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
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
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.
Options
Kyoto City (Normal Guide)
Pickup included
Amanohashidate(Licensed Guide)
Guide (has Pro Driver License) Pickup included
Amanohashidate (Normal Guide)
Pickup included
Kyoto City (Licensed Guide)
Guide (has Pro Driver License) Pickup included
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Complimentary assistance with Shinkansen and restaurant reservations
Booster seat
Mercedes - Benz V-Class (High-cost option for VIP)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Wi-Fi on Board
Experienced Local English and Japanese Speaking Guide
Amanohashidate tour or Kyoto city customizable tour for 8 hours
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
You need to pay for parking during meals if there is a fee
Any Entrance fees are not included
Gas, parking, Highway fees in Japanese yen cash on the tour day
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent tour
Cruiser373193,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yama was extremely friendly and accommodating. He spoke perfect English. He was an excellent tour guide. He took us to the places we asked to see, but he also had some recommendations for other, less well known places that were pretty amazing.
Enhanced visit to Kyoto!
Janet B,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Yama was an excellent tour guide. He was intelligent, knowledgeable, flexible, and personable. He also is an excellent driver! My visit to Kyoto was definitely enhanced by touring with Yama. I highly recommend him.
Enhanced experience of Kyoto
janetbP3051HN,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yama was an excellent guide. He was intelligent, knowledgeable, flexible, and personable. He also is an excellent driver! My trip to Kyoto has definitely been enhanced by using Yama as a guide, and I highly recommend him.
An unforgettable experience!
PriscilaB29,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour was exceptional! We could visit all the places in Nara and Kyoto we wanted, all in one day! We had a great time together as a family! And Yama is the best driver and guide ever, very nice, kind and helpful. We felt like having fun with an old friend. Fitting the highlights of Nara and Kyoto into a single day is no small feat, and having a dedicated, friendly guide like Yama makes all the difference in making a trip truly unforgettable. We’re planning to go back to Japan as soon as possible, and another trip with Yama is definitely in our plans! We really recommend it!
Wow!
Laura A,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful day! Excellent tour and private guide! Great Yama 🥰
Yama for ever
margheritaimbriani,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a 2- days tour with Yama. We are all full excited about Yama!! The Japanese Alps are amazing as well as Takayama. Our driver/guide Yama was amazing too!
Highly recommend!
LuBerni,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide, Yama, picked us up in Hakone and accompanied us on a two day tour through the Japanese Alps, all the way to Kyoto as our final destination. The places we visited were breathtaking (narai juku, shirawago and takayama), but what truly made the experience special was Yama, our guide, impeccable, kind, and always attentive, making us feel completely relaxed and truly on vacation.
A fun day out
LeeMihaljek,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We engaged Yamato to take us around Kyoto and Nara after our friends recommended him and had so much fun. He has great English and was very accomodating and helpful. Our 10 and 9 year old children absolutely loved him and we highly recommend him. We also engaged Yamato to take us around Osaka which was another fun day. We will definitely be using him again next time we come to Japan!!
Kyoto Tour
ClynnRg,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It has been a great experience touring around Kyoto. We were given a decent amount of time to take pictures and explore. Yama, our tour guide and driver, is very friendly. Yama, our tour guide and driver, is very friendly and professional. He made sure everyone was comfortable throughout the trip and shared helpful information about the places we visited. He is well-versed in speaking English and Nihongo, which made communication smooth and easy.
Great experience in 8 hours
Malik M,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Yama was our guide awesome person very accommodating and good for this business, the vehicle was very comfortable loved it
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Operated by Japan Luxury Tours