Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Kyoto, Japan
- 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Discover both modern and traditional sides of history-rich Kyoto during this full-day private tour. Travel like a local by public transportation as you tick off the city’s most celebrated sights, from UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle to the well-preserved neighborhood of Higashiyama and streets of Gion, otherwise known as Kyoto’s Geisha district.
- Get an overview of Kyoto in a day
- Visit Kyoto’s top attractions, including Nijo Castle and Higashiyama
- Learn how to use the local public transportation from your guide
- Enjoy plenty of time to ask questions with your own personal tour guide
What's Included
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
- Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kyoto
- Personal expenses
- Private Vehicle
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
- Lunch
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please book our Private Kyoto Tour with Government-Licensed Guide and Vehicle (Max 7 persons).
Itinerary
1
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
2
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Nijo Castle
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
Gion
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
5
Nishiki Market Shopping District
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
6
Kyoto Imperial Palace
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
7
Pontocho
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
8
Higashiyama Ward
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
9
Ginkakuji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
10
Nanzenji Suirokaku
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
11
Tofuku-ji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
12
Toji
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
13
Kinkakuji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
14
Ninna-ji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
15
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
16
Kibune River
1 minute • Admission Ticket Free
17
Kurama-dera
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
18
Ryoan-ji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
19
Arashiyama
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
20
Katsura Imperial Villa
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
21
Daikaku-ji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
22
Tenryu-ji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
23
Yoshimine-dera
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
Togetsukyo Bridge (Pass By)
Bamboo Forest Street (Pass By)
24
Okochi Sanso Garden
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
25
Jojakkoji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
26
Nisonin
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
27
Gio-ji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
28
Adashino Nembetsu-ji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
29
Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
30
Daitoku-ji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
31
Myoshinji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
32
Eikando Zenrinji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
33
Sanjusangendo Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
34
Kennin-ji Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
35
Byodoin Temple
1 minute • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Stroller accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pick up & Drop Off is on foot
- This is a walking tour
- Please reserve at least 2 weeks in advance
- 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
4.9
based on 1,499 reviews
Kimberly_B, May 2026
Kazu was a great tour guide. He even made hand-made maps. Soo cute. He has excellent English and was fun. Would recommend.
Stephanie_K, Apr 2026
We really enjoyed our tour around Kyoto with Shuji! He reached out to discuss our itinerary beforehand and was very friendly and knowledgeable. He took us to a great lunch spot and was willing to stay around a bit longer past the expected end time.
Haydee_M, Apr 2026
Unfortunately, shortly after my guide pick me up, he felt ill and we had to cancel the entire tour. He said that he will contact his management to request a refund for me as the tour couldn’t be fulfilled. Very nice and knowledgeable tour guide.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you very much for your review and we sincerely apologize for our guide. We have processed your refund. We hope that you have a lovely time while in Japan. Japan Guide Agency
Tara_v, Apr 2026
This was such a wonderful introduction to Kyoto. It was our first visit to Japan, and we really appreciated Yoshi's warm welcome, extensive knowledge, and cheerful attitude. He helped us navigate trains, buses, and unfamiliar streets to make the best use of our time together. It rained on our tour day, and he adjusted as we went along to help us stay comfortable and have the best experience.
Eric_H, Apr 2026
Our tour guide Rie and our driver Mr Imai worked together to plan a beautiful 6 hour tour of Kyoto. We went to several of the big “must see” sites, but also some understated and quiet one as well. Our family loved it!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful comment! I'm so glad that you enjoyed every place we visited together. That tour will be unforgettable for me, especially the time we spent relaxing together on the tatami mats at Giōji Temple. Thank you for requesting to visit that quiet and beautiful temple. Also, the time we ate dango and daifuku together before parting was so enjoyable, and it still makes me smile. Please give my regards to your whole family. Thank you so much!
Rie
Mary_D, Apr 2026
Yuka was exceptional. She guided us through the entire trip and made our 6-hr exploration productive.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was such a pleasure guiding you both, and I truly enjoyed every moment of our six-hour exploration. Your friendly energy made the day very special for me as well.
I’m so glad that Ninna-ji Temple was a highlight for you. I also felt very moved standing there with you, admiring the rare beauty of the five-story pagoda and the very last of the cherry blossoms. It was a truly special experience for me to share that moment with you.
I also wanted to thank you for the photography tips! I will keep them in mind and hope to capture many more wonderful photos in the future.
