10 Private Tours in Kyoto That You Shouldn't Miss

May 21, 2021 Tonie Szymanski

The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, then see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances, then savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River.
Restaurants in Kyoto

1. Kyoto private tour from Osaka(Shore excurtion available from Osaka or Kobe port)

Osaka, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Kinki All Star Osaka Walk
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Visit Japanese beautiful traditional town, Kyoto with a private guide! It's the gem in Japan. As it's a private tour, you can relax and visit sights with your own pace. This tour covers most popular sites like Fushimi Inari shrine, Geisha area, Golden pavilion and Arashiyama bamboo forest.  Tour guide will meet you at your accommodation / Osaka port / Kobe port and start the tour hassle-free. You can choose transportation method depending on your needs. (To be paid separately) Use subways, local trains and taxis like locals riding public transportation or hire a van for door to door convenience or if you are JR Rail Pass holder, maximize the use it. Estimate transportation cost is listed in the exclusion section. Please clarify choice of transportation when booking this tour.

Inclusions: Lunch and 1 soft drink, National licensed guide, Guide meets you at your hotel / port

Exclusions: Transportation fee to be paid on the day: Around 5,000 yen/person using public transportation. , Transportation fee to be paid on the day: Around 65,000 yen/party chartering a private van, Transportation fee to be paid on the day: Around 3,000 yen / person if JR Rail Pass holder, Please clarify type of transportation method at the time of booking, Gratuities

Reviewed By Cheryl S

We loved our Kyoto tour! Our guides Aki and Minako made it so special, the whole tour guide team even came on the call to sing Happy Birthday for my daughter. They also made a lovely personalised video for her birthday. The entire experience was so interesting and enjoyable. Definitely recommend!

2. Kyoto Private Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized, See the City Unscripted

Kyoto, Japan City Unscripted Kyoto
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Spend time with one of our hosts exploring Kyoto. Half a day is not nearly enough time to see the whole city but with a host by your side you will get a feel for its energy. Explore one of Kyoto's traditional neighborhoods, like Gion. If that’s not your scene, pick a famous attraction like the Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari Shrine or Kiyomizudera. See Kyoto as you would if you were coming to visit a friend who lived here. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Inclusions: Private and personalised experience, 4 hours with a host, Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options), Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Tickets to any attractions, Transportation costs, Gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By Dream785864

We thoroughly enjoyed our walking tour of Kyoto despite the rain! Our guide Giada took us to three main sites of interest and a great market. Her English was perfect and we ate in a locals place for lunch. Highly recommend.

3. Private Tour - Have You Ever Tried? Experience the Skill to Make a Kimono.

Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan otomo travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

There are still many kimono shops in Kyoto and high-quality kimonos are made there. There are a lot of kimono related shops in a small area in Kyoto because kimono consists of many parts such as cloth, kimono ties, and accessories. You will visit facilities where you can make a kimono cloth yourself on this tour! There are much more techniques in making a cloth than you think like dying. You can experience such techniques originated in Kyoto at specialized shops! Choose your favorite shape, color, and pattern and make your own one of a kind cloth! Don’t forget to book your tour to make your own kimono cloth, with your otomo guide!

Inclusions: Private Tour, Tour Guide, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, The use of private van

Reviewed By muhammadkamranalinak

Very good ???? experience I really enjoyed it fully fantastic I never forget it weather no pollution everything is perfect and appreciated.

4. Private Tour - First Time - Kyoto! Visit All the "Must-See" Destinations!

Kyoto Sta., Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan otomo travel
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

A must-visit location in Japan. Discover Kyoto's famous spots efficiently by bus. There is a story behind each spot in Kyoto representing the people who lived there and its history. You will take a visit to many of the shrines and temples. There is also time to enjoy the beautiful garden while tasting some matcha. From Kiyomizudera temple, you can see over Kyoto providing a great photo spot! The final spot is the well-known "Kanrakugai," popular for its Okonomiyaki. It is a plan that will allow you to discover the Kyoto hot-spots!

Inclusions: Private Tour, Tour Guide, Necessary expenses for the tour guide

Exclusions: Travel expenses and entrance fees for your own, Money for food/drinks, souvenirs and extra activities for your own, Hotel pick-up and drop-off, The use of private van

Reviewed By muhammadkamranalinak

Very good ???? experience I really enjoyed it fully fantastic I never forget it weather no pollution everything is perfect and appreciated.

5. The 10 Tastings of Kyoto With Locals: Private Street Food Tour

600-8008, Japan ►► Withlocals.com - Private Tours by Locals ◄◄
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Eat your way through Kyoto's culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals: from savory to sweet and local drinks; this tour will leave every foodie satisfied! Enjoy tastings typical of the local cuisine and hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food like Gyozas and Japanese pepper ice cream. But that's not it! This tour is more than just food; it's a cultural experience! In between food stops, you'll also find city highlights making this experience a well-rounded tour that will satisfy every foodie. Withlocals The 10 Tastings Private Food Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard

Inclusions: Private Tour, Small group tour option available, Local Guide, 10 Food & Drinks Tastings

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop off, Food and drink not mentioned as inclusion

Reviewed By W3459XHannel

We booked the bike tour to see Kyoto from a different perspective and it was totally worth it! Jonathan is a great guide, he informed us beforehand and made sure we came prepared. During the tour he told us a lot about Kyoto and some historical backgrounds as well. Besides, he gave us some practical tips and recommendations to spend our time in Kyoto. He didn't hurry and took all the time we needed to stop at certain places to give more information or to take some photos. Would definitely recommend him to guide you through Kyoto if you have the chance!

6. Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Japan Guide Agency
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Explore Kyoto, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, accompanied by one of our nationally-licensed, experienced multilingual guides, who will help you efficiently enjoy a six-hour tour, introducing both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient city. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel, or anywhere else at your convenience, and will take you to a number of Kyoto's famous spots. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will arrange a tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off, Licensed Local Guide

Exclusions: Other personal expenses, Lunch - Lunch (for yourself and your guide), Entrance fee (for yourself), Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide)

Reviewed By X4119CEgaryc

Had a pleasant tour of older Tokyo near Nezu Shrine. Our guide (Hiroyuki-san) spoke good English and shared much of the history related to sights we visited. He also took us to areas that local Japanese people visited and shopped frequently. Very nice tour - will do again.

7. Gion night walk tour

Gion-Shijo Station, Kawabatacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0076, Japan Hero Tour Japan
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

I can pick you up at your hotel if the guests are from only your group. Guiding fee is 4000 yen per hour.

Inclusions: Experienced Guide

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Reviewed By Kbradshaw2011

Having a guide truly made our Kyoto experience amazing! Beyond what I expected. Having a knowledgeable guide took the stress off me and allowed me to really take in every part of the experience! I loved that he took pictures for us too! I rarely get to be in pictures as I’m always the one taking them. What an incredible guide!!

8. Private Geisha district tour "Explore Gion, the Geisha world"

Gion-Shijō Station, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan Ken’s Tours Kyoto
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5.0 based on 154 reviews

Kyoto is famed for its shrines and temples, which are full of countless unique stories that will astonish you, making you fall in love with and connect yourself to their ancient history. I am deeply fascinated by the tales and traditions hidden among the streets and behind the sliding doors of Gion. The mysterious world of Geisha can seem exclusive and challenging to discover, so on my tour I will reveal the history, rituals, and nuances of the art-form as well as the entertainers who adhere to this traditional lifestyle, while simultaneously providing other interesting facts and a deeper understanding of Kyoto through the secret or small details that are often hard to notice for visitors and locals alike.

Inclusions: Local guide

Exclusions: Lunch(optional), Transportation to/from attractions

Reviewed By Jscardona

It was an amazing experience to be able to interact with a true geisha apprentice (maiko) in a relaxed setting having a cup of tea. Gets you immersed in the real Japanese culture. A Once in a lifetime experience indeed Ken is very knowledgeable about geisha culture and also extremely dedicated to his customers, doing his job in a very friendly way. Ken is also very knowledgeable about other things to do while in Kyoto, he recommended other great places (restaurants, tours, etc) Overall a great tour with a great guide. You won't get a lot of tours with such dedication and friendliness. Must do in Kyoto.

9. The right way to know Kyoto

Kyoto Daily Tours
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5.0 based on 59 reviews

We are a small group of people who specializes in private and personalized tours in Kyoto. Our aim is to help our customers to utilize best their precious time in Kyoto by offering specially crafted tours covering Kyoto's top attractions. When it comes to a trip, we know that you have your goals and preferences. We would love to hear about them and help you have a unique an unforgettable Kyoto experience. Postgraduate students with Ph.D. or MA- level scholar graduated from Japanese universities, our guides have vast knowledge about Japanese history and culture because they have been living here for several years and are experts in their fields. Their high academic level makes them proficient not only on everything Kyoto but also on the way of life in Japan and its rich history.

Inclusions: Expert guide

Exclusions: Entrance tickets, Transportation

Reviewed By CBR-TKYO

Our guide Javier was superb. For both tours he covered the main attractions with insight, commanding knowledge of history, and with very good patience in relation to our easily distracted children. But then he also took us off the main tourist thoroughfares for some quiet, exclusive trips down pathways close by. So we saw all the main attractions, but also little shops and paths, and gardens and ponds we would not have discovered but for his knowledge and guidance. Highly recommend! And hope to see Javier again when we next go to Kyoto.

10. Kyoto Early Bird Tour

Kyoto Station, Kyoto, Japan KAMNAVI Tours
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4.9 based on 42 reviews

Kyoto is the most famous tourist destination in Japan. There are plenty of wonderful sites, but it is always bustling with tourists from all over the world, so it’s hard to enjoy Kyoto's natural beauty quietly and in depth. Here we offer a luxurious tour that enables you to visit three of the most famous tourist attractions in Kyoto with fewer people in half a day till noon. After this tour there is time for  you to spend on other activities.

Inclusions: Guide fee

Exclusions: Admission fees. 400yen@Kinkaku-ji Temple, Drink and Food, Transportation fare. 760 yen for JR Lines, 460 yen for City Bus

Reviewed By MCJ62

Our tour guide was Kommy. He was very knowledgeable of the areas and we received good background information. It was a good way to spend the afternoon and see Osaka. I would recommend this tour.

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