Kyoto Like a Local: Private & Personalized Experience (3 hrs)

Kyoto, JP
80% of travellers recommend this
Very Good (10 reviews)

Included

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

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Gratuities (optional)
  • exclusion
    Food, drinks and tickets to any attractions
  • 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 guide. You'll explore atmospheric neighborhoods, historic streets, and cultural highlights tailored to your interests, offering a personal and engaging first look at the city. Here’s a sample of what you can expect:

2

Sanjo Bridge

Explore the Sanjo area, known for its family-run establishments, specialty shops, and authentic local life. Enjoy a stroll along the Kamogawa River while your guide shares stories about Kyoto’s rich history and cultural traditions.

3
Nishiki Market Shopping District

Discover Kyoto’s vibrant culinary heart. Wander the narrow arcade packed with traditional food stalls and specialty shops. Your guide can introduce you to local flavors, share cultural tips, and help you find unique treats or souvenirs to enjoy during your tour.

4

Gion

Visit Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. Be sure to act respectfully if you see geiko or maiko. Wander along Hanami-koji Street and cross the scenic Tatsumi Bridge to reach Shimbashi, the most picturesque part of Gion, with traditional wooden townhouses, upscale restaurants, cafés, and tea houses.

5

Higashiyama Ward

See classic sights on any traveler’s bucket list. Stroll the historic, wood-built lanes of the Higashiyama district and admire landmarks like the Yasaka Pagoda. Learn about the area's architecture and its role in Kyoto’s cultural heritage.

6
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

Finish with a visit to this iconic site. Ready for a light hike? Follow the famous path of thousands of vermilion torii gates winding into the sacred Mount Inari forest. Don’t worry—the views from halfway up are just as spectacular. Your guide will share the shrine’s legends and its significance to local worshippers.

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

  • icon
    Try local sweets at Nishiki Market.
  • icon
    Visit Kiyomizu-dera for sunset views.
  • icon
    Explore Gion for traditional tea houses.
  • icon
    Check out nearby Kodaiji Temple gardens.
  • icon
    Learn about local etiquette from your guide.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Experience Kyoto like a local with a private tour guide who will personalize your trip to ensure you don't miss out on any of the city's highlights or hidden gems. This tour is designed to make you feel like you're being welcomed into the city by a friend who can't wait to show you everything Kyoto has to offer. From famous attractions like The Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari Shrine to exploring the area where you're staying and receiving insider recommendations on where to eat, drink, and explore, you'll have the perfect introduction to this vibrant city.

What to expect?

During this tour, you can expect a total duration of 180 minutes to immerse yourself in Kyoto's rich culture and history. Your experienced local guide will meet you at a convenient location based on your preference and customize the itinerary to suit your interests and preferences. You'll have the opportunity to visit iconic locations like Sanjo Bridge, Gion, the Higashiyama district with the famous Yasaka Pagoda, and the breathtaking Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. Along the way, your guide will share fascinating stories about Kyoto's history and traditional culture.

Who is this for?

This private tour is for anyone who wants a deeper understanding of Kyoto and its unique charm. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends, this tour will cater to your specific needs and interests. From history buffs and architecture enthusiasts to nature lovers and foodies, everyone can find something to enjoy in Kyoto. Embrace the opportunity to explore the city with a knowledgeable local guide who will provide insider insights and recommendations.

Why book this?

By booking this private tour, you'll have the advantage of experiencing Kyoto through the eyes of a local. Your knowledgeable guide will take you off the beaten path, ensuring you discover hidden gems that are often missed by tourists. This personalized tour allows you to make the most of your limited time in Kyoto, ensuring you see the iconic attractions while also diving deeper into the city's culture and history. With your guide's expertise, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for Kyoto's beauty and uniqueness, making your trip unforgettable.

Good to know

It's important to note that this is a private and personalized experience, so the places you visit may vary based on your interests and preferences. Your guide will tailor the itinerary to create a truly unique and memorable experience for you. Additionally, the meeting point can be adjusted to fit your preferences with the help of the Experience Planners. Be prepared for a 180-minute adventure filled with intriguing stories, stunning landscapes, and a taste of authentic Kyoto. Wear comfortable shoes as you may be doing some walking and enjoy immersing yourself in the magic of this incredible city.

Reviews

Travelers who have taken this tour rave about their experiences. They praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides who made them feel like locals. Many are impressed by the unique insights and recommendations provided by the guides, ensuring they saw Kyoto from a different perspective. Reviewers often mention the flexibility and attentiveness of the guides in creating an itinerary tailored to their interests. Overall, visitors express their satisfaction with the private tour, stating that it was the perfect way to kickstart their trip to Kyoto and that they would highly recommend it to others.

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