Kyoto

Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised

Badge of ExcellenceKyoto, Japan
Kyoto Explore the City with a Local

From $119.18

Price varies by group size

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

  • 3 to 8 hours
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Exploring the historic city of Kyoto with a local guide gives you an experience you won’t get by following a guidebook itinerary. Discover local neighborhoods, see iconic attractions, and get recommendations from a guide who creates a personalized route based on your interests and needs.
  • Explore the iconic temples and cultural districts of Kyoto with a local guide
  • Private, customized tour fits your interests and travel schedule
  • Your guide personalizes the tour and navigates the city with you

What's Included

  • Private and personalized walking tour with a passionate local
  • 3, 5, 7 or 8 hours walking tour, exploring highlights and hidden gems
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
  • Food and drinks
  • Transportation (primarily a walking experience however public transport may be used)
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Gratuities (optional)

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

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

    (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.

What To Expect

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine (Pass By)

Sannenzaka Ninenzaka (Pass By)

Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Pass By)

Kennin-ji Temple (Pass By)

Yasaka Shrine (Pass By)

Maruyama Park (Pass By)

Gion (Pass By)

Pontocho District (Pass By)

Kiyamachi Street (Pass By)

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Please book at least 48 hours in advance so that we can build the best experience for you
  • Experiences are fully personalized so any additional requirements like tickets, transportation and food & drinks can be arranged for an additional cost
  • Private groups are normally no larger than 6 people (if your group is larger, please make this known so that arrangements can be made)
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

