PERFECT Kyoto Day – Custom Private Tour by Award-Winning Operator

Kyoto , Japan

PERFECT Kyoto Day – Custom Private Tour by Award-Winning Operator

Active

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

KYOTO – Timeless Beauty, Tailored for You — with Japan’s No.1 Award-Winning Tour Operator

Step into Kyoto’s living history with a fully customizable private tour designed around your passions. Wander through serene temples, vibrant geisha districts, tranquil gardens, or cozy tea houses—this is your Kyoto, crafted your way.

Operated by MagicalTrip, twice-awarded Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice “Best of the Best” #1 Experience in Japan, this experience is guided by certified local experts who bring centuries of culture and craftsmanship to life.

Choose your preferred travel mode—private car/van or public transport & taxi—and enjoy a seamless itinerary designed around your needs, whether that includes dietary restrictions, mobility assistance, or travel with young children.

With 200+ tours designed across Japan and trusted local partnerships, MagicalTrip ensures your Kyoto journey goes beyond the usual spots—immersive, authentic, and entirely your own.

Available options

8hrs (Public Transport + Taxi)

Duration: 8 hours by train or bus or taxi Pickup included

4hrs (Private Vehicle)

Duration: 4 hours Luxury 8 to 10seater car/van Pickup included

8hrs (Private Vehicle)

Duration: 8 hours Luxury 8 to 10seater car/van Pickup included

4hrs (Public Transport + Taxi)

Duration: 4 hours by train or bus or taxi Pickup included

What's included

Private air-conditioned vehicle (if by private vehicle)

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Kyoto

4 or 8 hours with a certified English-speaking MagicalTrip guide (guide is not a driver)

Fuel/Parking/Toll fees

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

One of the most popular UNESCO Site in East Kyoto, established 778.

Stop 2

Kyoto's Iconic shopping street, you can enjoy shopping and taking photo and seeing beautiful scenery.

Kyoto's Iconic Five-storied pagoda in Eastern Kyoto. This Five-storied pagoda was established 6C originaly, reconstruted 15C. No nails in this Pagoda.

We'll stop by for lunch. Your guide will pick a restaurant based on your preference on the tour day.

Stop 5

This maket is 400years old history in Kyoto. You can enjoy tasting a lot of kinds of local foods in Kyoto.There is a one of the most famous traditional nife's shop called Aritugu here. We will walk through the street and sample local food and snacks.

Stop 6

Kyoto's Iconic Shrine in Eastern Area, established 7C originally. The main shrine of Yasaka shrine was estabilished 17C donated by Shogun.

Stop 7

You can see the one of the biggest cherry bloosoms here.

One of the Geiko/Maiko's street in Kyoto. There are 5 Geiko/Maiko streets in Kyoto. You can enjoy seeing the traditional Kyoto's architecture here.

Walking down Hanami-koji Street offers a captivating experience, particularly in the evening when lanterns create a magical ambiance. Beyond a simple stroll, you can see and do a variety of things in this historic geisha district.

Stop 10

There are more than 30 Sakura trees in Shirakawa street.You can enjoy seeing the traditional Kyoto's architecture here.

Drive back to your hotel

Available languages

Guide guide

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

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Vegan / Vegetarian option available

If you select a private vehicle, all related fees — including fuel and parking — are included in the price.

After booking, simply answer a short questionnaire and we’ll create your perfect itinerary.

Pricing varies depending on your chosen transportation type, tour length, group size, and the kinds of experiences you’d like to include. Once we receive your preferences, we’ll provide a clear quotation with no hidden fees.

There’s no strict minimum group size—solo travelers, couples, families, and larger groups are all welcome.

The maximum number of participants may vary depending on the activities selected, but we always ensure comfort and personalized attention for every guest.

In addition to one-day tours within Kyoto, we can also arrange day trips from Kyoto to destinations such as Nara and Osaka. If you’re interested in exploring these areas, simply select your preferred destination in the questionnaire we send after booking.

Meals are not included in the base price; guests simply pay for their food directly at the restaurants they visit.

We are happy to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-sensitive options, while keeping the dining experience authentically Japanese.

If you have any other questions or special requests, please don’t hesitate to reach out—our team will be delighted to assist and help design your ideal custom tour.

If you choose public transportation or taxi, transportation costs are not included (approximately 1,000–2,000 JPY per person).

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.