--- title: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide lang: en type: tour city: Kyoto country: Japan price: 96 currency: EUR price_unit: per_person availability: bookable rating: 4.98 reviews: 88 duration_minutes: 240 duration_max_minutes: 480 languages: [ja, en] free_cancellation: "true" rank_in_category: 11 of 36 (Sightseeing & City Tours) schedule_checked: 2026-11-08 data_updated: 2026-11-08 canonical: https://guidekin.com/japan/kyoto/tours/kyoto-customized-full-day-private-tour-with-licensed-guide/ --- # Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide **Guidekin's take:** Build a Kyoto walking route around your chosen sights on a private tour for your party. A licensed guide meets you on foot in a designated Kyoto area; transport, entrance fees and lunch are extra. 4.98 from 88 reviews at €96 per person for 4h–8h. In our comparison: #11 of 36 in Sightseeing & City Tours, by rating weighted by review volume (table below). ## Overview Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto! Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you! ## Before you book - Hotel pickup: no car needed - Entry ticket not included: buy it separately - Min. 2 to book: not for solo travellers - 17 start times: between 07:00 and 15:00 - Food not included: Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch,… - Wheelchair accessible: operator-marked - Strollers OK: infants accepted **Pickup:** Hotel pickup included ## Key facts - Price: from €96 per person for the 4hr Walking Tour (2–3 sites) option; other options up to €168 - Duration: 4h–8h - Rating: 4.98/5 from 88 reviews (collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor) - Free cancellation (see policy below) - Operator: Japan Guide Agency - Minimum booking: 2 travellers at this price - Group: Private tour, your party only - Guide languages: Japanese, English - Tickets: Admission not included, pay on site - Start times: 17 start times between 07:00 and 15:00 - Booking: Instant confirmation, mobile ticket - Price checked on Viator: 2026-11-08 ## Reviews 4.98 from 88 ratings on Guidekin, Viator & Tripadvisor. 100% of ratings with a star breakdown are 4 or 5 stars: 88 of 88. - 5 stars: 86 (98%) - 4 stars: 2 (2%) - 3 stars: 0 (0%) - 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 | |---|---|---|---| | 4hr Walking Tour (2–3 sites) | €96 / person (for 2+ people) | Japanese, English | Duration: 4 hours Pickup included | | 6hr Walking Tour (3–4 sites) | €136 / person (for 2+ people) | Japanese, English | Duration: 6 hours Pickup included | | 8hr Walking Tour (4–6 sites) | €168 / person (for 2+ people) | Japanese, English | Duration: 8 hours Pickup included | ## What's included - Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kyoto - Customizable itinerary (4h: 2–3 sites, 6h: 3–4 sites, 8h: 4–6 sites) - Licensed Local English Speaking Guide ## Not included - Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses - Private Vehicle - You cannot combine multiple tour groups. - Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect. ## Itinerary 1. **Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine** (15m) - You can see Japan's background that is off-limits to ordinary tourists after the tour. This short trip is a fantastic and great value way of experiencing Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine! We are here to help you discover new things, the Fushimi Inari Shrine is so more than its... 2. **Kiyomizu-dera Temple** (15m) - Discover one of Kyoto’s most popular temples—Kiyomizu-dera Temple by going on a comprehensive 1-hour guided tour. Exploring the temple grounds with a guide means you’ll be able to learn about Japan’s history and culture as you explore the magnificent building. Enjoy... 3. **Nijo Castle** (15m) - , a UNESCO World Heritage site was built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867). 4. **Gion** (15m) - Exploring the narrow alleyways of Kyoto’s Geisha District—Gion can be daunting for a first-time visitor. Eliminate the worry of getting lost by going on a guided tour. It’s a great way to discover hidden places that locals love, and to hear about Kyoto’s ancient past.... 5. **Nishiki Market** (15m) - (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a... 6. **Kyoto Imperial Palace** (15m) - The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), an attractive park in the center... 7. **Pontocho** (15m) - (先斗町, Pontochō) is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. It is a narrow alley running from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, one block west of Kamogawa River. The alley is packed with restaurants on both sides offering a wide range of dining options from inexpensive yakitori... 8. **The Higashiyama District (東山) along the lower slopes of Kyoto's eastern mount...** (15m) - The Higashiyama District (東山) along the lower slopes of Kyoto's eastern mountains is one of the city's best preserved historic districts. It is a great place to experience traditional old Kyoto, especially between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine, where the narrow lanes, wooden... 