Kyoto Private Car Tour with Local Japanese Guide – 3 Options

5.0 (74 reviews) 6–8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

74 reviews

5.0

Kyoto Private Car Tour with Local Japanese Guide – 3 Options — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Kyoto Private Car Tour with Local Japanese Guide – 3 Options, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

No rush. No public transport. No other groups.

Explore with a local Japanese guide born and raised in Kyoto. I’ll accompany you inside the temples and shrines, sharing their history and culture along the way.

Choose from 3 private tours:

Kyoto 1-Day Highlights
Kyoto & Nara
Kyoto & Osaka

→Sample itineraries for each tour are shown in photos 5, 6, and 7.

All tours start and finish in Kyoto. Select your preferred option when booking.

Your own private car and English-speaking guide
A flexible route planned around your interests and the time available
A comfortable pace, with breaks when needed
Photos of your group along the way
My personal list of recommended Kyoto restaurants, shared before your tour
Kyoto City hotel pickup and drop-off included

You don’t need to have every detail planned before booking. Once you’ve booked, we can discuss your preferences, pickup details, and itinerary by message.

Day Trips Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours Car Tours Excellent Quality

At a glance

Duration: 6–8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–5
Guide: English
Operated by: japa-kon

Ages: Adults (1–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private English-speaking guide, including guided visits inside temples and shrines
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off within Kyoto City
Included: Private air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Personal list of recommended Kyoto restaurants, shared before your tour

Not included

Not included: Breakfast
Not included: Lunch
Not included: Bottled water
Not included: Entrance fees: Admission fees to temples and shrines are not included

Itinerary

Arashiyama

45 min

We will explore Japan’s most famous bamboo forest. If you would like this itinerary, please select the “Kyoto one day ” option when making your reservation.
Kinkakuji Temple

45 min Admission not included

We will visit Golden Temple "Golden Pavilion". If you would like this itinerary, please select the “Kyoto one day tour option” option when making your reservation.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

45 min

This shrine is included in all options.

Start the day at Kyoto’s famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, where thousands of red torii gates create one of the most photogenic spots in Japan.

Walk through the tunnels of gates while your local guide shares fun stories and hidden facts.

After soaking up the peaceful vibe, we’ll head out to Nara by private car.
Nara Park

one hour

If you would like this itinerary, please select the “Kyoto Nara Private Tour ” option when making your reservation.

Meet Nara’s most famous residents—friendly deer that roam freely in the park.

Feed them, take cute selfies, and enjoy some relaxed time under the trees.

This part of the tour is free time, so feel free to explore, take photos, or simply enjoy the peaceful vibe.

You can join the guide for lunch or choose a local restaurant on your own.

It’s a great moment to slow down and enjoy Nara at your own pace.
Todai-ji Temple

40 min Admission not included

If you would like this itinerary, please select the “Kyoto Nara Private Tour ” option when making your reservation.

Visit Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks.

Step inside the world’s largest wooden building and come face to face with Japan’s Great Buddha, a giant bronze statue standing over 15 meters tall.

Your guide will explain the temple’s rich history, how it was built in the 8th century, and its spiritual meaning in Japanese Buddhism.

We’ll also show you some fun hidden details—like the famous “healing pillar”—and help you find the best angles for impressive photos.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple

45 min Admission not included

We will visit Kiyomizu temple. If you would like this itinerary, please select the “Kyoto one day tour option” option when making your reservation.
Nishiki Market

one hour

We will visit Nishiki Market. If you would like this itinerary, please select the “Kyoto one day tour option” option when making your reservation.
Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

Passing by

A charming historic street lined with traditional wooden houses, small shops, and cafés near Kiyomizu-dera.
Hanamikoji Street

30 min

Geisha Gion district : A historic geisha district known for traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and atmospheric streets.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma
Hilton Kyoto
Nohga Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
Kyoto Century Hotel
Ace Hotel Kyoto
Fauchon Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto Ryokan Shoei
Hotel Granvia Kyoto

We offer free pickup from any hotel within Kyoto City, even if your accommodation does not appear in the list of selectable options. After your booking is confirmed, we will contact you to arrange the exact pickup location—so please rest assured.

If you have a preferred drop-off point after the tour, feel free to let us know. We are happy to accommodate your request whenever it fits naturally with the day’s itinerary.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please let us know in advance if you need a child car seat.
- Please let us know in advance if you plan to bring a walker or other mobility aid.

Options

Kyoto & Osaka Tour Option

Kyoto Osaka Private Car Tour: We will visit some places in Kyoto and mainly spend our time in Osaka.

Pickup included
Kyoto & Nara Tour Option

Kyoto Nara Private Car Tour

Pickup included
Kyoto One Day Tour Option

Kyoto 1-day Private Car Tour : This is the 1-day private car tour in Kyoto. We will take you around very flexibly from famous highlights to quiet local spot

Pickup included