Kyoto One Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private

28 Reviews4.79 out of 5 stars Based on 28 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto One Day Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private Image 1
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8 hours (Approx.)
Mobile Ticket
Instant Confirmation

Overview

Spend the day with one of our friendly hosts as you take to the streets of Kyoto and unleash your inner explorer! Visit iconic and sacred sites, or explore the culturally rich entertainment district of Kamishichiken and Gion together. Not your vibe? Get off the beaten tourist track and explore hidden gems in the city that only a local would know about. Wherever you roam, keep your eyes open to the astonishing natural beauty of Kyoto.

Within 24 hours after booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded local host. Your local host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do

What's Included

  • 8 hours with a host
  • Private and personalized experience
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
  • Food and drinks
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Sanjo-ohashi Bridge, Japan, 〒604-8004 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakajimachō, 113 近江屋ビル 1F

Open in Google Maps

(The host will be waiting in front of Starbucks Coffee)After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to fit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Start Times

What To Expect

Kyoto Station Building (Pass By)

Start your itinerary from Kyoto station (or a different meeting point upon request)IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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Kinkakuji Temple (Pass By)

Also known as the Golden Pavilion), it’s one of the most iconic and famous places in Japan. Former shogun’s villa, it was then turned into a Zen temple around the 1400s, and recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Pass By)

Renowned throughout Japan as a shrine dedicated to learning (being devoted to the famous scholar Sugawara no Michizane), it’s also famous for its gorgeous plum garden (late Feb - beginning of March), as well as it’s bustling monthly market. And you happen to visit it around lunch time, ask your local host to try the best recommended yuba (tofu’s skin, the most delicious part) restaurant.IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theatre (Pass By)

This is the oldest hanamachi (geiko district) in Kyoto, located just a stone’s throw from Kitano Tenman-gū Shrine. 
The name literally means “Seven Upper Houses”, referring to the teahouses used for business meetings of the wealthy Kyoto-ites.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theatre (not always open) to get the chance to see geikos and maikos practicing, and satisfy your sweet tooth with a taste of traditional dango skewers.IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Pass By)

One of the most celebrated temples of Japan, Kiyomizudera is best known for its massive wooden stage, and the beautiful view on the autumn foliage (mid November-early December). Make sure to pay a visit to the nearby Otowa Waterfall: divided into three separate streams, each of them is said to have a different benefit: longevity, success at school and a fortunate love life. Which one would you pick?IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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Sannenzaka Ninenzaka (Pass By)

It’s a great traditional place where the narrow lanes, wooden buildings and traditional merchant shops invoke a feeling of the old capital city. The streets in Higashiyama are lined by small shops, cafes and restaurants to Kyoto specialties. Looking for some traditional souvenirs? You’ll find plenty of shops selling pottery, sweets, crafts and more.IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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Hokan-ji Temple (Pass By)

Stop by Higashiyama’s most famous landmark, Yasaka Pagoda, while strolling around one of Kyoto’s most attractive areas, best known for its well-preserved, charming streetscape.IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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Yasui-Konpiragu (Pass By)

Need to break a bad habit? Then this is the shrine for you! Found in the Gion district, this shrine is famous all across Japan for its ability to cut threads of fate. The bond you break can be anything from bad relationships, to an unsavory romance to a damaging bad habit.IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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Yasaka Shrine (Pass By)

Founded over 1350 years ago, Yasaka is the guardian shrine of the Gion entertainment district in Kyoto.
It is well known for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri (July), arguably the most famous festival in the whole country.IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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Gion (Pass By)

Kyoto’s most famous Geisha’s district (however, if you spot them, please act respectfully). 
Make sure to pay a visit to Hanami-koji street and then cross Tatsumi Bridge to reach Shimbashi, the most picturesque part Gion, with elegant traditional wooden houses of Kyoto housing high-class restaurants, cafes, and tea-houses.IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Private groups are normally no larger than 6 people (if your group is larger, please make this known so that arrangements can be made)
  • Operated by a business

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We’re here to help.
Live Chat, Text, Call, or Email our friendly customer support with your questions.

Activity code: C-30791P245

Reviews

4.79
28 reviews

Average 4.79 out of 5 stars based on 28 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

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