Kyoto Hidden Gems A Private Customized Tour for You With Guide

Kyoto , Japan

Kyoto Hidden Gems A Private Customized Tour for You With Guide

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About this experience

Uncover the timeless beauty of Kyoto with a private tour meticulously designed for your interests and pace, guided by your expert local guides. Choose from two distinct options: Kyoto Essentials (4-Hour Private Tour), perfect for a focused exploration of two iconic locations like the golden Kinkaku-ji or the vermilion Fushimi Inari gates, allowing you to absorb their essence; or for a deeper dive, our Kyoto Immersion (8-Hour Private Tour) offers a comprehensive journey through three to four hand-picked sites, including tranquil Zen gardens like Ryoan-ji or the picturesque Philosopher's Walk, providing ample time to truly connect with the city's rich history and culture.

Ready to explore Kyoto your way? Book your private adventure today!

Available options

Half Day (4Hours )Walking Tour

Duration: 4 hours<br/>Pickup included

Full Day (8Hours) Walking Tour

Duration: 8 hours<br/>Pickup included

What's included

professional Guide

Hotel pick up\off

4 or 8 hours private walking Tour according to you choice

you can choose between 2 locations for 4 hours tour or from 3-4 loctions for a 8 hours tour

fully coutomized and private tour . Public transportaion will be used

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Kinkaku-ji, officially known as Rokuon-ji ("Deer Garden Temple"), is a stunning Zen Buddhist temple in northern Kyoto, Japan. It is popularly known as the Golden Pavilion due to its top two floors being entirely covered in brilliant gold leaf.

Stop 2

Fushimi Inari-taisha is a major Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto, Japan, instantly recognizable by its thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates that wind their way up the sacred Mount Inari.

Stop 3

Ryoan-ji, located in northwest Kyoto, is one of Japan's most famous Zen Buddhist temples, primarily renowned for its enigmatic rock garden (karesansui). This iconic garden consists of 15 stones of various sizes, meticulously arranged on a bed of raked white gravel within a rectangular space.

Stop 4

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, often called Sagano Bamboo Forest, is a captivating natural wonder located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan. It's famous for its towering, dense bamboo stalks that create an ethereal, emerald-green tunnel.

Stop 5

Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district, renowned for its beautifully preserved traditional wooden machiya townhouses, charming teahouses (ochaya), and narrow, lantern-lit streets. Originally developed to cater to pilgrims visiting the nearby Yasaka Shrine, Gion evolved into a hub for traditional Japanese arts and entertainment

Stop 6

Kiyomizu-dera, or "Pure Water Temple," is one of Kyoto's most iconic and celebrated Buddhist temples, founded in 778. It's famous for its magnificent wooden stage, built without a single nail, which juts out from the main hall 13 meters above the hillside, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto city and the surrounding cherry and maple trees (especially stunning in spring and autumn).

Stop 7

The Kyoto Imperial Palace, known as "Kyoto Gosho" in Japanese, served as the residence of the Emperors of Japan for over 500 years, from 1331 until the capital was officially moved to Tokyo in 1869 during the Meiji Restoration.

Stop 8 Pass by

The Philosopher's Walk (Tetsugaku no Michi) is a picturesque stone path in Kyoto, Japan, that follows a cherry-tree-lined canal. Approximately two kilometers long, it stretches through the northern Higashiyama district, connecting the vicinity of Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) to the neighborhood of Nanzen-ji Temple.

Stop 9

Nanzen-ji is one of Kyoto's most important and prestigious Zen Buddhist temples, serving as the head temple of one of the Rinzai Zen sects. Originally built in the 13th century as an imperial villa, it was later converted into a temple

Ginkaku-ji, often called the Silver Pavilion, which is a Zen Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. It was originally built in the late 15th century as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, modeled after his grandfather's Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji).

What's not included

Meals

Tickets fees

Alcholic Drinks ( availble to purchase)

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A confirmation massage will be received to your inbox with all details

Meeting point

A guide will be waiting for the guest in front of the information centre

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.