Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with 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 1,607 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Tangeneare_S, Jul 2026
Great communication with staff in planning sites to visit. We should have been informed what places only took Yen
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you very much for your review! We spoke with the guide and there was some confusion as some wanted to see the monkeys while others did not. We hope that you were able to enjoy your time in Kyoto though. As for only accepting Yen, we will speak with the guide about making this more clear. Japan is largely cash based and yen is required for many places. We hope that you will have safe travels in Japan! Japan Guide Agency
Abby_M, Jul 2026
Michi our guide was excellent! Great communication before the tour and laid out an entire day for us. Was very accommodating and understood when the heat got to us and needed to take a break. He was very knowledgeable and gave us great pieces of information about the beautiful city of Kyoto. Would highly recommend the tour and Michi!!
Sandra_B, Jul 2026
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your having sent me such a nice review for my tour. I really appreciate your kindness and great cooperation with me during the tour. You took taxis after Adasino Nenbtsuji Temple, so we could save time and finish all the destinations in our tour. I hope you enjoyed Ryoanji Temple instead of Kinkakuji which you had visited on the previous day. I hope you and your family members will visit Japan again someday.
.
Thank you again,
Kazuo Sumi
Alicia_M, Jul 2026
Haru Yamaguchi was an amazing tour guide. He contacted us early to find out what we were most interested in seeing, and then set up a tour plan that made the most sense based on locations. He was very well prepared with our plan for the day and had great information and visuals about Japanese culture and history to enhance our site visits. He made navigating transportation easy. We had a wonderful time on our tour.
Yuliya_K, Jul 2026
Our private tour of Kyoto was an unforgettable experience from beginning to end. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned, offering the perfect balance of iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and beautiful scenery. The tour guide Miyuki was knowledgeable, friendly, and always willing to share fascinating insights into Japan's history, traditions, and local culture. Miyuki suggested a very nice lunch place with gluten-free crepes, and they were so delicious! This tour exceeded our expectations and provided an authentic, stress-free way to experience the beauty and hospitality of Kyoto. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for a well-organized and enriching travel experience.
Anna_T, Jul 2026
Our travel guide, YUKA, was incredible. She was very professional since she explained all the details regarding the Japanese history. We visited so many places Kiyomizu-dera temple and Fushimi Inari and our experience was very pleasant and educational thanks to Yuka. She was organized and overall our experience was very enjoyable.
MaryAlice_R, Jul 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed rediscovering Kyoto with our local guide. Akira-San was organized, highly prepared and knowlegeable - also very warm and welcoming. I especially enjoyed our lunch spot (reprieve from the crowds) and curation of sights.
Claudia_W, Jun 2026
Our tour guide was absolutely wonderful! She was friendly, welcoming, and incredibly knowledgeable. She shared so many interesting facts and stories that made the tour both informative and enjoyable. She was happy to answer questions and made everyone feel included throughout the experience. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a fun and memorable tour. Thank you for making our visit so special!
Arielle_H, Jun 2026
Hiro was so lovely, knowledgeable and energetic. We loved where she took us, and how she taught us about the various temples was helpful and easy to understand. She rolled with it when we decided to take a taxi and uber instead of the train as originally discussed, and gave us a great lunch recommendation. Everyone should be so lucky to get Hiro!
Kearstin_d, Jun 2026
We were led around Kyoto by Take. He was kind enough to meet us at the hotel. We provided some parameters and let him know what we were doing on our other days and he suggested a great itinerary. He led us through the city, told some great history and personal stories. He kept our 6 year old and 13 year old engaged and entertained. And he was patient when they stopped for snacks or decided to have a full lunch on the sidewalk one our before we were scheduled to eat.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hello!! Kearstin_d
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It truly means a lot to me. It was a pleasure spending the day with your family and showing you around Kyoto. I'm so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour and that everyone had a great time.
I hope the rest of your trip to Japan is filled with wonderful memories. I'll have a little more free time soon, so I'll start working on your memory video. I hope you'll look forward to it—I hope it brings back lots of happy memories from your day in Kyoto!
Thank you again, and I wish you and your family all the best!
