Shore excursion: Full Day Private Kyoto Tour From Osaka/Kobe Port

Embark on a private full-day tour from Osaka or Kobe to explore the top attractions of Kyoto. Visit the bamboo forest groove, Kinkaku-ji temple, Fushimi Inari shrine, and more. Customize your itinerary and experience the historic and cultural beauty of Kyoto in a comfortable and time-efficient way.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Bamboo Forest Street - After the pick up from the port, we will need 2 hours to reach Arashiyama area west of Kyoto. 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.
  • Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”. Dive into the culinary heart of Kyoto at Nishiki Market, a bustling five-block marketplace brimming with over a hundred vibrant stalls and shops. Savor the flavors of fresh seafood, local delicacies, and unique snacks while exploring traditional Japanese ingredients and gourmet treats. Perfect for food lovers and cultural explorers, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of Kyoto’s rich culinary heritage.
  • 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 - 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
  • Tour management
  • Tour guiding
  • Driver arrangement of pick up and drop off
  • Guiding fees
  • Transportation cost is NOT included in the price here, it is an extra cost
What's Not Included
  • Personal Expenses
  • Food, Drinks, Snacks
  • Entrance fees :Kinkakoji temple : ¥500/person, Kiyumezu dera temple : ¥500/person
  • Gratuities are always appreciated but never expected (In case your experience was exceptional)
  • Transportation cost: JPY 120,000 for up to 5 pax, JPY 140,000 up to 7 pax
Additional Information

Tour itinerary is designed based on hiring a car/van for 10 hours (JPY120,000 for up to 5 pax, JPY 140,000 for up to 8 pax) cash payment on the day tour, cash to the driver) to provide ample time to visit Kyoto’s most iconic cultural & historic landmarks, ensuring a comprehensive experience of the city’s rich heritage.

Itinerary (Customizable):

08:00 Meeting at Osaka or Kobe port
10:30 Bamboo grove
12:00 Kinkaku-ji temple
13:30 Lunch break
15:00 Fushimi Inari shrine
16:30 Kiyomizu-dera temple, old streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka around Kiyomizu-dera
17:30 Gion area and Geisha spotting streets
18:00 back to the port
20:00 Drop off in the port and tour finish

Location
Port of Kobe
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.4
(8 Ratings)
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Julie_h
Jun 24, 2024
Great day in Kyoto with Keiko and Miya - Keiko and Miya were amazing guides during our time in Kyoto. We had a fabulous time visiting Arashiyama, Tenryuji Temple & bamboo forest, Ryuanji Temple rock garden, Nijo Castle, delicious ramen, Inari Shrine, and exploring Gion. Keiko provided just the right amount of history so we could fully appreciate our surroundings. She also gave a great recommendation for lunch and it was the most delicious ramen I have ever had. Miya navigated the crowded streets gracefully and we felt very safe with him as a driver. He is also an excellent photographer. If you go to Kyoto I highly recommended you utilize their tour service!
Review provided by Viator
Nicola_t
Apr 12, 2024
Fantastic - We had an amazing day in Kyoto thanks to Hero our guide. The route was well planned and he was knowledgeable and very interesting. It was a great tour enjoyed by all
Review provided by Viator
Julie_t
Apr 4, 2024
Whistle stop tour of Kyoto - We had limited time in Kyoto having visited from a cruise ship docked in Kobe. Our guide Yuji managed to fit in Kinkakuji temple, Chion-In temple ,Yasaka Shrine. Gion, Hanamikoji Street and the Fushimi Shrine in the short time available. I would definitely recommend this tour if you have limited time
Review provided by Viator
Lydia_t
Mar 17, 2024
Kyoto Once in a Lifetime Day with Ahmed - A one day, once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Kyoto from Kobe Port! That’s what this trip turned into. Ahmed was a great tour guide and photographer who helped me get some amazing once in a lifetime pictures from the Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari, Golden Pavilion, Gion, etc. I would hire him again. If you’re in Kyoto and arrive at Kobe Port, do a private tour. It’s the only way you will see everything that are the real Kyoto highlights. Only thing to keep in mind is the private van is an extra cost.
Review provided by Viator
Brenna_h
Mar 16, 2024
Great full day tour of Kyoto’s coolest sites! - Awesome full day tour with Ahmed! Went to the 5 sites - schedule was seamless and very organized. Ahmed has a very calm energy so we didn’t feel rushed or pressured at all! Beautiful sites. The car was also very comfortable and professional - he dropped us off right at the entrances and was always there waiting for when we were done and ready to move on to the next stop. Thanks Ahmed!
Review provided by Viator
Catherine_a
Apr 1, 2024
A packed day of sightseeing - In spite of the late arrival of our ship, the heavy traffic congestion and the crowds going to the different destinations, our guide was able to keep us moving so that we managed to cover most if not all of what was on the itinerary. He worked well with the driver and we managed to get in and out of the crowds without too much problem. It was a packed day of sightseeing and we had a good time in spite of the crowds. Warning to potential tourists - don't come to Japan during cherry blossom season. It should be much more pleasant when it's not crowded.
Review provided by Viator
Yuval_z
Mar 18, 2024
Monumental Scam - Viator is a monumental scam, swindle and cheat. We paid the requested sum of $480 by Visa at the time of ordering the tour. The night before the expected tour, we were told to pay the driver additional $800 for "transportation." This was not revealed before the agreed sum of $480 has been submitted. I would strongly warn any potential tourist never to do business with this company. Obviously we canceled the tour immediately and have never received a refund as promised. I learned lately that Viator is a subsidiary of Trip Advisor. Why is Trip Advisor part of this scam? Would Trip Advisor refund the $480?
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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