Private Kyoto Tour: Explore Highlights, Hidden Gems with a Local

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
  • Pontocho District - Please note: As this is a private and personalized experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be personalized by you and your host based on your interests and preferences. Pontocho Alley is a stunning gem in Kyoto, often hailed as the city’s most beautiful street. With its charming traditional shops and cozy restaurants, this picturesque alley offers a timeless escape. Free from cars, modern buildings, and flashy signs, Pontocho Alley invites you to step back in time with your host by your side to experience the authentic beauty of Kyoto.
  • Kennin-ji Temple - Discover Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, home to a stunning gilded screen depicting the wind and thunder gods. Don’t miss the breathtaking twin dragons painted on the Dharma Hall ceiling—a must-see for any cultural explorer.
  • Gion - Explore Kyoto’s historic Gion district, starting with a stroll down Hanami-koji street. Cross Tatsumi Bridge to reach Shimbashi, the most picturesque area, featuring elegant wooden houses, high-class restaurants, cozy cafes, and traditional tea houses. You might even catch a glimpse of a Geisha in this enchanting neighborhood, offering a glimpse into Kyoto’s timeless charm.
  • Yasaka Shrine - Founded over 1,350 years ago, Yasaka Shrine stands as the guardian of Kyoto’s vibrant Gion district. Renowned for its spectacular summer festival, Gion Matsuri, held every July, this shrine is a must-visit, offering a glimpse into one of Japan’s most celebrated traditions.
  • Maruyama Park - One of Kyoto’s most beloved parks, offering a serene escape year-round. Known for its stunning cherry blossoms in spring, it’s also a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a morning of exploring, no matter the season.
  • Sannenzaka Ninenzaka - Explore the enchanting Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets, where narrow lanes, wooden buildings, and traditional merchant shops transport you to old Kyoto. Wander through Higashiyama’s charming streets, lined with quaint shops, cozy cafes, and delightful restaurants offering Kyoto specialties. Searching for the perfect souvenir? You’ll find an array of pottery, sweets, crafts, and more in these picturesque alleyways.
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple - One of Japan’s most celebrated temples, renowned for its massive wooden stage offering breathtaking views, especially of the vibrant autumn foliage from mid-November to early December. Don’t miss the nearby Otowa Waterfall, with its three streams, each promising a unique blessing: longevity, academic success, or a fortunate love life. Which blessing will you choose?
  • Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a mesmerizing path winding through the sacred Mount Inari forest. Even a halfway hike offers stunning views. Keep an eye out for the numerous fox statues, the guardians of the shrine, acting on behalf of Inari, the god of rice and sake. How many can you spot with your host?
  • Kiyamachi Street - The perfect spot to unwind before calling it a day. This lively area is lined with charming restaurants, cozy cafes, and vibrant bars, making it an ideal place to grab a drink and soak in the local atmosphere.
What's Included
  • Choose from 2, 3, 5, 7, or 8 hours
  • Pick your preferred duration when you book
  • Hotel meet-up for central locations available on request
  • Private and personalized walking experience with a passionate local
What's Not Included
  • Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)
  • Gratuities (optional)
Additional Information

Experience Kyoto like a local with a private, customized walking tour designed just for you. Explore iconic spots like Kyoto Tower, Togetsu-kyō Bridge, and Ginkaku-ji Temple, along with hidden gems tailored to your interests.

Your guide will craft an itinerary based on your passions, offering insider tips and uncovering the city’s top attractions and cultural secrets. Discover sacred sites like Fushimi Inari Taisha, explore the cultural richness of Gion, or venture into historic neighborhoods off the beaten path. Let your guide reveal Kyoto’s true essence and charm.

Within 24 hours of booking, you’ll receive a questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, we’ll assign a like-minded host who will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary and ensure your experience is flexible and tailored to your preferences.

Location
Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Sanjo-ohashi Bridge
Your host will be waiting in front of Starbucks Coffee. After booking, you can adjust the meeting point in your questionnaire to fit your preferences and our Experience Planners will be in touch to confirm.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(1011 Ratings)
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Paradise45187627019
Aug 29, 2024
Wonderful Guide Makes Our Day - From the beginning, our guide planned the most time-efficient route based on the required itinerary using his professional knowledge and skills. At every step of the way, he explained the origin and impact of each historic landmark fully. We learned a lot about Japan, its history, its people, its traditions, and the importance on its present. We will definitely have him as our guide the next time we visit the area where he works.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robertsr8875iy
Aug 25, 2024
Great Day in Kyoto with Raphael - We had a fantastic time exploring Kyoto with Raphael as our guide. He was super knowledgeable about the city’s history and culture, and he made sure to show us some really cool spots that we probably wouldn’t have found on our own. Raphael was also really easy to talk to, and we appreciated how he adjusted the tour to match our interests and pace. His recommendations for places to eat and shop were spot on, and we loved the little local insights he shared throughout the day. It felt more like hanging out with a friend who knew the city inside out than a typical tour. All in all, if you’re looking for a laid-back and informative tour of Kyoto, Raphael is your guy. We had a great experience and would definitely recommend him!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Reaish
Aug 23, 2024
Wonderful Tour - Had an amazing day, our guide is excellent and knowledgeable, very friendly as well. We learned a lot about Japan and its culture on this trip. Thanks.
Review provided by Viator
Meufill
Aug 22, 2024
Best experience on Kyoto - Alejandro is a Fantastic guide to show and understand you the best of Kyoto and the best anecdotes to understand this amazing country
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X6617jljuliap
Aug 21, 2024
Top-rated guide I found in Japan - Alejandro is an exceptional Guide, whose knowledge and passion for his work are simply second to none. From the start, it makes you feel comfortable and welcome, creating an atmosphere of confidence and enthusiasm. Your deep understanding of local history, culture and details is reflected in every explanation, making every visit educational and entertaining. In addition, Alejandro has a special talent to adapt the experience to the interests and needs of his group, making sure that everyone feels involved and satisfied. His storytelling skills, combined with his sense of humor and ability to answer any questions, make each tour with him a unique and memorable experience. If you are looking for a Guide that goes beyond expectations and that really brings your visit to life, Alejandro is certainly the best option.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alyce_f
Aug 20, 2024
Fantastic way to see Kyoto - Austen was a fantastic host. He made sure to curate the day towards what we wanted and showed us some excellent spots. He also sent us a list of recommendations afterwards. A big thank you to Austen! We highly recommend
Review provided by Viator
Amber_f
Aug 20, 2024
Excellent experience - Kenya was a great guide! We had limited time in Kyoto & this was a perfect way to see many highlights and temples of Kyoto. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Trip15425262372
Aug 20, 2024
Discover Kyoto - We were taken care of by a really great Guide (Milo) he speaks perfect English which facilitates the tour. At first he asked us what interested us and made us a tailor-made route it is really a plus 👏👏 Thank you very much Milo And once brought back to the Pension he sent us plenty of address to discover 😉
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Relax19022164375
Aug 19, 2024
Great must do walking tour in Kyoto. - Great tour with a super knowledgeable guide. We saw all the important sites with context and related history, and all of the tour was done in a very convenient and time effiecent manner.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alex_a
Aug 18, 2024
Beautiful Kyoto - This was such an awesome tour! We took the train, walked around old Kyoto, went to food markets, etc. Alex personally customized and made it the highlight of my Tokyo trip. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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