Kyoto Private Custom Tour with Hotel Pickup and Guide
Explore Kyoto with a personalized private tour tailored to your interests and pace, guided by a knowledgeable local expert.
Visit serene Zen moss gardens, artisan studios, and hidden historical sites while avoiding crowded tourist spots. Enjoy the flexibility to adjust your itinerary based on seasonal highlights, such as cherry blossoms or local festivals. This bespoke experience includes convenient hotel pickup and a thoughtfully curated route that emphasizes the tranquil beauty and cultural richness of Kyoto.
- Tailor your itinerary to seasonal events, landscapes and personal interests
- Visit secluded gardens or meet local artisans
- Enjoy pick-up from your hotel or central location
- Experience Kyoto's culture with an expert guide on a private tour
Duration: 3–5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Private Custom Tour with Local Guide: 3, 6 or 8 Hours
Spend less time figuring out Kyoto and more time enjoying it with a local guide, just for your group. Discover temples, traditional streets and food spots at your own pace.
Choose 3 hours for a focused neighborhood walk, 6 hours for a mix of highlights and local discoveries, or 8 hours for a full day. The listed sights are suggestions, not a fixed route or a promise to visit them all. We plan around your interests, location and available time.
Ryu founded Japan Local Adviser and shares Japan travel tips with around 37,000 followers on Instagram. Ryu or one of our trusted local guides will lead your tour.
After booking, message us through Viator with your must-see places and interests. Your guide helps with navigation, local customs and recommendations. Hotel meet-up in central Kyoto is available on request.
The price is for your private group. This is a walking and public transport tour; no private vehicle is included. Transport, meals and admission fees are paid separately onsite.
Duration: 3–8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Day Trip Inuyama from Kyoto by Public Transportation
Experience a day of sightseeing around the National Treasure Inuyama Castle, one of the oldest surviving castles in Japan.
Inuyama Castle is one of only five castles in Japan currently designated as a National Treasure, and is now attracting attention not only from all over Japan but also from around the world.
Enjoy the spectacular view from the Tenshukaku (main keep), which only the lord of a single kingdom is allowed to view.
Eating and shopping in the castle town, which still flourishes today, is also a real highlight of this tour.
Inuyama is also home to Sanko Inari Shrine, famous for its pink ema (votive picture tablet), which is popular on social networking sites.
The shrine is said to bring blessings related to family safety, marital harmony, and marriage.
This is a highly recommended spot for those who love castles and those who love Japanese traditions and culture.
Duration: 5–7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Private Kyoto Sento Bathhouse Tour with English Guide
This tour offers a deep dive into Japanese sento (public bathhouse) culture, combining cultural learning with an authentic bathing experience.
Chojayu was founded in 1917 (Taisho 6) and is a designated historic architectural building of Kyoto City. For over a century, it has played an essential role in local daily life and remains a living example of traditional Japanese culture.
During the tour, you will gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas of the sento, including the boiler room and the well, which are normally closed to the public.
A knowledgeable sento guide explains the history, architecture, bathing etiquette, and how the bath is operated, helping you understand how Japanese sento function and why they are culturally important.
After the guided tour, you can enjoy a private bathing experience in the sento.
Although sento are usually separated by gender, this exclusive private session allows families, friends, and couples to bathe together.
Duration: 3 hours
- Private tour
Gion Geisha's District Guided Group Walking Tour
Gion, Kyoto’s famous historic district, offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich past with its preserved streets, traditional architecture, and timeless beauty. On this group walking tour, you’ll explore Gion’s enchanting alleys and may even catch a glimpse of a geisha gracefully moving along Hanami Street.
What Makes This Tour Special:
Immersive Experience: Discover Gion’s history and culture on a guided group tour, highlighting Kyoto’s traditional charm.
Cultural Insight: Learn about Japanese customs, local life, and the stories behind Gion’s iconic landmarks.
Accessible for Everyone: A comfortable group pace makes it perfect for first-time visitors or those looking to enjoy the sights with others.
Join us to experience the timeless elegance of Gion and the unique allure of Kyoto’s historic district.
