Private Tour
Kyoto Private Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Kyoto is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved traditional Japanese culture. Our tours are designed to help visitors explore and appreciate the beauty of Kyoto while enjoying a fun and memorable experience.
As Kyoto’s famous landmarks are spread out—often requiring extensive walking, navigating hills, and locating hidden spots—a private tour by car offers a more comfortable and efficient way to explore the city.
Led by our knowledgeable guide, Riku, and organized by a dynamic young team, this tour is dedicated to creating unforgettable memories for every guest.
For tours departing from Kyoto, we will visit Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, Gion, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
For tours departing from Osaka, the itinerary includes Kinkakuji Temple, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
*Kindly be advised that the customer is responsible for covering the tour guide's entrance fees to the attractions, as well as any meal expenses, including lunch.
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‘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
Kinkakuji around 10 dollars
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Meeting points
Select a meeting point
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
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.
Options
kyoto & Nara full day tour
Pickup included
Kyoto full day private tour
Pickup included
Nara full day private tour
Pickup included
Reviews
64 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful day trip!
Camryn C,
Aug 9, 2025
- Viator
5.00Shunsuke was truly amazing! He picked me up from my hotel, had water in the car, and made the day easy and comfortable with his local knowledge. I would highly recommend booking this tour. Traveling by car made everything so much easier on a very hot day.
Perfect first day in Kyoto activity
gregoryshamo,
Aug 8, 2025
- Viator
5.00Roku is an amazing guide. He adapts the trip to your preferences and gives lots of information that makes all of the sites interesting and relevant. Kyoto has a wealth of things to see and this trip is a great first day to give you a sense of what places you’d like to visit on the rest of your days here.
Great full day tour in Kyoto!
Anne R,
Aug 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00He was fantastic! Great knowledge of the area and wonderful with my kids! He spoke great English too!
Wonderful tour!
Samantha W,
Aug 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00Riku did a wonderful job leading our tour! He was very knowledgeable, efficient but not rushing us, and always checked in to see how we were doing. It was a 95 degree day in Kyoto and he consistently offered us stops for water or rests if needed. Took us to a delicious lunch spot. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone arriving in Kyoto, it was an enjoyable and effective way to see some of the key sights in the area!
Perfect Kyoto tour
RozanAgbariah,
Jul 13, 2025
- Viator
5.00Our tour in Kyoto was absolutely amazing, and that’s all thanks to our incredible guide, Shunsuke. From start to finish, he was warm, professional, and full of knowledge. His deep love for Kyoto truly shone through in every explanation, story, and recommendation. Shunsuke made the history and culture of each site come alive in such a personal and engaging way. He was incredibly attentive, always checking in with the group and making sure everyone was comfortable and enjoying the experience. What I appreciated most was his kindness, sense of humor, and the thoughtful little details he added throughout the day. He didn’t just show us Kyoto — he helped us feel connected to it. If you’re visiting Kyoto, I can’t recommend Shunsuke enough. He turned a great tour into an unforgettable memory!
Related Experiences
Operated by Riku