Kyoto&Nara Private Luxury Tour with English Driver & Hotel Pickup

Kyoto , Japan

Kyoto&Nara Private Luxury Tour with English Driver & Hotel Pickup

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(6 reviews)

10h

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

Nara and Kyoto are two of Japan's most culturally rich ancient capitals, carrying centuries of tradition and historical significance. Both cities once served as the nation's capital and today remain home to countless cultural treasures and historical landmarks.
Nara: A Serene City of Sacred Deer
As one of Japan’s earliest capitals, Nara is known for its peaceful atmosphere and strong Buddhist legacy. The freely roaming deer in Nara Park, regarded as messengers of the gods, are a beloved symbol of the city.
Kyoto: A Perfect Blend of Culture and Nature
Kyoto, often referred to as the "heart of Japanese culture," served as the imperial capital for over a thousand years. From the golden elegance of Kinkaku-ji to the iconic stage of Kiyomizu-dera and the endless red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto offers scenes straight out of a historical scroll. Its seasonal beauty is unmatched—cherry blossoms in spring and fiery maple leaves in autumn transform the city into a living postcard.

Available options

For 1-9 People

7-10 Seats<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Fuel & Tolls & Parking fee

Private Transportation(Luxury 6 or 9 Seats van )

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Kinkakuji Temple, a three-storey pavilion covered in gold leaf that is one of the most famous and recognizable of all the historic buildings in Kyoto and has been selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will see the golden reflection of the temple in the still mirror water surface. And try to pray in front of those statues for fortune and luck.

Stop 2

Fushimi Inari Shrine, where a long corridor of thousands of Torii Shrine gates, a bright red tunnel along the mountain path, is an amazing experience.
You could walk through every gate, feel the ancient sense, and take photos. The Torii shrine gates form a maze, wish you can find your way out.

Stop 3

Optional: Sanjusangendo, a less tourist-hit treasure spot that is the longest wooden structure in Japan and houses a stunning collection of 1,001 golden Guanyin statues.
You can pray in the temple, Guanyin is the wish god which always make people's wish come true. Also, you could just do the meditation in the temple to purify your soul.

Stop 4

Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world, which houses a magnificent bronze Buddha statue. Incredibly, it took almost all of Japan's bronze reserves at the time to create this 15-meter-high bronze Buddha.
Todai-ji is a large temple, take your time enjoy the peaceful time by walking and pray. You may listen to the chanting sutras between the temples.

Stop 5

Nara's iconic attraction, Nara Park, which is a paradise of nature and the home of Nara deer. Walking in the park, you can see herds of deer leisurely walking in the grass, they are docile and cute, close to people. Buy a packet of deer cakes, interact with these lovely creatures, and feel in harmony with nature.

Stop 6

Optional: Nishiki Market, a narrow market located in the center of the city, where you will experience a variety of traditional food, but also can buy exquisite hand gifts.

Optional: The antique Sannenzake and Ninenzake, then walk to the famous Geisha area - Gion District, where you can hanging around until the evening and enjoy the rich Japanese culture.

What's not included

Todai-ji Temple

Kinkakuji Temple

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN ZH-CN

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total duration includes the travel time.

The duration for every attraction is the recommend time.

If you want shorten or extend single attraction duration, you can communicate with driver or guide.

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.