--- title: Kyoto and Nara Customizable Private Tour (Local Licensed Guide) lang: en type: tour city: Kyoto country: Japan price: 358 currency: EUR price_unit: per_group availability: bookable rating: 4.88 reviews: 69 duration_minutes: 360 duration_max_minutes: 480 languages: [ja, en] free_cancellation: "true" rank_in_category: 9 of 15 (Nara Day Trips) schedule_checked: 2026-11-08 data_updated: 2026-11-08 canonical: https://guidekin.com/japan/kyoto/tours/kyoto-and-nara-customizable-private-tour-local-licensed-guide/ --- # Kyoto and Nara Customizable Private Tour (Local Licensed Guide) **Guidekin's take:** Choose Kyoto alone or combine it with Nara on a private tour for your party, with an itinerary shaped around your interests. An air-conditioned vehicle and guide are included; entry fees and meals are extra, and it is priced per group. 4.88 from 69 reviews at €358 per group/vehicle for 6h–8h. In our comparison: #9 of 15 in Nara Day Trips, by rating weighted by review volume (table below). ## Overview Limited to **2 Groups per Day** We only provide **Local English-Speaking Guides** We have experience guiding Hollywood actors, including **Lance Gross** All of our team members were born and raised in Japan, giving us an in-depth understanding of Japanese culture, history, and traditions. This allows us to introduce you to Japan's hidden gems and authentic experiences that only locals know about. We also provide complimentary Japanese-language assistance in case of emergencies. In recent years, concerns have grown over safety incidents involving unlicensed or inexperienced drivers in the tourism industry. We set ourselves apart by prioritizing safety, professionalism, and reliability through our experienced local English-speaking guides. Our strong local connections allow us to arrange exclusive experiences, including access to invitation-only Ocha-ya (traditional geisha establishments) and private performances by geisha or maiko. We Are a Tour Guide Service Company ## Before you book - Hotel pickup: no car needed - Entry ticket not included: buy it separately - Starts 08:00, 09:00, 10:00: 3 departures a day - Wheelchair accessible: operator-marked - Strollers OK: infants accepted - Age rule: Specialized infant seats are available **Pickup:** Hotel pickup included ## Key facts - Price: from €358 per group/vehicle for the Kyoto City (Normal Guide) option; other options up to €751 - Duration: 6h–8h - Rating: 4.88/5 from 69 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor) - Free cancellation (see policy below) - Likely to sell out - Operator: Japan Luxury Tours - Group: Private tour, your party only - Guide languages: Japanese, English - Tickets: Admission not included, pay on site - Start times: 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 - Booking: Instant confirmation, mobile ticket - Price checked on Viator: 2026-11-08 ## Reviews 4.88 from 69 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor. 96% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 66 of 69. - 5 stars: 64 (93%) - 4 stars: 2 (3%) - 3 stars: 3 (4%) - 2 stars: 0 (0%) - 1 star: 0 (0%) ## Tour options Prices are the operator's current list price for two travellers (whole euros); options sold only to bigger parties say so; pick the option on the booking page. | Option | Price | Guide languages | Details | |---|---|---|---| | Kyoto City (Normal Guide) | €223 per group | English, Japanese | Pickup included | | Kyoto City (Licensed Guide) | €241 per group | English, Japanese | Guide (has Pro Driver License) Pickup included | | Kyoto & Nara (Normal Guide) | €268 per group | English, Japanese | Pickup included | | Kyoto & Nara (Licensed Guide) | €285 per group | English, Japanese | Guide (has Pro Driver License) Pickup included | | Kyoto City (Normal Guide) | €358 per group | English, Japanese | Pickup included | | Kyoto City (Licensed Guide) | €375 per group | English, Japanese | Guide (has Pro Driver License) Pickup included | | Kyoto & Nara (Normal Guide) | €402 per group | English, Japanese | Pickup included | | Kyoto & Nara (Licensed Guide) | €420 per group | English, Japanese | Guide (has Pro Driver License) Pickup included | | Kyoto City (Up to 9 PAX) | €590 per group | English, Japanese | Van Pickup included | | Kyoto & Nara (Up to 9 PAX) | €635 per group | English, Japanese | Van Pickup included | | Kyoto City (Up to 13 PAX) | €706 per group | English, Japanese | Van Pickup included | | Kyoto & Nara (Up to 13 PAX) | €751 per group | English, Japanese | Van Pickup included | ## What's included - Private transportation - Van ( 7 - 13 PAX ) - Booster seat - Emergency Local Assistance (in Japanese and English) - Customizable tour based on your preferences or Our itinerary - Air-conditioned vehicle - Local English and Japanese Speaking Guide - Wi-Fi on Board - Hotel pick-up and drop-off - Toyota Alphard ( 1 - 6 PAX ) ## Not included - Any Entrance fees are not included - Meals ## Itinerary 1. **Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine** (15m) - Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, best known for the breathtaking Senbon Torii, or “thousands of torii gates,” that form bright red tunnels winding through the forested slopes of Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice,... 