Duration: 2–3 hours
- Free cancellation
Kyoto Virtual Guided Walking Tour
Amid the ongoing pandemic, traveling abroad is very difficult for the foreseeable future. But thanks to this situation, I could take a video of this ancient city with few people out on the street. The video shows the highlights of Higashiyama area of Kyoto which is filled with many attractions. You can relax at home while deeply immersed in the traditional city of Japan with a detailed explanation and guidance by a professional licensed guide. We will have a Q&A session after seeing the video. I provide a walking route map online for your future reference.
NOTE: You don't have to show your face but fast Internet connection is required for the video online.
NOTE: The starting time is JST, Japan Standard Time.
11:00 AM (JST) is 10:00 PM on the previous day in NY or EDT area and 7:00 PM in LA or PDT area.
8:00 PM (JST) is 12:00 noon in GB or BST area or 1:00 PM in CEST area.
Duration: 1 hr 40 min
- Free cancellation
Kyoto by Moonlight Discover Its True Spirit on a Private Tour.
Ready to see Kyoto truly come alive? Imagine stepping into the magical world of Gion as twilight paints the sky. Our special Kyoto After Dark Tour invites you to uncover the city's most enchanting secrets once the sun sets.
Stroll through the historic lanes of Gion, where the soft glow of lanterns illuminates traditional wooden machiya. This is your chance to respectfully catch a glimpse of the graceful geiko and maiko hurrying to their evening engagements, a truly iconic Kyoto sight.
Then, we'll dive into the vibrant energy of Pontocho. This charming alleyway, bustling with an incredible array of restaurants and unique shops, is perfect for a little evening exploration and perhaps finding that special souvenir.
Forget the guidebooks, this is your invitation to experience the authentic pulse of Kyoto's night. If you're ready for an unforgettable evening filled with beauty, culture, and a touch of magic, let's get your private after-dark adventure booked!
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
![[From Kyoto] Okayama & Kurashiki Full Day Tour](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-400x400/15/52/23/a6.jpg)
[From Kyoto] Okayama & Kurashiki Full Day Tour
Embark on an unforgettable day trip to discover the hidden charms of Okayama and Kurashiki, guided by a National Government Licensed English-speaking expert. You'll explore Okayama Korakuen, one of Japan's "Three Great Gardens," and wander through the picturesque Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
This tour offers flexibility with your choice of a plan including a unique "Kakushi Sushi" making and tasting experience for lunch, or a plan without lunch for more freedom.
We also offer additional plans including round-trips from Okayama, or Osaka, as well as one-way journeys from Osaka to Hiroshima. Please explore these options to perfectly match your travel itinerary.
Duration: 11 hours
- Likely to sell out
- Free cancellation
Eastern Kyoto Walking Tour with Local Guide
This tour is a private walking tour of 4 major locations in eastern Kyoto with an experienced guide.
Along with the Western Kyoto Area Tour, this is a must-visit tourist spot in Kyoto, where you can experience Japan's historic buildings, traditional temples, and local specialty food markets.
We will also pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, so you won't get lost even if it's your first time visiting Kyoto.
Duration: 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Hidden Secrets of Fushimi Inari: Bamboo Paths and Sake Village
Escape the crowds and uncover the hidden side of Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. This immersive tour takes you beyond the famous torii gates, leading you along serene forest trails, secret shrines, and breathtaking viewpoints that most visitors never experience. After a morning of exploration, we’ll dive into Kyoto’s renowned sake culture with an exclusive visit to a historic brewery in Fushimi, one of Japan’s most famous sake-producing districts.
Duration: 7 hours
- Free cancellation
Exploring Kyoto - (Rakutou) East
This tour is a tour using public transportation.
Kyoto is known as exotic sightseeing places and numerous historic, quaint old monuments are seen all over the town. This tour covers part of Rakutou (East district) and Central district. Visiting Rakutou, Gion, Yasaka-jinja shrine, Kodai-ji temple, Kiyomizu-dera temple are the most famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto. Particularly well known for the deity of love and marriage and consequently are often full of young couples around the year. Include Nishiki market, well known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen” that celebrates 300 years anniversary.