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

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

5.0
829 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 829 reviews
Perfect city tour
Celeste_V, Apr 2024
A very well thought out walking tour that made all the differences. Ada was a wonderful guide for us! She knew what tour was appropriate for our abilities and limitations. We got to see some amazing sites while avoiding the massive crowds. We got to see a more intimate part of Kyoto and even got to enjoy the bamboo forest! What made this tour even more special was the fact that she spoke three languages - Spanish, English and Japanese! Which made our group very excited as we spoke English and Spanish. But we were also learning Japanese. Jackpot! When we return we hope she will be our tour guide again to discover other beautiful areas.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
I'm thrilled to learn that Ada has once again delivered an exceptional experience! As a dedicated host, she always strives to personalize each experience for our guests. Your review has truly brightened our day, and your support is invaluable to us! Thank you immensely!
Great weather, wonderful location, very knowledgable guide.
Helen_C, Apr 2024
Walking the streets of Kyoto with a guide who had so much local knowledge and local history. Wonderful day.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Exploring Kyoto with our knowledgeable guide was truly a highlight! Their deep understanding of local history and culture made our day unforgettable. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful experience!
Chai is a star
Paul_W, Apr 2024
Our lovely guide Chai went above and beyond. Not only was she informative about the sites we visited she was a pleasant and lively companion. We learned a lot about Japan and its people and customs.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Sounds like a lovely tour with Chai! Do book with us again in the future!
Excellent tour
Ilya_L, Apr 2024
Great job! Very pleasant and knowledgeable guide. She gave us a lot of insight and we had a lot of fun
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for the positive review on your private and personalized tour with your host. Your feedback truly uplifts us. Think of us next time you travel, we have many many hosts all around the world!
Kyoto Tour
Angus_M, Apr 2024
Great tour with our excellent guide, Ada. She was very friendly and knowledgeable and we really enjoyed our time with her. Highly recommended!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great tour with Ada. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for more memorable experiences in the future!
Huge waste of money
Brian_G, Apr 2024
This tour added absolutely no value. I am not sure what we paid for. We had to determine the order of activities, we had to pay for a cab since our guide “did not like public transportation” and he wasn’t into walking long distances despite it advertised as a walking tour, and no where did the information warn us that we would also have to pay for all the guide’s admission tickets and his lunch. This tour was mismarketed and an enormous waste of money. In contrast, our private Tokyo tour (reviewed separately) was a fantastic value!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Hi Brian, I understand your disappointment with unmet expectations, especially with activities and unexpected costs. Please kindly note that additional expenses may arise for activities, transportation, and food items not covered by the listed inclusions. Your feedback means a lot to us, and we're committed to improving the clarity of our descriptions to ensure a more satisfying experience for our guests. We've contacted you directly and hope to provide the 5-star experience you seek next time. Warm regards, Ruslan and the City Unscripted Team.
Excellent Kyoto cherry Blossoms experience
Perpetua_S, Apr 2024
Had a marvelous day and the guide took us to five beautiful locations to see the cherry blossoms. He was friendly, helpful and informative.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
We're thrilled to hear that you had a marvelous day enjoying the cherry blossoms with our guide! It's fantastic that you visited five beautiful locations and found our guide to be friendly, helpful, and informative. Thank you for choosing us for your cherry blossom experience, and we hope to welcome you back for more memorable adventures in the future!
Perfect way to start our trip!
Rachel_B, Apr 2024
Takaya was a great guide. His english was very good. He took us to places that we would not necessarily have made it to on our own, and helped us understand how the public transportation works. He even sent me a link to where the locals buy their kimonos, which saved me from paying tourist prices. This was a great way to start our Japan trip!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad Takaya provided an enriching experience, guiding you to unique spots and assisting with public transportation. His tip on buying kimonos locally was especially helpful. We're delighted to have contributed to a great start to your Japan trip!
Excellent private tour in Kyoto. Well worth the time and money
David_D, Apr 2024
Our guide, Nehal, was knowledgeable, considerate and well organized. He was excellent in navigating the busy streets and sites; was excellent in describing and explaining things with just the right amount of detail without being tedious. And a very nice guy!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Nehal provided you with excellent guidance during your tour. It's fantastic that he was knowledgeable, considerate, and well-organized, making your experience enjoyable and informative. We'll be sure to pass along your compliments to Nehal. If you ever need assistance in the future, don't hesitate to reach out.
Great communication, built a perfect plan for me in Kyoto
Melissa_F, Apr 2024
I had a fantastic day with my guide. She was a great communicator ahead of time, and we planned out a day that covered everything I wanted to see and do. She arrived promptly at my hotel, and the day went off without a hitch.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
That sounds like an amazing experience! I'm glad to hear that your guide was such a great communicator and helped plan out your day perfectly. It's wonderful when everything goes smoothly.
NAILED IT
Dylan_R, Apr 2024
Our guide Toga was fantastic. Really delivered the type of tour we were hoping for, full of cherry blossom spots and stunning gardens. He took us to an amazing spot for lunch and gave fantastic recommendations. Cannot recommended this tour enough!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Our guide Toga was fantastic. Really delivered the type of tour we were hoping for, full of cherry blossom spots and stunning gardens. He took us to an amazing spot for lunch and gave fantastic recommendations. Cannot recommended this tour enough!
A Great Tour with a Great Guide
Jamil_R, Apr 2024
We had a wonderful tour with Maha! She personalized the tour to the things we Wanted to see. She prioritize things that she knew she would be better able to show us and directed us on where to go on our own for other places. She also took us to a delicious conveyor belt sushi place that our three sons just loved! Being at the bamboo forest and climbing up the mountain to see the monkeys was a highlight and something we’ll never forget!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Thank you for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful tour with Maha. If you ever want to explore more, feel free to reach out to us again!
Our Kyoto experience
Andrew_A, Mar 2024
Alex was very accommodating and you could he cared about giving us the best Kyoto experience. He was informative and gave us the historical and cultural background on everything we saw. He was a pro in getting us around efficiently and we didn’t feel rushed. We would recommend Alex to our family and friends traveling to Kyoto.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
We're thrilled that you enjoyed exploring Kyoto with Alex! He's truly a gem, isn't he? Thank you a million for the recommendation, and we'd be delighted to welcome you back for more adventures anytime.
LOVED this tour, highly recommend!!!
Carolina_C, Mar 2024
Taibi was a great tour guide!! He was so accommodating and insightful. He showed us so many cool spots around Kyoto and was so kind. We will truly never forget this experience!!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Your positive review has deeply touched Taibi and our entire team at City Unscripted. Your support means the world to us, and we truly appreciate your encouragement! When you're planning your next trip, remember us - we have hosts waiting to make your experience unforgettable worldwide!
A personal tour to see and do as much as you possibly can!
Kellie_F, Mar 2024
We had a fantastic tour and made a new friend!! Bonus!!! Phuy Phuy was absolutely incredible. We texted a day or two before and told her all the things on our list. And she made them ALL happen!!! All day long she asked us questions, gave us great information on the area and showed us fun little things around Kyoto. Such a pleasure to be around! We will miss her upon leaving Japan. This personal tour was absolutely the way to go.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
I'm thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic tour with Phuy Phuy in Kyoto! If you ever find yourself back in Japan or need assistance with future travel plans, don't hesitate to reach out. Safe travels!
Alex is the best!
Amanda_T, Mar 2024
Alex was great! We learned so much and saw all the highlights we were looking to see and more. Highly recommend and request Alex! He’s fun, knowledgeable and a great guide!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
We're thrilled to hear about your fantastic experience with Alex! His expertise, enthusiasm, and personalized approach ensured you saw all the highlights you were looking for and more. Thank you for recommending Alex highly, and we're grateful for the opportunity to have shared such a memorable experience with you. Thanks, Alex!
Daus was a fantastic...
Nick_M, Mar 2024
Daus was a fantastic guide. He had a great itinerary that had flexibility to meet our needs. I would highly recommend him.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Your positive review is incredibly valuable to us and Daus. Thank you sincerely!
Kyoto experience
Mike_G, Mar 2024
Shoji was a terrific guide. The best! We enjoyed a beautiful tour of kyoto including temples, shrines, tea experience. He is very knowledgeable about the history of Kyoto and he even gave as recommendations for places to eat dinner. Highly Recommended and he speaks English well!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
What a lovely experience. Shoji's extensive knowledge of Kyoto's history and his recommendations for dinner must have made your experience even more memorable. Thank you sincerely!
Amazing personal walking tour of Kyoto!
Sebastian_F, Mar 2024
We were so fortunate to discover Kyoto for the first time by the hand of Georgina! Her knowledge, professionalism and disposition can only be surpassed by her charm, politeness and attentiveness to our specific needs. She truly crafted a tour catered to our interests and went out of her way to accommodate our requests. We appreciated that she spoke fluent english so nothing was lost in translation. We were able to navigate through the amazing maze of temples, streets, shrines, gardens and enjoy street food all in one day without ever feeling rushed. Only through her expertise we could have achieved this!
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with Georgina! It's fantastic that you were able to explore the city's many attractions and enjoy street food without feeling rushed, all thanks to her expertise. We appreciate your feedback!
The best tour in Kyoto!
Aquiles_A, Mar 2024
Great great tour with Milo. We travelled with Kids and Milo had many things to offer and even engaged in direct conversations with Kids. I would not be wrong if I’d say this is the best tour guide in Kyoto with broad knowledge of Japan history (and many other subjects you’d like to talk about). My kids loved the tour, we started on time and finished on time right as he predicted. There was no rush during the tour. Milo also engaged in conversations the whole tour, he was very polite and not loud as I have seen with other tours. Definitely you do not want a loud guide in Japan! Milo knew the right spots and tricks to take nice pictures if you are into social media. If you would like to know about Kyoto’s history this is the one. We are looking forward to booking the early bird your in Fall.
Response from Host, Mar 2024
Thank you for the positive review on your private and personalized tour with Milo. Your feedback truly uplifts us. Think of us next time you travel, we have many many hosts all around the world!
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