2. **Arashiyama** (15m) - , in western Kyoto, is a scenic district known for its natural beauty and cultural landmarks. Highlights include the enchanting Bamboo Forest, the UNESCO World Heritage Tenryu-ji Temple, and the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, which is especially stunning during cherry blossom... 3. **Arashiyama Bamboo Forest** (15m) - The Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama is a serene and magical walkway where tall bamboo stalks tower overhead, creating a peaceful and otherworldly atmosphere. It’s one of Kyoto’s most photographed and iconic natural spots. 4. **Tenryu-ji Temple** (15m) - , a UNESCO World Heritage site in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is famous for its beautifully landscaped gardens and traditional architecture. Surrounded by lush greenery and views of the nearby mountains, it offers a peaceful and culturally rich experience, reflecting the elegance of... 5. **Togetsukyo Bridge** (15m) - , spanning the Katsura River in Arashiyama, is a scenic landmark famous for its stunning views. Visitors enjoy photographing the bridge framed by cherry blossoms in spring or vibrant autumn foliage, making it one of Kyoto’s most picturesque spots. 6. **Arashiyama Kimono Forest** (15m) - The Kimono Forest, located near Arashiyama Station, features hundreds of illuminated pillars wrapped in colorful kimono fabrics. This modern art installation creates a magical and photogenic walkway, especially enchanting in the evening. 7. **Sagano Romantic Train** (15m) - (Sagano Torokko Train) Enjoy a scenic ride through the beautiful Hozugawa Gorge on this charming vintage train. It’s a relaxing way to experience Kyoto’s seasonal landscapes, especially stunning during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. 8. **Monkey Park Iwatayama** (15m) - Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama Climb a short mountain trail to meet wild Japanese macaques and enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto from the top. A fun and unique experience where you can observe monkeys up close in a natural setting. 9. **Gion** (15m) - Located in the heart of Kyoto, Gion is the city’s most famous traditional district, known for its geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) culture. Stroll along Hanami-koji Street or the Shirakawa Canal to enjoy wooden teahouses, lantern-lit streets, and the timeless beauty of... 10. **Kinkakuji Temple** (15m) - Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, was originally built in the 14th century as the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and later became a Zen temple. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. The pavilion is covered in... 11. **Nishiki Market** (15m) - Discover the vibrant flavors of Kyoto at Nishiki Market, a bustling street lined with over 100 shops and stalls. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this historic market has been serving locals and visitors for centuries. Explore a colorful array of fresh seafood, local produce,... 12. **Kiyomizu-dera Temple** (15m) - Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Kyoto’s most celebrated temples, founded in the 8th century. It is best known for the grand wooden stage known as “Kiyomizu no Butai”, which extends from the main hall and was built without the use of nails. This stage... 13. **Ginkakuji Temple** (15m) - Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple built in the late 15th century by shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. Although never covered in silver, it is admired for its refined simplicity, beautiful moss gardens, and the meticulously designed sand garden known as the “Sea of... 14. **Yasaka Shrine** (15m) - Located between Kyoto’s Gion and Higashiyama districts, Yasaka Shrine is one of the city’s most famous and lively Shinto shrines. Known for its vibrant Gion Matsuri festival and beautiful lanterns that light up at night, it offers visitors a glimpse of Kyoto’s spiritual and... 15. **Sanjusangendo Temple** (15m) - Sanjusangen-do, officially known as Rengeo-in, is a Buddhist temple famous for its long wooden hall stretching 120 meters, the longest of its kind in Japan. Inside, visitors are awed by the sight of 1,001 life-size statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, arranged in... 16. **Nijo Castle** (15m) - , a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built in the early 17th century as the Kyoto residence of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. The castle is renowned for its elegant palace buildings, beautiful gardens, and the famous “nightingale floors”, which chirp when walked upon as a security... 