Private Tour
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Kyoto is a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and well preserved traditional Japanese culture. Your 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 your 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.
For the Kyoto & Nara Tour, we typically visit
Fushimi Inari Taisha, Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, and Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove).
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
Parking Fare Gasoline Fare Expressway fare
English-Speaking Guides
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Lunch
Kinkakuji Admission to attractions, it will be paid directly on site.
Tenryuji around 10 dollars, it will be paid directly on site.
Select a pickup point
Pickup included
Pickup included
Pickup included
Pickup included
32 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kristin K,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
We had a wonderful day exploring Kyoto with Hosei. We had made other commitments after the tour, and Hosei was happy to accommodate our request to end early and in a very different part of the city. We learned so much from our tour and experienced so many peaceful moments. Hosei was knowledgeable and shared so much information with us. He also answered our questions about Japanese culture. The car was comfortable. The tour was fascinating. Everything was perfect!
IvanM572,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had an absolutely wonderful experience with our guide, Riku, who took us on a day trip from Osaka to Kyoto. From the very beginning, everything was perfectly organized, allowing us to relax and fully enjoy the journey. Riku’s planning was thoughtful and efficient, making sure we saw the highlights without ever feeling rushed. What truly made the day special was Riku himself—his warm personality, great sense of humor, and ability to connect with everyone in our group, especially our teenagers. He kept them engaged and interested throughout, which is no small feat! His knowledge of the area, combined with excellent recommendations for spots, food, and timing, made the entire experience feel seamless and personalized. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Riku turned a simple day trip into a memorable and enjoyable adventure for the whole family. Highly recommended!



L9890DFandyr,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Deer feed in Nara, then an extended walk through the Arashiyama bamboo grove in Osaka and finally as a highlight the ascent through the 1000 gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Riku has accompanied us excellently and explained everything very friendly and professional. Anytime again! Absolutely recommend!
M786SPah,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We made this trip as a family of six and it was great! Our guide was patient and kind. We taught us a lot about the many places we have been together and showed us great local food. We enjoyed this trip and would recommend it at any time!!
Karen K,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
We booked this tour as a group of 4 friends travelling on a cruise ship. The private tour was organised around our cruise schedule where we disembarked after 4pm, so our tour was planned around tourist destinations that were lit up at night. It was really beautiful and great to see the sights with no crowds! Walking through the Tori gates at night was spooky and added to the atmosphere - we even found an unexplained ‘ghost’ pic on our phone the next day. We also went to a fabulous sushi restaurant for dinner which added to the experience. Tatsuya was a great guide and spoke perfect English. He was a lot of fun and we really enjoyed his company.
Jeremy C,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We booked this tour as a group of four cruising around Japan. The cruise ship docked late afternoon and this tour perfectly suited our needs with pick up and drop off to cruise port, and a private tour in the evening. Our guide Tatsuya was fantastic and a lot of fun. We loved seeing all the tourist spots lit up at night, no crowds, and the sushi restaurant we went to for dinner was amazing. If you like doing your own thing and being able to customise your trip, and dodge the big daytime tourist crowds, this is the tour for you!






emilycullen,Mar 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had an amazing experience exploring Kyoto thanks to Shunsuke. He was very friendly, easy to talk to, and made the entire trip feel fun and relaxed. Our conversations ranged from Japanese culture and history to international business, cars, football and he brought each topic to life with insight, enthusiasm and good jokes! On top of that, his recommendations for local Japanese food were fantastic - especially the sashimi. We tried some of had the freshest, most unforgettable sashimi platter at a local restaurant that was not known to many foreigners. If you’re looking for a guide who’s knowledgeable, personable, and a very good driver then we would highly recommend Shunsuke. Out visit to Kyoto was truly unforgettable and we were very lucky to see lots of cherry blossom trees so early in the season 🌸🏯🍱🍻👏



MariaTheresa S,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
It was a great tour with a lot of fun and learnings about the Japanese history. Riku, our guide did a fantastic job. We had an amazing day.
Y8942ETmarias,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Riku was an amazing tour guide! He was very knowledgeable and kind. We saw so much of Kyoto in one day and were so happy we booked this private tour.
F4643HTannm,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Riku was outstanding! I highly recommend him. Great tour, went to all the places we wanted to see and took us to a great ramen place. Book you tour thru them. You will love it!
Operated by Riku