Private Tour
Kyoto Private Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
We created this private car tour to help guests enjoy Kyoto’s beautiful attractions in a comfortable and enjoyable way.
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most historic cities, full of culture at every corner.
We would be delighted to guide you through this amazing city and help you experience its history in a relaxed and memorable way.
Thank you for taking the time to view our tour.
We also offer discounted options for larger groups (3–9 people).
If you are planning a group tour, please check the links below:
Viator:
https://www.viator.com/ja-JP/search/100234P70?mcid=64243
Tripadvisor:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g298564-d33983647-Kyoto_Private_Car_Tour_Full_Day_with_Local_Guide_and_Nara_Option-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefe.html
For the Kyoto & Nara Tour, we usually visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove).
Please note that guests are responsible for the guide’s entrance fees and meal expenses
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkakuji Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Kinkakuji is famous for its stunning architecture, with the top two floors covered in gold leaf and beautifully reflected in the surrounding pond. Originally built in the 14th century as a retreat for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the temple was later converted into a temple. The gardens surrounding the temple were also carefully designed in detail to showcase the beauty of the traditional Japanese landscape. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction.
Arashiyama
Arashiyama is a pleasant, natural tourist destination located in the western suburbs of Kyoto. The area has been a popular tourist destination since the Heian period (794-1185), when aristocrats enjoyed its natural surroundings. Arashiyama is especially popular in the fall for its autumn foliage and in the spring for its cherry blossoms. The Togetsu Bridge is the central trend mark of Arashiyama, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast river. Near the bridge, there is a boat pier, the famous bamboo grove street, many restaurants, and shopping for even the youngest visitors.
What‘s Included
Parking Fare Gasoline Fare Expressway fare
English-Speaking Guides
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Lunch fee when taking a break in each area
Admission to attractions
Kiyomizudera around 10 dollars
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Kyoto full day private tour
Pickup included
Van Upgrade(6–9 Guests Only
Pickup included
kyoto & Nara full day tour
Pickup included
Reviews
233 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Full day tour in Kyoto
207valeriec,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Riku was wonderful. He took us to the top sites around Kyoto and saved us a ton of time trying to navigate trains and taxis. He shared facts about each location and took us to a nice local place for lunch.
Outstanding Kyoto & Nara Tour with Riku – Flexible & Fantastic! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yehoshua S,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We booked a full-day private tour of Kyoto and Nara with Riku and couldn’t be happier with the experience. Originally scheduled for a rainy day, we decided (on Riku’s excellent suggestion) to move the tour one day earlier. The weather was beautiful, and it made all the difference. Riku was wonderfully flexible and helped make the change seamless. He was fun, engaging, and unrushed throughout the day. His deep knowledge of the history and culture really stood out — he shared fascinating insights at every stop without ever feeling like he was lecturing. We felt completely at ease and thoroughly enjoyed his company. The itinerary was perfect: we visited many beautiful temples in Kyoto, walked through the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, and spent lovely time in Nara at Tōdai-ji Temple (home of the Great Buddha) with the friendly free-roaming deer in Nara Park. Everything flowed smoothly thanks to Riku’s great pacing and planning. His service was truly exceptional — professional, attentive, and genuinely passionate. We left feeling like we had explored with a knowledgeable local friend. We highly recommend Riku for anyone wanting a memorable, stress-free tour of Kyoto and Nara. Thank you so much, Riku!
Great Day
nancycD6514FM,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun day and great guide Shunsuke. Went at our own pace
Excellent Tour Guide in Kyoto!
Judson R,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Shunsuke was awesome! We saw all the sights we wanted to and more. Had a great day!
Great tour
Amartya C,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour, very informative guide. Riku gave a detailed walkthrough of everything. Definitely recommend.
Great Day in Kyoto!
imhic,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We chose to do a car tour to maximize our time at the sites. Our guide Hosei was wonderful, polite and friendly. His car was clean and comfortable and he was a very safe driver. He showed us around all the listed sites and took us to a great place for lunch. He provided restaurant recommendations for the rest of our trip. We walked a lot that day and I am glad we chose the car tour so we could travel seamlessly between stops and give our feet a break.
Kyoto Tour with Riku
Maria M,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Riku was our guide and we had such a great time with him. He was very knowledgeable and friendly and he was able to take us to all the spots we wanted to visit. We would highly recommend this tour.
Personable, flexible, and insightful
Sabrina F,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Riku was an amazing and super sweet tour guide! He was very knowledgeable about each site that we visited and he recommended local food and matcha shops. He was very timely and flexible with the activities that we wanted to focus on throughout the tour. My husband and I had the best time and would highly recommend to anyone who wants to explore Kyoto.
Excellent tour of Kyoto and Nara
Helen Z,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great day we had today. Shun was so helpful and friendly it made our trip even more enjoyable. Thank you!
Shunsuke Made Kyoto Unforgettable—A Perfectly Curated Private Day
avah2014,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our private full-day tour in Kyoto was one of the absolute highlights of our trip, and it was entirely thanks to our incredible guide, Shunsuke. From start to finish, the day felt thoughtfully curated, seamless, and genuinely special. We explored many of Kyoto’s iconic landmarks, including the breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine with its endless vermilion torii gates, the serene beauty of Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), and the historic charm of Gion, where we caught glimpses of traditional architecture and the spirit of old Kyoto. Each stop was brought to life through Shunsuke’s deep knowledge of history, culture, and local traditions—he didn’t just show us the sites, he made them meaningful. What truly set this experience apart, though, was how personalized it felt. Shunsuke took us beyond the usual tourist path to a couple of hidden gems we never would have discovered on our own. These quieter, less crowded spots gave us a more intimate and authentic connection to Kyoto. And then there was the restaurant—what an unforgettable experience! Based on a specific request from my husband, Shunsuke found a place that absolutely exceeded expectations. It was unique, perfectly suited to what we were hoping for, and easily one of the most memorable meals of our entire trip. He truly knocked it out of the park with that choice. If you’re considering a private tour in Kyoto, don’t hesitate—this was worth every moment. We left the day not only having seen incredible places, but also feeling like we had experienced the heart of Kyoto in a way that few visitors do.
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