Take
Scott_P, Jun 2026
Yuka was fantastic! She was so warm, friendly, and easy to spend time with. From the moment we met her, she made us feel welcome and comfortable.
She showed us all the highlights of Kyoto and shared so many interesting stories and local insights along the way. It was clear how much she loves the city, and that enthusiasm made the experience even better.
What I appreciated most was how genuine and personable she was. The tour never felt rushed or scripted—it felt like exploring Kyoto with a knowledgeable friend. Thanks to Yuka, we got so much more out of our visit than we would have on our own. Highly recommend her to anyone visiting Kyoto!
Subbu_R, Jun 2026
My guide Kazz was excellent. We were able to cover my top spots in Kyoto like the Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji. Overall I was very pleased with the experience.
Rachel_T, Jun 2026
Yuks was absolutely wonderful. Very kind and efficient. She is very knowledgeable and was quick to answer all the questions from the teenage boys. She was patient with with them as well.
Aide_S, Jun 2026
Wonderful wonderful experience with Mr Shu exploring Kyoto. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. Answered all of our questions. And took us to see the aqueducts that I was not expecting, great surprise!! Really encourage to use him as a guide.
leslie_y, Jun 2026
Great tour around Kyoto. Our guide , Kazuo was very good. He showed us all the places on our itinerary and was very knowledgeable and informative. I would recommend him for sure.
May_O, Jun 2026
We had a terrific time with Naoki. He brought enthusiasm and excitement to our tour. My family had a wonderful time.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your kind words. I am glad to know you have enjoyed tour in Kyoto.
It was wonderful for me to have time with your frank and open manner. I hope our tour in Kyoto could be any of help for your understanding of Japan. Send my regards to your family members.
Thanks
Naoki
Mindy_P, Jun 2026
I loved that I could customize this excursion. Yuka contacted me months in advance to discuss locations. We were traveling with two children 4 and 10 and wanted to create a memorable experience for everyone. Her suggestions were perfect and the kids enjoyed it. We loved Yuka!!! It was a great day!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi! Thank you for your beautiful comments!
I'm really happy to know that you enjoyed the tour with me. Even though we could not visit Otagi Nembutsuji with 1,200 stone statues but you enjoyed food at Nishiki Market thanks for your positive spirits!
I'll never forget your angels' lovely smiles!
Please say hello to your new family! Hope see you again!
Yuka
Rick_S, Jun 2026
We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our guide did a fantastic job helping us navigate the city and exploring the history of Kyoto
Response from Host, Jun 2026
It was an honor to join on your tour.
I hope you will come to Japan again.
Kuni
Protima_R, Jun 2026
Good private tour overall. Our guide, Mizu, did a good job taking us to all the main sites. Be prepared to walk a lot and our guide at times walked a little fast. Was a very hot day, so be prepared to have a lot of water with you. Would recommend this tour for a good overview of Kyoto.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear my guests
Thank you for joinning the tour on a super hot day.
I am very happy that you enjoyed it.
I spent a great time with all of you.
I am sorry that walking pace was not good.
I hope that all of you are always well.
Best regards
Mizu
Louise_R, Jun 2026
Bring cash as going into shrines and lunch and drinks cost money
Lots of valuable information
Definitely would recommend doing this tour
Our guide was fun and very helpful
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your kind comments. I felt happy how nice you two are. It was lovely to see you two traveling together. Please come to Kyoto again.
I'd like to introduce you to other places next time.
Thank you very much for your warm comments.
Harumi
Stephan_F, Jun 2026
Great overview of the highlights of Kyoto with an excellent guide. Just beware that the different sites may be located at different ends of the city so you will spend time on trains. Also, in the summer a parasol is probably a good idea as it can get hot.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
I'm very happy to receive your excellent review. We moved from north west to south east of Kyoto to visit Tenryuji Temple, Bamboo forest and FushimiInari Taisha. It was over 30℃ on the tour day. I agree you wear parasol and hat. I enjoyed guiding the difference between Shogun and emperor, 2-type gardens (dry landscape garden, strolling garden), Daruma and the like. I'm sure you enjoy Japan trip. I wish your family good health and happiness. I hope to see you again in the future.
