Kyoto: Private City Highlights Tour by Car

Kyoto , Japan

Kyoto: Private City Highlights Tour by Car

Active

(1 reviews)

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

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience the enchanting beauty of Kyoto with our private guided tour. Visit Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo forest, Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Market to experience about Kyoto's rich culture and traditions with a local guide. Let us craft a memorable day filled with discovery and wonder as you immerse yourself in the essence of this timeless city. Meet your guide at your hotel and start your day in Kyoto! Let's explore these places to the fullest extent possible within the time available.

Available options

Kyoto: Private City Highlights Tour by Car

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick-up & drop-off

Private transportation

Guide/Driver

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Kiyomizu-dera is famous for its impressive wooden stage offering stunning views, built without nails. It holds historical significance, being part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple is named after the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors drink for good fortune. It's associated with cultural traditions like the "leap of faith" and is a major pilgrimage and tourist destination.

Hokanji Temple, also known as Yasaka Pagoda, is a historic five-story pagoda in Kyoto. Originally built in the 6th century, it's an iconic landmark offering scenic views of Kyoto's traditional streets.

Stop 3

Fushimi Inari Shrine, located in Kyoto, is famous for its thousands of red torii gates that form pathways up Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity, the shrine is one of Japan's most important and popular sites. The hike through the torii gates offers visitors stunning views and a spiritual experience.

Stop 4

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto is a serene and picturesque grove known for its towering bamboo stalks that create a unique, tranquil atmosphere. A popular tourist destination, it offers peaceful walking paths that immerse visitors in the natural beauty of the swaying bamboo.

Stop 5

Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a famous Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Known for its stunning gold leaf-covered exterior, it reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond. It is one of Japan's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Stop 6

Nishiki Market in Kyoto is a lively, narrow street market known as "Kyoto's Kitchen." It features a wide variety of fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional Japanese snacks. Popular with both locals and tourists, the market offers a vibrant atmosphere and a taste of Kyoto's culinary culture.

What's not included

Admission Fees

Food and Drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Travel time is included in the total tour duration

Not recommended for travelers with difficulty of walking

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.