Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car with Licensed Guide
Do you really like temples and gardens? If so, Nara is the place for you! Close to Osaka and Kyoto, this quiet area is full of beauty...and deer! Why so many deer in Nara? Deer are messengers from the heavens, so they have free reign over the city of Nara that is filled with religious importance. Come and learn about Japan’s temples and religious history in Nara!
Once your reservation is made, a guide will contact you to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots from ‘Tour Details’ to visit. Don't know where to go? Ask the guide to send you their recommendations. We hope to guide you soon!
* Maximum 7 participants per tour.
* If you have a child or children in your group, please let us know the number and their age.
Duration: 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide
Accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide, explore the area of Arashiyama and Sagano, where aristocrats once unwound in their villas more than 1,000 years ago.
The highlights of this tour include the scenic countryside views from Togetsukyo bridge; Tenryu-ji temple with its beautiful traditional gardens; the enchanting world from within the Bamboo Grove; and Jojakko-ji Temple with its breathtaking green moss. During the tour you will also visit some secret spots unfamiliar to the usual tourists.
Enjoy the walk and delicious food while learning about Japanese culture and history. Our guides are looking forward to arranging 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 National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Duration: 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Gion Tour & Maiko or Geisha Dinner with Licensed Guide
Immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Japanese culture with this exclusive 4-hour tour. Explore Gion on a 90-minute guided walk with a licensed guide and learn about the district’s rich history, customs, and traditions.
After sightseeing, your guide will accompany you to enjoy a beautifully presented Kaiseki meal and spend time with a Geisha or Maiko in an authentic Kyoto setting. Unlike other tours with shows made specifically for overseas visitors, this tour lets you experience what it’s really like to dine with a Geisha or Maiko. There are no flashy shows or fast dances—just the wabi-sabi of real Kyoto. You can ask questions, speak with the Geisha/Maiko, and join in classic ozashiki asobi (traditional Geisha games).
Important Notes:
1: Per local custom, guests are asked to purchase one drink for the Maiko or Geisha.
2: Only one Maiko or Geisha will be arranged for your experience; selection is not available.
3: Please note that music is pre-recorded and not performed live.
Duration: 4 hours
- Private tour
PRIVATE Kyoto Market Tour & Cooking Class in Aki's Beautiful Home
- Explore Kyoto's Demachiyanagi Shopping Street with Aki and shop for fresh seasonal ingredients at a neighborhood market loved by locals.
- Cook authentic Japanese home-style dishes from scratch in Aki's beautiful home while learning family recipes and everyday cooking techniques.
- Enjoy a private cultural experience with personalized instruction, English recipes to take home, and insights into Japanese food, traditions, and daily life.
Duration: 4 hours
- Private tour
Kyoto Private Photo Shoot & Tour by SnapKyoto
Contact for the time & locations of your choice. snapkyoto (ig)
A professional photographer captures your Kyoto memories and the next day you will receive 50-200 edited pictures to share with family/friends. Free guide about the history, culture and the people of Kyoto and Japan. No need to worry where to go and what to see. I'll take care of it all. Just enjoy the sites. Help with booking kimono upon request (show up, select kimono and pay at the shop). Also I help book a private car upon request.
I offer 1-6 hours of shoot in epic locations. 1 hour in 1 area, 3 hours in 2-3 areas and 6 hours in 3-4 areas.
Inside Kyoto:
-Gion Geisha District (old town)
-Higashiyama (Yasaka Pagoda area)
-Arashiyama Bamboo Forest,
-Fushimi Inari (Orange Gates)
Outside Kyoto (ask for availability)
-Osaka, Nara, Tokyo, Fuji etc.
Portfolio: check snapkyoto my Instagram.
Duration: 1–6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle
Discover Nara and Uji on a private 10-hour tour from Kyoto. Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, Byodo-in Temple, Uji’s historic tea district, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Higashimuki Shopping Street. Higashimuki is a great lunch stop for local food and shopping.
✓ Licensed Operator
Operated by a licensed passenger transportation company in Japan using commercial vehicles.
✓ 100% Private
Your vehicle is reserved exclusively for your group.
✓ 3 Service Options
• English-speaking guide + vehicle (includes sightseeing guidance)
• English-speaking driver + vehicle (no guide service)
• Transportation only + vehicle (no guide; driver language is not guaranteed)
✓ Flexible Itinerary
Adjust stops and sightseeing time within the booked duration.
✓ Transportation Costs Included
Kyoto City pickup/drop-off, fuel, tolls and parking are included.
Prices vary by service option. Please select your preferred option when booking.
Duration: 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Private Kyoto with Exceptional Guide Tailored to Your Needs
Experience Your Dream Tour of Kyoto with a Local Guide!