I wish you all the very best, and I hope you have a chance to visit Japan again. Please take care!
Yuka
Cathy_H, Apr 2026
Michi was an excellent guide! We learned a lot and very much enjoyed the tour he crafted for us. 10/10.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your kind message.
I am glad to hear that you could enjoy our Kyoto Tour.
I hope we could meet again in autumn in Kyoto in the future.
Thanks again for your heart-warming message.
Best Regards
Michi
Katherine_A, Apr 2026
Our guide, Shenji, was wonderful. He created a bespoke tour for us and helped navigate transit with ease.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for your nice comments about our Kyoto tour.
I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the beautiful spring sceneries this wonderful city.
I hope you may come back someday to explore many more places you could not cover this time.
- Shoji
Abha_N, Apr 2026
We had an exceptional experience with our private guided tour in Japan, thanks to Taka. He was incredibly considerate and patient throughout the day, and never made us feel rushed—in fact, he generously spent more time with us than originally scheduled to ensure we had the best possible experience.
Taka went above and beyond by helping us navigate logistics seamlessly and even made sure we got to our next destination without any stress. One of the highlights was the authentic Japanese restaurant he took us to for lunch —something we would never have discovered on our own.
Communication was excellent from the very beginning. We had several emails back and forth to organize the day; Taka was able to provide recommendations and was very accommodating of my request for sites off the beaten path.
We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your lovely comment.
I’m glad you enjoyed the tour.
Do come back again soon.
Regards,
Taka
David_N, Apr 2026
Our tour guide, Kazu, was fabulous!!! He was extremely knowledgeable and showed us at our stops WAY MORE than we would have ever seen if we were on our own. He was so enthusiastic that he was willing to go hours over the allotted time to show us more! I would give him 1000 stars if I could!
Andrew_E, Apr 2026
An amazing time learning about history and significance of the tea ceremony. Hosts were incredible and the kimonos were incredible. A must do in Kyoto.
Stacey_H, Apr 2026
We had a wonderful day with Kazu. We saw the Tori Gates, the Monkey Park, Bamboo Forrest and had a wonderful overview of Kyoto. Kazu was a great guide who was organized, flexible and nice company for the day!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
So glad that you could enjoy the tour in Kyoto with me. Thank you so much for your taking time giving me a considerate review message. Hope the enjoyable memories of the Kyoto tour with me including the steep hillside of Monkey park could be a time cupsule back to a certain period of your life ever after. it's really nice thing to be able to reminisce on, isn't it? Best wishes dear families for the future.
- Kazu Akiyama
Linda_D, Apr 2026
We spent 3hrs+ of the tour time walking to local bus stops, waiting for bus drivers to change shifts and patiently waiting through every local bus stop etc. We had to pay for every bus ticket, admission etc. Nothing is included. We lost our patience half way through the tour and started getting Ubers which we paid for ourselves obviously to get to destinations.
Tour guide was nice but due to her heavy accent and limited info my husband and child lost total interest early on. You will find every piece of info and so much more on an easy google search.
This was a complete waste of our money and time. We were so sad to spend the only sunny and warm day in Kyoto sitting on a local bus. You might as well pay for Ubers and do the tour yourself. It will be so much more convenient and you will enjoy it.
This was a total scam! Clearly this company has never been to a private tour outside Japan and has no clue how to serve their customers.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you very much for your review! As written on the tour page, no private vehicle is included. We state what is included in our product. We ask all customers to read the information before making a reservation. Many guests love this eco-friendly tour and we will continue to provide it.
Japan Guide Agency
Jeffrey_C, Apr 2026
Yuka did an amazing job of clearly communicating the history of each site and interesting facts. We had a great time!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi! Thank you for your beautiful comments on our tour. I'm really happy to know that you enjoyed the tour with me. Thanks for your requests in advance, I knew what you expected in Kyoto and we were able to visit some authentic places with long history.
I felt really happy because you all enjoyed enough our culture through Japanese traditional sweets and pork cutlet! I love all your happy smiles! Hope see you again!
- Yuka
Susan_F, Apr 2026
Excellent tailor-made tour. With consultation direct with our guide we’d chosen three places from his list of recommendations. All were delightful. With his excellent knowledge of history, Japanese customs, religion and culture he brought the Imperial Palace, Nijyo-Jyo Castle and Fushimi Inari Shrine to life for us. He also did a great job of escorting us between these sites using the public transport system. A memorable day in Kyoto - thank-you Kazu!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review.
