Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

Traveler reviews

194 verified traveler reviews for Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.