Full Day Private Tour in Kyoto with Pickup
Experience the enchanting allure of Kyoto with our exclusive Private Luxury Day Tour. Discover the essence of Japan's ancient capital through an 8-hour customizable journey aboard a private vehicle, with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included. Delve into the city's hidden gems and rich cultu
Experience the enchanting allure of Kyoto with our exclusive Private Luxury Day Tour. Discover the essence of Japan's ancient capital through an 8-hour customizable journey aboard a private vehicle, with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off included. Delve into the city's hidden gems and rich culture alongside a knowledgeable local guide, as you select 3-4 sites (admission not included) from our curated 'What to expect' list. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Kyoto's seasons, from the vibrant blooms of spring to the fiery hues of autumn foliage and the tranquil serenity of winter. Let us create a personalized tour experience that captures the essence of Kyoto's rich history and culture, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Japan's ancient capital. Additionally, we offer the flexibility of starting the tour 1 hour earlier for guests coming from Osaka.
Travel Insurance for Japan
SafetyWing covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and adventure activities. Plans from $1.5/day.
What To Expect
Stop 1
⏱ 15 minIt's renowned for its towering bamboo stalks that create a peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Stop 2
⏱ 15 minLocated in northern Kyoto, Kinkakuji Temple is a stunning temple with its upper floors coated in gold leaf. Originally built as a retirement villa for Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1408, it later became a Zen temple.
Stop 3
⏱ 15 minFushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in southern Kyoto is a significant shrine known for its vermilion torii gates. The paths lead to the sacred Mount Inari, where thousands of shrines are nestled along the mountainside.
Stop 4
⏱ 15 minKiyomizu-dera, known as the "Pure Water Temple," is an ancient temple nestled in the forests east of Kyoto. Established in 780, it's renowned for its Otowa Waterfall.
Stop 5
⏱ 15 minGion, Kyoto's famous geisha district, is an area lined with traditional machiya houses. It's home to teahouses and restaurants where geiko and maiko entertain.
Stop 6
⏱ 15 minSanjusangendo Temple is famous for its 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Built in 1164, it boasts Japan's longest wooden structure.
Stop 7
⏱ 15 minGinkakuji Temple in Higashiyama was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa in 1482. Its exterior, adorned with silver leaf, is its distinctive feature.
Stop 8
⏱ 15 minKnown as "Kyoto's Kitchen," Nishiki Market is a bustling market with over 100 shops and restaurants offering local specialties.
Stop 9
⏱ 5 minThe Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan's Imperial Family, was reconstructed in 1855. Located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park, it boasts historical buildings and beautiful gardens.
Stop 10
⏱ 15 minRyoanji Temple is renowned for its Zen rock garden, a masterpiece of minimalist design, where 15 rocks are meticulously arranged amidst raked gravel.
Stop 11
⏱ 15 minTenryuji Temple is celebrated for its picturesque landscape garden, considered one of the finest examples of Japanese Zen garden design.
Stop 12
⏱ 15 minNanzenji Temple is a historic Zen temple complex featuring majestic gates, serene gardens, and an impressive aqueduct.
Stop 13
⏱ 15 minHeian Shrine is a vibrant Shinto shrine known for its massive torii gate and expansive gardens, which burst into color during cherry blossom season.
Stop 14
⏱ 15 minNijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ornate interiors, majestic gates, and beautiful Japanese gardens.
Stop 15
⏱ 15 minDaikakuji Temple, a former imperial villa turned temple, features a serene pond garden and historic buildings dating back to the Heian period.
Stop 16
⏱ 15 minKifune Shrine is dedicated to the god of water and is nestled in a lush forested area near the Kibune River, offering a serene retreat from the city.
Stop 17
⏱ 15 minYasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine, is a historic Shinto shrine located in the heart of Gion district, known for its vibrant festivals and lantern-lit paths.
Stop 18
⏱ 15 minEikando Temple, also known as Zenrinji, is renowned for its stunning autumn foliage and the serene Amida Buddha statue housed within its halls.
Stop 19
⏱ 15 minKenninji Temple is Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, known for its magnificent painted sliding doors and tranquil tea gardens.
Stop 20
⏱ 15 minKodaiji Temple is famed for its exquisite Zen gardens, stunning night illuminations, and historic tea houses nestled in the Higashiyama district.
Stop 21
⏱ 15 minShoren-in Temple is a tranquil retreat featuring a beautiful pond garden, tea houses, and elegant temple architecture nestled in the foothills of Higashiyama.
Stop 22
⏱ 15 minTofukuji Temple is renowned for its expansive temple grounds, spectacular autumn foliage, and iconic wooden bridges spanning serene ponds.
Stop 23
⏱ 15 minJonangu Shrine is a peaceful Shinto shrine known for its expansive gardens, vibrant seasonal flowers, and traditional architecture, offering a serene escape from the city hustle.
Stop 24
⏱ 15 minToji Temple, officially known as Kyoo Gokoku-ji, is a historic Buddhist temple famous for its towering pagoda, the tallest wooden tower in Japan, and its vibrant flea market held on the 21st of each month.
What’s Included
- ✓Private transportation
- ✓In-vehicle air conditioning
- ✓Surcharges on fuel
- ✓Parking fees
What’s NOT Included
- ✗Lunch
- ✗Any Special Ride or Cruise not Included in this Package
- ✗Gratuities ( Tips for excellent service for our guides are welcome)
- ✗Kinkakuji-temple approx. ¥400
- ✗Sanjusangendo Temple approx. ¥600
- ✗Ginkakuji Temple: approx. ¥500
- ✗Ryoanji Temple: approx. ¥500
- ✗Tenryuji Temple: approx. ¥500
- ✗Nanzenji Temple: approx. ¥500
- ✗Eikando Temple: approx. ¥600
- ✗Daikakuji Temple: approx. ¥500
- ✗Kita-in Temple: approx. ¥400
- ✗Toji Temple: approx. ¥600
- ✗Kiyomizu-dera approx. ¥400
Additional Info
- 👶Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- •Service animals allowed
- 🚇Public transportation options are available nearby
- 🚶Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Kamakura Cherry Blossom Full Day Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Vip | Nikko Signature Tour | Private Luxury from Tokyo

Tokyo 5hr Private Guided Tour & 1hr Soba Making Experience

Tokyo 7hr Private Guided Tour and Night Out Variety Act Show

Private Scenic Day Tour in Mt. Fuji and Kawaguchiko

Tokyo Private Tour Highlights Temples Markets and Skyline

Private Mt Fuji or Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo

Hakone Tour Experience from Tokyo
From
$425