Explore the enchanting city of Kyoto on a personalized private tour guided by a local expert. With the flexibility to customize your itinerary and the knowledge of a licensed guide, you can explore Kyoto’s rich history and culture.
Visit iconic landmarks like the Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Kinkaku-ji Temple, and indulge in the local cuisine and unique shops of the Gion district.
Set out on a 4 to 6-hour journey through Kyoto’s beauty and learn about its cultural heritage.
Good To Know

- The tour is a private guided walking tour of Kyoto, allowing for a personalized and professional experience with a licensed local guide.
- The tour includes visits to some of Kyoto’s most important and famous highlights, such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the filming location for the film Memoirs of a Geisha, the Kinkaku-ji Temple, and the Kiyomizu-dera temple.
- The tour offers the flexibility to customize the route or let the guide take care of the itinerary planning.
- Along With sightseeing, the tour also provides opportunities for dining and shopping, with recommendations from the guide in the Gion district known for its unique shops and local cuisine.
Activity Details

The activity details for the private tour in Kyoto include the duration of the tour, availability of a licensed local guide, and the option to customize the itinerary.
This personalized experience allows travelers to tailor their tour to their specific interests and preferences. Whether you want to explore historical landmarks, learn about Japanese culture, or indulge in local cuisine, the tour can be customized to suit your desires.
With a licensed local guide by your side, you’ll have access to insider knowledge and insights that only a true Kyoto expert can provide. They’ll share fascinating stories about Japan’s history and culture, giving you a deeper understanding of the city and its traditions.
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Tour Experience
During the private tour in Kyoto, travelers can expect a personalized and immersive experience, allowing them to delve deeper into the rich history and culture of the city.
The tour customization option gives visitors the freedom to tailor their itinerary according to their interests and preferences. Whether they want to focus on historical landmarks, traditional temples, or local cuisine, the licensed local guide will provide expert advice and recommendations.
With their deep knowledge of Kyoto, the guide will share fascinating insights about Japan’s history and culture, enriching the tour experience.
Plus, the guide’s expertise ensures that visitors don’t miss out on hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, providing a unique and authentic perspective of the city.
Kyoto Highlights
While exploring Kyoto on a private tour with a local licensed guide, visitors can discover the city’s highlights. From hidden gems to traditional Japanese architecture, Kyoto offers a stack of attractions that showcase its rich history and culture.
One of the must-visit sites is the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its Torii Gate Corridor. This stunning shrine is adorned with thousands of vibrant orange gates, creating a mesmerizing pathway that leads visitors to the sacred Mount Inari.
Another highlight is the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. With its shimmering golden exterior reflecting on the surrounding pond, this architectural masterpiece is truly a sight to behold.
For panoramic city views, the ancient Kiyomizu-dera temple is a must-see. Located on a hillside, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking vistas of Kyoto’s skyline.
Dining and Shopping
Visitors on a private tour with a local licensed guide can indulge in Kyoto’s dining and shopping scene, experiencing the city’s unique shops and savoring the local cuisine. Here are three highlights of dining and shopping in Kyoto:
Gion District: The Gion district is known for its traditional atmosphere and geisha culture. Visitors can stroll through the charming streets lined with wooden machiya houses and discover unique shops selling traditional crafts, kimono, and tea sets. It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and learn about the rich history and tradition of Kyoto.
Kyoto Cuisine: Kyoto is famous for its refined and elegant cuisine. From kaiseki (multi-course) meals to local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot) and matcha (green tea) desserts, there are plenty of opportunities to delight your palate. Your guide can recommend the best local restaurants and help you navigate the diverse world of Kyoto cuisine.
Local Markets: Kyoto is home to bustling markets where you can find fresh produce, snacks, and souvenirs. Nishiki Market, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen,’ offers a wide variety of food stalls and shops selling local delicacies. It’s a great place to try street food and sample Kyoto’s culinary delights.
With a local guide by your side, you can truly learn about Kyoto’s dining and shopping scene, making the most of your visit to this vibrant city.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews
The customer reviews for the private tour with a local licensed guide in Kyoto highlight the exceptional experiences and knowledge shared by the guides. With a guide rating of 4.7/5 based on 145 reviews and a value for money rating of 4.6/5, it’s clear that customers are highly satisfied with their tour experience.
One customer commented, ‘Our guide Reo showed us Kyoto beyond the major attractions. It was a great experience. He also explained the history and answered all our questions patiently. We’d do the private tour with Reo again.’
Another customer praised their guide, Kaz, saying, ‘The tour with Kaz was great. We learned a lot about the history and culture of Japan, especially Kyoto. Kaz is a well-prepared and patient tour guide. Thank you for the beautiful day!’
