Private Tour
Kyoto Private Car Tour with English Guide Driver (Amanohashidate)
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
With an experienced local guide fluent in both English and Japanese (with previous experience guiding Hollywood actors, Lance Gross!)
All of our members were born and raised in Japan, so we have an in-depth understanding of the country. This allows us to share the hidden charms of Japan that only locals know. In addition, we offer free Japanese language support in case of emergencies.
In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in accidents and incidents involving unlicensed or inexperienced drivers who are not from Japan at other companies. Our strength lies in providing the highest level of safety and reliability through our Japanese drivers and Japanese guides.
In addition to hands-on activities such as ninja training and chopstick-making, our strong local connections grant access to exclusive experiences — including invitations-only Ochaya and private geisha or maiko performances.
(We are a Guide Service Company)
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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 To Expect
Amanohashidate
Amanohashidate, often ranked among Japan’s three most scenic views, is a natural sandbar stretching about 3.6 km across Miyazu Bay, lined with nearly 5,000 pine trees. The name means “bridge to heaven,” and from the surrounding hills, the sandbar looks like a path connecting the sky and earth. Visitors can walk, cycle, or even take a boat ride to enjoy its beauty, and the unique custom of viewing it “upside down” through your legs offers a fun and memorable perspective.
Ine no Funaya
Ine Bay and Funaya Houses are picturesque fishing village famous for its unique funaya, or boathouses. These traditional wooden houses are built directly on the water, with the first floor serving as a garage for boats and fishing equipment, and the second floor used as living quarters. The sight of over 200 funaya lined up along the bay creates a landscape unlike anywhere else in Japan. Visitors can explore the town on foot, enjoy fresh seafood, or take a boat tour for a closer look at these charming waterfront homes and the tranquil bay.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Wi-Fi on Board
Fully customizable tours based on your preferences
Complimentary support for Shinkansen and restaurant reservations
Kansai Airport Transfer (Extra fee option)
Mercedes - Benz V-Class (High-cost option for VIP)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Private Vehicle with a Professional Licensed Driver (Green Number)
Experienced Local English and Japanese Speaking Guide
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Meals
Any Entrance fees are not included
Gas, Parking, Highway fees in Japanese yen cash on the tour day
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
English Driver
without guide
Pickup included
Local English Guide
Pickup included
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Not for those who want their reservation changed without permission
sandycL8061KS,,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I booked this tour for my family and received a confirmation. Then, they reached out via WhatsApp asking if I could change the date of my trip. I said it wasn't possible, since we were only planning to be in Kyoto for a few days. They then explained that another family needed A SECOND English speaker tour guide, so they would not have one for my family. Not sure how it makes sense that another family would have two guides even though they started with ONE booking, then MY booking was the one they were trying to change so that we had ZERO guides. They offered me just the driver. I said no thanks and that was not acceptable to me. To which they said no worries, they would work it out with the other family. I thought that was it, but then I get another message saying that it didn't work out and they can offer me a discount for the driver only but no tour guide. I promptly cancelled the tour bc this is the worst type of planning and communication that I've ever seen from a tour company. Facts: I booked a tour with an english speaking tour guide/driver. They tried to give my guide to another family who needed A SECOND guide. Something is not adding up here. Shame on you. You should honor the reservation that came through first and that you confirmed with me and not change it to make someone else happy.
We really wanted to visit...
JD K,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really wanted to visit Amanohashidate and Ine Bay, but since it was our first time traveling to Japan, we felt nervous about using the trains. When we looked it up, we realized it would take about 3–4 hours one way by public transportation. For tourists, it can be quite difficult to transfer between multiple local trains to reach Amanohashidate and Ine Bay, so I strongly recommend using a private car tour instead. Overall, it was a fantastic experience. Thank you again!
A comfortable tour
Fearless11341850808,,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00When we booked the Kyoto & Nara tour, we mentioned that we also wanted to visit Shirakawa-go, and they kindly agreed to accommodate our request. Thanks to their flexibility, we were able to go exactly where we wanted. After that, we also booked the Amanohashidate tour, and in total we did three tours with this company. If you’re visiting the Kansai area, I highly recommend doing the Kyoto & Nara tour and the Kyoto (Amanohashidate) tour over two days. By doing this, you can cover all the must-see spots in Kyoto and Nara in just two days. Since I split the cost among my family of four, the price per person was very reasonable. For a comfortable experience with a private car and guide, this is the only company I would recommend.
An Efficient and Unforgettable Family Experience
Joshua D,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I highly recommend booking this company's Kyoto-Amanohashidate tour, especially for families and friends. Visiting these areas independently would require a huge amount of time, effort, and money due to limited transportation options. Thanks to this tour, we were able to visit all the must-see spots comfortably in a well-organized schedule. The guide was extremely helpful, especially since many places only provide Japanese-language service. Feeding the seagulls during the boat ride was a big hit with our family and something we will never forget. This tour made our trip smooth, efficient, and truly enjoyable. A perfect choice for families visiting Japan.
Perfect Family Trip to Amanohashidate and Ine Bay
JotchD1,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Traveling to Amanohashidate and Ine Bay by public transportation is quite challenging, especially for families, and taxis are very limited. This tour made everything easy and comfortable by traveling by car, which was absolutely the best choice. Many boat rides and local restaurants only offered Japanese service, but our guide supported us throughout the day and helped with communication, so we never felt lost or stressed. That support was incredibly helpful for our family. Feeding the seagulls during the boat ride was so much fun, especially for the kids — it became one of the highlights of our trip. This tour allowed us to enjoy places that would have been very difficult to visit on our own. A truly memorable family experience. Highly recommended!
Kyoto private car and tour with Yama and his team
Grace N,,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an outstanding experience with our private car tour with Yama in Kyoto using a green-plated vehicle. The trip to Nara and Uji was smooth, comfortable, and perfectly paced for our group. Our tour-guide was professional, punctual, and very knowledgeable, sharing interesting insights about Kyoto, Nara Park, and the cultural highlights of Uji along the way. Having a licensed green-plated car made us feel safe and well taken care of, especially when traveling as a family of 9. The flexibility of the itinerary allowed us to enjoy the deer in Nara, stroll around Uji Bridge, and explore at our own pace without any stress. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable, and high-quality private tour experience in Kyoto. We would definitely book again with Yama and his team.
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Operated by Japan Luxury Tours