Kyoto Private Tour: Explore Temples, Shrines, and Traditional Tea Ceremonies
4.9
652 Ratings
Kyoto
Immerse yourself in the ancient traditions of Kyoto with a private tour. Explore temples, shrines, and indulge in a traditional tea ceremony. Book now!
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
What's Included
  • Guide will meet you on foot for pick up
  • Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
  • Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list
What's Not Included
  • Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
  • Private Vehicle
  • You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
  • Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Additional Information

Ancient traditions such as temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies still thrive in Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. A journey through this magnificent city is akin to a trip back in time, given its centuries-old preserved architecture. The Kiyomizu Temple magnificently shadows the renowned Gion district, which is historically known for its geisha culture. With so much history embedded in this city, it’s a must-visit destination, and you can enhance the experience by booking our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a comprehensive walk around Kyoto.

Once you’ve secured your reservation, a guide will get in touch to customize your tour. Select between 3 to 4 locations that you’d like to explore, and the guide will create a tailored itinerary for you. If you’re unsure about the local attractions, feel free to ask for the guide’s recommended itinerary, which will be based on your preferences. Whether you’re an enthusiast of history, a admirer of aged Japanese architecture, or just keen to relish a green tea parfait, Kyoto certainly has something to captivate you!

  • Pick up & Drop Off is on foot
  • This is a walking tour
  • Please reserve at least 2 weeks in advance
Location
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(652 Ratings)
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Aaron_t
Apr 22, 2024
Great Kyoto Tour - Our tour guide, Tatsuya Itom was EXCELLENT. His english was very good as was his knowledge of the sites we visited. He was great with our family, very friendly and was happy to answer all of our questions. I recommend this tour on your first day in Kyoto. Amazing way to get grounded and well setup for the rest of the stay. Not sure if you can pick your guide, but cannot recommend Tatsuya Ito more highly.
Review provided by Viator
946alisonp
Apr 21, 2024
Daitokuji and Daikakuji - looking for bonsai - We had the most joyful, fun day with Shoko. We wanted to visit a bonsai garden and had identified that there was one at Daikakuji temple. Shoko was happy to take us wherever we wanted so we made our way there on 2 buses. Whilst waiting at the second bus stop we met a japanese lady who told us we were very fortunate to go that day as there was a flower festival on. We were indeed lucky as she was a tutor of the flower arranging and she personally took us round - it was incredible and we felt so privileged. We then went to the bonsai garden at Daitokuji temple (our mistake!) which was also incredible. We had a delicious lunch in Cafe du Mon opposite which we can highly recommend. Shoko then took us to the golden temple where we left her to explore ourselves. Honestly a day we will never forget, thankyou Shoko!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Merry872
Apr 21, 2024
Authentic Day in Kyoto - It was an honour to spend the day with Masaki-san on a tour in Kyoto. Several days before our tour (and before we’d left the UK in fact) Masaki-san emailed to introduce himself and understand what kinds of things we’d like to do in Kyoto. We explained some of the things we were interested in and that we’d like to do some less ‘typical’ tourist things as well. Masaki-san arranged a brilliantly planned itinerary which started near to our hotel at the Imperial Palace and then took us to some other attractions which were exactly as we had requested. We also had a delicious sushi lunch and a very enjoyable and educational tea ceremony after. When the weather took a turn for the worse Masaki-san slightly adjusted the itinerary to optimise our experience and then at the end of the tour finally guided us right to the door of the restaurant we had chosen for dinner. Thank you for a wonderful and authentic experience Masaki-san!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rebeccabt6026ry
Apr 21, 2024
Tour with Shu - We had an fantastic tour with our guide Shu. The tour was well planned and we got to see all the places we wanted to visit. The communication in english was easy and Shu explained a lot of interesting facts. He have us very good recommandations of restaurants near our hotel. 100% recommendation.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paul_s
Apr 20, 2024
Yuka made the city come... - Yuka made the city come alive both past and present. She was knowledgeable, kind, flexible, and showed us things we would have never found on our own. We can’t thank her enough for a wonderful day.
Review provided by Viator
Pamela_c
Apr 19, 2024
Great tour - I highly recommend! - Our guide, Maya, was wonderful. Prior to our visit, she researched to find the best places to see cherry blossoms, even though we were going to be in Kyoto a little after the peak cherry blossom season. She also arranged the itinerary to avoid crowds (and an early morning tour start time was also helpful). On top of this, she was a lovely person who had a wealth of knowledge, and we really enjoyed spending the day with her. It is so nice to have a guide who can not only help with logistics, but also offer an understand of the things we are seeing. Kyoto is beautiful with so much history and we loved our day there (as a side trip while on a cruise). Maya even took some photos and sent them to me after the tour. Thank you, Maya!
Review provided by Viator
Timothy_r
Apr 18, 2024
Kyoto - Shige is an excellent guide. Very kind, knowledgeable and accommodating. We say a lot of historical Kyoto. Ate good food and laughed a lot. Perfect weather.
Review provided by Viator
Luci_b
Apr 18, 2024
Unforgettable experience... - Unforgettable experience thanks to our tour guide Yuka! She shares her knowledge of the area & locations from a local point of view that is easily comprehended & always interesting. If lucky, the Miyaki Adori will be performing & Yuka will explain to you in detail it's history & cultural importance.
Review provided by Viator
Adamclancy
Apr 18, 2024
A really great experience - highly recommended. - We had an excellent day with Mr Tetsuya Morimoto ("Ted") who got in touch with us straight after we made the booking to tailor the tour to the sites we wanted to see during our short time in Kyoto. The tour itself was perfect for us with a mix of walking & taxis between the main sites, helping us to experience all we wanted (and more!) and Ted kept us engaged with fun local facts and his great knowledge of the City's long history throughout the day.
Review provided by Viator
295jillm
Apr 20, 2024
Private Kyoto tour with Shoji - Shoji is a fantastic guide. He took us places away from the crowds so we could see Kyoto like a local. He speaks English very well so we learned a lot about Japanese culture and history. A very good day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 10 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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