Private Kyoto Day Trip: Explore Temples and Shrines with an English Speaking Driver

Experience the magic of Kyoto on a private day trip by car. Customize your itinerary and explore temples, shrines, and the bamboo forest in Arashiyama. Book now!

Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Arashiyama - Arashiyama is a rural area in Kyoto with a very beautiful nature. Arashiyama is famous for its bamboo forest. Nestled on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama offers a blend of historic charm and stunning landscapes that captivate visitors from around the world.
What's Included
  • Petrol/Gas included
  • English-speaking driver
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Parking fees covered
What's Not Included
  • Admission fee for Kinkaku-ji Temple 500 yen (Adults), 300 yen (Students-grade 1-9)
  • Admission fee for Kiyomizu-dera - Adults: Â¥400, Students: Â¥200
  • Lunch
  • Walking Guide. (All relevant information on each sight is given while in car between destinations)
Additional Information

Explore Kyoto in Style and Comfort!
Discover the magic of Kyoto on our exclusive private day trip by car.
Your day, your way. We customize the itinerary to match your interests and preferences.The trip showcases a variety of temples and shrines in a day—including Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the bamboo forest in…

Location
Arashiyama
Ukyo-ku,
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.7
(168 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Anonymous
May 16, 2025
Amazing Kyoto Day Tour with Fuji – A Journey Through Time! ★★★★★ - Our day tour in Kyoto on May 16, 2025, was absolutely phenomenal, thanks to our driver, Fuji! He picked us up at 9:00 AM JST from Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto in a comfortable van, and his flexibility during pickup allowed us to finalize the itinerary: Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, Ninenzaka-Sannenzaka, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari-taisha. The day was perfectly balanced, covering nature, history, and spirituality. We started at Arashiyama, enjoying the Togetsukyo Bridge and serene Bamboo Groves. Next was Kinkakuji, where the Golden Pavilion’s reflection shone brilliantly. We explored the charming Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka streets, followed by the stunning views at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Our final stop, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, impressed with its iconic orange torii gates. Fuji was an exceptional driver—punctual, smooth, and great at navigating Kyoto’s busy streets. I learned more about Japan in one day, than I have in my entire life! He was so full of information!! He also recommended the most amazing raman restaurant. 10/10. I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Kyoto!
Review provided by Viator
Floyd_o
May 13, 2025
Excellent Kyoto private tour - Great private tour in Kyoto! Driver took us to places that we wanted to visit on our time line and recommended a place for lunch that was the best in our Japan trip. If you don’t have a large group then highly recommend a private tour over a bus tour since time is flexible. No rushing from place to place.
Review provided by Viator
Sassy
May 13, 2025
Beautiful, Historical, Serene, Busy, Fun - This was an amazing tour! Kyoto was my favorite city. So much to see, so scenic, so beautiful. Just breathtaking! Sasaki was an excellent driver and patient. He recommended a restaurant where we had Waguyu Hot Pot and it was such a great experience and delicious.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edmee_r
May 7, 2025
We looked up the items we... - We looked up the items we wanted to visit. The guide planned the trip exactly as we requested. Giving us lots of time to explore at each area. Fuji was excellent. He was funny and informative. The car he used was like being in first class on a plane. Overall, a great experience .
Review provided by Viator
Sung_c
May 5, 2025
Good way to get it all... - Good way to get it all in, in one day. Definitely would recommend 5 hours or more. Had a pleasant time with Kaku
Review provided by Viator
Garwood_g
May 3, 2025
Informational, educational, and entertaining - Our driver, Fujimoto was personable, entertaining, informative and educational. I wished we could have taken him out to lunch with us but couldn’t. He said it was against company policy
Review provided by Viator
George_g
Apr 25, 2025
Our guide Sasaki was... - Our guide Sasaki was terrific -- knowledgeable and service oriented. He made sure we were having a great time on our terms.
Review provided by Viator
Raluca_t
Apr 24, 2025
Best day so far in Japan! - Great day travelling from Osaka, we made the most of our time in Kyoto and saw all that we intended to see and more. Our driver, Yang, was very kind, patient and polite. The experience was worth everey penny! Highly recommend it compared with the waste of valuable time with public transport, if you have only ine day for Kyoto, as we did!
Review provided by Viator
Charles_j
May 5, 2025
Many Kyoto sites in 8 hours from Osaka - Got to see a number of sites, bamboo forest, Fushimi-Anari, Golden Palace. Harry was a good and courteous driver. Back to Osaka for dinner.
Review provided by Viator
Linda_s
Apr 25, 2025
Kyoto Day Trip w/ Private Driver - Our driver was very professional, polite and accommodating. Our cruise ship was late to the port but the driver communicated with us & waited for us to arrive late. The tour listed an English speaking driver who would narrate the sites while en route. Our driver did speak some English, but not enough to be able to give us information about the sites we were seeing. We enjoyed the tour but would like to have learned more history about the sites.
Review provided by Viator
From $551 (Per Group)
up to 8 guests
1 - Traveler
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).