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
start
Duration: 10 hours
van
Pickup included
Kyoto Guided Private Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
9 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must take this tour!
Maryann M,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Best tour ever! We only had a few hours to visit Kioto and our wonderfull guide tool us to an express tour to the most iconic spots and took great pictures!
Day trip in Kyoto
CLARE S,,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Ali took us around Kyoto to see several important sights. He chose excellent places and we were very pleased! Worth the price!
Our guide was Hamza who...
Cecilia O,,Nov 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was Hamza who could not have been kinder. He was very communicative and had great recommendations and went out of his way to find us a wonderful vegetarian friendly restaurant. We were traveling with out 4 year old and he was especially sweet to her. We would not have been able to see as much as we did had it not been for him. I highly recommend hiring this service for a local tour.
Great day seeing Kyoto
Clare C,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic day with Nomi! He picked us up at our hotel and took us to many fun locations. He was very flexible when we asked to make stops for breakfast, snacks or to get extra cash. He gave us recommendations for the rest of our stay and overall we had a great day. His photography skills are top notch and he took great family photos for us! Even a few other tourists were asking him to take their photos too. 10/10 would totally recommend!
Family tour
Timea M,,Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Super nice experience- Nami was a professional guide. His English and all the explanations were perfect. Kids also enjoyed his storytelling about the sights. He took us a nice local restaurant, where we ate delicious ramen.
Unforgettable Day in Kyoto!
Ioana B,,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the most incredible day exploring Kyoto with our guide, Hamza. Traveling with two 11-year-olds can sometimes be a challenge, but he made the entire experience fun, engaging, and completely stress-free. From the moment we met, Hamza was warm, organized, and full of energy. We covered so many highlights — from the serene Fushimi Inari Shrine and the golden glow of Kinkaku-ji to the charming Bamboo Forest — yet the day never felt rushed. He shared fascinating stories and historical insights that brought every place to life, and even found quiet spots away from the crowds where we could really take in the beauty of Kyoto. It truly felt like we were exploring the city with a knowledgeable friend who genuinely cared that we had a memorable day. Thank you, Hamza, for giving our family such a special experience. Highly, highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Kyoto!
We had such a nice day...
Gerard C,,Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had such a nice day tour with Ali in Kyoto. Ali is really nice guy; he arrived on time to pick us up and bring us to all the noteworthy places in Kyoto. My family and I really enjoyed our day tour with him. Ali has very nice qualities like his English and Japanese language ability, safe driving and also knowledge about the local sites. We would love to book again. Thank you Ali for your service.
Recommendations
anne a,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Good explanations, confortable car, good advices . He was guiding us with convenient attitude. It has been for us a rich and lovely day. Thanks to Hanzah.
Kyoto culture and temple tour
Mandajonesa,,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic day. Hamza was an excellent tour guide who gave us some fantastic insights into Japanese life and was able to provide us with an insiders view of the magnificent sights and cultural and heritage sights sounds and experiences of beautiful Kyoto and surrounding areas.
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