




A fully custom private tour designed around your time, interests, and pace. Explore Kyoto’s top highlights comfortably with an English-speaking local guide. Your guide handles the route, timing, and transportation. We minimize walking and adjust the plan to avoid peak crowds whenever possible. What you’ll experience ・ A fully customizable private tour designed around your pace and preferences ・ Comfortable sightseeing with private transportation ・ Crowd-aware routing to avoid busy areas whenever possible ・ Kyoto’s must-see highlights selected based on your interests ・ Clear cultural insights that make each place more meaningful ・ Local tips for food, shopping, and hidden gems Sights may include ・ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine ・ Kiyomizu-dera Temple ・ Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) ・ Gion ・ Nijo Castle ・ Arashiyama Bamboo Forest ・ Otagi Nenbutsu-ji ・ Hidden scenic spots selected by your guide The exact sights visited are selected based on your time, interests, crowds, and weather.
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $227.
Larger groups pay less per person.
In demand: 13 of the next 60 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Nov 1.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is Kyoto’s most iconic shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates—over 10,000 of them—lining trails through a sacred mountain. Dedicated to Inari, the god of harvest, this peaceful spot blends nature, tradition, and stunning photo opportunities.
Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most iconic temples, founded in 778 and perched on a hillside with spectacular views of the city. Its famous wooden stage, built without nails, extends over a steep cliff and offers breathtaking views of cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn. The temple’s name means “Pure Water Temple,” and it’s home to the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors drink from three streams said to bring luck in health, love, and academics.
Ninen-zaka is a charming stone-paved slope leading to Kiyomizu Temple. Lined with traditional wooden townhouses, it has long been a bustling street for pilgrims and visitors.
Hokan-ji Temple, often called the Yasaka Pagoda, is a historic Buddhist temple located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Its most famous feature is the beautiful five-story pagoda, which is the oldest pagoda in Kyoto and a beloved city symbol.
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. Originally built in the 14th century as a retirement villa, it became a Zen Buddhist temple. The top two floors are covered in shimmering gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the surrounding pond.
The Kimono Forest, located at Arashiyama Station, features around 600 colorful poles wrapped in Kyoto’s traditional kimono fabric. It creates a beautiful path that looks like a forest of kimono.
Tenryu-ji is a famous Zen temple in Arashiyama, founded in 1339. It is best known for its beautiful pond garden that uses the Arashiyama mountains as a backdrop, and it is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Japan’s most photographed and enchanting spots. As you walk through the towering bamboo stalks, you’ll be surrounded by a peaceful, dreamlike atmosphere that feels like another world.
Togetsu-kyo, or “Moon Crossing Bridge,” is the iconic wooden bridge of Arashiyama. Its name comes from the view of the moon appearing to cross the bridge.
At the sheduled pickup time, please wait outside your hotel and meet your guide there.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Excurgo comparison of 1,616 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Kyoto Private Highlights Tour (Customizable) lasts about 2–8 hours. The itinerary has 9 stops.
Prices start at $130 per person for this Kyoto experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $227. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Children aged 2–11 pay from $39, adults from $130. Infants go free.
It can: 13 of the next 60 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Yes, pickup is offered. At the sheduled pickup time, please wait outside your hotel and meet your guide there. Pickup points include Hananoie, Hanazono Kaikan.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 5 travellers can book together.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kyoto Private Highlights Tour (Customizable) | 2–8 hours | 5.0 (4) | $130 | |
Kyoto Private 10H Customizable Highlights Tour | 10 hours | 4.5 (11) | $552 | View |
Kyoto Private Customizable Tour with English Guide & Hotel Pickup | 8–10 hours | 4.9 (122) | $370 | View |
Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver | 8 hours | 4.7 (226) | $390 | View |
Kyoto and Nara Customizable Private Tour (Local Licensed Guide) | 6–8 hours | 4.9 (69) | $250 | View |
Kyoto Private Tour | Full-Day Highlights by English Guide & van | 10 hours | 5.0 (8) | $468 | View |
Kyoto Highlights Private Tour with Guide & Luxury Vehicle | 8–10 hours | 5.0 (2) | $518 | View |