Private Tour
Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver
Overview
Mobile ticket
Explore Kyoto in Comfort and Style!
Discover the timeless beauty of Kyoto on our exclusive, private day trip by car. Tailored just for you, we create a personalized itinerary based on your interests, allowing you to enjoy Kyoto’s iconic sights at your own pace. Visit renowned landmarks such as Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the tranquil bamboo forest of Arashiyama all in one day!
The itinerary can be customized based on your requests.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This experience includes an English-speaking driver
Special rides, cruises, and admission tickets aren’t included and can be purchased directly at each location.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Arashiyama
Arashiyama, located in western Kyoto, Japan, is a picturesque district renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is best known for the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where visitors can walk through a mesmerizing pathway lined with towering bamboo stalks. The area is also home to the historic Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning gardens, and the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Arashiyama’s charm is especially captivating during the cherry blossom season in spring and the vibrant autumn foliage, making it a popular destination year-round.
Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, was originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death, the villa was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. The structure reflects a blend of traditional Japanese and Chinese architectural styles. Although the original building was destroyed by arson in 1950, it was rebuilt in 1955, with the top two floors covered in gold leaf, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.
What‘s Included
Pick-up and Drop-off to Hotel
Pick-up options available from Osaka and Nara charging an additional fee.
English-Speaking Driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Private transportation
Food not included
Admission tickets are not included. Travelers can purchase these directly at location.
Pickup points
Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto
7 Seikanji Ryozan Cho, Higashiyama Ward Kyoto Japan
Options
Pick-up and drop-off at Kyoto
Pick-up and drop-off at Kyoto Pickup included
Reviews
145 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Best of Kyoto
alpahol,May 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sha is a superb tour guide together with his driver Sam. He is very knowledgeable with the sites we visited and explained the history of every place we visited.
Best Way to Explore Kyoto
340navir,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked a private tour around Kyoto through TripAdvisor and had a great experience with Malik as our guide. He was very knowledgeable, shared lots of interesting history and cultural insights, and made the tour enjoyable from start to finish. We were able to see many beautiful places while learning more about Kyoto and its history. Highly recommend booking with him if you’re visiting Kyoto!
Nice and informative
Richard S,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day with Shawn. He was easy going and had may places for us to choose from to visit. Spoke great English and had many insights to the places we went as well as shortcuts and insights to make a great day for us all.
Around Kyoto sights
Aaron M,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Shawn showed us the high points of Kyoto and made navigated to these different locations much easier than doing so on our own. Also, got to see the monkey park and great goyza place we never would have found.
Wonderful day in Kyoto with Udara
MoonNessie,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My family and I spent a wonderful day with Udara. He was polite, accommodating, knowledgeable, and very happy to make our experience the best possible. We only had one full day in Kyoto, and he made sure we were able to experience as much as we could. I highly recommend this experience with Udara, especially if you are short on time.
Great tour o Kyoto
PRECIOUS,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the best tour guide to Kyoto. Sam taught us so much about all the sites we visited . He took us to every location we requested. Sam was very courteous and patient with us Thank you Sam for a wonderful trip to Kyoto. And thank you for your superb photography skills ! I wish you could come with us for our next stop in Tokyo! You will be remembered fondly!
A great day
Esther K,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic day with Dhanu. Professional great driver. From the punctual start to the day, getting us to the best stops early before the crowds, and interesting information about where we were, we couldn’t have asked for better. A great unexpected bonus was that he took the best pictures for us! Was nice not to have to stop random passersby for a photo (and then another when those don’t come out good 🙃) Highly recommend!
Great Experience!
Quest263871,Apr 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent service! Dhanu was great! He was polite, attentive and informational. He was great at taking pictures and making sure we were well taken care off.
Malik was an excellent guide. And he knew exactly where to take the best pictures!! Never rushed us and was always very amicabl
Jorge Y,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very professional and friendly guide
Made navigating Kyoto easy
mathews4vt,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was the best. We were in Kyoto for just the day from Tokyo. Guide (Sean) picked us up at train station, we asked for a later pickup, they accommodated. Tour included a driver and guide. Dropped us close to shrines and temples. Sean toured us through them and gave good information. We could have done what we wanted or they have preset itinerary. Nice to have someone choose for you. Drop off at train station and helped us find restaurant for dinner. For the cost this was excellent!
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Operated by Ashan Global Tours