Private Kyoto Tours

Get a local authentic Kyoto experience from a Kyoto Insider, so you don’t miss out on the hidden gems


BOOK A TOUR

Knowing the difference between touristy and local authentic Kyoto

Are you sure you won’t just end up going from one temple to the next on your own, missing out on a more interesting local authentic Kyoto? 

I understand. You’re visiting Kyoto for the first time, read about a ton of places but you still don’t know where to go or what to do when you actually get here.

I’ve taken tons of clients just like you, on Private Kyoto tours. They were worried about missing out on seeing the good places, finding  restaurants getting lost. Join a tour and let a Kyoto Insider help you to discover local authentic Kyoto.

I take away the headaches and help you discover the hidden gems!

Your Kyoto Insider

Language barriers disappear! ​

I’m a fluent English speaker originally from Canada and speak Japanese fluently, helping you overcome language barriers

Professional & Experienced Guide

My expert guidance will ensure you don’t waste time and help you discover local authentic Kyoto

A local you can relate to

I’m a long-term resident you can easily relate to. Through my local experiences and knowledge I’ve gained over 15 years, you get unique insights into the culture, you otherwise miss on your own

How to book a tour

Touristy to Local Authentic Kyoto

Book a Tour in 4 easy steps:

1. Choose a tour

2. Fill in a simple booking form

3. Finalize the booking

4. Get the Kyoto Insider

Doing Kyoto on your own can be intimidating.

Trying to figure out the difference between touristy and local authentic things is a hassle. Trying to get from place to place and figure out where to eat, communicate… usually leads to lots of stress and headaches. 
With a local Kyoto Insider, this doesn’t happen. 
Your vacation should be stress-free-so start enjoying it!!
Join a Private Kyoto Tour and you’ll be able to let go of all your worry and stress. Your Kyoto Insider takes care of everything and helps you discover the hidden gems, you’d miss out on your own! 

I’ve helped these clients discover local authentic Kyoto:

“It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal”
Amanda Lee
Amanda Lee⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal”
Mike Stuart
Mike Stuart⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal”
Samanta Kocs
Samanta Kocs⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating on TripAdvisor

Experience local authentic Kyoto. A simple booking away.


BOOK A TOUR

What You’ll get on a Private Kyoto Tour:

Native English, Fluent Japanese Speaker

Local Kyoto resident-over 15 years

Licensed & Experienced Guide

Hospitality Background

Unique local Connections

Rare cultural Insights

Tour Options

1
Option

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Off-beaten-path Garden

Sanjusangendo Temple

Nijo Castle

Nishiki Market

2
option

Ginkakuji Silver Temple

Philosopher’s Path

Off-beaten-path Garden

Chion-in Temple

Yasaka Shrine

3
Option

Kinkakuji Gold Temple

Ryoanji Temple

Off-beaten-path Garden

Bamboo Forest

Tenryuji Temple 

Tour Pricing

  • guide fee: 35,000 yen (1-5 clients) 
  • 4,000 yen fee for every extra person 
  • Note: entrance fees, transportation fees and lunch are not included, separate from the guide fee
  • entrance into temples is free for me due to my guide license
  • depending on lunch and way we get around (walking/public transportation or taxi) costs will differ

Tour Details

  • tours usually 8:30 am until 3:00 pm (flexible with start/finish time)
  • I personally meet you at your accommodation or place of choice (within Kyoto city limits)
  • Walking is the main way to get around for these options

Custom Tours

Local Authentic Kyoto-Customized

Design your own local authentic Kyoto -Custom tour designed to fit your unique cultural interests.

Possibilities

  • Meet a genuine tea master
  • Meet an actual geisha
  • Try taiko drumming
  • Ninja Experience
  • Pottery, Dyeing-and other traditional arts & crafts
  • Visit hidden gem gardens 
  • Geisha

Tour Pricing

  • Guide fee: Starting at 40,000 yen (1-5 clients)  
  • Note: cultural activity fees, entrance fees, transportation fees and lunch are not included, separate from the guide fee
  • Entrance into temples is free for me due to my guide license
  •  Depending on lunch and mode of transportation, for example-walking/public transportation or taxi, costs will differ

Tour Details

  • Tours are from 8:30 am until 3:00 pm
  • I personally meet you at your accommodation or place of choice (within Kyoto city limits)

Have Questions? We’ve Got Answers

Why should I book a Private/Custom Kyoto Tour?

I take out the worry, extra hassles of dealing with language and other cultural barriers. I worked in the hospitality industry and I’m a licensed guide who knows what you’re looking for. Plus, I’m able to introduce to you aspects of the culture and places you won’t experience otherwise, since my unique local connections give you access to people and places you’d surely miss on your own!

What makes you different from other guides?

I’m more than just a guide… Living, working and studying  over the past 15 years in Japan, allows me to draw from a vast array of personal experiences, plus I’m an experienced and licensed guide with two years experience the Hyatt hotel. I know what visitors want to see and do in Kyoto. 

I’m also a native English speaker born and raised in Canada but fluent in Japanese, so we can communicate with no problems and I can help you negotiate the “lost in translation” moments. 

What is the maximum number of clients?

The maximum number for the price quoted is for 4 people. 

How do I book a tour?

There is booking form we ask clients to fill out. You simply list basic information concerning your tour choice, name and contact details and we reply as soon as possible. 

Are tours conducted even if it rains?

Rain or shine our tours will be held.  However, during the typhoon season (August-October) we experience torrential downpours and strong winds and in these cases the tours will be cancelled. I will contact those of you who have booked to let you know the tour is actually cancelled. 

How much and how do I Pay?

The price is 35,000 yen up to 4 people. (excluding entrance fees, transportation fees, lunch) Unfortunately, we don’t accept credit cards or online payments at the moment. Please pay us in cash (Japanese yen) on the day of the tour.