Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle worth booking?
Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle is a 10-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from ¥69,800 per person. It scores 50 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 50 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (5)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- ¥69,800 per person
Discover Nara and Uji on a private 10-hour tour from Kyoto. Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, Byodo-in Temple, Uji’s historic tea district, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Higashimuki Shopping Street. Higashimuki is a great lunch stop for local food and shopping. ✓ Licensed Operator Operated by a licensed passenger transportation company in Japan using commercial vehicles. ✓ 100% Private Your vehicle is reserved exclusively for your group. ✓ 3 Service Options • English-speaking guide + vehicle (includes sightseeing guidance) • English-speaking driver + vehicle (no guide service) • Transportation only + vehicle (no guide; driver language is not guaranteed) ✓ Flexible Itinerary Adjust stops and sightseeing time within the booked duration. ✓ Transportation Costs Included Kyoto City pickup/drop-off, fuel, tolls and parking are included. Prices vary by service option. Please select your preferred option when booking.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Nara and Uji on a private 10-hour tour from Kyoto. Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, Byodo-in Temple, Uji’s historic tea district, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Higashimuki Shopping Street. Higashimuki is a great lunch stop for local food and shopping. ✓ Licensed Operator Operated by a licensed passenger transportation company in Japan using commercial vehicles. ✓ 100% Private Your vehicle is reserved exclusively for your group. ✓ 3 Service Options • English-speaking guide + vehicle (includes sightseeing guidance) • English-speaking driver + vehicle (no guide service) • Transportation only + vehicle (no guide; driver language is not guaranteed) ✓ Flexible Itinerary Adjust stops and sightseeing time within the booked duration. ✓ Transportation Costs Included Kyoto City pickup/drop-off, fuel, tolls and parking are included. Prices vary by service option. Please select your preferred option when booking.
What's included
Included
- Professional driver service
- Private vehicle
- English-speaking guide with selected option
- Fuel, highway tolls, parking fees and taxes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within Kyoto city
- English-speaking driver with selected option
Not included
- Attraction admission fees, food, drinks and personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Enjoy free time to explore and take photos at your own pace. Transportation service only. No guided tour is provided.
90 minutes here
Byodoin Temple
Discover Byodo-in Temple in Uji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free time to explore and take photos. Enjoy Uji’s traditional tea culture, riverside scenery, and local shops at your own pace.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Nara Park
Explore Nara Park and interact with the famous free-roaming deer. Free time for walking and photos.
60 minutes here
Todai-ji Temple
Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue. Free time to explore the temple grounds.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 50 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Alphard/English Guide
Toyota Alphard – Up to 5 Guest: Private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide included. Sightseeing commentary and tour assistance provided. Pickup included
Hiace Private Transportation
Toyota Hiace – Up to 9 Guests: Private vehicle and driver included. No guide. Driver language is not guaranteed; translation apps may be used. Pickup included
Alphard Private Transportation
Toyota Alphard – Up to 5 Guest: Private vehicle and driver included. No guide. Driver language is not guaranteed; translation apps may be used. Pickup included
Hiace/English-Speaking Driver
Toyota Hiace – Up to 9 Guests: Private vehicle and English-speaking driver included. No guide or professional sightseeing commentary. Pickup included
Hiace /English Guide
Toyota Hiace –Up to 8 Guests: Private vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide included. Sightseeing commentary and tour assistance provided. Pickup included
Alphard/ English- Driver
Toyota Alphard – Up to 5 Guest: Private vehicle and English-speaking driver included. No guide or professional sightseeing commentary. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, ru, cmn, ja, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- riou
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great driver today car really comfortable we had a great trout
We had a great driver today we don’t ask for a guide we ask for a driver and the car was really comfortable clean and smell really good We was really happy thanks
Response from the operator: Thank you for choosing RIOU’s private car service and for your five-star review! We’re delighted that you were pleased with our driver’s service and the comfort and cleanliness of the vehicle. We’ll continue working to provide even better service for every guest and will share your kind words with the driver. We look forward to serving you again and wish you all the best!
