Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 211 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver worth booking?
Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver is a 8-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $430 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 211 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (211)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $430 per person
Explore Kyoto in Comfort and Style! Discover the timeless beauty of Kyoto on our exclusive, private day trip by car. Tailored just for you, we create a personalized itinerary based on your interests, allowing you to enjoy Kyoto’s iconic sights at your own pace. Visit renowned landmarks such as Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the tranquil bamboo forest of Arashiyama all in one day! The itinerary can be customized based on your requests.
What you get
About this experience
Explore Kyoto in Comfort and Style! Discover the timeless beauty of Kyoto on our exclusive, private day trip by car. Tailored just for you, we create a personalized itinerary based on your interests, allowing you to enjoy Kyoto’s iconic sights at your own pace. Visit renowned landmarks such as Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the tranquil bamboo forest of Arashiyama all in one day! The itinerary can be customized based on your requests.
What's included
Included
- Pick-up and Drop-off to Hotel
- English-Speaking Driver
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Private transportation
- Pick-up options available from Osaka and Nara charging an additional fee of 20000¥.
Not included
- Food not included
- Admission tickets are not included. Travelers can purchase these directly at location.
What you'll see and do
Arashiyama
Arashiyama, located in western Kyoto, Japan, is a picturesque district renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is best known for the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where visitors can walk through a mesmerizing pathway lined with towering bamboo stalks. The area is also home to the historic Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning gardens, and the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Arashiyama’s charm is especially captivating during the cherry blossom season in spring and the vibrant autumn foliage, making it a popular destination year-round.
150 minutes here · Admission not included
Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, was originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death, the villa was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. The structure reflects a blend of traditional Japanese and Chinese architectural styles. Although the original building was destroyed by arson in 1950, it was rebuilt in 1955, with the top two floors covered in gold leaf, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Nishiki Market Shopping District
Nishiki Market (Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi. Nishiki Market has a pleasant but busy atmosphere that is inviting to those who want to explore the variety of culinary delights that Kyoto is famous for. The stores found throughout the market range in size from small narrow stalls to larger two story shops. Most specialize in a particular type of food, and almost everything sold at the market is locally produced and procured.
90 minutes here
Gion
Experience the charm of Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Yasaka Pagoda (Hōkan-ji Temple), one of the top attractions in Kyoto and a must-visit destination in the historic Higashiyama District. Walk along beautifully preserved stone-paved streets lined with traditional machiya townhouses, tea houses, local cafés, souvenir shops, and kimono rental stores. Admire the iconic five-story Yasaka Pagoda, one of Kyoto’s most photographed landmarks, and enjoy spectacular views that capture the essence of old Kyoto. Located just minutes from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this area is perfect for Kyoto sightseeing, cultural experiences, photography, and discovering authentic Japanese history and traditions.
60 minutes here
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
One of Japan's most well-known temples is Kiyomizudera, which translates to "Pure Water Temple". It got its name from the pristine waters of the Otowa Waterfall, which is located on the forested hillsides east of Kyoto, where it was established in 780. The temple established the Kita Hosso sect in 1965 after first being connected to the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools of Japanese Buddhism. The temple was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The most notable feature of Kiyomizudera is its wooden stage, which protrudes 13 meters over the surrounding hillside from the main hall. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant view of the many cherry and maple trees below, which burst into a sea of color, from the stage.
60 minutes here
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto's most iconic Shinto shrines, dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice, prosperity, and business. Founded in 711 AD, it is famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates(senbon torii) that form tunnels along the trails leading up Mount Inari. These gates, donated by individuals and businesses, symbolize gratitude and prayers for success. The shrine is also known for its fox statues, believed to be Inari’s messengers. Visitors often hike the path up the mountain, which offers scenic views of Kyoto along the way.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ashan Global Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This experience includes an English-speaking driver
- Special rides, cruises, and admission tickets aren’t included and can be purchased directly at each location.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 207 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
207 verified traveler reviews for Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience
We had the best day with our tour guide Sha. We learnt lots about Kyoto and definitely finished the day with a great understanding of Kyoto. Sha was very welcoming and we felt very at ease.
via Viator
Great day in Kyoto!
This is an easy way to easily see prominent sites here in Kyoto. We appreciated the quick opportunity to drive between sites and walk around with a knowledgeable guide, Malik. Note that this is what you make of it - while there’s a recommended order of activities, you can ask to stay longer or reorganize as the group wishes - that’s the value of a private tour like this one. Note that you are still responsible for buying entry tickets where applicable and there will still be significant crowds at some of these sites depending on time. Definitely worth doing.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your generous five-star review. We truly appreciate your kind words and the time you took to share your experience. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and inspires our team to continue delivering exceptional service. We would be delighted to welcome you back on your next visit to Kyoto. If friends or family are planning a trip to Japan, we would be grateful if you shared your experience with them. The timeless beauty of Kyoto’s temples, peaceful gardens, and cultural heritage await their discovery. Thank you once again for your support — it truly encourages us to keep doing our best for every guest.
via Viator
Great tour
Great tour. Perfect for families. We had a lovely day. A great way to see all the sights in one day. Highly recommend.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your generous five-star review. We truly appreciate your kind words and the time you took to share your experience. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and inspires our team to continue delivering exceptional service. We would be delighted to welcome you back on your next visit to Kyoto. If friends or family are planning a trip to Japan, we would be grateful if you shared your experience with them. The timeless beauty of Kyoto’s temples, peaceful gardens, and cultural heritage await their discovery. Thank you once again for your support — it truly encourages us to keep doing our best for every guest.
via Tripadvisor
Malik is the best!
Malik was so wonderful! We had no idea what to do or where to go. We just met Malik and he took us to the coolest places to see in Kyoto. He was super chill- we wanted to try this steak place for lunch and he took us there and patiently waited for us to eat and was back to pick us up as soon as we were ready to go. Highly recommend!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your generous five-star review. We truly appreciate your kind words and the time you took to share your experience. Your feedback is incredibly valuable and inspires our team to continue delivering exceptional service. We would be delighted to welcome you back on your next visit to Kyoto. If friends or family are planning a trip to Japan, we would be grateful if you shared your experience with them. The timeless beauty of Kyoto’s temples, peaceful gardens, and cultural heritage await their discovery. Thank you once again for your support — it truly encourages us to keep doing our best for every guest.
via Viator
Uncomfortable for a group of 6
We were uncomfortable in the minivan for 6 of us, and the guide was shy and not very engaging.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 74
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Ashan Global Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.7.
See everything Ashan Global Tours runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver cost?
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Prices start at $430 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 Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 211 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 Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver?
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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 Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver?
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Around 74 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver 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 Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver?
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Included: Pick-up and Drop-off to Hotel; English-Speaking Driver; Air-conditioned vehicle; Private transportation; and Pick-up options available from Osaka and Nara charging an additional fee of 20000¥. Not included: Food not included; and Admission tickets are not included. Travelers can purchase these directly at location. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Kyoto. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver?
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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 Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver 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 Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver?
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Across 211 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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