Viator Rating : 5 (39 reviews)
Osaka Prefecture
Kyoto Private Tour: Customize Your Japan Adventure!
480
Overview
Kyoto Private Tour offers a personalized journey through Japan's cultural heart! See the beautiful, traditional town of Kyoto with a friendly, local guide. Because it's a private tour, you get to relax and see the sights at your own speed.
What to Expect: This tour visits popular places like the bright red Fushimi Inari Shrine, the special Geisha area, and the shiny Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji). You can also see Sanjūsangen-dō Temple and Gion District Shinto Shrine. The guide will meet you at your hotel in Osaka or Kyoto, or at Osaka Port or Kobe Port, making it easy to start your adventure. Choose how you want to travel! You can ride subways, trains, and taxis like the locals. Or, you can hire a van for easy door-to-door service. If you have a JR Rail Pass, this tour helps you use it best.
This tour includes a national licensed guide, lunch, one soft drink, hotel/port meet-up, and entrance fees. It excludes transportation costs, which you pay on the day of the tour. Transportation can cost around 7,000-9,000 yen per person using public transport, around 80,000 yen for a private van (up to 8 people), or around 6,000 yen per person with a JR Rail Pass. Please tell them how you want to travel when you book. (If you're coming from a cruise ship, the places you visit might change depending on when your ship leaves.) With low supplier cancellation rate, your worry-free shore excursion is in good hands. 
Highlights
See Kyoto Your Way: Enjoy a private tour of Kyoto, customized just for you!
Hassle-Free Pickup: Your guide meets you right at your hotel or port.
Visit Top Spots: Explore Fushimi Inari, Gion, and the Golden Pavilion with ease.
Choose Your Ride: Travel like a local on trains or hire a private van.
Expert Local Guide: Learn about Kyoto's history and culture from a licensed guide.
Lunch and Fees Included: Relax and enjoy; lunch, a drink, and entrance fees are covered.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved having a private guide who was knowledgeable and friendly.
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Many enjoyed the flexibility to customize the tour to their interests.
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Visitors appreciated the convenience of being picked up directly from their hotel or port.
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Travelers found the guide's insights into local culture and history very enriching.
Some travelers mentioned that transportation costs can add up quickly.
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A few felt that lunch options could have been better.
The Journey
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. It is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks, renowned for its stunning gold-leaf exterior that reflects beautifully on the surrounding pond. Originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century, it was later converted into a temple. A visit to Kinkaku-ji offers a breathtaking glimpse into Japanese history and architectural brilliance, especially during sunrise or sunset when the golden facade glistens with unparalleled splendor.
Sanjūsangen-dō Temple
Sanjūsangen-dō Temple is famed for its breathtaking collection of 1,001 life-size statues of the Buddhist deity Kannon. Housed within Japan's longest wooden structure, the hall creates an awe-inspiring spectacle, immersing visitors in a sea of serene, golden figures. The statues, each with unique facial expressions, are a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of the Kamakura period. This temple offers a profoundly spiritual and visually stunning experience, showcasing a remarkable display of Buddhist art and devotion.
Gion District Shinto Shrine
Nestled in the heart of Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, this small Shinto shrine offers a serene escape and a unique photo opportunity. Known for its charming atmosphere and traditional architecture, the shrine is a landmark that embodies the spirit of Gion. As you wander through its grounds, you'll feel transported to a world of ancient customs and refined beauty, making it a must-see spot for experiencing the authentic essence of Kyoto.
Gion Geisha District
Gion, Kyoto's famed geisha district, is a captivating neighborhood steeped in tradition. Known as the home of the geiko (Kyoto geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha), Gion exudes an air of elegance and mystery. Stroll along its narrow, lantern-lit streets lined with preserved wooden machiya houses, and perhaps catch a glimpse of a geiko gracefully making her way to an appointment. Exploring Gion is a step back in time, offering a rare glimpse into the refined world of Japanese arts and entertainment.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that wind their way up a mountainside, creating a mesmerizing tunnel-like path. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, the shrine is one of Japan's most iconic and popular attractions. Hiking through the seemingly endless vermilion gates is an unforgettable experience, offering breathtaking views of Kyoto and a deep sense of spiritual immersion. Its unique beauty and cultural significance make it a top destination for visitors from around the world.
Know Before You Go
This Kyoto private tour includes a national licensed guide who will meet you at your hotel or port in Osaka or Kyoto. Lunch, one soft drink, and entrance fees to the attractions are also included. However, transportation fees are not included and must be paid on the day of the tour. You can choose to travel by public transport (around 7,000-9,000 yen per person), hire a private van (around 80,000 yen for up to 8 people), or use your JR Rail Pass (around 6,000 yen per person). Please specify your preferred transportation method when booking. Gratuities and insurance are not included.
Hot Tip
Many visitors suggest discussing your interests with your guide beforehand. This helps them tailor the tour to your preferences and make the most of your time in Kyoto. Also, wearing comfortable shoes is a must, as you'll be doing a lot of walking!
Review Summary
People usually say the guides like Toshiaki are exceptional, knowledgeable, and flexible, adjusting itineraries for leisurely pacing and ship schedules, with safe drivers ensuring comfort in private SUVs. Positive feedback highlights hassle-free port pickups, coverage of Kyoto highlights, and value over group tours. Minor notes mention variable return traffic times, but no major negatives reported.[1][7]
Frequently Asked Questions
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