Kyoto Insider: Personalized Private Tour with a Local - Highlights & Hidden Gems

Discover Kyoto's personalized private tour with a local where the ancient city's secrets are yours to discover. Journey beyond the tourist trails with a knowledgeable local guide, who will reveal Kyoto's enchanting hidden spots and iconic highlights.

Experience the city's rich culture, exquisite temples, and serene gardens through the eyes of someone who calls it home. Book now to unlock the mysteries of Kyoto and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Tour Highlights

• Exploring traditional crafts by witnessing pottery and textile creation

• Uncovering Kyoto's history through visits to historical sites and traditional festivals

• Local culture and cuisine featuring tea ceremonies and Kyoto's culinary specialities

• Discovering iconic landmarks like Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine and Kennin-ji Temple

• Guidance by local experts for insider knowledge and unique insights

• Off-the-beaten-path adventures, including hidden temples and crafts

• Creating lasting memories through cultural activities and visits to historical landmarks

Tour Itinerary

Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine

Begin your morning with a hike up Kyoto's hills to the renowned shrine, walking along a path with thousands of vermilion torii gates, spotting guardian fox statues, and enjoying spectacular views from Mount Inari.

Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

Stroll through quaint lanes and traditional structures, discovering diverse shops, eateries, and cafes with Kyoto's unique offerings while shopping for local souvenirs like pottery and crafts.

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

Explore the renowned Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, celebrated for its large wooden stage and beautiful autumn views, and visit the Otowa Waterfall, known for its streams that symbolize longevity, academic success, and romantic fortune.

Kennin-ji Temple

Explore Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, Kennin-ji, to see its unique gilded screen and the twin dragons on the Dharma Hall ceiling.

Yasaka Shrine

Explore Yasaka Shrine, a historic guardian of Kyoto's Gion district and the famous site of Japan's Gion Matsuri summer festival.

Maruyama Park

Take a relaxing break in Kyoto's most famous cherry blossom park.

Gion

Explore Gion, Kyoto's renowned Geisha district, appreciating its culture and architecture while visiting the scenic Hanami-koji Street and Shimbashi.

Pontocho District

Discover the enchanting Pontocho Alley, a traditional hub illuminated by red lanterns at dusk, where you might glimpse a maiko.

Kiyamachi Street

Conclude your tour on this vibrant street, ideal for unwinding with bars, cafes, and restaurants.

What's Included

• Private, personalized walking tour with a passionate local guide

• Options for 3, 5, 7, or 8-hour tours, covering highlights and hidden gems

• Hotel meet-ups available upon request for central locations

What's Not Included

• Food and drinks

• Transportation (mainly walking, public transport possible)

• Attraction tickets

• Gratuities (optional)

Essentials to Know Before Booking

• Confirmation received upon booking

• Not wheelchair accessible

• Stroller accessible

• Service animals allowed

• Near public transportation

• Suitable for most travelers

• Book at least 48 hours in advance for optimal experience

• Fully personalized experiences (additional costs for tickets, transport, food & drinks)

• Private groups typically up to 6 people (arrangements possible for larger groups)

• Exclusively private tour/activity for your group only

Cancellation Policy

• A full refund is available if canceled at least 24 hours before the start time of the experience.

• There is no refund for cancellations less than 24 hours before the experience's start time.

• Changes made less than 24 hours before the experience's start time are not accepted.

• Cut-off times are based on the experience's local time.

Meeting Point

Location: Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Sanjo-Ohashi Bridge

Address: Japan, 604-8004 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakajimachō, 113 Omiya Building 1F

Related Read: The Best Areas to Stay in Kyoto