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.
Options
Pick-up and drop-off at Kyoto
Pick-up and drop-off at Kyoto
Pickup included
Reviews
81 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great way to see Kyoto in one day
Paul F,,Jan 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Malik did a fantastic job in taking us all around Kyoto to must-see sights, explaining the background for various sites, and providing a personalized tour - walking alongside us every step of the way. It would have been impossible to do what we did without his guidance in the time we had. Thank you!
Private tour of Kyoto
Bay N,,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an absolutely exceptional private tour of Kyoto — truly a five-star, luxury experience and one of the highlights of our entire Japan trip. Our guide, Sam, was incredibly personable, warm, and knowledgeable, and went out of his way to make sure every part of the day was perfect for us. We visited Fushimi Inari, the bamboo forest, Arashiyama, and the stunning Kinkakuji Temple — which was made even more magical by the fact that it was snowing when we were there. I was unforgettable and felt like something out of a postcard. Everything was seamless, relaxed, and beautifully paced. Sam tailored the day to our interests, shared fascinating stories and history, and made sure we were comfortable and enjoying every moment. This tour felt truly special and exclusive, and we couldn’t have asked for a better guide or experience. Highly, highly recommended this tour
Great way to spend 1 day
runigoyal,,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We only had a few days in Kyoto, so hiring a private vehicle and driver to see the major sites WE wanted to see to optimize our time was a great decision. Shawn was a very safe driver. He also offered opinions and advice that made our day better. Would recommend. Thank you!
Kyoto custom full day tour was FANTASTIC!
sem0039,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you for a wonderful detailed around Kyoto. Lovely person and our whole family had a great day learning about history as well as viewing beautiful places. Highly recommended. Thank you so much.
Super fun experience with a well informed and kind driver!
Dina M,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Shan was very knowledgeable and kind, he brought us to some beautiful sites and told us of the history, as well as taking some amazing pictures of our family! He was very patient as we shopped around and brought us to the best and quietest shops. He was wonderful!
Great tour guides!
C7985SNalexb,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Two very nice guides who were very helpful and knowledgeable! Highly recommend! They provided a great highlights tour of Kyoto!
Terrible Tour and Awful Customer Service from Viator
Sara F,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00This tour was awful from start to finish. The guide picked us up in a car that was very uncomfortable for 4 people and it smelled terrible. He hardly spoke any English, didn’t know any Japanese and has only lived in Japan for a year. He spoke about 20 words total to us the entire day, including telling us that he thinks ‘Japanese people are boring’. All of our other tours in Japan have been fantastic so this was extremely disappointing to say the least. We requested a refund through the travel company as well as Viator and were very unhappy with their response. Really bad customer service on Viator’s part as well—will think twice before using this company again.
Not a "tour" - driver for the day
Hilal K,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00This isn't a tour at all, the driver came with us to only one place, didn't join anything else, we paid for our own entrance tickets everywhere and toured as we would, alone. Definitely misleading, I could have taken an uber everywhere for a fraction of the price and it would be a much better car.
Kyoto Tour
ib127,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Shan was a perfect tour guide for our day in Kyoto. Picked us up on time, calmly drove through the crowds of Gion. Knowledgeable of the areas and history. We travelled with elderly parents and he suggested a place for them to rest then guided us in the the right direction, before going back to pick them up. If we are ever back in Kyoto we would use him again.
Saw many beautiful...
Judith P,,Dec 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Saw many beautiful historic sites of Kyoto without having to stress about navigating. Provided a helpful introduction to the city
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Operated by Ashan Global Tours