9. **Ginkakuji Temple** (15m) - Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple along Kyoto's eastern mountains (Higashiyama). In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the grounds of today's temple, modeling it after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather's retirement villa at... 10. **Nanzenji Suirokaku** (15m) - Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺), whose spacious grounds are located at the base of Kyoto's forested Higashiyama mountains, is one of the most important Zen temples in all of Japan. It is the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism and includes... 11. **Tofuku-ji Temple** (15m) - Tofukuji (東福寺, Tōfukuji) is a large Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto that is particularly famous for its spectacular autumn colors. The temple was founded in 1236 at the behest of the powerful Fujiwara clan. Its name is a combination of the names of two great temples in Nara... 12. **To-ji Temple** (15m) - Toji Temple (東寺, Tōji), literally "East Temple", was founded at the beginning of the Heian Period just after the capital was moved to Kyoto in the late 700s. The large temple, together with its now defunct sister temple Saiji ("West Temple"), flanked the south entrance to the... 13. **Kinkakuji Temple** (10m) - Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of... 14. **Ninna-ji Temple** (10m) - Ninnaji (仁和寺) is one of the many great temples in Kyoto which are listed as World Heritage Sites. It is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism and was founded in 888 by the reigning emperor. Over many centuries, a member of the Imperial Family... 15. **Shugakuin Imperial Villa** (10m) - (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyū) was built in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno and is now managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It consists of the Upper, Middle and Lower Villa areas, each featuring gardens and buildings of the traditional imperial style. Shugakuin's name... 16. **Kibune (貴船) is a small town in a forested valley in the northern mountains of...** (10m) - Kibune (貴船) is a small town in a forested valley in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, which developed around Kifune Shrine. According to legend, a goddess traveled in a boat from Osaka all the way up the river into the mountains north of Kyoto, and Kifune Shrine was built... 17. **Kurama-dera** (10m) - Kurama (鞍馬) is a rural town in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, less than one hour from the city center. Kurama is best known for its temple Kurama-dera and its hot spring, one of the most easily accessible hot springs from Kyoto. Outdoor and indoor baths can be enjoyed... 18. **Ryoan-ji Temple** (10m) - Ryoanji Temple (龍安寺, Ryōanji) is the site of Japan's most famous rock garden, which attracts hundreds of visitors every day. Originally an aristocrat's villa during the Heian Period, the site was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 and belongs to the Myoshinji school of the... 19. **Arashiyama** (10m) - (嵐山) is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. The area has been a popular destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles would enjoy its natural setting. Arashiyama is particularly popular during the cherry blossom and fall color... 20. **Katsura Imperial Villa** (10m) - (桂離宮, Katsura Rikyū) is one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden in their present form were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan's Imperial Family. Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa... 21. **Daikaku-ji Temple** (10m) - Daikakuji (大覚寺) is a large temple in the northern part of Kyoto's Sagano district. It was originally built in the early 800s as the detached palace of Emperor Saga, who thoroughly enjoyed spending time in this calm area on the outskirts of Kyoto. Thirty years after the... 22. **Tenryu-ji Temple** (10m) - Tenryuji (天龍寺, Tenryūji) is the most important temple in Kyoto's Arashiyama district. It was ranked first among the city's five great Zen temples, and is now registered as a world heritage site. Tenryuji is the head temple of its own school within the Rinzai Zen sect of... 23. **Yoshimine-dera** (10m) - Yoshiminedera (吉峰寺) is a temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism located in Kyoto's western mountains. Similar to Kiyomizudera on the opposite side of town, Yoshiminedera is built along the mountain side and looks out onto Kyoto. The temple grounds are spacious and... 24. **Togetsukyo Bridge** (pass by, no stop) - The Togetsukyo Bridge (lit. "Moon Crossing Bridge") is Arashiyama's most iconic landmark. It was originally built during the Heian Period (794-1185) and most recently reconstructed in the 1930s. The bridge looks particularly attractive in combination with the forested... 25. **Bamboo Forest Street** (pass by, no stop) - The walking paths that cut through the bamboo groves make for a nice walk or bicycle ride. The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. The bamboo has been used to manufacture various products, such... 26. **Okochi Sanso Garden** (10m) - This is the former villa of the popular actor Okochi Denjiro (1896-1962), located in the back of Arashiyama's bamboo groves. Okochi Sanso consists of several different gardens and buildings, including living quarters, tea houses and gates. The buildings can only be viewed... 