Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised

based on 886 reviews

Duration:3 hours to 8 hours (approx.)
Location: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

From $120

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Upto 24 hours in Advance.

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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.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. 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 personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
2. Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
It’s a great traditional place where the narrow lanes, wooden buildings and traditional merchant shops invoke a feeling of the old capital city. The streets in Higashiyama are lined by small shops, cafes and restaurants to Kyoto specialties. Looking for some traditional souvenirs? You’ll find plenty of shops selling pottery, sweets, crafts and more. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
3. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
One of the most celebrated temples of Japan, Kiyomizudera is best known for its massive wooden stage, and the beautiful view on the autumn foliage (mid November-early December). Make sure to pay a visit to the nearby Otowa Waterfall: divided into three separate streams, each of them is said to have a different benefit: longevity, success at school and a fortunate love life. Which one would you pick? IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
4. Kennin-ji Temple
Oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, one of the highlights being a gilded folding screen adorned with the most famous images of the the wind and thunder gods. Not to miss the impressive twin dragons painted on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall. 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
5. Yasaka Shrine
Founded over 1350 years ago, Yasaka is the guardian shrine of the Gion entertainment district in Kyoto. It is well known for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri (July), arguably the most famous festival in the whole country. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
6. Maruyama Park
Kyoto’s most popular park for cherry blossoms (end of March-first half of April). The perfect place to take a small break after all the morning walking. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
7. Gion
Kyoto’s most famous Geisha’s district (however, if you spot them, please act respectfully).  Make sure to pay a visit to Hanami-koji street and then cross Tatsumi Bridge to reach Shimbashi, the most picturesque part Gion, with elegant traditional wooden houses of Kyoto housing high-class restaurants, cafes, and tea-houses. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
8. Pontocho District
Pontocho Alley is considered to be the most beautiful street in Kyoto. It’s lined with traditional shops and restaurants, and no cars, modern buildings or gaudy signs are allowed. At dusk, with the red lanterns lining down the narrow street, Pontocho becomes a magical place. And, if you are lucky, you may have the chance of spotting a maiko (apprentice geisha). IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
9. Kiyamachi?Street
Lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, this is a great place to have a drink before heading back to your hotel. IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Lazaro_b
I was shown all the important parts of this beautiful city! A mist do when visiting Japan! Nadal was great and very knowledgable!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-18 16:01:29

Posted By : courtneycH9874JO
We covered a ton of territory during our tour of Kyoto with our energetic guide Alex! He brought us to the main sites we requested to visit, as well as a few off the beaten path. He was knowledgeable of the history of the area, and answered all of my husband’s many questions. He certainly made our day memorable, one which we’ll never forget since he took many fantastic photos of us throughout the day!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-18 04:57:00

Posted By : Departure189714
The authentic food experience was amazing! Toga made the experience special due to his knowledge of Kyoto and relationships with local restaurants that normally don’t accommodate foreigners. We were grateful for the access to these unique experiences that gave a us a better inside view of Kyoto culture.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-18 04:49:36

Posted By : karymjoaquim
Guide was very kind, but his view of history and the sights was childish (23 years young). Very factual, no chronological order, and the English was hard to understand.
The tour was expensive, the expectations were high and simply not met.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-17 21:35:58

Posted By : Mary_B
Alex was an excellent guide. He took us to, among other places, a lovely serene Imperial Buddhist shrine/residence with beautiful gardens. He was knowledgeable and friendly. Highly recommend.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-17 20:18:09

Posted By : E8064HWalexc
The trip was excellent, our guide Anissa was friendly and informative and helped us make the most of our trip. She really helped us immerse ourselves in the Kyoto culture
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-17 20:15:28

Posted By : Michelle P
Our day in Kyoto was made so much more enjoyable, our guide, Alex was English speaking as he is married to a Japanese. He taught us many customs about Japanese culture, he took us to sights where not as many tourists were, which in turn made the temple an experience feel very tranquil. He took us for a traditional pancake lunch and guided us through Backstreets and shopping malls and provided us with very helpful information once the tour had finished.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-17 01:33:21

Posted By : 62Hugo
It was a wonderful tour with a particularly lovely guide. We had a lively discussion about all of our questions and were shown exactly the right sights. We also received tips for other things to do in Kyoto.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-15 21:44:17

Posted By : camillecQ2599RF
Our tour with Alex was perfect. We are so grateful for our time with Alex, and that he crafted such a unique day for us. He was extremely personable, kind, and thoughtful during and after the tour.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-14 19:22:48

Posted By : V7312HQjasminen
My sister and I had such a great experience with our guide Masaya! He was extremely knowledgeable abd we learnt so many things that we didn't know about Kyoto, Samurai, Gion District, Tea ceremony and much much more!
We also had a gorgeous traditional meal but make sure you let them know in advance so you don't miss out!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-14 00:26:22