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: 24 hours
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…
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…

Location
Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Sanjo-ohashi Bridge
Your host will meet you in front of Starbucks Coffee. This private walking tour is designed for exploring Kyoto on foot, offering a flexible and immersive experience. Public transport can be used for longer distances if needed, with additional costs settled on the day.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(1217 Ratings)
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Kevin_p
Jan 13, 2025
Beyond the shrines - Finding sights we would have unlikely discovered and insight to local culture. Learning the differences between the different buddism and seeing the temples that contrast. It was nice of the fire department to put on a show as well
Review provided by Viator
Analisas2025
Jan 13, 2025
Incredible Kyoto Walking Tour with Toshi - During our visit to Kyoto, we chose to do a private walking tour, and it turned out to be the best decision! Our guide, Toshi, was fantastic—his deep knowledge of the city's history and culture really brought the experience to life. He answered all our questions and made sure we enjoyed a perfect balance of cultural insights and historical context as we explored Kyoto. It was the ideal way to wrap up our two-week adventure in Japan. I highly recommend this tour to anyone traveling to Kyoto!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pdxjules30
Jan 11, 2025
The perfect three-hour tour - We enjoyed a fantastic walking tour with CiCi on Christmas Day. She was super communicative via WhatsApp before our tour and provided plentiful information about what we'd see. She promptly met us at our hotel and gave us a much-needed tutorial on using the subway and bus system. We visited several shrines and temples and the Gion district of Kytoto. CiCi really helped us get a good feel for the city and better understand the culture. She was patient while I took a million photos and made sure we got the best shots. She took us to several spots we wouldn't have visited on our own and when I mentioned I loved matcha, she made sure we stopped at her favorite matcha shop. She dropped us off at a great gyoza restaurant for lunch and provided tips on making the most of the rest of our visit. Three hours was the perfect amount of time for this tour and I can't recommend it enough.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ceciles410
Jan 11, 2025
We visited various places of interest in Kyoto - Our young guide, Mia, was an absolute delight. She spoke excellent English, and was very knowledgeable. In addition she was very considerate. I would highly recommend her
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Canebrake4
Jan 10, 2025
History of the area and non touristy sights. - I booked 6 tours for my son’s solo birthday trip to Japan. This tour was by far his favorite. Very knowledgeable LOCAL guide. Most of the other tours were a let down. He said this one was by far the best and worth every penny. The guide had wonderful suggestions and knew all the history etc.. Highly recommend!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kathryn_d
Jan 8, 2025
Wonderful way to see Kyoto and learn a ton with Kenya! - We absolutely loved our 5 hour tour with Kenya. He's so smart, well studied in history and great at English. He wove our desires to see & learn about specific famous parts of the city with some "hidden treasures". He brought us to several food and drink spots where the locals go. He knows so much about the history of Kyoto, the area and Japan as well as current affairs. We loved our time with him!
Review provided by Viator
Sanjaysidhu13
Jan 7, 2025
A Great Day in Kyoto - We had a lovely day out with Vanessa, who was enthusiastic and very knowledgeable on the sights we visited. We saw all that we planned to, and more, and thoroughly enjoyed the day out.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Daydream782520
Jan 7, 2025
Aaaaamazing, delightful, best guide ever! - This was one of the best guides/experiences we've had in all our travels. Shingo was communicative/responsive prior to meeting and asking us what we wanted. He met us at our hotel, with map out, information ready, prepared for rain or sun, and greeted everyone in group- remembering everyone's names. He shared personal stories as well as unique information about Japan. he took us on a backroads walk to a popular tourist spot and highlighted various historical and cultural elements. He was funny, informative, and a delight. The adults and teenagers in our group loved him. He went to lunch with us and assisted with a difficult allergy order (which is hard in Japan). We would give him 10 stars if that was an option. Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U3804tljohnf
Jan 7, 2025
Outstanding Tour of a Beautiful City. - Our guide, Afifa, was wonderful! She shared her insights on Japanese history and culture as well as daily life in the amazing city of Kyoto. She helped make our trip memorable. Thank you, Afifa!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U5415zqcarolynj
Jan 5, 2025
Awesome day in Kyoto with Mia! - Mia and this tour was outstanding. We saw the spiritual highlights of Kyoto as requested, and learned so much along the way. Mia was delightful, extremely knowledgeable, and a joy to spend the day with
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
January 2025
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