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‘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)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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.
Options
5 hour walking tour of Kyoto
Duration: 5 hours
Pickup included
3 hour walking tour of Kyoto
Duration: 3 hours
Pickup included
2 hour walking tour of Kyoto
Duration: 2 hours
Pickup included
4 hour walking tour of Kyoto
Duration: 4 hours
Pickup included
Reviews
1,514 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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!
Excellent Tour and Guide!
morganhJ7068FH,
Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
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 is such a happy and friendly guy who loves sharing his hometown with others. He truly made our time in Kyoto feel even more special!
Highly recommend!
Michelle S,
Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was soooo worth the time and money! We saw so many things that we would not have known to do and very easily. We learned so much. Ada was the best!!!!! We enjoyed her company and knowledge.
Amy was great! She is...
Lisa K,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amy was great! She is very friendly, accommodating and very knowledgeable. She spoke excellent English so made our excursion educational & interesting.
Around Kyoto with Kokoro
Kim H,
Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great day with Kokoro. He took us to the Golden Temple, as well as to several much quieter, very impress beautiful temples that we would not have known about. He went above and beyond telling us all about the history of Japan and answering all our questions. He navigated us seemlessly through the bus and subway system and gave us restaurant recommendations and many tips for getting around Kyoto. Generally he made our introduction to Kyoto very smooth and enjoyable. Kokoro speaks several languages and is very knowledgeable about the history of Kyoto and Japan in general. We were very impressed with his knowledge and his hospitality.
Great tour guide! Fantastic food and very informational. I had a blast. Great experience and perfectly planned
Richard H,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Afifa was amazing. Customized our tour for exactly what we wanted and showed us some great sights. She was extremely knowledgeable
Great tour with Amy
Mariagrazia M,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Amy was very knowledgeable, sharing the history of the famous sites we visited. She is very friendly and enthusiastic and helped make our experience a good one.
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