27. **Jojakkoji Temple** (10m) - This mountainside temple was founded in 1596. With small, attractive buildings and gates, the temple has a quiet and understated atmosphere. Maple trees and moss are located just beside the paths and stairs that lead across the temple grounds. From a number of spots, visitors... 28. **Nisonin** (10m) - Similar to Jojakkoji, Nisonin Temple is a hillside temple with slightly larger and imposing buildings. A generally understated atmosphere on the temple grounds is partly due to the overhanging trees along approach. Founded in the mid 9th century, Nisonin is a temple of the... 29. **Gio-ji Temple** (10m) - Gioji is even more nestled into the forest than Jojakkoji and Nisonin. It is known for its moss garden that is punctuated with tall maple trees. The temple's entrance gate and small main hall have thatched roofs. The latter has an attractive round window looking into the gardens. 30. **Adashino Nembetsu-ji Temple** (10m) - Adashino Nenbutsuji is located at the end of the Saga-Toriimoto Preserved Street. The temple was founded in the early 9th century when the famous monk Kobo Daishi placed stone statues for the souls of the dead here. Today, the temple grounds are covered by hundreds of such... 31. **Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple** (10m) - Another ten minute walk north of the similarly named Adashino Nenbutsuji, the Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple is famous for its 1200 stone statues of rakan, devoted followers of Buddhism, each with a different facial expression. Created relatively recently in the 1980s and early... 32. **Daitoku-ji Temple** (15m) - Daitokuji (大徳寺) is a large, walled temple complex in northern Kyoto and the head temple of the Rinzai sect's Daitokuji school of Japanese Zen Buddhism. The complex consists of nearly two dozen subtemples and is one of the best places in Japan to see a wide variety of Zen... 33. **Myoshinji Temple** (15m) - Myoshinji (妙心寺, Myōshinji) is a large temple complex in northwestern Kyoto which includes about 50 subtemples in addition to its main buildings. While a few of the temple halls can be entered, the majority of the subtemples are closed to the public. However, visitors are free... 34. **Eikando Zenrinji Temple** (30m) - Eikando (永観堂, Eikandō), formally known as Zenrinji Temple, belongs to the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism. Located north of Nanzenji, Eikando is very famous for its autumn colors and the evening illuminations that take place in fall. The temple has a long history, and there... 35. **Sanjusangendo Temple** (30m) - Sanjusangendo (三十三間堂, Sanjūsangendō) is the popular name for Rengeo-in, a temple in eastern Kyoto which is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 and rebuilt a century later after the original structure had been destroyed... 36. **Kennin-ji Temple** (1m) - Kenninji Temple (建仁寺) locates very close to the bustle of Hanamikoji and Shijo streets, the grounds of Kenninji Temple are expansive and pleasant to walk, and the two karesansui (dry landscape gardens) here offer the visitor an oasis of tranquility. It is thought to be the... 37. **Byodoin Temple** (1m) - (平等院) is known for its Phoenix Hall, which is a National Treasure of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Extra travel time is expected as it is located in Uji city in Kyoto prefecture ## Schedule - Runs: daily - Departures: 17 start times between 07:00 and 15:00 - 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 - Service animals allowed - Public transportation options are available nearby - Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller - All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible - Transportation options are wheelchair accessible - Wheelchair accessible - Suitable for all physical fitness levels - This is a walking tour - Pick up & Drop Off is on foot - Please reserve at least 2 weeks in advance ## Cost for your party | People | Total | Per person | |---|---|---| | 2 | €192 | €96 | | 4 | €192 | €48 | | 6 | €228 | €38 | 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 Sightseeing & City Tours start at €91 per person. ## Compared with other Sightseeing & City Tours | Tour | Price | Duration | Rating | Group | |---|---|---|---|---| | **This tour · #11 of 36** | €96 | 4h–8h | 4.98 (88) | private | | [10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour](/japan/kyoto/tours/10-must-see-spots-in-kyoto-one-day-private-tour/?format=md) | €168 | 8h | 4.98 (1441) | private | | [Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide](/japan/kyoto/tours/kyoto-early-morning-tour-with-english-speaking-guide/?format=md) | €91 | 5h | 4.95 (2124) | shared | | [Private car tour in Kyoto (up to 4)](/japan/kyoto/tours/private-car-tour-in-kyoto-up-to-4/?format=md) | €261 per group | 7h | 5.0 (147) | private | Ranked #11 of 36 in Sightseeing & City Tours by Guidekin score (rating weighted by review volume). Prices here run from €90 to €463, median €139; typical length 5h 38m. 31 of 36 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/kyoto-sightseeing-tours/?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-customized-full-day-private-tour-with-licensed-guide/ Filters, the full catalogue and the URL contract for this city: https://guidekin.com/japan/kyoto/?format=md