Explore Kyoto’s iconic sites in comfort with a private tour. Customize your itinerary and enjoy seamless hotel transfers for a stress-free experience.
Explore Kyoto’s iconic sites in comfort with a private tour. Customize your itinerary and enjoy seamless hotel transfers for a stress-free experience.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Arashiyama is a charming, tourist-friendly district located on the western outskirts of Kyoto. This area has been a favored destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would visit to enjoy its natural beauty. Arashiyama is especially popular during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. The…
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest - Arashiyama is a charming, tourist-friendly district located on the western outskirts of Kyoto. This area has been a favored destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would visit to enjoy its natural beauty. Arashiyama is especially popular during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. The Togetsukyo Bridge is a well-known central landmark of Arashiyama. Nearby, visitors can find numerous small shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the Tenryuji Temple, Arashiyama’s renowned bamboo groves, and pleasure boats available for rent on the river.
- Kinkakuji Temple - Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto, with its top two floors entirely covered in gold leaf. Officially named Rokuonji, the temple was originally the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Following his death in 1408, it was converted into a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect, as per his will. Kinkakuji inspired the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu’s grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the opposite side of the city a few decades later. Kinkakuji is an impressive structure overlooking a large pond and is the only remaining building of Yoshimitsu’s former retirement complex. It has been rebuilt several times due to fires, including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that devastated much of Kyoto, and once more in 1950 when it was set ablaze by a fanatic monk. The current structure was reconstructed in 1955.
- Nijo Castle - Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was constructed in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).
- Nishiki Market Shopping District - Nishiki Market is a narrow, five-block-long shopping street lined with over one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this vibrant market specializes in all things food-related, such as fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware. It is an excellent place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, including Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi. Nishiki Market has a lively yet welcoming atmosphere, perfect for those eager to explore the culinary delights Kyoto is famous for. The market features a range of store sizes, from small narrow stalls to larger two-story shops, with most specializing in a specific type of food. Almost everything sold at the market is locally produced and sourced.
- Gion - Navigating the narrow alleyways of Kyoto’s Geisha District, Gion, can be challenging for first-time visitors. A guided tour can eliminate the worry of getting lost and is a fantastic way to discover hidden spots cherished by locals while learning about Kyoto’s rich history. Highlights include insights into Geisha culture and rituals, and visits to Gion, Pontocho, and Miyagawacho.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Explore one of Kyoto’s most beloved temples, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, with a comprehensive 1-hour guided tour. Touring the temple grounds with a guide allows visitors to learn about Japan’s history and culture while admiring the magnificent architecture. Enjoy commentary from an English-speaking guide who ensures no important features are missed.
- Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Experience a unique glimpse into Japan’s heritage that is typically off-limits to ordinary tourists with this short trip to Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. This excursion offers great value and a fantastic way to explore the shrine beyond its famous tunnels of vermillion-red torii gates. While many are content with the scenic view, the shrine has numerous stories that connect visitors to Japan’s history and culture. A guide will delve deeper into the fascinating origins of the shrine, dedicated to the god of grains, “Inari.” This is why fox statues, or “Kitsune,” are prevalent around the shrine, as they are considered servants to the god Inari. These clever and cunning animals are seen as ideal guides for the challenging business world, and visitors may find themselves wanting the foxes on their side after the tour.

- In-vehicle air conditioning
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Avoid crowded public transport: Explore Kyoto in a private vehicle
A fantastic way to see multiple attractions in one day
• Customizable and flexible tour: Select from a variety of destinations
• Possible stops include Gion, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Kinkaku-ji Temple
Navigating the subway system and local bus network can be quite confusing for…
Avoid crowded public transport: Explore Kyoto in a private vehicle
A fantastic way to see multiple attractions in one day
• Customizable and flexible tour: Select from a variety of destinations
• Possible stops include Gion, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Kinkaku-ji Temple
Navigating the subway system and local bus network can be quite confusing for tourists in Kyoto, so eliminate the stress of getting lost by choosing this hassle-free private tour. Enjoy door-to-door hotel transfers, and let a guide show you around key sights, such as Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, or Nishiki Market.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.