Full Day Private Tour in Kyoto with Pickup
Description
Experience the enchanting allure of Kyoto with our exclusive Private Luxury Day Tour. Discover the essence of Japan's ancient capital through an 8-hour customizable journey aboard a private vehicle, with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included. Delve into the city's hidden gems and rich culture alongside a knowledgeable local guide, as you select 3-4 sites (admission not included) from our curated 'What to expect' list. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Kyoto's seasons, from the vibrant blooms of spring to the fiery hues of autumn foliage and the tranquil serenity of winter. Let us create a personalized tour experience that captures the essence of Kyoto's rich history and culture, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Japan's ancient capital. Additionally, we offer the flexibility of starting the tour 1 hour earlier for guests coming from Osaka.
Tour Options
Itinerary
It's renowned for its towering bamboo stalks that create a peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Located in northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple is a stunning temple with its upper floors coated in gold leaf. Originally built as a retirement villa for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1408, it later became a Zen temple.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in southern Kyoto is a significant shrine known for its vermilion torii gates. The paths lead to the sacred Mount Inari, where thousands of shrines are nestled along the mountainside.
Kiyomizu-dera, known as the "Pure Water Temple," is an ancient temple nestled in the forests east of Kyoto. Established in 780, it's renowned for its Otowa Waterfall.
Gion, Kyoto's famous geisha district, is an area lined with traditional machiya houses. It's home to teahouses and restaurants where geiko and maiko entertain.
Sanjusangendo Temple is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Built in 1164, it boasts Japan's longest wooden structure.
Ginkakuji Temple in Higashiyama was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa in 1482. Its exterior, adorned with silver leaf, is its distinctive feature.
Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," Nishiki Market is a bustling market with over 100 shops and restaurants offering local specialties.
The Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan's Imperial Family, was reconstructed in 1855. Located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park, it boasts historical buildings and beautiful gardens.
Ryoanji Temple is renowned for its Zen rock garden, a masterpiece of minimalist design, where 15 rocks are meticulously arranged amidst raked gravel.
Tenryuji Temple is celebrated for its picturesque landscape garden, considered one of the finest examples of Japanese Zen garden design.
Nanzenji Temple is a historic Zen temple complex featuring majestic gates, serene gardens, and an impressive aqueduct.
Heian Shrine is a vibrant Shinto shrine known for its massive torii gate and expansive gardens, which burst into color during cherry blossom season.
Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ornate interiors, majestic gates, and beautiful Japanese gardens.
Daikakuji Temple, a former imperial villa turned temple, features a serene pond garden and historic buildings dating back to the Heian period.
Kifune Shrine is dedicated to the god of water and is nestled in a lush forested area near the Kibune River, offering a serene retreat from the city.
Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine, is a historic Shinto shrine located in the heart of Gion district, known for its vibrant festivals and lantern-lit paths.
Eikando Temple, also known as Zenrinji, is renowned for its stunning autumn foliage and the serene Amida Buddha statue housed within its halls.
Kenninji Temple is Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, known for its magnificent painted sliding doors and tranquil tea gardens.
Kodaiji Temple is famed for its exquisite Zen gardens, stunning night illuminations, and historic tea houses nestled in the Higashiyama district.
Shoren-in Temple is a tranquil retreat featuring a beautiful pond garden, tea houses, and elegant temple architecture nestled in the foothills of Higashiyama.
Tofukuji Temple is renowned for its expansive temple grounds, spectacular autumn foliage, and iconic wooden bridges spanning serene ponds.
Jonangu Shrine is a peaceful Shinto shrine known for its expansive gardens, vibrant seasonal flowers, and traditional architecture, offering a serene escape from the city hustle.
Toji Temple, officially known as Kyoo Gokoku-ji, is a historic Buddhist temple famous for its towering pagoda, the tallest wooden tower in Japan, and its vibrant flea market held on the 21st of each month.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Our service offers convenient door-to-door transportation. In addition to hotels, ryokans, and ports listed above, we provide pick-up and drop-off at various accommodations such as AirBNB, train stations, or any desired destinations within the city you are visiting. We are flexible with pickup and drop-off times to accommodate your schedule. Please note that there is an additional charge for transfers to Osaka.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(2)
Last week my family and I toured KYOTO, guided by Kumiko who was beyond excellent. Kumiko is super knowledgeable, sweet, friendly, funny, punctual, and resourceful. She took us to several shrines, bamboo forest, market, etc... she explained all the facts and stats and in the rare instances when she did not know the answer to a very specificquestion, she took the time to do the research and got back to us with detailed answers the same night. Kumiko even helped us with restaurant and train reservations. We really couldn't have had a better guide. Kumiko became a friend to the whole family, especially the children. We look forward to visiting japan again to tour more with Kumiko
Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words. It was truly a pleasure spending time with your wonderful family in Kyoto, and I’m so happy to hear that the tour was meaningful for you all—especially the children. I would be delighted to welcome you back to Japan again someday.
Kumiko is a true pro! She organized a fantastic and efficient tour for 11 of us, including 5 children (ages 5-13) and one handicapped adult. Kumiko put together an itinerary of major Kyoto highlights, including the Kyomizudo temple, bamboo gardens, and Fushimi Inari (tori gates). She organized a mini bus to take us from point to point, making moving so many people across an expansive geography a breeze. Further, the communication in the weeks leading up to the tour was on point with no details left out. I HIGHLY recommend her tour company to help organize tour time in Kyoto!
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was truly a joy to guide your wonderful group around Kyoto. I’m so glad everything went smoothly with the kids and transportation — and that you enjoyed the highlights! Hope to welcome you all back again someday!
