Private Kyoto Tour: Explore Highlights, Hidden Gems with a Local
4.8
847 Ratings
Kyoto
Unleash your inner explorer in Kyoto with a private tour. Visit iconic sites, explore hidden gems, and create a flexible itinerary with a like-minded local host.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Ready for a morning hiking upon Kyoto’s hills? The famous thousands of vermilion torii gates path stretches from behind the shrine’s grounds into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari (233 meters). But don’t worry, the view from half-way is as just as spectacular. How many fox’s statues will you be able to spot? They are the shrine guardians acting on behalf of Inari, the god connected to rice and sake.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
What's Included
- Choose between 3, 5, 7, or 8 hours with your personal host.
- Enjoy a guided walking experience; alternate transportation options available if needed.
- Experience a private and personalized tour, tailored to your interests.
- Convenient hotel meet-up is optional for central locations.
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Transportation (primarily a walking experience however public transport may be used)
- Tickets to any attractions
- Gratuities (optional)
Additional Information
Spend the day with one of our hosts as you unleash your inner explorer in Kyoto! You’re in the ‘City of Temples’ and you’ll be able to visit iconic and sacred sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Maybe explore the culturally rich entertainment district of Gion? Alternatively, you could get off the beaten tourist track and explore some hidden gems in the city that only a local would know about.
Within 24 hours after booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you’ll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.
- Please book at least 48 hours in advance so that we can build the best experience for you
- Experiences are fully personalized so any additional requirements like tickets, transportation and food & drinks can be arranged for an additional cost
- Private groups are normally no larger than 6 people (if your group is larger, please make this known so that arrangements can be made)
Location
Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Sanjo-ohashi Bridge
(The host will be waiting in front of Starbucks Coffee)
After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to fit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(847 Ratings)
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Anne_s
Apr 22, 2024
Ada is amazing! - Ada was wonderful. She e-mailed before tour to give me some background on her and ask if we had anything specific to see or do. She made our day in Kyoto quite memorable around the bamboo forest, local shrines and temples, parks and sights. We learn interesting and knowledgeable history, culture, language, customs and traditional of her adopted homeland. Highly recommend her!!!
Review provided by Viator
Anonymous
Apr 21, 2024
Great! - Alexis was wonderful! He tailored our visit to our interests. And he went above and beyond in finding us at the beginning of the trip. We came to Kyoto by bus from our ship, and we were "deposited" in a bus parking lot. So his finding us and our not having to find him removed much of the stress about getting lost!!!
Review provided by Viator
Gary_r
Apr 21, 2024
Great tour guide! - Jose was fabulous as a host. We walked our 8K's and loved everything he showed us. He met us at the hotel then took us to the train station and got us through peak hour without any drama. I'm sure it would have been a nightmare without him. Gion was fascinating. Without Jose we wouldn't have seen all the really interesting bits!
Review provided by Viator
Mariadj8607ne
Apr 20, 2024
A Great Tour On Our Honeymoon - The tour was truly outstanding! Our guide, Kenya, was not only knowledgeable but also managed to turn a rainy day into an unforgettable adventure. Despite the weather, Kenya's expertise and enthusiasm shone through, making every moment enjoyable.
One of the highlights was the photos we were able to take. As a couple, capturing moments together can be challenging, but Kenya effortlessly ensured we left with numerous photos together.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
James_m
Apr 19, 2024
Milos in Kyoto is a sure fire way to see the city - Milos was a great guide who tailored a one-day Kyoto trip to our desires. We saw many of the major sites without rushing, with time for a coffee break and lunch at an out-of-the-way spot. He even delivered us to our Michelin-starred restaurant where we had a dinner reservation. First rate service from start to finish.
Review provided by Viator
W8878xnhollyt
Apr 18, 2024
Ada goes the extra mile - literally! - Ada is the most knowledgeable guide we had of our many guides in Japan. We learned so much about Japanese history from her; she clearly retains a lot due to her strong passion. Ada made sure to cater the tour to our preferences and walked us all over the East side of Kyoto for the most authentic, yet not crowded experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and Ada’s personality. She is a star.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Skjuno
Apr 17, 2024
Fabulous tour seeing Gion in the evening light - Chai was a fabulous guide. She knew the city and history and took us to the most picturesque places to see in the evening. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thomas_b
Apr 17, 2024
So much better than a group tour. - Alvin was amazing. He took our suggestions and requests and built us a terrific day of activities that showed us the best of Kyoto. It was a great experience, and I highly recommend it. He was incredibly knowledgeable and a fun conversationalist. Overall, it was a lot of fun, and we saw more than we'd have seen on a group tour.
Review provided by Viator
Alisa
Apr 16, 2024
Best Kyoto experience and guide! - Our guide Jose David was punctual, friendly and informative. Throughout our day together we feel as if we formed a friendship with a local who knew the ins and outs of the area and who was attentive to our preferences making great suggestions. We had an absolute blast and would use Jose David on our next visit to Kyoto!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lovetravel488196
Apr 22, 2024
Kyoto temple tour - Kokoro was an incredibly knowledgeable guide. He demonstrated a great love of people from all over the world and was able to communicate with us in English, German and French. He was also very generous with his time.
It was a quick moving walking tour so Kokoro would be best suited to a fit and active group.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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