Kyoto Private & Personalized Half-Day Walking Tour with a Local

Kyoto, JP
83% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (27 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Pre-tour questionnaire to tailor the experience to your preferences
  • inclusion
    Direct communication with your host for itinerary planning and local recommendations
  • inclusion
    Private and personalized 4-hour walking experience with a passionate local
  • inclusion
    Flexible start times - choose your preferred time when booking

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
  • exclusion
    Gratuities (optional)
  • exclusion
    Transportation (primarily a walking experience, public transport may be used at an additional cost)

Meeting Point

This is a great central point to meet your host if your hotel is not listed.

Meeting point

〒604-8004 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakajimacho, 113 近江屋ビル 1F , Japan

End point

End Point

This is a great central point to meet your host if your hotel is not listed.

Meeting point

〒604-8004 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakajimacho, 113 近江屋ビル 1F , Japan

End point

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Ace Hotel Kyoto
Akari Higashiyama Nijo
Aoi Hotel Kyoto
APA Hotel Kyoto Gion Excellent
Arietta Hotel Kyoto
ART MON ZEN KYOTO
Business Hotel Shusenkaku
Carta Hotel Kyoto Gion Bettei
Cross Hotel Kyoto
Dhawa Yura Kyoto
Diamond Kyoto Society
Eco and Tec Kyoto
Four Points Flex By Sheraton Kyoto Oike
Fugetsu
Gion Crystal Hotel
Gion Fukuzumi Ryokan
Gion Shinmonso
Gion Yoshi-ima
Good Nature Hotel Kyoto
Gozan Hotel & Service Apartment Higashiyama Sanjo
Higashiyama Shikikaboku
Hiiragiya
Hiiragiya Bekkan
Hilton Kyoto
Hirashin
HIZ HOTEL Gion Shirakawa
Hotel Sunset Inn
Hotel Alpha Kyoto
Hotel Alza Kyoto
Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
Hotel Gimmond Kyoto
Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
Hotel Gran MS Kyoto
Hotel Grand Bach Kyoto Select
Hotel Honnoji
HOTEL LEGASTA Kyoto Higashiyama Sanjo
Hotel Musse Kyoto Shijokawaramachi Meitetsu
Hotel Okura Kyoto
Hotel Ponto
Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo
Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto
Hotel Rings Kyoto
Hotel Sugicho
Hotel Vista Premio Kyoto Kawaramachi St.
Hotel Wing International Premium Kyoto Sanjo
Ishicho Shogikuen
Ishida Ryokan
Kaden
Kagihei
Kamogawa-kan Inn
Kanamean Nishitomiya
Kazuki
Kinmata
Kinparo
Kitanoya
Kizashi The Suite
Kyo no yado gion seiunan
Kyo no Yado Ishihara
Kyoto Central Inn
KYOTO GION HOTEL
Kyoto Gion U-bell Hotel
Kyoto Granbell Hotel
Laon Inn Gion Nawate
Masuya Ryokan
Matsui Bekkan Hanakanzashi
Matsui Honkan Ryokan
Matsuka Ryokan
Mifuku
Mikihan Ryokan
Miru Kyoto Gion
Miru Kyoto Nishiki
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Kawaramachi Jokyoji
Mume
NISHIYAMA RYOKAN
Nissho Besso
Nisshokan Shoshintei
Nol Kyoto Sanjo
Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto
OMO5 Kyoto Sanjo By Hoshino Resorts
Oyado Ishicho
Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo
R&B Hotel Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
Rinn Niomon
Rumor Plaza
Ryokan Kinsuikan
Ryokan Kohro
Ryokan Kohro
Ryokan Murasaki
Ryokan Okuda
Ryokan Sanga
Sasarindou
SGR Kamogawa
Shiraume
Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier Sanjo Kamogawa
Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto
Soraniwa Terrace Kyoto Bettei
Suigetsu Ryokan
Sumiya Ryokan
Super Hotel Kyoto Shijokawaramachi
Tassel Hotel Sanjo Shirakawa
Tawaraya Ryokan
The Chapter Kyoto, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
THE GATE HOTEL KYOTO TAKASEGAWA by HULIC
THE GENERAL KYOTO Bukkoji Fuyacho
The General Kyoto Yamatooji
The L.A. Mart Hotel Kyoto
The Pocket Hotel Kyoto Shijokarasuma
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto
The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
The Screen
TOKYU STAY Kyoto Sakaiza
Tomoya Residence Hotel Kyoto Nijo Takakura
Travelodge Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
Watanabe Ryokan
Watazen Ryokan
Yoin Hotel Kyoto Gion
Yoshikawa Inn Tempra
Yoshiya
Yuzuya Ryokan
This is a walking tour. Your host will meet you at your selected hotel, and the tour will begin on foot. If you’d prefer to meet at a central location instead, please choose the meeting point option. If your hotel isn’t on the list, simply select the central landmark option. This is a private walking experience. Once you’ve booked, our Experience Planners will get in touch to confirm the meeting point and help with any final details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your personalized tour. NO private vehicle is included. For longer distances, your host may suggest using public transport. Any transport costs can be settled on the day.