Embark on a personalized journey through Kyoto, tailored just for you. Choose between a half-day (4-hour) or full-day (8-hour) private tour and customize your experience to match your interests, whether it's savoring Japanese cuisine, diving into local culture, uncovering historical sites, shopping, or any unique passion you may have.
You decide the pace and style of your adventure—from a relaxed walking tour using Tokyo's world-class public transportation to a more seamless experience with a private vehicle. We will offer some inspiring ideas for exploring places during your custom-designed tour.
*Please download WhatsApp or let us know your email address, so our guide can contact you!
*Many stores and restaurants in Japan only accept cash payments, so be sure to have some Japanese yen cash on hand.
Duration: 4–8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Japanese Calligraphy - Shodo - Lesson (near Kyoto Station)
Please come and try Traditional Japanese Calligraphy! You can learn a new skill and get some great authentically Japanese Souvenirs to take home! You can experience calligraphy after sightseeing in Kyoto or before dinner, so you can use your time effectively. Check out the video below for an example of the class, and make a reservation ASAP! (*English Instruction Included) We also have activities for young children, so please bring them along!
*Due to popular demand, we have increased the number of time slots for the experience! You can now choose from 3:00PM, 4:00PM, 5:00PM, and 6:00PM. Other times also possible. Please ask!*
Souvenirs you will recieve for taking part in our class (included in the cost):
1. Your name written on calligraphy paper in kanji, hiragana, or katakana
2. A folding fan with your favorite word or name written on it
3. A postcard with your favorite word or name written on it
&
4. A gift envelope
OR
5. A photo frame
*Please choose one.
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
Single- & multi-day Adventures within Kyoto Nara Osaka Kobe
We offer both private airport transfers and customized adventures from a one- to four-day excursions which cover all the destinations in the sample itinerary, depending on the selected ticket options. Also, 2–3-day tours can be arranged according to travelers' plans in through direct inquiries at discounted prices.
A single-day ticket(s) offers travelers' preferred sightseeing and authentic experiences in up to two cities or best highlights across three cities on the same day. For example, being picked up in Kobe, and visiting Kyoto, Uji, or Nara, before being dropped off in Osaka or returned to Kobe at the end of the tour.
Nature lovers can reprieve from the city bustles into tranquil nature trips, including visits to the countryside to experience authentic local lifestyles in fishing, farm visits to enjoy fresh produce while taking in picturesque sceneries such as Kyoto’s beautiful coast, that will create them unforgettable memories in Japan.
Refer to typical 4-day tour highlights
Duration: 4 days
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Treasures of Kyoto: Geishas & Traditions Private Tour
To truly experience a city, you must deep dive into its culture, and there's no better cultural tradition to explore in Kyoto than through geishas and their traditions.
On this private tour, get a cultural awakening as you learn more about geishas and the traditions and why this is such a unique part of the city's character. Learn from its history to the present influence that still lingers in Kyoto as you visit the Minamiza Theatre, Maruyama park and more. Thanks to this cultural experience, you'll be able to see Kyoto from a different perspective - the way the locals live it every day!
Withlocals Treasures of Kyoto 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 products and preventing over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.
Duration: 2 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Highlights & Hidden Gems in Nature (Private Van Eng-Guide)
Explore the historic Kyoto more deeply with a local Japanese guide, comfortably in a Japanese minivan!
Round trip Kyoto city from east to south!
•Avoid crowds, find off-the-beaten spots to relax, meditate and get spiritual in sacred areas with no other tourists
•Visit bamboo forest, Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari "Red Gates" Shrine in best timings with the least tourists
•Drive to deeper mountain area of Kyoto for breath-taking scenes like movies of Kifune Shrine, where hard to get without a car
The tour is led by a experienced local Japanese Guide with expert knowledge of Japanese religions and history, who will enhance your experience and support your trip with fluent English guide
Book this tour now for an unforgettable experience and have a transcendent trip in alter world, Kyoto!
Duration: 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Maiko Night Performance with Kaiseki-style Kyoto cuisine Dinner
Looking for an evening entertainment in Kyoto? Experience an unforgettable evening in Kyoto with our hassle-free evening bus tour. Enjoy a mesmerizing maiko performance while savoring a Kyoto Kaiseki-style dinner.
After pickup at Kyoto Station, the bus will transport you to the renowned Shozan Resort Kyoto. Here, you'll be treated to a captivating maiko dinner show. A maiko is an apprentice geiko (distinct from a geisha) in Kyoto, skilled in performing traditional songs, dances, and playing Japanese instruments to entertain guests.
After the show, take a leisurely stroll through the Japanese garden and admire the traditional architecture. The tour also includes a brief stop at Higashiyama-sancho Park, famous for its enchanting night views of Kyoto.
