents Vairocana and is flanked by two Bodhisattvas, is residing in this temple. Read more about - Full Day Excursion: Kyoto and Nara Highlights from Kyoto/Osaka - https://www.viator.com/tours/Osaka/Day-Trip-by-Bus-to-Kyoto-and-Nara-from-Osaka/d333-20415P6?mcid=56757
Arashiyama
Immerse yourself in the enchanting charm of Arashiyama. Visit to the renowned Bamboo Grove, a magical forest of towering green stalks that create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. Wander through this captivating path, where the light filters through the dense bamboo, creating a unique and tranquil experience. For travelers who choose the lunch option, savor a delicious meal at "Kyoto Wasabi," a historic Kyoto townhouse with a rich legacy of over 120 years. Delight in an exquisite Kyoto traditional meal set featuring Kyoto pork and tofu shabu-shabu, a classic Japanese hot pot dish with thinly sliced pork cooked in a flavorful broth. (50 mins) For travelers who choose the no-meal option, you will have a total of 120 minutes in Arashiyama to explore local dining options and enjoy the picturesque surroundings at your own pace.
Options
Osaka, Nara and kyoto private tour with English speaking Guide
Pickup included
Reviews
72 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good day with Ali
Nancy M,
Sep 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00It’s Such a lovely day trip from Osaka to Kyoto, Nara Our Driver and Guied Ali was so amazing and bring us all the places in Kyoto and Nara , we really enjoy our trip , hope will come back again , Thanks Ali for ur good service 😊
This tour was the highlight of our trip
Eric G,
Sep 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Hamzah was an incredible guide, Nara and this tour is turning out to be the highlight of my wife and I’s time in Japan.
Great experience and tour with Hamza
Lloyd N,
Sep 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00We are a family of 4, visiting in Osaka for a few days and wanted a day trip to Kyoto and Nara. Booked a private van with Viator and we are just so glad we did. Overall our trip was really great and it wouldn’t have been possible if not for our tour guide, Hamza. He speaks 7 languages and is super informative. Our gratitude to him for taking good care of us throughout our trip. We met him at our hotel at 8:30am and headed to Nara. It was such a smooth ride up Kasugawa where we fed the deer without the crowd. We proceeded to Todai-ji temple where we’ve actually been before, but getting there in a private van was just so much more convenient this time. Next stop was Arashiyama. Lots of tourists today but we parked near the entrance and were able to navigate through the crowd easily with Hamza. He even took great pictures of us! We had ample time to go through some of the interesting stores and pick up some gifts to bring back home. Lunch was at a local ramen shop then headed for Nakamura Tokichi in Takashiyama for matcha. We navigated through the heavy traffic so smoothly and made it to Fushimi Inari on time! Our pictures were so nice there also, thanks to Hamza. We are so grateful for this day. Viator community look for Hamza for your private tour needs. Highly recommend!
Great time and fantastic trip
donna c,
Sep 16, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a great trip our guide Ali was on time and very helpful he allowed us enough time to visit all that we wanted and we had a great time
Very disappointed in tour guide
gerald g,
Sep 15, 2025
- Viator
2.00Guide did not give much commentary about the highlights of the tour. He spoke very quietly, which made it very hard to understand. He did not communicate clearly about the expectations for the tour.
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