Kyoto Private Customized Day Tour with Guide
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Kyoto, Japan
- 8 to 10 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
What's Included
- Air-conditioned vehiclePrivate transportation
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Your guide will contact you one day before the tour by WhatsApp or direct message & call. Then you can decide any pick up place for pick up.
Itinerary
1
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
2 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Kinkakuji Temple
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Nijo Castle
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
Nishiki Market Shopping District
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
5
Gion
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
6
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
7
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 42 reviews
Thierry_T, May 2026
We signed up for this private tour thinking we would have a tour of Kyoto with a professional tour guide. The price quoted wasn't exactly cheap, but it seemed reasonable for a private guided city tour. Instead, we got basically a chauffeur, albeit a pleasant one. He knew some things about Kyoto, as any resident of the city should, but he was definitely not a tour guide. This was a frustrating experience because we didn't have much time in Kyoto. Also, the 5-star ratings for this tour guide are misleading, raising doubts about the reliability of these "tour guides" on Viator and the rating system. We have had much better success with professional tour companies, like Culinary Backstreets, where the guides are certified professionals. Worth paying the extra fee they charge.
Iyabo_I, May 2026
Khan was a great host! He was patient and was always with us . I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a guide!
Response from Host, May 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations
Cecivon_G, May 2026
Hassan was punctual to pick us up and drove us promptly to the most important spots in Kyoto, his van was comfortable and clean
Response from Host, May 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations
Gabrielle_N, May 2026
Nomi came and got us very early as we wanted to get to the Bamboo forest before the crowds. Having that flexibility was great.
We visited a ton of sites, a couple not even in the list because Nomi adapted to our interests. He let is explore a lot of places on our own rather than our being a fully guided experience. While that wasn’t exactly what we expected it worked. When he was with us he was helpful, knowledgeable and very nice. He helped is take great pictures, too.
There is so much to see in Kyoto and we only had one day. Nomi helped is get to all the places we wanted to see.
Response from Host, May 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations
Gabino_C, Apr 2026
Khan is the man with the plan! We had a wonderful outing from Kyoto. Khan was polite and so accommodating to all of our wishes. He walked us to the sites, gave us some tourist information and was always sure to pick us up right where he said he would be. He suggested stops we may not have considered but was quick to assure us that they were only suggestions. They were great suggestions though! He's an excellent driver and knows the area well. Highly recommend khan !
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Myoung_R, Apr 2026
Malik picked us up at our hotel and drove us comfortably to all of the sights of Kyoto on this tour. He was a very nice young man and was pleasant to spend the day with. He also shared basic facts of each of the sights as we went along.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Natalie_J, Apr 2026
Fantastic fully packed day visiting all the major sites in Kyoto! Roy was very knowledgeable, a fantastic tour guide
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Karen_M, Apr 2026
Very long day but totally worth it. It covers so many of the most beautiful places to visit in Kyoto.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Stephen_C, Apr 2026
I had a great tour with Ali today. He promptly picked me up outside the cruise port in Osaka and we drove to Kyoto. His driving was excellent and he skillfully navigated all the highways, streets and alleys in and around Kyoto. We visited the bamboo forest, Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle and Nishiki Market. Ali gave me a lot of information about what I was seeing. He’s super nice and very professional.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Hailey_G, Apr 2026
We had Airi as a driver. He was nice and professional but there were, unfortunately, multiple problems. From the start, we had booked an 8AM tour time but he did not arrive until 9. We decided to just go with it because one of the tour stops was the Gion district where we were staying so we used the first hour to explore on our own. The second issue was the language barrier. Again, Airi was a very nice man but his grasp on English was tenuous and it made communication difficult. He also spoke very quietly, making it hard to hear him in the back of the van.
As for the tour itself. Based on the listing, we expected a driver-guide, but really all we had was a private driver. He did not accompany us into any of the sites. Compared to some of our other tours in Japan where the driver also came with us into sites and added some tips, context, etc. this was disappointing. If we had known we would only have a driver, we would have booked a different tour going in. We also did not make it to all of the sites listed, even after taking Gion off the list. Because the tour started an hour late, we never made it to Nijo castle or the Kiyomizu-dera temple, which was a significant disappointment. And this was with us spending the allotted amount of time in each place, we did not linger.
Overall, while Airi was nice and professional, we would not recommend this experience for anyone interested in a guided tour of Kyoto.
Teresa_D, Apr 2026
Hamzah was an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable, professional and made our experience in Kyoto an exceptional day! He helped us navigate crowds during peak season while teaching us many things about the area. And we had fun together.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Suman_R, Apr 2026
The driver we had for the day was very nice, professional, and the transportation itself was smooth.
We booked this experience expecting a private guided tour based on the listing. However, during our trip, the guide did not accompany us inside most attractions and provided only minimal explanation. As a result, the experience felt closer to having a private driver rather than a guided tour.
If you are comfortable exploring sites on your own, this could still work well. But if you are expecting a guide to walk you through locations and provide detailed context, that was not our experience.
