Private Tour
Kyoto Private Customized Day Tour with Guide
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Avoid busy public transport: Travel around Kyoto in a private vehicle
Great way to tick off multiple highlights in a day
• Flexible and personalized tour: Choose from a list of places to visit
• Potential stops include Gion, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Kinkaku-ji Temple
The subway system and local bus network can be very confusing for tourists visiting Kyoto, so save yourself the risk of getting lost and opt for this worry-free private tour instead. Door-to-door hotel transfers are included, and a guide takes you to a selection of key sights, such as Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, or Nishiki Market.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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 To Expect
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Arashiyama (eL) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color seasons. The Togetsukyo Bridge is Arashiyama's well known, central landmark. Many small shops, restaurants and other attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, Arashyama's famous bamboo groves and pleasure boats that are available for rent on the river.
Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkakuji (#l, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later. Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Kyoto Guided Private Tour
Pickup included
start
Duration: 10 hours
van
Pickup included
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kyoto City Tour with Private Car/Guide
David W,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00With an experienced tour guide and driver we were able to see alot in one day. Good balance of practical and historical stories couple with excellent photography skills. Thanks for a wonderful day!
Customizable tour of Kyoto!
Kris G,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hamza was a great driver! We were able to get to a lot of the sites we wanted to see. He was so helpful and had some great suggestions which improved our day!! Loved the bamboo forest and the temple of 1,000 gates!
Booked this tour since we...
Farah M,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Booked this tour since we had a toddler and two people who couldn’t walk long distances and it worked out perfectly. We customized the tour by adding or removing stops from the set itinerary. Hamzah was very knowledgeable of the area and history of the places we visited. Initially, I felt like we were having to speed walk to keep up with him but I reminded him that we need to slow down since my mom had some knee trouble and without question he slowed down and checked in with me often to make sure we were at a good pace for her. Highly recommend doing a tour with Hamzah!
Hamza was great
Pamela R,Feb 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great day with hamza thank you highly recommend him he was good we did everything what we want
Excellent guide - a great introduction to Kyoto
Tom A,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Hamzah is excellent; he shared information about each location: he guided us through large crowds (taking us to a less crowded entry to the bamboo forest) he knew the best spots to take memorable photographs and took great pictures of our family. We covered a lot of ground as he worked with our preferences on sites to visit.
Noor was the best! A safe...
Isabel A,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Noor was the best! A safe driver, tons of knowledge about Japan, and great photographer too! Had a great time
Malik was great and...
Marcel M,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Malik was great and extremely accommodating to our family including our 8-month old. Great tour if short in time. Definitely recommend!
Great day with Hamza! He...
Luke L,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day with Hamza! He was very friendly and took us to all the great attractions in Kyoto. He helped us get into all the places quickly and had a lot of knowledge of the area. Would highly recommend!
Amazing experience
Aneesh R,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hamza was a wonderful guide in Kyoto. He was kind, patient, and very knowledgeable, and he took great care of my family. The tour was smooth, enjoyable, and well organized. We learned a lot and truly enjoyed the experience. Highly recommend Hamza for anyone visiting Kyoto!
Great Tour
Surinder A,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Malik was great, he was knowledgeable and adapted the tour to our needs. The tour was paced well and Malik made everything seem less for us.
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