See inclusions and excursions for what is included in the price of this tour.
Duration: 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Special offer
Kyoto Geisha Dance (Nihon Buyo) at Nishiki Market & Group Photo
Most geisha shows end almost before they begin: two short dances, about 10 minutes. Here you get a full hour in Nishiki Market.
This is not a show by geisha. It is Nihon Buyo, the star among the arts geisha learn, performed by Senju school dancers supervised by Grand Master Senju Einojo.
Your hour: two dances that begin in a glass tea room and move onto a Zen rock garden stage; an English workshop on what each movement means; a final dance and Tora Tora, a classic geisha party game; then group photo time with the dancer. Photos and video welcome. One drink included.
Seating: Shared Table is first come, first served; some seats face away from the stage. Clear View Counter (1-2 guests): 1 of 6 reserved seats facing the stage.
Add lunch or an early dinner at ZEN on the day (JPY 4,500, paid at the restaurant): an 80g A5 Yamagata Heifer Wagyu sirloin, the "Queen of Wagyu". ZEN is the flagship of Arc, a Tripadvisor "Best of the Best" Wagyu group rated 4.9 on Google (3,500+ reviews).
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
Kyoto Walking Series: Spirits and Flavor Pairings in Fushimi
Embark on a walking tour in the Fushimi district of Kyoto, renowned for its many local sake breweries. The area’s high-quality water has led to the establishment of numerous sake producers. Learn about traditional sake production methods and enjoy a tasting session.
Stroll down Ryoma Street which is associated with the end of the Edo period, where you can savor amazake, a sweet fermented rice drink, and take home a small bottle of special sake.
Conclude your tour with an exclusive whisky and gin tasting curated by a whisky advisor. Each sip will be perfectly paired with matching snacks.
Duration: 3 hours
- Private tour
SAMURAI TEA EXPERIENCE – Tea Ceremony or Matcha Making
Authentic Samurai Armor — Real iron armor used for movies and TV dramas.
Authentic Tea Ceremony — Guided by a professional Kyoto tea instructor.
Choose Your Experience — Tea Ceremony or hands-on Matcha Making.
300-Year-Old Kyoto Sweets — Traditional sweets from historic Sasaya Iori.
Professional Photos — Includes 5 professionally taken photos per person.
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Private Temple Tour and Stamp Book Making in Kyoto
Begin your tour by crafting your own Goshuincho, a traditional Japanese temple stamp book to collect stamps from temples and shrines. Start with an hour-long session where you’ll learn about the history and techniques of Karamaru, a unique method of transferring patterns onto Japanese paper using woodblocks.
Choose from a selection of timeless designs, then use authentic woodblocks, that has been used for many generations to print your favorite motif. You will create an elegant cover, transforming your stamp book into a cherished record of your visits to temples and shrines.
After your experience visit a nearby temple where you'll receive a red seal book and learn the significance of each calligraphy and seal, followed by a visit to a hidden 16th-century garden. There you can admire the Fusuma paintings of national treasures from that era. Here, you’ll also receive a red seal, deepening your connection to this beautiful tradition.
Duration: 3 hours
- Private tour
Kyoto Mochi and Daifuku Making Class with Tea Tasting
You make two kinds of mochi with your own hands - matcha mochi and a seasonal fruit daifuku - rather than watching a demonstration, then taste Japanese green tea and roasted hojicha side by side with a guide who explains why certain teas suit certain sweets. Groups are capped at 10 and led entirely in English, so beginners get real attention. Recipes are gluten-free and vegan-friendly, and you take home what you make in a box.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Osaka and Kyoto with National licensed guide by Private Car
There are many attractive spots in Osaka and Kyoto.
What if you only have 1 day in Kansai region?
You can visit Osaka and Kyoto in this tour in 8 hours.
You can learn Japanese Samurai history at Osaka castle, enjoy local foods at Shinsaibashi street, and feel spiritual atmosphere at Fushimi inari shrine.
This tour is led by National Licensed Guide Interpreter.