HIDEYOSHI
Phong_D, Jun 2026
Our guide, Kenji, was outstanding. He took us through Kyoto’s major highlights while providing fascinating insights into each location and its cultural significance. We had an incredible experience exploring Kyoto with him and would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the city for the first time.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
I was also very happy to share such a wonderful time with you both. I think it was great that you were able to visit so many tourist spots by combining public transport and taxis. I hope you both continue to travel the world together. Thank you very much.
Kenji
Rina_N, May 2026
Our tour guide Masa was very kind, pleasant. He was very accommodating and informative. He took us to places to eat and shop and told us about various areas.
Leah_D, May 2026
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a guide, we learned so many things we would’ve been clueless about had we done some of the temples and castles on our own. Kazz was a wonderful guide and took pictures of us with his nice camera everywhere we went, so we had a little photo album of our day at the end of it! We had so much fun and are extremely glad we did this. Thank you so much!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your comment.
The tour day was cloudy day with occasional rain, but it was comfortable not to be too hot without strong sun light.
And we were very lucky to see Maiko debuting scene on the Hanamikoji Street.
She was followed her business sister and was greeting various shops.
I also enjoyed the tour.
Thank you again.
Kazz
Karen_G, May 2026
He was very knowledgeable
Explained everything in great detail
Incredible way to get an in-depth look into Japan
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your kind message.
I hope you could enjoy Kyoto Tour and could learn about Japan.
Thanks again for your heart-warming message.
Best Regards,
Michi
Toni_B, May 2026
Hiro was a fantastic guide in Kyoto. She was very knowledgable, Fun and personable. She reached out ahead of time to get a plan in place and was a wonderful guide! Her energy is wonderful! She kept my 19 yr old son engaged
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the excellent feedback.
It was really fun tour. I’m looking forward to seeing you again!
Hiro
Amber_D, May 2026
Shoji was a great guide around Kyoto. Even in the rain we were able to visit the shrines/temples we wanted to see. We wished we had started earlier as we would have linke to have seen other things off the beaten path. We ended in Gion and were able to walk around the area. Shoji brought a wealth of knowledge about the area and Japanese culture.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your taking time to write such a nice review.
I appreciate your kind words and am happy to learn that you really enjoyed the tour.
I hope this trip to Japan and Kyoto might have deepened your interest in my country and its culture.
Looking forward to your revisit sometime in the future.
Shoji Ogawa
Sue_H, May 2026
Shu prepared our trip after consulting with us before we met to ensure we got the most out of our trip. In 6hrs we managed to see the shrines & temples we wanted to visit plus Nijo-jo Castle. Shu took us to an excellent restaurant for Okonomiyaki. Delicious & very reasonably priced. Thank you Shu for an excellent trip.
Response from Host, Jun 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)
WENDY_W, May 2026
The trip was really well planned and organised, it went like clockwork. Our guide, Satoko was excellent, she was very well prepared and explained a lot about everything we saw and did. We covered a lot of ground in Kyoto including using buses, trains and taxis, we really enjoyed the day.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Dear my guests,
Thank you for your words of complement. This really motivate me as a guide. I also enjoyed the tour with you. I am also very happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour with me in Kyoto. I hope you safely went back to your hotel, take a good rest after the tour and enjoyed tea-ceremony in Kyoto on the next day. I am totally sure that you chose beautiful kimonos and enjoyed tea ceremony there.
It was really helpful that you designated very convenient place as our meeting spot, you selected the places to go in advance and purchased the tickets to enter Nijo Castle in advance as per my advice. Thank you so much for your cooperation.
Kyoto has a lot of places to go including Kyoto Imperial Palace which we had to give up this time because of the closure. I really hope that you would have an opportunity to come back to Kyoto some day. I am willing to guide you again if it realizes. Have a safe journey to your country and please share your good experience in Japan with your family and friends in your couutry.
Sincerely,
Satoko
Dale_O, May 2026
Very rewarding tour of the key sites of Kyoto. Shuichi-San was very knowledgeable of the history of the sites and how to navigate between them via Kyoto’s transit system. Highly recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Jun 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)
From $147.93
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