Kyoto Best Spots Private Tour
4.7
19 Ratings
Kyoto
Discover Kyoto's rich history and culture with our private tour. Choose your favorite spots and explore with passionate local guides.
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kyoto Station - Meet with your guide at Kyoto Station.

Please choose some must-see spots from the Spot List below. On average, you can visit 2 spots for a 4-hour tour and 3 spots for a 6-hour tour.

  • Kinkakuji Temple - Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple constructed in 1397. It is a masterpiece of Japanese architecture and garden design, featuring a pond. Originally a Shogun’s villa symbolizing power and prosperity, it was converted into a Zen temple after his death.
  • Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Fushimi Inari Shrine (Thousands of Vermilion Torii Gates) is dedicated to harvest and prosperity. It is famous for its photogenic vermilion torii gates that form a trail through the forest of Mount Inari. The spiritual journey up the mountain offers a serene and mysterious atmosphere.
  • Bamboo Forest Street - One of Kyoto’s biggest attractions, this area features thousands of towering bamboo, creating a beautiful forest. It feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Located in the Arashiyama area, where aristocrats have had their villas since ancient times, you can also enjoy history, culture, and nature.
  • Nijo Castle - Built in 1603, Nijo Castle served as the Tokugawa shogun’s second home and later as an Imperial Villa. It showcases the power of the Tokugawa shogunate with its magnificent architecture, interior screen paintings, and serene gardens, offering a glimpse into Japan’s samurai past.
  • Ryoanji Temple - A World Heritage Site established in 1450, Ryoanji Temple is home to Japan’s famous rock garden—a masterpiece of minimalist aesthetics. With fifteen rocks set in raked white gravel and a serene pond surrounded by trees, the temple exudes tranquility.
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple - Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a World Heritage Site located on a hill in eastern Kyoto, offers breathtaking views, a wooden stage jutting 13 meters above a cliff, and dedication to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. The surrounding area is a preservation district with many shops and cafes in an old-town atmosphere, making it a pleasant area to stroll.
  • Nishiki Market Shopping District - Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market’s narrow shopping street boasts over a hundred shops and restaurants. This culinary haven offers a wide array of local delicacies, fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and Kyoto specialties like pickles, Japanese sweets, and matcha-flavored treats. Beyond local delicacies, it offers Japanese kitchenware, providing a fun experience for food lovers and those seeking Kyoto-themed gifts.
  • Sanjusangendo Temple - Renowned for its 1001 Kannon statues, Sanjusangen-do Temple’s main hall is one of the world’s longest wooden structures. It offers a profound experience of religious solemnity and artistic beauty, akin to walking in a “forest of Buddhist statues.”
  • Gion - Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, captivates with its well-preserved traditional houses. At dusk, red lanterns light the streets, enhancing the mysterious atmosphere. Exploring the cobblestone streets with a guide provides insight into the enigmatic geisha culture.
What's Included
  • Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
What's Not Included
  • Transportation fee (Participants + Guide)
  • Entrance Fees (Participants + Guide)
  • Lunch (Participants + Guide)
  • Other Private Expenses
  • Private Vehicle
  • Hotel Pick-up
Additional Information

Explore the highlights of Kyoto with our friendly local guides who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about their city. They will take you around the sites in most efficient way and provide you with in-depth insights into each site, ensuring you get the most out of your visit.

Kyoto is an old capital city of Japan, known for its rich history and culture spanning more than 1,000 years. Blessed with beautiful seasonal natural scenery and gardens, old cityscapes, and numerous World Heritages sties. This tour allows you to choose a few locations of your choice.

Join us for an unforgettable exploration of Kyoto, where tradition meets timeless beauty.

Please check “What To Expect” and choose 2 spots for 4-hour, 3 spots for 6-hour tour that you wish to visit.

  • A moderate amount of walking is involved. Please wear comfortable walking shoes
  • This is a walking tour. A private vehicle is not included.
  • Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between spots.
  • The tour will take place rain or shine.
Location
Kyoto Station
Meet at JR Kyoto Station (In front of Tourist Information)
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(19 Ratings)
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1 star
Peaik
Apr 22, 2024
Very nice guide, an once-in-a-lifetime experience - Wonderful experience. Our guide was kind and easygoing. He guided us around the Golden Pavilion Temple and Gion area. He speaks fluent English so no problem getting around. Our guide is born and raised in Kyoto and therefore knows a lot about local culture and customs. He gave us an easy-to-follow lecture on the fundamentals of Japanese Buddhism and Shintoism before entering the temple, and taught us how to pray at a Shinto shrine. He also told us something about the difference between geiko and maiko and how this whole geisha industry works. The only thing I would like to remind future travelers is to BUY A DAY PASS in advance, as getting around in Kyoto involves lots of bus/train transfers and the fare can get expensive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Xiaoxianz2024
Apr 17, 2024
A Journey Through Kyoto: Exploring Kinkaku-ji and Gion! - Our tour guide was exceptional—both knowledgeable and enthusiastic. He shared a wealth of historical insights as he led us through Kinkaku-ji Temple and Gion, making the experience truly unforgettable. Armed with a large bag filled with folders, each one dedicated to a different attraction, he meticulously prepared us for each site visit. At every landmark, he would pull out the relevant folder and delve into the cultural and historical background of the place. His detailed explanations and passion for the subject matter greatly enhanced our appreciation of each site. I found his approach very engaging and his dedication impressive. Both Kinkaku-ji and Gion are imbued with a sense of continuity and preservation, each telling stories of Japan’s past through their visual splendor and enduring traditions. Kinkaku-ji appeals to those who appreciate architectural beauty and historical significance, while Gion offers a lively, sensory exploration of Japanese culture. Visiting these sites not only provides a deeper understanding of Kyoto's heritage but also leaves one with a profound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of Japanese traditions.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
731ievam
Mar 26, 2024
Uncovering hidden Kyoto's History - The tour was so heartwarming, as it allowed me to experience Kyoto from different perspective. Shoji was very attentive and knowledgeable. He patiently answered all my questions. I learned so much about Japanese History, tradition and it was invaluable cultural experience. Kyoto is beautiful, yet when somebody guides you with vast knowledge it adds completely different layer and understanding of the city!! Thank you so much!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael
Mar 22, 2024
Excellent Kyoto tour - Excellent tour of Kyoto with a private guide. Very knowledgeable and able to act a local touch to the explanations and the sites. Strongly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark
Mar 13, 2024
Time out in Gion - Our guide , Kenji was everything we wanted for the day. We were staying in Gion and wanted to spend time in the area and them travel over the the river to Pontocho Alley , Teramachi St and the Nishki market . Kenji cam up with a good plan and gave great insights into Gion and the geisha girls . Spent time in several shrines , how the different religions originated and also time in the small alleys of Gion . Pontocho Alley was amazing and the Nishki market to finish gave us lots of options for lunch . A great morning and thoroughly recommend the tour .
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cruiser20904828413
Apr 25, 2024
Helpful guide and enjoyable time - I went to Sanjyusangendo and Fushimi Inari Shrine.The guide's explanation was very helpful to understand Buddhism and Shintoism.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
945iii
Apr 22, 2024
一期一会 - It's good to visit spots with a local guide, I get something new. But I think we spent too much time on transfer from one place to the other.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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