Kyoto Private Custom Tour with Hotel Pickup and Guide

3 to 5 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Explore Kyoto with a personalized private tour tailored to your interests and pace, guided by a knowledgeable local expert.
Visit serene Zen moss gardens, artisan studios, and hidden historical sites while avoiding crowded tourist spots. Enjoy the flexibility to adjust your itinerary based on seasonal highlights, such as cherry blossoms or local festivals. This bespoke experience includes convenient hotel pickup and a thoughtfully curated route that emphasizes the tranquil beauty and cultural richness of Kyoto.

- Tailor your itinerary to seasonal events, landscapes and personal interests
- Visit secluded gardens or meet local artisans
- Enjoy pick-up from your hotel or central location
- Experience Kyoto's culture with an expert guide on a private tour

What's Included

Tailor-made itinerary based on personal interests and needs
Private, personalized walking tour with a local Kyoto expert
Crowd-evasive route design featuring top highlights and hidden gems
Hotel lobby pickup or meeting at a central Kyoto location
Entrance fees to temples and attractions (Optionals, to be paid onsite)
Public transport, taxi, or private vehicle fares (Mostly a walking tour)
Gratuities (optional)
Food, drinks, snacks

Meeting and pickup

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

The guide will meet you in your hotel lobby at desired location

Itinerary

Duration: 3 to 5 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Arashiyama

    Experience a completely tailor-made Kyoto journey crafted around your personal interests and pace. Explore secluded temples, artisan ateliers, hidden historic spots or iconic highlights. These sights are just a few suggestions

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • Ginkakuji Temple (Pass by)

    Explore the iconic Silver Pavillion and its serene Zen sand and moss gardens

    Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Philosopher's Walk

    Stroll along Kyoto's most scenic canal path lined with historic charm and serene nature

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Nanzenji Suirokaku

    Discover a grand Zen temple complex featuring a massive wooden gate and historic charm and serene nature.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Eikando Zenrinji Temple (Pass by)

    Visit this tranquil temple famous for its autumn gardens and unique Buddhist statues

    Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Chion-in Temple

    Admire Japan's largest wooden temple gate and the grand architecture of this sacred site

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Maruyama Park

    Relax in Higashiyama's favorite scenic park, famous for its iconic weeping cherry trees

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Nene-no-Michi (Pass by)

    Walk down a stone-paved alley flanked by traditional wooden machiya townhouses

    Admission ticket free
  • Kodaiji Park (Pass by)

    Tour a 17th century Zen masterpiece featuring dry landscape gardens and a hidden bamboogrove

    Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

    Wander Kyoto's most atmospheric historic street filled with traditional tea houses and local treats

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Yasakanoto

    Capture the iconic photo of Higashiyama's famous five-story wooden landmark

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Kiyomizu-dera (Pass by)

    Enjoy sweeping UNESCO city views from the legendary wooden stage of this hillside temple

    Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Gion

    Explore the historic Gion district to discover real Geisha (Maiko/Geiko) culture, samurai era history, and hidden gens down lantern lit alleys

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 9
    Yasaka Shrine

    Experience the vibrant energy of Gion at this historic Shinto shrine lit by paper lanterns

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

    Hike through thousands of iconic red torii gates at Kyoto's top rated Shinto shrine while unlocking secret forest trial

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Kinkakuji Temple (Pass by)

    Marvel at the glittering Golden Pavilion, a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site rich in Zen history and samurai legacy

    Admission ticket free
  • 11

    Breathtaking sakura (cherry blossoms) along scenic riverbanks and breweries for an authentic sake tasting experience and traditional crafts

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 12
    Pontocho District

    Wander through iconic legendary alleyway famous for traditional dining, river views, and geisha heritage

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Tofuku-ji Temple (Pass by)

    Breathtaking Zen hidden gem, famous for its historic rock gardens, wooden bridges, and vibrant seasonal foliage.

    Admission ticket free
  • 13
    Bamboo Forest Street

    Walk beneath towering green stalks in the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto's most famous natural photo spot

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 14
    Arashiyama

    Explore scenic landscapes, Togetsukyo Bridge, and monkey park views, combining rich culture with nature off the beaten track

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • Sanjusangendo Temple (Pass by)

    Step inside a massive historic hall housing 1,001 golden Buddha statues and rich samurai archery lore

    Admission ticket free
  • 15
    Nishiki Market Shopping District

    Authentic Kyoto street food, fresh local seafood, and culinary treats in "Kyoto's Kitchen" a 400 year old food market

    10 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Kyoto Soul & Shadow - Private & Expert Tours
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Tags

Half-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Rail Tours
Walking Tours
City Tours
Public Transportation Tours

Cancellation Policy

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

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