Fabulous Justin showed us around Kyoto for 2 1/2 days along with our excellent driver, Fuji-san. Justin is a LOT of fun and always kept us laughing, but he is also endlessly knowledgeable about the area. He took us to every place we wanted to see along with some extra sites along the way. We asked countless questions as we toured the Geisha district of Gion and saw the Tatsumi bridge on the Shirakawa River. We toured the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Sanjusangendo Temple, and many more places. We ate our way through Nishiki Market one day for lunch and had excellent restaurant lunches the other days. With Justin, we didn’t have to stress about anything, and he made our trip very special. 10 out of 10, highly recommend!!
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Private tour in Kyoto Chia T
3 Day Kyoto In Depth Tour
5.0
(4) reviews
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3 days
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3 days
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Chia T.
5.0
Guide rating
270
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*In 2024, I had the incredible honor of being recognized as the NO. 1 most booked tour guide of the year—Not Just IN Japan, But WORLDWIDE—on the platform. Building on that milestone, in 2025, I was proud to receive the prestigious Golden Guide Award: Local Legend – East & Southeast Asia, celebrating excellence across the region.* Hello! I’m Justin, your passionate local host in Tokyo, here to show you the best of Japan’s rich culture, history, and modern charm. Tokyo is a city that never stops surprising me with its blend of heritage, futuristic design, and vibrant neighborhoods. Walking its streets, you’ll feel the energy of both the old and the new, and I’d love to take you on a journey to explore this dynamic city up close. But my tours don’t stop there—Kyoto is another city close to my heart. From the lively atmosphere of Sakyo to the serene beauty of Arashiyama, each Kyoto neighborhood has its own story, and I can’t wait to share them with you. As your guide, I’ll introduce you to hidden corners, historical landmarks, and scenic spots that bring Kyoto’s history and culture to life. Are you a food lover? So am I! Japan’s food scene is constantly evolving, and I’m always on the lookout for the latest flavors and traditional gems. I’ll guide you to some of the best local spots, from tucked-away eateries to popular favorites, so you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine as part of your journey. Beyond food, I specialize in Kyoto’s historical and architectural treasures. I’ll take you to discover fascinating buildings, ancient artworks, and cultural sites with stories that bring Kyoto’s past to the present. Whether you’re into architecture, art, or simply curious about Japan’s history, I’m here to tailor the experience just for you. In 2022, I was honored to be chosen as a Kyoto Prefecture Friendship Ambassador, a role that lets me share my culture with people from all around the world. I’m committed to making every tour unforgettable, showing you hidden gems, and giving you a true taste of Japan. So, if you’re ready to explore, eat, and experience Japan like a local, let’s make your next adventure truly special together!
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Chia T.
3-Day Tour : Highlights of Japan's Cultural Heart
Overview of your Kyoto tour
Kyoto may be famous for the ancient Kennin-ji Temple, shrines dating back to the 8th century, and traditional teahouse ceremonies - but there are many more sides to the city. From exploring 1200-year-old Kiyomizu-dera Temple to walking the wood-built streets of storybook-esque Higashiyama to glimpsing geishas in twinkling Gion, you could see the areas that narrate Japan's history. You could walk the perfectly preserved streets of Higashiyama for a birds-eye city view from Yasaka Pagoda, or amble eight minutes north to Gion, Kyoto's famous lantern-lit geisha district and nightlife hub. The city is home to over 1, 600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines, so visiting several is an important part of your itinerary. If you are a fan of Japanese garden design and nature there are stops in here for you too.
Recent Reviews
very friendly and energetic guide.
Justin is a very nice person, very accommodating and patient and I love having him as our guide.
Justin was the most amazing guide for our three days in Kyoto. He planned a perfect itinerary to match our interests. He was knowledgeable about the sites we visited. We enjoyed the restaurants he recommended for lunch. His English is great. He was flexible to our needs. Our children loved his kind demeanor. We all found him to be a smart, energetic, and engaging young man. I cannot imagine a better guide.
Your Kyoto tour itinerary
Sample Itinerary: Day1: 9:00 Meet at your hotel/Kyoto Station as per your preference -Gion area (Geshi district) -Hokanji temple -Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka Slope -Kiyomizudera Temple -Yasaka Jinjia -Ponto-cho and Kiyamachi area -Nishiki Market Shopping District -Heian Shrine 17:00 Finish Day2: 9:00 Meet at your hotel/Kyoto Station as per your preference -Nijo castle -Kinkakuji Temple(Golden Pavilion) -Tenryuji temple -Arashiyama area (Bamboo Grove) -Monkey Mountains 17:00 Finish Day3: 9:00 Meet at your hotel/Kyoto Station as per your preference -Imperial Castle -Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine -Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum -Byōdō-in (on the 10 yen coin) -Hoshokan Museum -kiyamachi (Bar Tasting) 17:00 Finish *We could customize your itinerary based on your request.
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Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
Transport details
Type: Public Transportation / Category: Train
Walking, public transportation (subway, train)
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Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
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