Private Tour
Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Experience Kyoto like a local with a private, customized walking tour designed just for you. This is more than just a tour—this is an intimate, immersive Kyoto experience crafted around you. Explore iconic spots like Kyoto Tower, Togetsu-kyō Bridge, and Ginkaku-ji Temple, along with hidden gems tailored to your interests.
Your guide will craft an itinerary based on your passions, offering insider tips and uncovering the city's top attractions and cultural secrets. Discover sacred sites like Fushimi Inari Taisha, explore the cultural richness of Gion, or venture into historic neighborhoods off the beaten path. Let your guide reveal Kyoto's true essence and charm.
Within 24 hours of booking, you'll receive a questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, we'll assign a like-minded host who will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary and ensure your experience is flexible and tailored to your preferences.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a private City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections
After booking, you'll receive a short online questionnaire to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your City Unscripted guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.
Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Kyoto
See Kyoto through the eyes of someone who calls it home—uncovering its hidden gems, rich culture, and untold stories with a passionate local by your side. This isn’t just a tour—it's a City Unscripted experience: real people, real connections, designed around you, full of authentic moments and unforgettable discoveries. Before your adventure begins, you will receive a short online questionnaire so we can craft an itinerary that reflects your interests—whether it’s exploring world-famous landmarks, savoring local flavors, or stumbling upon tucked-away treasures only locals know. Here are some highlights and hidden gems to spark your curiosity:
Pontocho District
Pontocho Alley—a stunning hidden gem often hailed as Kyoto's most picturesque street. With its car-free, timeless charm, traditional wooden shops, and intimate restaurants, it offers a glimpse into authentic Kyoto.
What‘s Included
Online questionnaire link sent after booking to tailor your experience and match you to a local host
Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and local recommendations.
Flexible durations and start times - Pick your preferred duration when you book
Get picked up (on foot) at your accommodation if it's central!
Private and personalized walking experience with insider tips from a passionate local
Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)
Gratuities (optional)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
3 hour walking tour of Kyoto
Duration: 3 hours
Pickup included
2 hour walking tour of Kyoto
Duration: 2 hours
Pickup included
5 hour walking tour of Kyoto
Duration: 5 hours
Pickup included
4 hour walking tour of Kyoto
Duration: 4 hours
Pickup included
Reviews
1,518 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Walking the streets was like walking through time
Marie V,,Dec 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Take your time walking through the shrine, the old town and admire the beauty all around you: the trees that have been so carefully grown and shaped, the care put into the gardens, the mountains, the quiet…
Kyoto is better with a guide!
Z8250PFjasonw,,Dec 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Milo was a great tour guide to a lovely city. I was actually here in Kyoto last year and saw many of the same sites but without a guide. I gained so much additional perspective by going again but actually learning about what I was looking at! For example, Milo pointed out several geisha houses I'd have never noticed, and explained the cultural significance of the practice. Despite the rain, Milo picked us up from our hotel and walked us through several historical sites, shrines, and temples. He was very knowledgable about the history of the city and its culture. We'd all recommend.
Kyoto tour
David C,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoy the tour with Kiyoto. It was amazing to know everything about Kyoto city!! Highly recommended. Also he knows a lot of important facts in every location we visit.
Kyoto Tour
N4659YFjosephm,,Dec 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed our tour with Mariko, she introduced us to the history and culture of the Gion district, Kyoto and Japan in a way which was interesting and engaging for the whole family. She provided us with some great local knowledge and recommendations
Jump Right in
Emily L,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was a great way to see some highlights of Kyoto. Our guide was Masaya. He’s a kind, knowledgeable and accommodating guide. We learned a lot and appreciate his time. Thank you.
Great day with Amy
341tals,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We spent a half day in Kyoto with Amy, and she was wonderful. Our group was pretty big, with both kids and adults, and she handled everything smoothly. She explained the history in a way that kept everyone interested and picked a mix of well-known spots and quieter places we never would have found on our own. Amy also recommended a great restaurant for lunch and even helped us with the reservation, which made things so much easier. The whole experience felt relaxed and enjoyable. We would definitely recommend her, especially for families or larger groups.
Charming Kyoto
Linda R,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome experience with Afifa. My daughter and I enjoyed all of the beautiful and historic places. Afifa’s kind and warm personality made the experience especially enjoyable. She’s awesome! Thank you
Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems
Monica0414,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our day with Kiyoto was nothing short of OUTSTANDING. It was clear how much care and thought he put into creating a personalized experience. He guided us through Kyoto in a way that felt intimate and authentic, taking us to places we never would have discovered on our own. What stood out most was his deep connection to the city’s history and his eagerness to share it with us. It felt like we were uncovering Kyoto’s stories together. Before our visit, he reached out with thoughtful questions to understand our interests, and that preparation made the day feel perfectly tailored. He also made sure we captured every moment, helping us take wonderful photos and videos along the way. It was a truly special experience, and we’re so grateful for the time we spent with him. Kiyoto is such a good soul! Highly recommended.
Private tour
Marina A,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a private tour of 6 for our tour. Our guide Kenta was extremely knowledgable about the area and the history. He customized our itinerary based of mf of my wants. He got us to every place we wanted to go! He went above and beyond for us! We would do this again!
Amazing Tour
MorganH,,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing experience with Kiyoto in Kyoto! He picked us up at our hotel and took us all throughout the city. Kiyoto made it feel like we were exploring with a friend, while also learning so much about the culture and history. He knew all the best spots to visit that didn’t have long lines and introduced us to customs and activities we never would have discovered on our own. In addition to touring, he took incredible photos and videos of us throughout the day so we could remember our visit, and he even shared restaurant recommendations and helped set us up for our next stop. Kiyoto truly made our time in Kyoto feel even more special!
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