I’m sorry you had to walk so much.
There were some Shinkansen delays due to the accident—did you manage to get back to Tokyo safely? I was worried about you.
I hope this tour will be a memorable part of your trip to Japan.
Thank you!!
- Kazu
Hanna_Z, Apr 2026
Kaeko was a GREAT guide. We came from Tokyo with the lingering desire to learn more about Japan’s history and Kaeko delivered! She was very knowledgeable, kind, and answered all of our questions. I recommend this approach of a private tour, if you can book it. These sites are so monumental and there’s a lot to learn about Japan so it’s nice to have a private guide who can focus on you and you alone. Her English was good too, even though she was modest about it sometimes! Kaeko also took us to her favorite Soba noodle place. She was considerate about our time and what we wanted to see and do. She was such a delight as a human being but also appreciated her respect and knowledge for the temples and history of Kyoto! Overall, would recommend Kaeko and this tour!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for your kind comments!
I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed our tour. I also enjoyed it, too.
Even though it was a rainy day, we enjoyed the peak cherry blossoms everywhere.
And because of the rain, there were not so many people around, we were able to enjoy every location to the fullest.
I hope ours will be one of the most memorable tours for you.
Thank you very much!
- Kaeko
Kevin_O, Apr 2026
Michi was an excellent guide who provided us with great insights into the sites we visited and other information about Kyoto and its history and cultural traditions. Unfortunately the torrential rain made enjoying the sites somewhat difficult.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your kind message.
I hope you could learn the history and culture of Kyoto.
Thanks again for your heart-warming message.
Best Regards, Michi
Elizabeth_O, Mar 2026
Our tour guide, Kazuo, was excellent! He explained the history and culture elements of the different sites we visited and brought us to a great sushi restaurant for lunch. Highly recommend this experience!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your having sent such a nice review and great cooperation with me during the tour. I really appreciate your kindness and consciousness. I feel very glad that you could take the photos of the cherry blossoms in Kyoto Imperial Palace.
I hope you and your cousin will visit Japan in the near future.
Thank you again,
Kazuo Sumi
Shannon_C, Mar 2026
Our guide, Olive, was very friendly and knowledgeable. We learned lots of not-common information that made the tour special! Olive is very friendly and knowledgeable and she is keen to share information and do things to make the tour special. We asked for a unique itinerary made by the guide to see 'hidden gems' and she delivered excepionally! Thank you for a wonderful day in Kyoto!!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for joining our tour and for your wonderful compliments.
I was truly moved by your deep love for Japan and your extensive knowledge, which you gained by reading books about Japanese history before your visit.
We did quite a bit of walking on the day of the tour, but I’m so glad you enjoyed every place we visited. The deep pink cherry blossoms at Sanjūsangen-dō were so beautiful, weren’t they?
The photo we took together and our conversations have become wonderful memories for me.
I’d be delighted if you’d come back to Kyoto in the fall to see the beautiful autumn foliage.
Arigatou!
Olive
Barbara_G, Mar 2026
Amazing experience! Our tour guide Akira was so incredibly knowledgeable about all the amazing temples and shrines we visited and we learned so much! Couldn't recommend this tour experience enough. He was also hilarious and made us feel like family.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for a lot of compliments. I really enjoyed traveling with both of you. Thanks to your cooperation, we could finish all schedule very smoothly. We just went around a few destinations this time. There are so many interesting places in Kyoto. Please return to Japan and Kyoto again. Next time with our children. I wish you a happy life.
- Akira
Scott_B, Mar 2026
Fantastic Tour!! Our tourguide (Shu) was absolutely awesome! He was born & raised in Kyoto and made our tour one of our most favorites in Japan! HIGHLY recommend Shu and this tour!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear guest.
Okini!
Thank you so much for taking time to post the review.
I am really proud of your speaking highly of me.
It is the pleasure that I could help overseas guests as a guide.
I also enjoyed that day with you.
Hopefully you will come back to Kyoto again.
Kind regards.
Shuichi (Shu)
Pedro_S, Mar 2026
Ken is knowledgeable and friendly. We had one day to visit Kyoto and he arrange a terrific agenda that left us wanting to go back. Kyoto is an extraordinary place not to be missed. We felt fortunate to have Ken as our guide. Highly recommended
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for giving me a favorable review. Wishing to see you again soon.
