Private car tour Let's uncover secrets of majestic Kyoto history

Kyoto , Japan

Private car tour Let's uncover secrets of majestic Kyoto history

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(44 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour is perfect for seniors, families, or groups of friends. All you need to do is hop into the van and relax as your guide takes you around in a spacious van. We will show you a wonderful mix of hidden gems and famous landmarks — an easy choice!

Kyoto is home to countless stunning treasures that have survived for over 1,000 years. Our mission is to help you immerse yourself in authentic Japanese culture.

This tour gives you the chance to explore off-the-beaten-path spots, away from the crowded tourist attractions. Take a deep breath and enjoy the tranquility of peaceful places — though we can certainly include some major sights too if you’d like!

We’re happy to recommend a great lunch, whether you’re craving sushi, ramen, tempura, wagyu, or something else. Our tour itineraries are confidential and exclusive to our guests. Trust us with your time!

If there’s a particular place you’d like to visit, just let us know. We can usually include one requested spot in the itinerary.

Available options

full day tour! (Summer sale)

season Pickup included

Full day (on sale)

on sale Duration: 7 hours Pickup included

4 hour

Duration: 4 hours Pickup included

Cherry blossoms tour

Cherry blossom season Pickup included

Full day tour

Duration: 8 hours: 4-5 spots + lunch time Pickup included

What's included

Completely private and personalized experience

Hotel pickup and dropoff

Tips of local good restaurants for lunch and dessert shops

Air-conditioned vehicle

gas & parking fee up to 3000yen/day

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

This shrine will immerse you in the remarkable view of thousands of tri-gates. Surprisingly, one whole mountain is the shrine premises, including long stretch of bamboo forest taril and peaceful birds chirping. Some giant gates and buildings in the entrance are very clean and beautiful, but as it goes deeper, more abandoned but solemn shrines appear, which look being depicted in some anime.

It is a way to go to this huge shrine with guide's help to reach out to those mentioned above unless you are good with hitting to massive crowd.

Stop 2

【Secret temple】(The temple name are only be disclosed on the tour)
Extremely gorgeous moss garden in this temple will astonish you. The temple is not visited by many people due to its distant and inconvenient location. As you enter the temple, wide open tatami mat floor are spread out, and naturally inviting you to enjoy the garden from the porch. Sitting on tatami, porch and having fresh air is invigorating.

Stop 3

One of the largest temples in northern Kyoto. Millions of tiny rocks are well-organaized, making up a big temple garden. In this temple, you can get in touch with the rich history of big Buddhism skism in Japan.

You would not see many other visitors here. Definitely hidden gem.

This temple was originally erected by group of people called Hatashi, said to be Korean-rooted ethnic tribe in the 5-6th century. Ever since experiencing one burndown in the 8th century, it never had vanished and stay original until now.

Kinkakuji, golden pavilion. The temple was a villa of Shogun, Yoshimitsu Ashikaga (1358-1408) but was converted to a temple after his death. It is known for the building whose two top floors are covered with gold leaf.

The temple was an art master's property who was professional in many arts such as tea ceremoney, caligrapy and such. So the temple has an awesome garden with various tree plant, tea ceremoney items and cool layouts of things. At the end of the garden you will command a good view down over Kyoto city. This temple garden is particular popular in autumn leaves view or cherry blossom seasons.

We will stop at at a local dessert shop. They have many Kyoto styled unique sweets such as Mochifu (pounded rice cake different texture from normal mochi), shaved ice flavored with Yuzu (Japanese citrus)/Match etc.

This is the biggest shrine erected by one of the most powerful noble family Hatashi-tribe and beloved by all-around neighbourhood household. They have a large Koi fish pond where they allow you to feed them. They move so aggressively when you throw feed to them!! Wonderful!
It is situated in the west end of Kyoto, making it disadvantageous to come by trains. We will let you stop there on your request

What's not included

Upon your request and situation, it would be posssible to stop by a guide-recommnding local good restaurant/dessert shop during the tour.

admission fee

Available languages

Guide guide

KO JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

23 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

21 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Important information

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

Minimum age requirement for alcohol consumption is 18 years of age

Important notes

Guide will purchase tickes at each stop

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.