Kyoto Private Customizable Day Trip With English chauffeur

Meeting point

Where

Come to the Kyoto station pick up and drop off point. And the man who wearing the white cap.

Departure

Runs daily; scheduled year-round (operator schedule, seats confirmed at checkout)

Return

This activity ends back at the meeting point

Pickup

Hotel pickup included

Operator

Kyoto Private Day Trip With English Speaking Driver; booking and payment are completed on Viator

1. 1
   Arashiyama

   Arashiyama, a picturesque district in Kyoto, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, historic temples, and cultural heritage. The Bamboo Grove is a must-visit, offering a tranquil and otherworldly experience. Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River, providing stunning views, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts magnificent Zen gardens. Monkey Park Iwatayama offers an uphill hike leading to wild macaques and panoramic city views. The Saga Scenic Railway (Romantic Train) takes passengers through a beautiful valley, particularly vibrant in autumn. For a more immersive experience, the Hozu River Boat Ride lets visitors explore the scenic river on a traditional wooden boat. With its blend of nature, history, and adventure, Arashiyama is a must-visit for those looking to experience Kyoto’s charm.

   1h 30m
2. 2
   Kinkakuji Temple

   Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. This Zen temple is covered in brilliant gold leaf, creating a stunning reflection on the Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond). The shimmering golden structure contrasts beautifully with the surrounding greenery and seasonal changes.Kinkaku-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most visited temples. (Entry ticket 500 yen per person)

   30 min · Admission not included
3. 3
   Kyoto Imperial Palace

   Kyoto Imperial Palace, located in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, was the residence of Japan’s imperial family until 1869. The palace showcases elegant traditional architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a rich historical legacy. Shishinden Hall, used for important ceremonies, features a grand design with intricate woodwork. Seiryoden once served as the emperor’s residence, while Oikeniwa Garden offers a serene pond with picturesque bridges. Although the imperial family moved to Tokyo, the palace remains a symbol of Japan’s heritage. Visitors can explore its grounds and admire its refined beauty, reflecting the elegance of the Heian period. This is optional

   30 min · Admission not included
4. 4
   Nishiki Market

   Nishiki Market, often called "Kyoto’s Kitchen," is a vibrant, narrow shopping street lined with over 100 shops and stalls. Stretching five blocks in central Kyoto, it has been a hub for fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies for over 400 years. The market is famous for its wide variety of traditional Kyoto foods, including yuba (tofu skin), tsukemono (pickled vegetables), fresh seafood, wagashi (Japanese sweets), and matcha-flavored treats. Many stalls offer street food-style snacks, such as grilled skewers, tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), and seafood on a stick.

   1h
5. 5
   Sanjusangendo Temple

   Sanjūsangen-dō is a remarkable Buddhist temple in Kyoto, famous for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple’s name means "Hall of Thirty-Three Spaces", referring to the 33 sections between the wooden pillars in its long, 120-meter hall—the longest wooden structure in Japan. Built in 1164, the temple was reconstructed in 1266 after a fire, maintaining its impressive architecture. The main statue, a massive, seated Thousand-Armed Kannon, is surrounded by 1,000 life-sized standing Kannon statues, each with delicate golden details and unique facial expressions. This is optional (Entry ticket 600 per person)

   30 min · Admission not included
6. 6
   Ginkakuji Temple

   Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple in Kyoto known for its elegant simplicity and stunning gardens. Built in 1482 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as a retirement villa, it was later converted into a Buddhist temple. Unlike its golden counterpart, Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji was never covered in silver, but its weathered wooden exterior reflects the "Wabi-Sabi" aesthetic—finding beauty in imperfection. The temple complex features the Hōjō (main hall) and the iconic Ginkaku (Silver Pavilion), which sits peacefully beside a pond. The meticulously designed Zen garden, "Sea of Silver Sand," features a striking cone-shaped sand mound called the "Moon-Viewing Platform." A moss-covered strolling garden winds up a hillside, offering a scenic panoramic view of Kyoto. The temple is particularly beautiful in autumn when the maple trees turn vibrant shades of red and orange.(Entry ticket 500yen per person)

   30 min · Admission not included
7. 7
   Kiyomizu-dera Temple

   Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most famous temples, known for its massive wooden stage that offers breathtaking views of the city, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Founded in 778, the temple is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and its name means “Pure Water Temple”, inspired by the Otowa Waterfall that flows beneath it. Visitors can drink from the three streams of the waterfall, each said to grant health, success, or love. Another highlight is the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to love and matchmaking, where visitors try to walk between two stones with their eyes closed to test their romantic fortune. The temple's pagoda, gardens, and stunning architecture make it a must-visit in Kyoto. Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka Streets Just below Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are charming, historic streets lined with traditional wooden buildings, tea houses, souvenir shops, and cafes. These stone-paved slopes preserve Kyoto’s old-world charm,(entry fee 500)

   1h · Admission not included
8. 8
   Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

   Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Japan’s most iconic shrines, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form a mesmerizing path up Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and business, the shrine has been a place of worship since the 8th century. The fox (kitsune) statues throughout the shrine are believed to be Inari’s messengers, often depicted holding a key to a rice granary in their mouths. The Senbon Torii ("Thousand Torii Gates") is the most famous section, where the bright red gates create a tunnel-like effect, making it a favorite spot for photographers. Each torii gate is donated by individuals or businesses as a prayer for success and good fortune.

   1h

About this tour, from the operator