The tour concludes with drop-offs at Kyoto Station or select hotels: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto, and Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande. Join us for an evening of cultural immersion and scenic beauty.
Duration: 3 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Kyoto, Osaka and Nara Customized Private Car tour
Take a deep dive into traditional Japanese culture and history during this full-day trip to Kyoto and Nara from the center of Kyoto or Osaka. Enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto’s Arashiyama district and admire the beautiful grounds of the Kinkaku-ji temple. Then head to Nara and see the wild deer of Nara Park. Multiple pickup points and lunch upgrade options are available.Explore traditional Kyoto and Nara during a day trip from the center of Kyoto or Osaka Marvel at Kyoto sights like the Arashiyama district and Kinkaku-ji templeOptional upgrade with choice of buffet or Beef Shabu Shabu set lunchNo need to organize car transport and schedule; entrance fee included.
Duration: 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
PRIVATE Kyoto Home Cooking Class in Aki's Traditional Wooden Home
Join your host Aki for a hands-on cooking lesson in her beautiful kitchen, get secret tips for familiar classics like miso soup, and learn to make dishes you won't be able to find in restaurants! Aki will provide you with recipes in English and guide you through the cooking process as she tells you all you'd like to know about Japanese food and culture. Your home-style Japanese meal may include dishes such as the traditional Chikuzenni (a main dish of braised chicken and vegetables that originated from Kyushu), seasonal vegetable sides such as marinated spinach with sesame or burdock root, and miso soup. The cooking portion of your experience should last about an hour before you enjoy the meal you helped prepare together.
Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to witness true Japanese hospitality, and learn about Japanese culture and cuisine during a hands-on experience in a beautiful setting - your stomach and soul will thank you for it!
Duration: 3 hours
- Private tour
Kyoto Private & Personalized Full-Day Tour with a Local Guide
Discover Kyoto in a truly personal way on this full-day private walking tour with a local host who knows the city inside out. This isn’t a rigid sightseeing schedule—it’s a flexible, customized experience designed entirely around you.
Stroll historic lanes, visit hidden shops, admire serene temples and gardens, and hear the local stories that bring Kyoto’s culture to life. Your host will craft the route to match your interests, whether you’re drawn to history, food, architecture, tradition, or off-the-beaten-path discoveries.
After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire about your interests. Your host will then reach out to suggest an authentic, flexible itinerary that feels like exploring Kyoto with a knowledgeable friend eager to share the city’s secrets.
Duration: 7–8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO
Experience Japan in a Traditional Kimono at WARGO
Step into Japanese culture by wearing a beautiful kimono and exploring the streets around any WARGO store nationwide. Capture stunning photos, create unforgettable memories, and fully immerse yourself in the timeless Japanese atmosphere.
Choose from a wide range of kimonos, from classic traditional patterns to modern designs. Our experienced staff will assist you with dressing, ensuring a comfortable and authentic experience. Plus-size kimonos are available, so everyone can join in!
Your package includes the kimono, sash belt (obi), Japanese clutch, sandals, and socks. Hairstyling is also available at an additional cost for those who want the complete look.
The dressing process is quick—often under an hour—so you can set off on your adventure right away. Make your visit truly special by stepping out in style, exploring, and creating lasting memories at any WARGO store across Japan!
Duration: 1–7 hours
- Free cancellation
Kyoto Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Make your Instagram followers envious as you explore Kyoto on a customizable day trip to its most recognizable hotspots!
Kyoto is synonymous with Old Japan, and it is indeed where you’ll be able to find many picture opportunities. You are going to check out the places with the best Kyoto aesthetic and it will be a treat for your eyes and your Instagram followers.
From shrines to street art, this city is loaded with photogenic spots. Grab your camera and get your hashtags ready, here are the most Instagrammable places in Kyoto!
The best thing about this day trip is that you choose the exact experience that you want. We will customize a six-hour 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: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Duration: 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Nachi Waterfall, Mount Koya & Wakayama Tour with Two Options
Explore the history, spirituality, and scenic beauty of Wakayama with two self-guided tour options—each offering a distinct experience. Choose wisely: one includes the iconic Nachi Waterfall (14 hours), while the other focuses on Mount Koya’s sacred sites (10–12 hours).
Option 1: Nachi Waterfall Tour (14 Hours)
Wakayama Castle: Discover this historic fortress.
Sandanbeki Cave or Kuroshio Fish Market: Choose dramatic coastal views or a vibrant seafood market.
Nachi Falls & Nachi Taisha Shrine: See Japan’s tallest waterfall and visit the sacred shrine nearby.
Option 2: Mount Koya Tour (Without Nachi Waterfall) (10–12 Hours)
Wakayama Castle
Mount Koya: A center of Shingon Buddhism.
