Private Tour
Kyoto:Private Highlights Tour with English Guide & Hotel Pickup
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Discover the timeless allure of Kyoto on a private day tour tailored just for you. Explore iconic sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at your own pace in a luxurious vehicle. Your experienced English-speaking driver will provide valuable insights and assist in crafting a personalized itinerary that includes famous landmarks and local favorites alike. Enjoy the convenience of all-inclusive logistics, allowing you to focus solely on the beauty and culture of Japan’s ancient capital.
- Private tour lasting 8–10 hours with flexible scheduling
- Visit must-see attractions like Kinkaku-ji and Nishiki Market
- Relax with an English-speaking driver and all logistics handled
- Ideal for families, couples, and small groups with customizable itineraries
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
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
Stroll through the tranquil Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, one of Kyoto’s most enchanting natural wonders. Towering stalks of green bamboo rise high above you, swaying gently in the breeze and filling the air with a peaceful rustle. As sunlight filters through the tall canopies, the path glows in soft shades of green and gold — a moment of calm and beauty unlike anywhere else in the world.
Tenryu-ji Temple Sogenchi Teien
Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as one of Kyoto’s most important Zen temples. Its magnificent Sogenchi Teien Garden, designed in the 14th century, perfectly blends water, rocks, and seasonal foliage to reflect the harmony of nature and spirit. As you gaze across the pond framed by the Arashiyama mountains, you’ll feel a deep sense of calm and timeless beauty that defines Kyoto’s Zen tradition.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Air-conditioned vehicle
Excess baggage
Fuel surcharge
Parking Fees
Meals
Coffee and/or Tea
Tenryu-ji Temple Sogenchi Teien--500yen
Kinkakuji Temple--500yen
Sanjusangendo Temple--600 yen
Monkey Park Iwatayama--800 yen
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Starting time slots
Pickup included
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing!
Voyage784499,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yash was our guide and we had a wonderful experience around Kyoto. He was very kind, professional, and knowledgeable about the area. Navigating Kyoto can be overwhelming, but he made everything so easy and smooth for us.
Fantastic private tour with comfortable vehicle!
318ericac,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We highly recommend this tour! Yash was our tour guide & he’s nice, knowledgeable, great driver & took us to all the beautiful historic sites! And he’s a great photographer! The vehicle was a comfortable Toyota Vellfire van. We really enjoyed seeing the beautiful temples & learning about this history.
Fantastic Kyoto tour at your own pace
madijduncan,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yash was an incredible guide for our tour of Kyoto. He was very knowledgeable, kind, and accommodating! We were able to take our time at each location (my family likes to enjoy things at a more leisurely pace) and still did the whole itinerary in a day. And all in the comfort of having our own private car! Yash went above and beyond for us—even took our pictures for us and gave us a lovely souvenir—and I highly recommend him to anyone who wants to see the great sights of Kyoto at their own pace.
Wonderful Kyoto sightseeing day with Yash
Kathryn C,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yash was kind, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful as we learned all about Kyoto! Highly recommend
Yash the assigned guide...
candy m,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Yash the assigned guide communicates very good in English. He's well versed, patient and personable. Organize and well timed itinerary. Succesfully completed visits to 5 tourist spots without stress or being rushed.
Great service! Highly recommend!
Julie F,Feb 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked this very last minute and they were able to accommodate us which we are truly appreciative. We were considering the hop on hop off bus, but are glad we booked this instead as we got to see so much more. A few hidden gems as well! Our guide was very good and even took some great photos of us. Loved every minute. Thank you!
Excellent Compact Kyoto Tour
candym544,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Yash is a great tour guide, communicates well in English, very attentive, respectful, patient and drives very good and safe. Brought us to all the must see places, allowing ample time in each location without being rushed. Highly recommended.
Our guide was the hero of the day.
waldoq2018,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took a tour with my wife, our adult daughter, and myself. The day before, there had been heavy snowfall in Kyoto, but it was our last opportunity to visit the city’s main attractions. Our guide, Yash, truly saved the day. He made sure we had a vehicle properly equipped to drive safely on snowy roads, carefully managed the temperature inside the car, and adapted the itinerary to our physical condition and limited tolerance for walking in such cold weather. He also took photos of us, recommended the best places to visit, and explained in detail the history and cultural background behind each temple, forest, river, and landmark. Choosing a private tour with Yash was an excellent decision and truly saved our visit to Kyoto, which was close to being ruined by the weather.
Great visit to Kyoto
Destination606687,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day exploring Kyoto. Pickup was prompt. Tour guide shared insightful info at each stop, was very knowledgeable & spoke great English. A private tour in the way to go so you can avoid crowds.
Great Experience
elliottn570,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My friends and I had a fantastic time. The tour guide was prompt, polite, and very knowledgeable. He guided us through Kyoto with ease and took us to many memorable sights. I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a nice, guided experience.
Operated by Sakura Customized Luxury Tours