via Viator
Horrible experience
HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE — THIS WAS NOT THE TOUR WE PAID FOR This was an absolutely terrible experience and one of the biggest disappointments of our trip. We specifically booked this tour because it was advertised as a PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR. That was the entire reason we chose this experience and paid the premium price. Instead, we were given a Japanese-speaking driver who was essentially just transportation. There was no proper English-speaking guided experience as advertised. This is NOT a private guided tour. It is a private car service with a driver. We could have simply hired a private driver for transportation and saved ourselves a significant amount of money. What makes this particularly unacceptable is that this was misrepresented in the tour advertisement. If the listing had honestly stated that the service consisted of a Japanese-speaking driver, we would NEVER have booked it. We paid for a guided experience and did not receive the service we purchased. The operator should not be allowed to advertise one service while providing another. This completely ruined what was supposed to be an enjoyable and informative day. The experience felt misleading, overpriced, and incredibly frustrating. We terminated the tour and lost money. DO NOT BOOK THIS TOUR if you are expecting an actual private guided tour. Read the description very carefully and confirm exactly what you are getting before paying. I would give this ZERO stars if that were an option. Extremely disappointing, misleading, and absolutely not worth the money.
Response from the operator: Thank you again for booking our tour. We sincerely apologize that the experience did not meet your expectations. We have taken your feedback seriously and, through this experience, have reviewed and improved our product description to make the service details clearer and help avoid similar misunderstandings in the future. We would also like to briefly clarify that this product provides a private sightseeing service with a professional driver. The booking inclusions clearly state “Professional driver service (English / Chinese / Japanese available upon request)”, and the itinerary also explains that guests enjoy independent sightseeing and free time at the attractions. The driver assigned on the day was also able to communicate in English for service-related matters and was not completely unable to speak English. We are sorry again that the experience did not meet your expectations, and we appreciate your feedback, which has helped us improve our service information.
via Viator
Wonderful
Wonderful, professional and courteous service in a beautiful vehicle. Can’t recommend highly enough.
via Viator
Nara and Uji and Udon. Oh, my!
We visited Nara and Uji on a rainy day. Our driver Maki dropped us off close to sites to minimize our walk time in the rain. In Nara, we walked into town to an amazing udon shop in an alley (Udon & Cafe), far enough away from tourist activity that we could enjoy some quiet away from crowds. Maki picked us up there so we didn’t have to walk a kilometer back in the rain to the designated pick up spot. That’s great service! She recommended the best attractions in Uji. We were not disappointed. Well worth the visit! I’d highly recommend this private tour. We loved the option to modify the tour to accommodate the way we like to experience the best Japan has to offer. No rush to check off the top attractions, lots of detours to experience some local colors and flavors. K
Response from the operator: Dear K, Thank you very much for your wonderful review and for choosing our private tour service. We are very happy to hear that you enjoyed your day in Nara and Uji even with the rainy weather. Maki will be delighted to know that her service, flexibility, and local recommendations helped make your trip more comfortable and memorable. We truly appreciate your kind words about the customized tour experience. It means a lot to us that you enjoyed exploring at your own pace and discovering local flavors along the way. Thank you again for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back to Japan in the future. Best regards, RIOU Co., Ltd.
via Viator
Amazing way to see Uji and Nara from Kyoto.
What an amazing and cost effective way to see Uji and Nara with our family of five adults on our own timeline and private transportation where we could leave our luggage in the car.
Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you and your family enjoyed your private tour to Uji and Nara. We are especially pleased that the flexibility, private transportation, and convenience of keeping your luggage in the car made your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Thank you again for choosing our service. We hope to welcome you again on your next trip to Japan. Best regards, RIOU Co., Ltd.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- ¥69,800 to ¥159,800
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by riou, who run 10 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.6.
See everything riou runsWhy this scores 50
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle cost?
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Prices start at ¥69,800 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 50 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night, Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle?
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Included: Professional driver service; Private vehicle; English-speaking guide with selected option; Fuel, highway tolls, parking fees and taxes; and Hotel pickup and drop-off within Kyoto city. Not included: Attraction admission fees, food, drinks and personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 635 listed pickup locations in and around Kyoto. Be ready about 50 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle offered in?
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It is offered in German, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, English, Italian, French and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kyoto. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, small groups, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle?
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There are 6 options to choose from, including Alphard/English Guide, Hiace Private Transportation, Alphard Private Transportation, Hiace/English-Speaking Driver. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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