Kyoto , Japan

Private Custom Tour: Kyoto in One Day

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(79 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

Discuss with our experiensed guide who knows all about Kyoto. Our guide is "YOUR PERSONAL ASSISTANT" during your stay in Japan !

This is a "FULLY CUSTOMIZED PRIVATE TOUR", either 8 hour full day tour or 4 hour half day tour. You can visit 4 or 5 places on the full-day tour and 2 or 3 places on the half-day tour.

We will create "YOUR OWN TOUR" based on your interests and of course we will give you some suggestions. You will experience the best of Kyoto on foot or by private car.

Please book a tour for the day after your arrival in Japan considering the time difference with your country.

***IMPORTANT NOTICE***
Your guide will contact you in advance to discuss your own itinery.
Please let us know YOUR CORRECT CONTACT NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS.

Available options

Full-Day Tour+Private Vehicle

Full-Day Tour+Private Vehicle : Custom full-day tour of Kyoto with private transfer - approx. 8 hours
<br/>Pickup included

Half-Day Tour+Public Transfer

Half-Day+Public Transportation: Custom half-day tour of Kyoto with public transfer - approx. 4 hours <br/>Pickup included

Full-Day Tour+Public Transfer

Full-Day+Public Transportation: Custom full-day tour of Kyoto with public transfer - Approx. 8 hours
<br/>Pickup included

Half-Day Tour+Private Vehicle

Half-Day Tour+Private Vehicle: Custom half-day tour of Kyoto with Private Vehicle - approx. 4 hours <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Transportation fares (if by public transport)

drink

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kyoto city

Transport by private vehicle (if by private vehicle)

Professional English speaking guide

Lunch (full-day option only)

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

** Here are some recommended places to visit.
**You can visit 4 or 5 places on the full-day tour and 2 or 3 places on the half-day tour.
**Please let us know your interest in advance ! After talking with our experiensed guide who knows all about Kyoto, please feel free to decide the place to visit and enjoy the wonderful journey!!!

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After enjoying the breathtaking Golden pavillion, we take a walk in the garden.

Stop 2

You can walk inside the powerful Shogunate castle with images of samurais in your head.

Stop 3

Walking through many Torii gates, we may be able to get our wish!

Stop 4

World Cultural Heritage Site / You can see one of the most famous strolling type gardens with ponds in Kyoto.

World Cultural Heritage Site / You can feel a peaceful mind in front of the stature of Kannon Bodhisattva on a cliff.

What's not included

Gratuities

Any additional activity fee

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

35 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

44 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A moderate amount of walking is involved. Please wear a comfortable pair of shoes

Additional activities, such as a tea ceremony, aikido or calligraphy class, etc, can be included in the itinerary, but will be at your own expense

Your guide will meet you at your centrally located hotel in Kyoto and leave for sightseeing via public transportation. Private car service is not included in this tour

Not all admission fees are included.

Important notes

• A moderate amount of walking is involved. Please wear comfortable shoes
• Additional activities, such as a tea ceremony, aikido or calligraphy class, etc, can be included in the itinerary, but will be at your own expense
• Your guide will meet you at your centrally located hotel in Kyoto and leave for sightseeing via public transportation. Private car service is not included in this tour

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.