176-Year-Old Market: Explore traditional local stalls.
Kongobuji Temple & Museum
Okunoin Cemetery: Japan’s largest sacred graveyard.
Note: Nachi Falls is under restoration from Sept 15 to Jan 5.
This is a self-guided tour.
Duration: 10–14 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Private Cooking Class Udon in Kyoto Japan
We are located in the heart of Kyoto, just a 12-minute walk from Kyoto Station and a 2-minute walk from Nishi Honganji Temple. Our facility is a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese house that dates back 130 years. We have transformed it into a classroom where we provide an authentic Japanese cultural experience for overseas visitors to Japan, aiming to offer a genuine taste of Kyoto's rich cultural heritage.
Inside the historic house, you will find a majority of antique furniture and artifacts that are over 110 years old. With this setting, along with traditional Japanese music, we strive to create an immersive cultural experience that takes you back to Kyoto as it was 130 years ago.
Our teachers are all local to Kyoto and possess a deep understanding of Japanese culture. They are passionate about sharing their knowledge and providing you with an enriching experience.
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Maiko Dance and Tea Ceremony on a Noh Stage in Kyoto
Immerse yourself in the elegance of Kyoto during this exclusive 90-minute program with a real Maiko.
Enjoy two graceful dances on an authentic Noh stage, witness a traditional tea ceremony, and take part in ozashiki-asobi—delightful parlor games usually reserved for special guests. The program is guided by a former Maiko, who shares personal stories and cultural insights, with full English interpretation.
This fully private experience offers an intimate and unforgettable glimpse into Kyoto’s refined traditions. Photography is welcome, and each guest receives a small souvenir. The price reflects the exclusivity and personalized attention, with dedicated guidance, authentic performances, and all activities included.
★Enhance your experience by trying on a kimono for ¥7,700 per person.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Matcha Grinding Experience and Walking Tour in Uji Kyoto
Step into the Matcha capital, Uji, and experience the heart of Japan's finest green tea. Walking through the famous Byodo-in temple, known for its appearance on the 10-yen coin, you will grind tea leaves into matcha powder and drink your fresh matcha tea. A must-try experience for matcha lovers!
⚠️ Prior to the tour, please ensure that WhatsApp is available for easy communication. Our tour guide will use these platforms to contact you.
⚠️ Please wear a mask during the Matcha making workshop.
✅ English Guided Tour – Explore Uji City with our friendly and knowledgeable guide.
✅ Hands-on Matcha Experience – Grind your own matcha powder using a traditional stone mill, then enjoy your freshly made tea with your choice of Japanese sweets or matcha ice cream.
✅ Visit Byodo-in Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning architecture featured on the 10-yen coin.
✅ Learn the History of Uji Tea – Discover why Uji is known as Japan’s top region for high-quality green tea.
Duration: 4 hours
2-Hour Oriental Body and Head Massage in Kyoto Japan
Got exhausted walking around Kyoto?
Then we are here to help you!
You can have relaxing time at the private salon and it will refresh and let you enjoy the trip of Kyoto again.
Soft touch head massage based on brain science idea works well on jet lag, insomnia and nervous system.
You may choose which part you would like to do, or do both of body massage and head massage in 120min as well.
Duration: 2 hr 20 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto&Nara Private Highlights Tour with English driver
On a private car tour, visit Kyoto and Nara, two of Japan's most historic destinations. Ideal for avoiding trains or large bus tours. See temples, shrines, traditional streets, and Nara's deer park.
Start in Kyoto, then visit highlights like Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, Gion, Nishiki Market, Nara Park, and Todai-ji. Kyoto offers classic scenery and old streets; Nara has open parkland, free-roaming deer, and a major Buddhist temple.
The 5-hour option has fewer stops; the 10-hour option covers both cities at a relaxed pace. We recommend 2–3 stops for 5 hours, 4–5 for 10 hours. Visiting all listed sites in one day is unlikely.
Customize: contact us 24 hours before start. Send stops, pickup, group size, luggage, special requests. Without 24-hour notice, the default route applies.
For 14+ guests, advance vehicle arrangements are required. Cancellations within 72 hours are non-refundable.
Duration: 5–10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
MEET MAIKO: Meet-&-Greet, Maiko Show & Experience in Kyoto
Get introduced to a real Maiko or Geiko (Geisha) of Kyoto for a rare chance to learn, indulge the senses, and be charmed. Watch her dance, interact, and take commemorative photos.
- Highlights -
・ Up-close viewing of traditional Maiko dances
・ Brief introduction to Maiko culture
・ Host’s interview with a Maiko
・ Commemorative Photo Session with your own camera or smartphone
Duration: 45 min
- Free cancellation