Experience a personalized and private one-day tour of Kyoto with a local guide. Explore iconic sites, hidden gems, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture and natural beauty.
- Kyoto Station Building - Begin your journey from Kyoto Station (or an alternative meeting point upon request)
IMPORTANT: Since this is a private and personalized experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those listed and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.
- Kinkakuji Temple - Also known as the Golden Pavilion, it’s one of Japan’s most iconic and renowned sites. Originally a shogun’s villa, it was converted into a Zen temple around the 1400s and is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
IMPORTANT: Since this is a private and personalized experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those listed and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.
- Kitano Tenmangu Shrine - Famous across Japan as a shrine dedicated to learning (devoted to the renowned scholar Sugawara no Michizane), it’s also known for its beautiful plum garden (late Feb - early March) and its lively monthly market. If you visit around lunchtime, ask your local host to recommend the best yuba (tofu’s skin, the most delicious part) restaurant.
IMPORTANT: Since this is a private and personalized experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those listed and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.
- Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theatre - This is the oldest hanamachi (geiko district) in Kyoto, located just a short walk from Kitano Tenman-gū Shrine. The name means “Seven Upper Houses,” referring to the teahouses used for business meetings of wealthy Kyoto residents. Don’t miss a visit to Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theatre (not always open) to see geikos and maikos practicing, and indulge in traditional dango skewers.
IMPORTANT: Since this is a private and personalized experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those listed and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple - One of Japan’s most celebrated temples, Kiyomizudera is best known for its massive wooden stage and the stunning view of autumn foliage (mid-November to early December). Be sure to visit the nearby Otowa Waterfall, which is divided into three streams, each said to offer a different benefit: longevity, academic success, and a fortunate love life. Which one will you choose?
IMPORTANT: Since this is a private and personalized experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those listed and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.
- Sannenzaka Ninenzaka - This traditional area features narrow lanes, wooden buildings, and merchant shops that evoke the old capital city. The streets in Higashiyama are lined with small shops, cafes, and restaurants offering Kyoto specialties. Looking for traditional souvenirs? You’ll find plenty of shops selling pottery, sweets, crafts, and more.
IMPORTANT: Since this is a private and personalized experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those listed and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.
- Hokan-ji Temple - Visit Higashiyama’s most famous landmark, Yasaka Pagoda, while exploring one of Kyoto’s most charming areas, known for its well-preserved streetscape.
IMPORTANT: Since this is a private and personalized experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those listed and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.
- Yasui-Konpiragu - Looking to break a bad habit? This is the shrine for you! Located in the Gion district, this shrine is famous throughout Japan for its ability to sever threads of fate. The bond you break can be anything from bad relationships to an unsavory romance or a harmful habit.
IMPORTANT: Since this is a private and personalized experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those listed and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.
- Yasaka Shrine - Established over 1350 years ago, Yasaka is the guardian shrine of Kyoto’s Gion entertainment district. It is well known for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri (July), arguably the most famous festival in the country.
IMPORTANT: Since this is a private and personalized experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those listed and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.
- Gion - Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district (please be respectful if you spot them). Be sure to visit Hanami-koji Street and then cross Tatsumi Bridge to reach Shimbashi, the most picturesque part of Gion, featuring elegant traditional wooden houses that host high-class restaurants, cafes, and tea houses.
IMPORTANT: Since this is a private and personalized experience, the destinations you visit may vary from those listed and will be selected by your host based on your interests and preferences.
- 8-hour tour with a personal host
- Custom, private tour experience
- Option for hotel meet-up in central locations
- Tailored walking journey with transport suggestions if needed
- Food and drinks
- Tickets to any attractions
- Transportation costs
- Gratuities (optional)
Embark on an adventure through Kyoto with our welcoming hosts guiding you as you set out to uncover the many splendors of this bustling city. Visit revered and iconic sites, or discover the cultural vibrancy of Kamishichiken and Gion entertainment districts. Prefer off-the-path experiences? Step away from popular tourist trails and delve into the city’s hidden wonders that only locals are privy to. Keep an eye out for Kyoto’s breathtaking natural scenery wherever you wander.
Within a day of booking, we’ll send you a brief questionnaire to learn more about who you are and what you enjoy. Based on your answers, we’ll pair you with a local host who shares your interests. Your host will reach out to you directly to propose an itinerary that will expose the unique charms of the city. You’ll also agree on when and where to meet up. Just remember, your itinerary can always be adjusted during your journey, allowing you to change what you wish to see and do at any time.
- Private groups are normally no larger than 6 people (if your group is larger, please make this known so that arrangements can be made)
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