We also did not visit the castle that was listed as one of the stops during our tour.
Svetlana_P, Apr 2026
We had a great tour with Zain. Lots of sight seeing. He took great pictures of us. Highly recommend.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Noreen_K, Apr 2026
We had the most amazing day with Nomi. He was so accommodating and knowledgeable. He took the most beautiful photos they looked better than our professional photos! He knew the best photo spots! We also learned so much about the culture and history!
He was multilingual which was very helpful!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Paul_G, Apr 2026
Family of five. Hamza was amazing! He was early to the pick up spot. Clear communication on when he was going to be there. He took us to all of the hot spots to see in one day. He would guide us around was very informative. In certain areas we would walk and explore by ourselves. When we were ready we would send him a pin and he would pick us up with in 2 mins. Never felt rushed or that we were bothering him Vehicle was very clean. Couldn't have asked for a better day.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Jennifer_A, Apr 2026
Great tour! You can see many of the sites in Kyoto in just one day. Our guide Zain was very accommodating and took great care of us.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Kathryn_B, Apr 2026
We were fortunate to have EMI as our guide. He was patient, kind and knowledgeable. We were able to see a lot and he gave us time at each site to go at our own pace. We enjoyed our time with him and would book EMI again!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Tammy_C, Apr 2026
It got off to a rocky start when our tour operator did not show up at the time expected. I would definitely figure out a way to communicate with them the day before to confirm time and meeting place as well as to outline your plan for the day. That said, Zain took out to many great places and was very willing to take photos of us and gave descriptions of the various places we visited. He was very nice and accommodating but he spoke very softly so sometimes it was hard to hear him among the large crowds. I would do the tour again as it allowed us to see much of the shrines and forests and gardens in one day. Our favorite was the Monkey park!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Colin_C, Mar 2026
The information provided was great. We all took away some aspect from each temple and site we visited including 2 teenagers. I will be recommending to anyone needing a guide in the future.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Cindy_C, Mar 2026
Khan was our tour guide. He spoke good English. He took us to many sites that we wanted and allowed us to do sites on our own, so we could go at our own pace. He never rushed us and was very accommodating. He was wonderful and strongly recommended!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Emilie_F, Mar 2026
Every person who comes to Kyoto needs to book this amazing tour! Our tour guide, Khan, was truly the best and made our vacation so special. He was so knowledgeable and we wouldn’t have been able to see as many places if it wasn’t for him and this tour! Thank you for the incredible memories that we will cherish forever !
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
David_W, Mar 2026
With an experienced tour guide and driver we were able to see alot in one day. Good balance of practical and historical stories couple with excellent photography skills. Thanks for a wonderful day!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Farah_M, Feb 2026
Booked this tour since we had a toddler and two people who couldn’t walk long distances and it worked out perfectly. We customized the tour by adding or removing stops from the set itinerary. Hamzah was very knowledgeable of the area and history of the places we visited. Initially, I felt like we were having to speed walk to keep up with him but I reminded him that we need to slow down since my mom had some knee trouble and without question he slowed down and checked in with me often to make sure we were at a good pace for her. Highly recommend doing a tour with Hamzah!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Pamela_R, Feb 2026
Had a great day with hamza thank you highly recommend him he was good we did everything what we want
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Tom_A, Feb 2026
Our guide Hamzah is excellent; he shared information about each location: he guided us through large crowds (taking us to a less crowded entry to the bamboo forest) he knew the best spots to take memorable photographs and took great pictures of our family. We covered a lot of ground as he worked with our preferences on sites to visit.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Isabel_A, Feb 2026
Noor was the best! A safe driver, tons of knowledge about Japan, and great photographer too! Had a great time
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Marcel_M, Feb 2026
Malik was great and extremely accommodating to our family including our 8-month old. Great tour if short in time. Definitely recommend!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Luke_L, Feb 2026
Great day with Hamza! He was very friendly and took us to all the great attractions in Kyoto. He helped us get into all the places quickly and had a lot of knowledge of the area. Would highly recommend!
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Aneesh_R, Jan 2026
Hamza was a wonderful guide in Kyoto. He was kind, patient, and very knowledgeable, and he took great care of my family. The tour was smooth, enjoyable, and well organized. We learned a lot and truly enjoyed the experience. Highly recommend Hamza for anyone visiting Kyoto!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
Surinder_A, Jan 2026
Malik was great, he was knowledgeable and adapted the tour to our needs. The tour was paced well and Malik made everything seem less for us.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Sincerely appreciate the thoughtful feedback you have shared with us. Your insights are not only valued but also essential in helping us refine our services. Each perspective you provide enables us to identify areas for enhancement and align our offerings more closely with your needs. We are dedicated to thoughtfully considering your suggestions and integrating them into our strategic plans as we strive to improve your overall experience. Thank you for your significant contribution to our commitment to delivering exceptional service and continuously evolving to meet your expectations.
From $475.00
per group (up to 6)up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Kyoto Private Customized Day Tour with Guide
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Free Cancellation
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