Kyoto Uncovered: One Full-Day Private Experience for First-Timers

Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich culture and history with this private full-day tour. Explore iconic landmarks like the Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Customize your itinerary and discover the enchanting Gion area.

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Bamboo Forest Street - Immerse yourself in the enchanting Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama, where towering bamboo stalks create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. Visit the historic Nonomiya Shrine, a hidden gem nestled within the bamboo grove, offering a tranquil escape and a touch of ancient tradition. Complete your journey with a stroll through the stunning gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where meticulously landscaped grounds provide a perfect blend of natural beauty and Zen serenity.
  • Kinkakuji Temple - Discover the breathtaking beauty of Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kyoto’s iconic Golden Pavilion, shimmering brilliantly against its serene pond backdrop. Stroll through the exquisite gardens, reflecting the harmonious blend of nature and artistry that defines this UNESCO World Heritage site. Perfect for culture enthusiasts and photographers, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into Japan’s architectural splendor and tranquil elegance.
  • Nijo Castle - Step back in time with a visit to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto that showcases stunning Edo-period architecture and exquisite gardens. Explore the opulent Ninomaru Palace, famed for its “nightingale floors” and intricate woodwork, offering a glimpse into the life of the Tokugawa shoguns. Perfect for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers, this tour promises a captivating journey through Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Embark on a spiritual journey at Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of iconic red torii gates that create a mesmerizing path through lush forest trails. Discover the beauty and mystique of this ancient Shinto shrine, dedicated to the deity of rice and prosperity, with stunning views and serene surroundings. Perfect for hikers and culture enthusiasts, this tour offers an unforgettable blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage in Kyoto.
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Explore the enchanting Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the historic Gion area on your Kyoto tour. Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on the hillside, the temple offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding forests. Its wooden stage, built without nails, is famous for its breathtaking views of cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant maple leaves in autumn. The temple’s peaceful atmosphere, sacred shrines, and natural beauty make it an unforgettable destination.
  • Gion - After visiting Kiyomizu-dera, stroll through the Gion district, Kyoto’s renowned geisha area. Immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Japanese culture as you wander along narrow streets lined with wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and shops. Gion is one of the few places where you can spot geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) dressed in exquisite kimonos, bringing the past to life. The district offers a perfect blend of cultural elegance and history, making it an essential stop on your Kyoto journey.
What's Included
  • Transportation cost is NOT included in the price, it is an extra cost
  • Tour guiding and management
  • Driver arrangement
What's Not Included
  • Transportation(cash):up to up to 5 travelers:¥100,000,more than 5: let me know
  • Entrance fees,Lunch.
  • Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected (In case your experience was exceptional)
Additional Information

Tour itinerary is planned based on hiring a car/van for 8 hours in Kyoto. Transportation fee -Cash to the driver in tour day: Up to 5 : ¥100,000 ,if more than 5 please let me know in advance. The tour covers the top sightseeing spots of Kyoto and long enough to cover them all.

1- As you only have 1 day in Kyoto, I can show you the best spots in Kyoto visitors enjoy that others would need at least two days to see.

2- Understanding the culture and life in Japan from a foreign prospective.

Itenerary is shown here, however, you can still customize it in arrangement with the guide.

09:00 Meeting at your hotel in Kyoto
9:30 Bamboo forest and Tenryuji temple garden.
11:00 Kinkaku-ji temple
12:30 Nijo castle
14:00 Lunch break
15:30 Fushimi Inari shrine
17:00 Kiyomizu-dera temple , old streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka around Kiyomizu-dera
18:00 Gion area and Geisha spotting streets, tour finish

Location
Bamboo Forest Street
Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo-Ku
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
3.0
(2 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
A641ejdylans
Jan 4, 2024
A magical day with an excellent guide - We had an incredible day with Keiko, who is a very knowledgeable guide and a wonderful person. She created a perfect itinerary to see several of Kyoto’s most famous sites and was a pleasure to spend time with throughout the day. Our favorite experience on our trip to Japan!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
George_m
Mar 9, 2024
Was being charge for extra payment for the car when in fact it was psid as a full ended up going by train - Going to tour the places on foot and by train because they are asking for payment for the car transportation.And have to pay also for the train.The Tokyo tour was ok no extra charges.For the Kyoto tour we paid $400 plus and they were asking another 100000 yen for the car awful experience
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1
Traveler
September 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today