This itinerary is just a sample. We'd be more than happy to arrange the tour based on your requests. Please let us know your interests!
Duration: 8 hours
- Private tour
Kyoto Martial Arts Class Experience
The instructors at "Sogu," a center for experiencing traditional Japanese culture, are all top-tier professionals. We offer unique experiences that set us apart from other activities in Kyoto.
Our Japanese sword instructor is not only a master of swordsmanship but also skilled in Chinese martial arts and dance; notably, he is an actor who appeared in the film "The Last Samurai".
Look forward to a truly authentic martial arts experience accompanied by a compelling, dramatic performance. Go beyond a superficial encounter to discover the true allure of Japan here in Kyoto, and gain insight into the samurai's secret of uniting mind, technique, and body.
Duration: 1 hr 40 min
- Free cancellation
Kyoto Luxury Silk Kimono Rental with Professional Dressing
Discover the elegance of Kyoto while dressed in a premium furisode kimono, Japan's formal attire. This rental experience goes beyond the basics, offering exclusive photography spots in a serene Japanese garden and traditional tatami room. Enjoy the freedom to explore Kyoto’s historic streets and capture memorable moments in style.
- Choose from a beautiful selection of premium furisode with unique designs
- Enjoy exclusive photo opportunities in a Japanese garden and tatami room
- Explore iconic attractions like Kiyomizu-dera within walking distance
- Benefit from partner discounts on local cultural experiences like tea ceremonies
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
Cycle Hidden Kyoto Canals Zen Temple and Kamo River
Most Kyoto tours rush you from temple to temple. This one doesn’t.
We will cycling through a different side of Kyoto，which side most visitors never find. It’s green, quiet, lived-in，and full of stories
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation
Handmade Japanese Bound Notebook Experience and Factory Tour
This activity offers a rare opportunity to observe the production process of traditional Japanese paper goods such as goshuincho (temple stamp books) and watoji notebooks—items not typically seen by the public. With a guided tour, you'll gain insights into the work of experienced craftsmen and the precision involved in their handwork. Afterward, you’ll step into the craftsman’s shoes and make your own watoji notebook using your choice of yuzen washi paper from a wide selection. Whether you're visiting Kyoto for the first time or returning, this experience offers a unique glimpse into a different side of the city.
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
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NARA Private Walking Tour – 100% Personalized
Discover Nara your way with a 100% personalized private tour designed around your interests, schedule, and travel style. Before your tour, tell us where you would like to go and what you would like to see or experience. We’ll create a customized itinerary and share it with you in advance for review and confirmation.
Explore Nara’s historic temples and shrines, beautiful parks, traditional neighborhoods, local food, and cultural landmarks. Visit Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha, Naramachi, and more. Meet Nara’s famous deer, enjoy scenic walks, and discover the city’s history and culture. You can also request assistance with restaurant reservations, cultural experiences, shopping, or special activities.
On the day, your private guide will meet you at the agreed location and accompany you according to your itinerary.
Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups who want to explore Nara at their own pace.
Your interests. Your itinerary. Your Nara experience.
Duration: 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Hakama for an unforgettable graduation
You can wear a kimono to take pictures on the streets of Kyoto.
You can experience the traditional Japanese kimono culture.
Duration: 1 day
Kyoto Night Food and Sake Walking Tour through Gion and Pontocho
Kyoto is one of Japan’s most historic cities, known for its preserved streets, traditional food culture, and historic entertainment districts. On this night walking tour, travelers will explore iconic areas including Nishiki Market, Kiyamachi, Pontocho, Gion, and Yasaka Shrine while experiencing Kyoto’s unique evening atmosphere. Guests can also discover local sake culture and Kyoto’s long-standing culinary traditions connected to the city’s history.
This experience offers the chance to walk through hidden alleys, lantern-lined streets, and lively dining areas while learning about the culture and history behind each neighborhood. From traditional food markets to historic geisha districts, the tour provides a deeper look into Kyoto beyond typical sightseeing. The itinerary can also be customized based on travelers’ interests and preferences.
Duration: 4 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour