Kyoto Private Full Day Tour with English Speaking Driver

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

• 1
  Kinkakuji Temple

  Marvel at one of Japan's most iconic landmarks, a Zen Buddhist temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, perfectly reflected in the mirror-like pond surrounding it. Your driver will guide you to the best viewing angles and share the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 2
  Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

  Walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates that wind up the forested slopes of Mount Inari. This iconic Shinto shrine is dedicated to the god of rice and prosperity, and the tunnel of gates creates one of the most photographed and awe-inspiring corridors in all of Japan.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 3
  Kiyomizu-dera Temple

  erched dramatically on the hillside of eastern Kyoto, this magnificent wooden temple offers sweeping panoramic views over the city. Explore its iconic wooden stage, sacred waterfalls, and surrounding forested grounds, a true highlight of any Kyoto visit.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 4
  Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

  Step into a otherworldly corridor of towering bamboo stalks that filter light into a soft green glow. Located in Kyoto's scenic Arashiyama district, this serene natural landmark is one of the most magical and photographed spots in Japan.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 5
  Gion

  Stroll through Kyoto's most famous geisha quarter, where traditional wooden machiya townhouses line stone-paved lanes. With luck, you may spot a geiko or maiko (apprentice geisha) gliding between appointments, a rare and unforgettable glimpse into old Japan.

  35 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 6
  Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

  Wander along Kyoto's most charming historic preserved lanes, lined with traditional shops selling matcha sweets, handcrafted ceramics, and local souvenirs. These two connected stone-paved streets date back centuries and lead directly toward Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

  45 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 7
  Kodai-ji Temple

  Explore this beautifully preserved Zen temple founded in 1606, featuring stunning bamboo groves, a tranquil garden, and elegant teahouses. The temple is particularly famous for its atmospheric moss garden and exquisite lacquerwork interiors. The admission fee is around 600 JPY for adult, please keep enough cash to buy tickets on spot.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket included
• 8
  Yasaka Shrine

  Visit this grand vermilion shrine at the eastern end of Shijo Avenue, right in the heart of the Gion entertainment district. Known as "Gion-san" by locals, it is one of the most famous Shinto shrines in Japan and a central landmark of Kyoto's cultural life.

  35 minutes • Admission ticket free
• 9
  Nishiki Market Shopping District

  Pass by Kyoto's legendary covered market street, nicknamed "Kyoto's Kitchen," packed with stalls selling fresh tofu, pickles, skewered snacks, and local delicacies. We may pass by this stop without making a formal stop if time does not permit.

  30 minutes • Admission ticket free
• (Pass by)

  Glimpse the iconic canal-side walking path lined with hundreds of cherry trees, famously named after philosopher Nishida Kitaro who strolled here daily in contemplation.

  Admission ticket free
• Heian Shrine (Pass by)

  Admire the striking vermilion torii gate and grand shrine complex built in 1895 to commemorate Kyoto's 1,100th anniversary as imperial capital.

  Admission ticket free
• Nijo Castle (Pass by)

  View the exterior of this stunning 17th-century flatland castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, surrounded by beautiful stone walls and moats.

  Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

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