What to expect

1
Kyoto

Get an authentic introduction to Kyoto with your local host on a private, fully personalized walking tour. Your route is tailored to your interests and pace, giving you a true insider’s perspective on the city’s history, culture, and daily life. Here are some highlights you might explore:

2
Sanjo Bridge

Explore the Sanjo area, filled with historic family-run shops and specialty stores. Stroll along the Kamogawa River as your host shares stories of Kyoto’s heritage and local traditions that make this vibrant area unique.

3
Gion

Walk through Kyoto’s iconic traditional entertainment district. Your host will highlight atmospheric lanes lined with wooden townhouses, teahouses, and refined restaurants. Cross Tatsumi Bridge to reach the scenic Shimbashi area for a true taste of old Kyoto charm.

4
Yasaka Shrine

Visit Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto’s guardian shrine for over 1,350 years. Enjoy its striking architecture and learn about its famous summer festival, the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s most celebrated cultural events.

5
Heian Shrine

Marvel at the grand Torii gate and broad approach to this relatively modern but important shrine, built in 1895. Your host will explain its connection to Kyoto’s founding and the spirits of the emperors it enshrines, offering rich historical context.

6

Nijo Castle

Discover this impressive Edo-period fortress, built to showcase the power of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Wander its beautiful grounds as your host shares lively stories of samurai, shoguns, and Kyoto’s dramatic history.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    After booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire to share your interests, preferences, and must-sees. Your guide will personally reach out to craft a fully customized itinerary that suits your style—whether you love history, food, hidden gems, or cultural experiences.
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Public transportation or local taxis may be used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with your host after your reservation is finalized.
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    This private tour is a walking experience. A private vehicle is not included.
Provided by City Unscripted

What our experts say

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    Visit the historic Gion district.
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    Try local sweets at Nishiki Market.
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    Ask your host about hidden temples.
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    Consider a tea ceremony experience.
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    Public transport is easy and efficient.

More About this Experience

Introduction:

Experience the enchanting city of Kyoto like a local with our Kyoto Private Tour. Immerse yourself in the rich history, traditional culture, and picturesque landscapes that make Kyoto a must-visit destination. This personalized tour allows you to explore the city at your own pace, with a friendly and knowledgeable local host to guide you.

What to expect?

During this 4-hour tour, you can expect to see some of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks and hidden gems, all tailored to your interests and preferences. Your experienced host will create an itinerary based on a questionnaire you fill out after booking, ensuring that the tour reflects your personality and what you want to experience in Kyoto. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, food, or Japanese culture, your host will design a tour that suits your interests.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for anyone who wants a unique and authentic experience of Kyoto. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler to Japan, our tour is designed to cater to all types of travelers. Solo travelers, couples, families, or small groups can all enjoy the personalized attention and flexibility of this private tour. No matter your age or travel preferences, our experienced hosts will ensure that this tour suits your needs.

Why book this?

What sets our Kyoto Private Tour apart is the personalized and tailored approach. With a like-minded host by your side, you'll get an insider's perspective on the city, exploring hidden spots that only locals know about. Unlike generic group tours, this experience allows you to have a more intimate and authentic connection with Kyoto. Your host will share their knowledge, stories, and recommendations, making your visit to Kyoto truly unforgettable.

Good to know:

During the tour, you have the freedom to change your mind and adjust the itinerary to fit your preferences. Your host will be flexible and accommodating, ensuring that you have the best possible experience in Kyoto. As this is a private tour, the places you visit may differ from the ones listed, as they will be chosen based on your interests and preferences. So, get ready to explore Kyoto like a local, discovering its rich cultural heritage, stunning temples, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Reviews:

Customers who have experienced our Kyoto Private Tour rave about the personalized attention and expert knowledge of their hosts. Many reviewers mentioned how the tour exceeded their expectations, with hosts going above and beyond to make their visit to Kyoto memorable. Travelers appreciated the flexibility of the itinerary and enjoyed exploring off-the-beaten-path locations. Overall, customers were highly satisfied with their experience, praising the tour for providing them with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Kyoto's history and culture.

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