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Tours/Kyoto/Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option

Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option

4.9(309)Kyoto8 hours
VIATOR4.8(111)TRIPADVISOR4.9(198)
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
+5 photos
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option

At a glance

Duration
8 hours
Price from
$223 / person
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 309 reviews
Languages
JA, JA, EN, EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant

Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Kyoto

Description

Planning a trip to Kyoto can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Which places are truly worth visiting? How do you get around? And how do you choose the right tour? Why travelers choose us: • Passionate local Japanese guides • Hidden local gems beyond the guidebooks • Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests • Comfortable private vehicle • Kyoto’s must-see highlights without stress • Friendly conversations, local stories, and personal recommendations We believe a private tour is not only about where you go—it’s about who you spend the day with. That’s why we focus on creating a fun, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere. We want you to feel like you are exploring Kyoto with a local friend, not just following a guide. Every guest is different, so every tour is different. We can adjust the itinerary based on your interests, the weather, crowds, and the season. For us, guiding is our passion. We’ll do our best to make your day in Japan unforgettable.

Tour Options

kyoto & Nara full day tour
  • Pickup included
Kyoto full day private tour
  • Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission not included60 min

Kinkakuji Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Kinkakuji is famous for its stunning architecture, with the top two floors covered in gold leaf and beautifully reflected in the surrounding pond. Originally built in the 14th century as a retreat for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the temple was later converted into a temple. The gardens surrounding the temple were also carefully designed in detail to showcase the beauty of the traditional Japanese landscape. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction.

Admission included120 min

Arashiyama is a pleasant, natural tourist destination located in the western suburbs of Kyoto. The area has been a popular tourist destination since the Heian period (794-1185), when aristocrats enjoyed its natural surroundings. Arashiyama is especially popular in the fall for its autumn foliage and in the spring for its cherry blossoms. The Togetsu Bridge is the central trend mark of Arashiyama, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast river. Near the bridge, there is a boat pier, the famous bamboo grove street, many restaurants, and shopping for even the youngest visitors.

Pass by

In Kyoto’s historic Gion district, you can learn about the fascinating history of Geisha while exploring the actual streets where they still work today. Enjoy beautiful riverside scenery, traditional streets, the exteriors of historic teahouses, and the unique atmosphere of old Kyoto as you discover the history behind this special district. Our friendly local guides will share the rich history, traditions, and fascinating stories of Geisha culture, one of Japan’s most treasured cultural traditions. During the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, you can also enjoy Gion’s beautiful seasonal scenery. We can stop along the way so you have time to take photos and capture these special moments.

Admission not included60 min

Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its magnificent wooden architecture and its impressive wooden stage extending over the hillside. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views of Kyoto surrounded by cherry and maple trees. The temple was built using traditional Japanese craftsmanship, with its famous wooden structure constructed without the use of nails. The temple grounds are also home to Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. Visitors can try walking between two famous stones with their eyes closed. If they successfully reach the other stone, it is said that they will be blessed with good fortune in finding true love. Kiyomizu-dera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers especially breathtaking scenery during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. With its remarkable architecture, beautiful natural surroundings, and rich cultural heritage, Kiyomizu-dera is truly a must-visit destination in Japan!

30 min

Explore the timeless beauty of Kyoto as you stroll through the historic streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka toward the iconic Yasaka Pagoda. The charming stone-paved streets, lined with traditional wooden shops and teahouses, offer a glimpse into the atmosphere of Japan’s Edo period. Especially during cherry blossom season and around sunset, the five-story Yasaka Pagoda rising above the traditional streets creates one of Kyoto’s most beautiful and historic views. Whether shopping for traditional Kyoto crafts, tasting local delicacies, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, a visit to Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Yasaka Pagoda is a wonderful way to experience Kyoto’s rich culture and traditional charm.

Admission included120 min

Fushimi Inari is one of Japan's most gorgeous, powerful, and famous shrines and one of my recommended tourist destinations. The view of the thousand torii gates leading to the top of the mountain is breathtaking, and even if you get tired on the way, there is a place to turn around so that even those with weak legs can enjoy the view. Many visitors are satisfied with the beautiful scenery. Fushimi Inari has a lot of history and animal gods are enshrined, and there are statues of foxes and animals in many places as you walk along.

Highlights

Travel time from Osaka/Kyoto to each destination and travel time to the hotel
Parking Fare Gasoline Fare Expressway fare
Lunch
English-Speaking Guides
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

What's included

Included
Travel time from Osaka/Kyoto to each destination and travel time to the hotel
Parking Fare Gasoline Fare Expressway fare
Lunch
English-Speaking Guides
Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Not included
Admission to attractions

Pickup Locations & Times

They can come in front of the hotel or I will go directly to their places to pickup

Traveller Ratings

4.9
309 reviews
5
294
4
9
3
2
2
2
1
2

Important Information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently asked questions

How long does this tour take?

Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option lasts about 8 hours. The itinerary has 6 stops.

How much does this tour cost?

Prices start at $223 per person for this Kyoto experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

Can I cancel this tour for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered. They can come in front of the hotel or I will go directly to their places to pickup Pickup points include MEET_AT_DEPARTURE_POINT, CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyG1FFv6YprTHGW8OJ19TE+g=.

What languages is this tour offered in?

The experience is available in JA, JA, EN, EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Specialized infant seats are available

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Reviews(309)

A
ashwarie
September 11, 2026
​Amazing day in Kyoto with Riku!

We had an amazing, fun day tour in Kyoto! The tour was super flexible, and we were easily able to add in the Samurai Museum, which was a blast. Our guide, Riku, was great—lots of fun and shared so much cool history with us throughout the day. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Kyoto!​

T
traviskU4779JP
September 10, 2026
Nara and Kyoto Experience

Hosei was a wonderful guide. I would recommend this provider.

S
sarahkS7366NF
September 10, 2026
Moments to remember

Wonderful guide with knowledge of area. Humored our attempts at Japanese language and walked everywhere with us. Parking was always close.

L
LSTucson
September 10, 2026
Enjoyable day out!

We had a lovely day on this tour. Hosei was a kind and attentive guide and went at our pace, which we appreciated. We had a day that we couldn't have planned on our own. Well worth it!

K
Kerstin913
September 9, 2026
Our Favorite Tour in Kyoto & Nara – An Unforgettable Day with Riku! 🇯🇵❤️

What an amazing day with our guide, Riku! This was hands down our favorite tour in Japan so far. Even the pouring rain couldn’t stop us from having an incredible time! We explored the beautiful Fushimi Inari Shrine, traveled to Nara to see the magnificent Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji, and of course met the adorable deer who actually bowed to us! Riku also took us to a delicious local sushi restaurant that we never would have found on our own. One of the highlights was riding a rickshaw through the beautiful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove — such a fun and memorable experience! We finished our day at the spectacular Golden Pavilion, which was the perfect ending. Riku was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and informative throughout the entire day. We learned so much, laughed a lot, and truly enjoyed spending the day with him. An unforgettable experience and our favorite tour yet. We highly recommend Riku!

A
Alana_P
September 5, 2026
See all the highlights of Kyoto in one day

Got to see all the highlights! It was extremely comprehensive in a very nice vehicle. Guide was very talkative so got to learn much about Japanese culture as well.

Operator response

thank you for writing wonderful review!We sincerely thank you for spending your trip with us and making it a wonderful memory! Thank you for choosing our tours and we hope to see you again soon!

M
Melissa_M
August 31, 2026
What a great day!

We had the best day with Rik. He was so flexible and helped us see all of Kyoto and even fit in Nara. His knowledge of the history was great and his English is perfect. Rik made the day really perfect. I cannot recommend highly enough.

Operator response

thank you for writing wonderful review!We sincerely thank you for spending your trip with us and making it a wonderful memory! Thank you for choosing our tours and we hope to see you again soon!

A
amypR9879JE
August 31, 2026
Great full day tour of kyoto

Excellent tour. Our guide Rick was knowledgeable, kind and very fun. We enjoyed our day with home and would highly recommend.

Operator response

thank you for writing wonderful review!We sincerely thank you for spending your trip with us and making it a wonderful memory! Thank you for choosing our tours and we hope to see you again soon!

P
Pioneer23500488861
August 28, 2026
Kyoto Five Star!

Riku is awesome, friendly, listened to our needs and took us to the highlights of Kyoto—specifically those WE wanted to see. Comfortable air conditioned vehicle with plenty of leg room! Thank you, Riku!

Operator response

thank you for writing wonderful review!We sincerely thank you for spending your trip with us and making it a wonderful memory! Thank you for choosing our tours and we hope to see you again soon!

V
Victoria_B
August 28, 2026
Great Day!!

We had a fantastic day with Riku! We booked a Princess cruise but were unimpressed with their excursion offerings. We really wanted to see the high points of Kyoto but nothing was packaged “just right.” Riku is a natural at his job. High energy, fun and knowledgeable. We had my 94 year old mother in law with us and he was very patient. He also was able to modify things to suit her needs. Highly recommend! Thanks Riku!

Operator response

thank you for writing wonderful review!We sincerely thank you for spending your trip with us and making it a wonderful memory! Thank you for choosing our tours and we hope to see you again soon!

$223/ person
4.9(309)
Duration8 hours
LanguagesJA, JA, EN
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
Travellers1–15 pax
ConfirmationInstant
OperatorRiku
Book on Viator →
Booking on the official Viator website
Free cancellation

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

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Best price — we compare across partners
Secure booking on official partner site
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