Ken
Mary_S, Mar 2026
I really appreciated customizing what we saw…Haru was very helpful in planning our day, ensuring we could see everything we wanted to. He’s super knowledgeable and very friendly.
Isolina_S, Mar 2026
Our six-hour tour of Kyoto with our licensed guide, Mizu was truly excellent. From the moment we started, it was clear that she had a deep knowledge of the city’s history and culture. She explained every detail with enthusiasm and clarity, which made each temple we visited even more meaningful and interesting.
Mizu was also very accommodating throughout the day, adapting the pace and the itinerary so we could enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. The temple visits were a highlight, and her historical insights helped us appreciate their significance far beyond what we would have understood on our own.
Another wonderful touch was the restaurant she chose for us—it was fantastic and felt like a very authentic experience. We ended the tour in Gion, which was the perfect way to finish the day. Walking through that beautiful area with her explanations made the experience even more special.
Mizu was kind, professional, and extremely knowledgeable. Thanks to her, our time in Kyoto was memorable and enriching. We would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a thoughtful and informative guided visit of the city.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Dear Guests,
Thank you for joining the Kyoto tour and writing such a heartwarming and inspiring positive review!
I was thrilled to learn about our shared interest in camellias.
I also found your stories about sportsmanship fascinating. Despite your busy schedule, I am truly happy that you came to Japan and that I had the chance to show you around Kyoto.
Please stay healthy.
Best regards,
Mizu
Olivia_A, Mar 2026
Kuni was a fantastic guide! Took us around the temples shrines and castle while also pointing out unique shops to stop at along the way. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the history, had a great sense of humor and was incredibly kind and patient with our many questions. 10/10 would recommend him! -Olivia and Benson
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review.
I also enjoyed sharing a pleasant time with you.
Thank you very much.
I hope you continue to have enjoyable travels in the future.
- Kuni
Ingrid_D, Mar 2026
Haru was an Amazing Tour Guide. He seamlessly took us to so many World Heritage locations & other sights in 6 hours, giving us the 1600 year history and information with photos and timelines in 2 prepared binders. Absolutely recommend him for a Wonderful day in Kyoto
Katherine_H, Mar 2026
We had a 10/10 experience! Our guide Maya was charismatic and so passionate about sharing the history with us. It was truly incredible!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your kind comments. I truly enjoyed the tour with such a happy your family. I hope you also enjoyed the following day in Kyoto using some of the tips I shared.
Kyoto must now be a memorable place for you, so I hope you will have the opportunity to return one spring to celebrate your anniversary.
Helen_H, Mar 2026
Great personalised trip with Michi who showed me what I really wanted to see and other amazing sights as well
The cherry on the cake for me was the gluten free ramen place he took me too which was one of my best meals in Japan-thank you
Sarah_K, Mar 2026
We had a wonderful tour with Ken. He connected with us well ahead of time to coordinate our tour and was well prepared for us when we arrived. He was delightful, knowledgeable, and was able to adjust the tour on the fly when we had to change plans midday. We’d recommend to anyone thinking of booking!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your favorable review. Meeting with your family coming together, I felt so good for a whole day while showing around Kyoto. Because filial piety is one of the highest virtues with us in Japan. Wishing to meet again soon.
Ken
Sheryl_B, Feb 2026
Kazuo went above and beyond to give us a great experience on our Kyoto tour. The temples, Imperial Palace, and Bamboo Forest were all amazing (we could have been in the forest for hours!). Also, he made sure to take photos of us throughout the day so that we had memories of the different sites of tour - which was awesome.
Kazuo is extremely knowledgeable about Kyoto, plus we got to commute to some of the sites via the local train - as well as a local bus (which was a cool experience as well). He had a great recommendation for lunch - the Japanese food was fantastic!
Kazuo was super friendly with a sense of humor which was great. He also was really helpful when we got back to Kyoto station, and assisted us with getting our return train tickets, as well showing up how to refill out Tokyo train passes as our funds happened to ran out. That was a nice touch and appreciated by us!
I highly recommend Kazuo to anyone wanting a fun and informative tour of Kyoto!!!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your having sent such a great review for the tour. I really appreciate your kindness and nice cooperation with me during the tour. I presume you had to get up early in the morning and you went back to Tokyo in the evening so it was a very busy schedule. I hope you will come to Japan to experience our culture again in the future.
Thanks,
Kazuo Sumi
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