Private & Custom KYOTO Walking Tour - your Travel Companion
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Private & Custom KYOTO Walking Tour - your Travel Companion

Active
(23 reviews)
8h
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Private & Custom KYOTO walking tour allows you to “Tailor Your Itinerary” to fit your specific travel expectations. You have your own private English speaking Travel Companion for approximately 8 hours. Our team assists you to draft itinerary, prepare tickets, book restaurants/local experiences, take pictures, communicate with local vendors, direct you to the destinations, keep time, assist you throughout the trip and more!

STEP1: Please select your favorite destinations from "What to Expect" and share with us your other special requests
STEP2: Our team draft your tentative custom itinerary and share with you
STEP3: We revise/finalize the itinerary base on your feedback
STEP4: Let's explore KYOTO

REMARKS
A. You can always make change to the itinerary even while traveling. The tour is flexible to your own needs and goals.
B. Extra charges will be applied for over time service

Available options

Private & Custom KYOTO Walking Tour - your Travel Companion

Pickup included

What's included

Assistants throughout your Trip
A Travel Companion
Personalized Itinerary

Detailed itinerary

1

Visit Kinkakuji Temple - The Golden Pavilion - a Zen Temple which was a retirement villa of the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.

2

Visit Kiyomizudera - Pure Water Temple - is best known for its wooden stage that just out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hill side below. The main hall which together with the stage as built without the use of nails , house the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon. In 1944, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3
Stop 3

Visit Sanneizaka and Ninenzaka preserved districts.

4
Stop 4

Visit Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine) which is well known for its summer festival (the Gion Matsuri) which is celebrated every July. Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in the whole country.

5
Stop 5

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine - the Ultimate Torii Gate Experience - an important Shinto shrine famous for its thousand of vermillion Torrid fates which straddle a network of trails behind its main building.

6
Stop 6

Visit Arashiyama - the second most sightseeing district in Kyoto since Heian Period filled with temples, shrines and bamboo gives.

1. Bamboo Forest

2. Tenryuji Temple - Kyoto's five Zen Temples founded in 1339. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Togetsu Bridge - Moon crossing bridge - built during the Heian Period reconstructed recently in 1930s

7
Stop 7

Visit Nishiki Ichibe - a narrow, five block long shopping street lined bemire than one hundred shops and restaurants known as Kyoto's kitchen.

8
Stop 8

Visit Gion - Kyoto's famous geisha district

9
Stop 9

Visit Ginkakuji - the Silver Pavilion - built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshima, on the other side of the City a few decades after Kinkakuji.

10
Stop 10

Sanjusangendo (三十三間堂, Sanjūsangendō) is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto which is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and rebuilt a century later after the original structure had been destroyed in a fire.

Measuring 120 meters, the temple hall is Japan's longest wooden structure. The name Sanjusangendo (literally "33 intervals") derives from the number of intervals between the building's support columns, a traditional method of measuring the size of a building. In the center of the main hall sits a large, wooden statue of a 1000-armed Kannon (Senju Kannon) that is flanked on each side by 500 statues of human sized 1000-armed Kannon standing in ten rows. Together they make for an awesome sight.

11
Stop 11

The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), an attractive park in the center of the city that also encompasses the Sento Imperial Palace and a few other attractions.

12
Stop 12

Nijo Castle (二条城, Nijōjō) was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). His grandson Iemitsu completed the castle's palace buildings 23 years later and further expanded the castle by adding a five story castle keep.

13
Stop 13

Eikando (永観堂, Eikandō), formally known as Zenrinji Temple, belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism. Located just north of the large temple complex of Nanzenji, Eikando is very famous for its autumn colors and the evening illuminations that take place in fall. The temple has a long history, and there are a variety of buildings and a pond garden that visitors can explore.

A court noble of the Heian Period (710-1185) donated his villa to a priest, who converted it into a temple under the name Zenrinji (lit. "temple in a calm grove"). At its founding, Zenrinji was part of the Shingon sect and its first head priest was a disciple of the great Kobo Daishi, the sect's founder.

What's not included

Private transportation
Entrance Fees
Accommodation Fees
Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner...)

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.2
9 reviews
5★
4
4★
1
3★
0
2★
1
1★
3
Tripadvisor 4.3
14 reviews
5★
8
4★
3
3★
2
2★
1
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

East Exit or at client's accommodation

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.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 5
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Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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