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
112 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Day!
Erin C,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great day with Dhanu. Traveling with my family it was a perfect way to see the highlights of Kyoto. He was able to provide additional insight into the historical context of the sites, and we definitely appreciated his knowledge of the best places to stop. Highly recommend!
Great overview and...
in y,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great overview and highlights of Kyoto. Our guide Malik was great. Allowed some flexibility in the itinerary to suit our needs and work around the rain.
Good tour but unprofessional tour organizer.
Gail G,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The experience itself was very good because our Driver Dhanu was great. The organizing Tour group on the other hand never confirmed or answered my calls. It was a very frustrating not knowing if I had been scammed $500. The Viator help line was also disappointing because the agent basically told me I needed to keep calling the Tour company and wait until the morning. I was finally provided confirmation that our tour was happening about an hour prior to the start time. We were relieved to have a driver show up and after enquiring- he had been hired the night before. Very unprofessional tour company. I feel we got lucky and had Dhanu as our driver and our group of 4 really enjoyed the experience of Kyoto. I recommend the tour but not the Tour Organizer.
Great Tour with Malik
mytchj2023,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Malik was fantastic. Arrived on time and showed us all the major sights but also allowed us to vary the itinerary. He provided just the right amount of information and history and kept us very interested without going overboard. He always found the nearest parking spots to each tourist site. I could not recommend his higher and equally could not recommend the tour we did.
Cancelled on us last minute!
391KevinW391,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00After multiple confirmations from the tour provider (including the morning before the tour), and charging my card, the tour operator suddenly sent a cancellation notice the night before. No explanation, no attempt at rebooking for the following day. Just a cancellation. This is unacceptable and a lack of professionalism in every degree. My family had a set plan in Japan, and the multiple confirmations instilled a false sense of security in our plans. The money was refunded, but the poor experience remains. I would not recommend anyone to use this tour company for any tour. Cancellations and emergencies happen, but provide a little more notice and/or an explanation.
Wonderful your guide
I9043WUlesliep,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Dhanu was fantastic! He took us to all the key places around Kyoto. He shared a lot of information and was extremely patient and kind to us.
Great experience with a fantastic Guide! Highly recommend.
AJ G,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very comprehensive itinerary hits all the must-see attractions and some lesser-known spots without feeling rushed. Danesh was a fantastic guide very accommodating knowledgeable, great photographer and a very pleasant personality.
Good day tour of Kyoto
Balberts99,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a good tour today of Kyoto. Malik was a good & friendly tour guide and I would recommend him. Thanks!
Saud the best driver
Virginia L,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Saud was an excellent driver. I gave him our list of what we wanted to do and he organized it so we could cover lots of ground. Saud was very kind and he knew his history. He also let us know about everyday living here in Japan.
Sha was excellent. Highly recommended.
meggiebert,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sha was an excellent driver and guide. He took us to all the sights on our wish list. He was very knowledgeable and explained each sight with passion. Also dropped us at a great lunch spot. I would highly recommend Sha to any tourist.
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Operated by Ashan Global Tours