Another customer recommended their guide, Yoji, stating, ‘Our guide Yoji was wonderful. He was accommodating and ensured we saw all the sights. Highly recommend!’
These positive reviews highlight the customer satisfaction and the tour guide expertise that make this private tour in Kyoto a truly memorable experience.
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Fushimi Inari Shrine
Located in Kyoto, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must-visit attraction on the private tour with a local licensed guide. This iconic shrine is famous for its Torii Gate Corridor, consisting of thousands of vibrant red gates that create a mesmerizing pathway through the forested hillside.
Here are three reasons why the Fushimi Inari Shrine is a highlight of the Kyoto walking tour:
Cultural Significance: As one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, Fushimi Inari offers insights into Japanese culture and spirituality. Visitors can witness traditional rituals and learn about the significance of foxes, which are believed to be messengers of the gods.
Scenic Beauty: The Torii Gate Corridor provides a picturesque backdrop for memorable photos. Walking through the gates, surrounded by lush greenery, creates a serene and enchanting atmosphere that captures the essence of Kyoto’s natural beauty.
Private Guide Experience: With a local licensed guide, visitors can gain deeper understanding and appreciation for the shrine. Guides can share historical facts, legends, and personal anecdotes, bringing the Fushimi Inari Shrine to life and making the experience even more enriching.
Memoirs of a Geisha Filming Location
The filming location for Memoirs of a Geisha offers visitors a glimpse into the captivating world of Japanese culture and history. Kyoto, known for its rich geisha history and stunning architecture, served as the backdrop for this iconic film.
Walking through the streets of Kyoto, visitors can imagine themselves transported to the enchanting world of geishas, where elegance and grace reign supreme. The city’s traditional wooden machiya houses, with their intricate designs and sliding doors, provide a perfect setting for capturing the essence of geisha culture.
From the famous Gion district to the picturesque Kiyomizu-dera temple, the Memoirs of a Geisha filming location allows visitors to enjoy the beauty and allure of Kyoto’s unique architectural heritage.
Kinkaku-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Visitors can explore the captivating beauty of Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple with a licensed local guide on this private tour. These two temples are among the most iconic and significant landmarks in Kyoto, each offering a unique experience for visitors.
Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, is a stunning Zen Buddhist temple that dates back to the 14th century. Its history is steeped in tradition and spirituality, making it a prominent cultural site in Kyoto. The temple is renowned for its majestic golden exterior, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is famous for its impressive wooden architecture. The temple is perched on a hillside, offering panoramic views of the city below. Its main hall, built without the use of any nails, is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of ancient Japanese artisans.
Exploring these temples with a knowledgeable guide allows visitors to delve deeper into the history of Kinkaku-ji Temple and appreciate the intricate architecture of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Common Questions
What Is the Cost of the Private Guided Walking Tour in Kyoto?
The cost of the private guided walking tour in Kyoto varies depending on the duration and customization of the itinerary. Guests have the flexibility to personalize their experience and explore the city’s highlights with a licensed local guide.
Can I Customize the Itinerary of the Tour According to My Preferences?
Yes, travelers can customize the itinerary of the private tour according to their preferences. This flexibility allows for a personalized experience and ensures that the tour aligns with the interests and desires of the traveler. The benefits of personalized tours include a tailored experience, the ability to focus on specific attractions or areas, and the opportunity to learn fascinating insights about Japan’s history and culture.
How Many Hours Does the Tour Usually Last?
The average duration of the private tour is 4-6 hours, providing flexibility for the tour hours. This allows guests to customize their itinerary or rely on the licensed guide for a personalized experience.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Expenses That I Should Be Aware Of?
There are no hidden costs associated with the private tour in Kyoto. However, it is customary to tip the guide as a token of appreciation for their services. Tips and gratuities are not included in the tour price.
Can I Book the Tour for a Large Group or Is It Limited to a Certain Number of Participants?
The tour offers group size flexibility, allowing for large groups. However, there may be a maximum number of participants to ensure a personalized experience. Please check availability to confirm the specifics.
The Sum Up
To sum it up, a private tour with a local licensed guide is the perfect way to explore the enchanting city of Kyoto. With the opportunity to customize the itinerary or trust the recommendations of the knowledgeable guide, visitors can enjoy the rich history and culture of this ancient city.
From iconic landmarks like the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkaku-ji Temple to the unique shops in the Gion district, this tour provides an unforgettable experience of Kyoto’s beauty and cultural heritage.
Don’t miss out on this immersive journey through one of Japan’s most treasured cities.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Guided Tours in Kyoto
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