Kyoto&Nara Private Highlights Tour with English driver

4.7
(15 reviews)
Kyoto, Japan

listing image 1
Show all photos
8 to 10 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: Japanese and 2 more

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.

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle for vehicle options.
Custom route based on selected duration, traffic, parking rules, and guest pace.
Parking fees for the arranged route.
One free baby seat upon request.
English-speaking driver-guide only for MAX6 and MAX9 options.
Fuel fees for the arranged vehicle route.
Highway tolls for the arranged route.
30 minutes of free waiting time from the scheduled pickup time.
Admission tickets.
Meals and drinks.
Deer crackers or animal-feeding expenses in Nara Park.
Personal expenses.
Extra time beyond the selected duration.
Extra stops not confirmed in advance.
Out-of-area pickup or drop-off.
Waiting time beyond the free 30 minutes.
Overtime fee for vehicles up to 13 seats: JPY 5,000 per hour.
Overtime fee for 18-seat vehicles: JPY 10,000 per hour.
Overtime fee for 44-seat buses: JPY 15,000 per hour.
Additional baby seats: JPY 2,000 per seat. Please contact us in advance to arrange them.

Meeting and pickup

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

Pickup is available from hotels, accommodations, stations, or agreed pickup points within the selected Kyoto service area. Please provide the exact pickup address, hotel name, building name, entrance details, pickup time, passenger count, luggage count, and a reachable phone number or WhatsApp after booking.
For hotel pickup, please wait in the hotel lobby or at the main entrance at the scheduled pickup time. For station pickup, please provide the station name, arrival time, and preferred exit in advance. For apartments or private accommodations, please provide the full address and entrance instructions.
The driver will wait for up to 30 minutes free of charge from the scheduled pickup time. Waiting time beyond the free 30 minutes or tour overtime beyond the selected duration may require an extra fee based on vehicle type: vehicles up to 13 seats cost JPY 5,000 per hour, 18-seat vehicles cost JPY 10,000 per hour, and 44-seat buses cost JPY 15,000 per hour.
Please keep your phone or WhatsApp reachable on the tour day. If pickup information is incorrect, incomplete, or we cannot contact you, the tour may not be provided as scheduled.
Pickup and drop-off points may be adjusted if stopping or parking is restricted by hotel, station, traffic, or local regulations.

Itinerary

Duration: 8 to 10 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

    The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Kyoto’s most iconic natural sights. A short walking path winds through towering bamboo stalks, creating a calm and atmospheric experience. The gentle sound of the wind through the bamboo makes it a peaceful escape from the city.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Kinkakuji Temple

    Kinkakuji Temple, a three-storey pavilion covered in gold leaf that is one of the most famous and recognizable of all the historic buildings in Kyoto and has been selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will see the golden reflection of the temple in the still mirror water surface. And try to pray in front of those statues for fortune and luck.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 3
    Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

    Fushimi Inari Shrine, where a long corridor of thousands of Torii Shrine gates, a bright red tunnel along the mountain path, is an amazing experience. You could walk through every gate, feel the ancient sense, and take photos. The Torii shrine gates form a maze, wish you can find your way out.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Gion

    Gion is Kyoto’s most famous traditional district, known for its historic wooden townhouses and geisha culture. Walking through its narrow streets, especially in the evening, offers a glimpse into old Kyoto, with teahouses, traditional restaurants, and a timeless atmosphere.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Nishiki Market Shopping District

    Nishiki Market is a lively food market in the heart of Kyoto, often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” The narrow covered street is lined with food stalls selling local specialties, snacks, and traditional ingredients, making it a great place to experience Kyoto’s food culture.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most famous Buddhist temples, founded in 778. It is best known for its large wooden stage, built without nails, offering panoramic views over the city. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is especially popular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

    1 hour • Admission ticket not included
  • 7
    Nara Park

    Nara's iconic attraction, Nara Park, which is a paradise of nature and the home of Nara deer. Walking in the park, you can see herds of deer leisurely walking in the grass, they are docile and cute, close to people. Buy a packet of deer cakes, interact with these lovely creatures, and feel in harmony with nature.

    1 hour • Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Todai-ji Temple

    Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world, which houses a magnificent bronze Buddha statue. Incredibly, it took almost all of Japan's bronze reserves at the time to create this 15-meter-high bronze Buddha. Todai-ji is a large temple, take your time enjoy the peaceful time by walking and pray. You may listen to the chanting sutras between the temples.

    1 hour • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • The total duration includes the travel time.
  • The duration for every attraction is the recommend time.
  • If you want shorten or extend single attraction duration, you can communicate with driver or guide.
Supplied by kansai holiday

Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Historical Tours
Additional fees
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

Show more

Rating

4.7 Based on 15 15 reviews
5 stars
13
4 stars
0
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
0
from per group (up to 15)
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}
Book Now