17. **Amanohashidate** (15m) - , one of Japan's "Three Scenic Views," is a stunning 3.6-kilometer sandbar in Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture, famous for its natural beauty. Known as the "Bridge to Heaven," it offers breathtaking views from Mount Monju, where the sandbar appears to arch across the sky. Visitors... 18. **Ine no Funaya** (15m) - Ine Bay is a picturesque fishing village famous for its unique funaya, or boathouses. These traditional wooden houses are built directly on the water, with the first floor serving as a garage for boats and fishing equipment, and the second floor used as living quarters. The... 19. **Amanohashidate View Land** (15m) - Amanohashidate, often ranked among Japan’s three most scenic views, is a natural sandbar stretching about 3.6 km across Miyazu Bay, lined with nearly 5,000 pine trees. The name means “bridge to heaven,” and from the surrounding hills, the sandbar looks like a path connecting... 20. **Chion-in Temple** (15m) - Chion-in, the head temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism, is one of Kyoto’s grandest temple complexes. It is known for its massive Sanmon Gate, the largest wooden gate in Japan, and its impressive temple grounds filled with historic halls and tranquil gardens. Chion-in offers... 21. **Nara Park** (15m) - , located in the ancient capital of Nara, is a vast and historic park famous for its friendly deer and cultural landmarks. Home to over 1,000 freely roaming deer, the park offers visitors the unique chance to interact with these gentle creatures, who often bow in exchange for... 22. **Todai-ji Temple** (15m) - , a UNESCO World Heritage site in Nara, is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples. It is best known for the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), which houses a massive bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest in the world. Surrounded by beautiful grounds... 23. **Kasuga Grand Shrine** (15m) - Kasuga Taisha(Grand)Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine, founded in the 8th century. It is renowned for its hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns, which create a magical atmosphere, especially during the lantern festivals held twice a... 24. **Kofuku-ji Temple 5 Stories Pagoda** (15m) - Located in central Nara, Kofuku-ji Temple is one of Japan’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples, originally founded in 710. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is famous for its graceful five-story pagoda, one of Nara’s iconic landmarks. The temple grounds... ## Schedule - Runs: daily - Departures: 08:00, 09:00, 10:00 - Schedule last checked: 2026-11-08 - These are published departures, not a live seat count; availability is confirmed at checkout. ## Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. ## Good to know - 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 ## Cost for your party | People | Total | Per person | |---|---|---| | 2 | €358 | €179 | | 4 | €358 | €90 | | 6 | €358 | €60 | Cheapest option for that party size from the operator's current price tiers; the calendar shows the exact figure for your date. Shared tours in Nara Day Trips start at €90 per person. ## Compared with other Nara Day Trips | Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group | |---|---|---|---|---| | **This tour · #9 of 15** | €358 per group | 6h–8h | 4.88 (69) | private | | [World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience](/japan/kyoto/tours/world-heritage-kyoto-nara-uji-authentic-matcha-experience/?format=md) | €113 | 8h 30m | 4.93 (2933) | shared | | [Osaka and Nara Day Tour with Private Transportation](/japan/kyoto/tours/osaka-and-nara-day-tour-with-private-transportation/?format=md) | €229 | 6h | 4.98 (116) | private | | [Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option](/japan/kyoto/tours/kyoto-private-car-tour-full-day-with-local-guide-nara-option/?format=md) | €145 | 8h | 4.92 (370) | private | Ranked #9 of 15 in Nara Day Trips by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €90 to €290, median €157; typical length 8h. 12 of 15 are private. Figures are live from the tour cards; the rubric is our handpicked set, not the whole market. Full list: https://guidekin.com/japan/kyoto/nara-day-trips-from-kyoto/?format=md ## More in Kyoto - All Kyoto tours: https://guidekin.com/japan/kyoto/?format=md - This page as HTML: https://guidekin.com/japan/kyoto/tours/kyoto-and-nara-customizable-private-tour-local-licensed-guide/ Filters, the full catalogue and the URL contract for this city: https://guidekin.com/japan/kyoto/?format=md