Kyoto Private & Personalized Introductory Tour with a Local Guide

4.2
(10 reviews)

3 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Japanese and 1 more

This private Kyoto walking tour is designed as the perfect introduction to the city. With a flexible, personalized approach, you'll explore at your own pace while your guide tailors the route to match your interests.

Visit famous sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine or the historic lanes of Gion, or focus on the neighborhood where you're staying to get insider tips on the best places to eat, drink, and explore. Your guide will share local stories, cultural insights, and practical recommendations to help you feel confident navigating Kyoto on your own.

After booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire to share your interests and preferences, ensuring your experience is carefully crafted for a truly memorable start to your Kyoto adventure.

What's Included

Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and local recommendations.
Pre-tour questionnaire to tailor the experience to your preferences
Flexible start times - choose your preferred time when booking
Private and personalized walking experience with insider tips from a passionate local
Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

This is a walking tour. Your host will meet you at your selected hotel, and the tour will begin on foot. If you’d prefer to meet at a central location instead, please choose the meeting point option. If your hotel isn’t on the list, simply select the central landmark option. This is a private walking experience. Once you’ve booked, our Experience Planners will get in touch to confirm the meeting point and help with any final details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your personalized tour. NO private vehicle is included. For longer distances, your host may suggest using public transport. Any transport costs can be settled on the day.

OR
Meeting point

This is a great central point to meet your host if your hotel is not listed.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    Get an authentic introduction to Kyoto with your local guide. You'll explore atmospheric neighborhoods, historic streets, and cultural highlights tailored to your interests, offering a personal and engaging first look at the city. Here’s a sample of what you can expect:

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Explore the Sanjo area, known for its family-run establishments, specialty shops, and authentic local life. Enjoy a stroll along the Kamogawa River while your guide shares stories about Kyoto’s rich history and cultural traditions.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Discover Kyoto’s vibrant culinary heart. Wander the narrow arcade packed with traditional food stalls and specialty shops. Your guide can introduce you to local flavors, share cultural tips, and help you find unique treats or souvenirs to enjoy during your tour.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Visit Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. Be sure to act respectfully if you see geiko or maiko. Wander along Hanami-koji Street and cross the scenic Tatsumi Bridge to reach Shimbashi, the most picturesque part of Gion, with traditional wooden townhouses, upscale restaurants, cafés, and tea houses.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    See classic sights on any traveler’s bucket list. Stroll the historic, wood-built lanes of the Higashiyama district and admire landmarks like the Yasaka Pagoda. Learn about the area's architecture and its role in Kyoto’s cultural heritage.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Finish with a visit to this iconic site. Ready for a light hike? Follow the famous path of thousands of vermilion torii gates winding into the sacred Mount Inari forest. Don’t worry—the views from halfway up are just as spectacular. Your guide will share the shrine’s legends and its significance to local worshippers.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • After booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
  • This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.
Supplied by City Unscripted

Show 1 more

Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
City Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

Show more

Rating

4.2 Based on 10 10 reviews
5 stars
8
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
2
from per person
Was {{currencySymbol}}{{ summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount }}