Private tour in Kyoto Andrew W

33,033 Buddhas (Kyoto Half-Day Tour)

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Andrew W.

5.0

Guide rating

64

Reviews

Tours delivered

4 hrs

Avg. response time

This is the Kyoto you came for. The spiritual, insightful one. Travel deep into the heart of Japan for an authentic and unforgettable journey into Japanese aesthetics, history, and world view. Your whole perception of Kyoto will be profoundly different afterwards. Drawing on my 12 years of experience as a landscape designer in the U. S. A. , 5 years working in the traditional garden industry in Kyoto, and my self-studies in Eastern philosophy since as long as I can remember, I am able to provide experiences for my guests that are unique and from the heart. Living in Kyoto for 15+ years, I have come to fully understand that by limiting one's precious time here to visiting only the "must see" sites, one can hardly experience the beauty, serenity and deep spiritual nature of this town. Unless your idea of an enjoyable time is fighting through dense crowds, endless souvenir shops and noisy surroundings, I'd really recommend steering clear of most of the "must-see's" all together. By visiting lesser known but nontheless stunning sites that are far off the usual tourist route, we can immerse ourselves in the exquisite and mystical nature of Kyoto. The experience we will share will feel less like a tour and more like a meaningful day considering design, philosophy and history while visiting amazing locations of harmony and beauty. Available for half-day, full-day, and multi-day tours, I hope I can lead you on an enchanting and introspective outing while helping you to better understand this enigmatic country of Japan. Over 1,350 5-star reviews on various travel websites. Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture. 5 years experience working in traditional Kyoto garden companies. Certificate of Graduation from the Kyoto Japanese Gardener Training Program. 12 years professional experience working in garden design/ build in the U.S.A. As we travel through the town we will utilize public transportation, taxis or walk. As I am not a driver, I can arrange for a separate car and driver.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Andrew W.

Overview of your Kyoto tour

As Kyoto's history traces back over 1, 300 years, there are literally hundreds of sites that are worth visiting during one's brief stay in this city. Two places that I personally feel must be visited to fully understand the depth of Kyoto's cultural heritage are part of this experience, Sanjusangen-do and the Kawai Kanjiro Memorial House. The third site, Chishaku-in, is a temple complex that is surprisingly always very quiet and is home to a magestic garden that recreates Mt. Rozan, a mystical mountain in China that often appears in Buddhist mythology. As these three sites were created in 1266, the lates 1500's, and the early 1900's, we will witness how Japanese art and philosophy evolved over Kyoto's long history. Time permitting, we will have a stop at one of the local shops to try some Japanese sweets:)

Your Kyoto tour itinerary

Sanjusangen-do: The longest wooden building in Japan and one of the oldest structures in Kyoto. Home to 1, 001 jaw-dropping golden Buddha statues. Unfortunately no photographs are allowed inside. Chishaku-in: The first-ever artificially created mountain in Kyoto, this garden will transport your mind to far-away lands. Also on display are sliding door paintings created by Hasegawa Tohaku, one of Japan's most heralded painters. The Kawai Kanjiro Memorial House: The converted home of a noted 20th century master potter, this museum is a fine example of the wabi sabi way of design and living. Japanese sweets: Depending our pace, we will stop at one of several sweets shops in the area.

Want to customize this tour?

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: Walking

This is a walking experience.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: 2,200 yen per person to cover the cost of admission tickets. Budget for souvenirs varies by guest. ***Please inquire for groups larger than 4 guests. There will be $30 fee for each guest over the 4 person limit.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0951, Japan

In front of Chishaku-in

  • You can request a different meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout process.
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
City Highlights
Tour reference number
605154
Languages
English
Japanese
Activity level
Minimal

Frequently asked questions

Who is this private tour in Kyoto best suited for?

This private tour in Kyoto is perfect for travellers who are interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of the city. It's ideal for those who want to delve into the history and evolution of Japanese art and philosophy, as well as those who appreciate quiet, serene environments like the Chishaku-in temple complex. With a focus on significant historical sites and a chance to try local Japanese sweets, this tour suits anyone looking to connect with Kyoto's unique past and present.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Kyoto be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
Start time
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Explore more of Kyoto
UNESCO: Full-day Tour in Kyoto – History and Culture Capital of Japan.Bespoke One-Day Tour: (ALL INCLUDED) Kyoto's Must-See Sites with Some Hidden GemsTomoko's Customized Kyoto Full Day TourExplore Kyoto Full Day Tour by MinivanKyoto highlights full day tour with a guide/photographerSummer sale! 1 Day_Best of Kyoto or Nara or Osaka with Kyoto-born native guideOne Day Kyoto customized tourKyoto Half-Day History/Culture Tour with Two Local Guides!Sunrise to sunset: the ultimate Kyoto experience8 hours Family trip in KyotoThe best course of Kyoto city tourA Super Packed Kyoto 2 Day Itinerary for First TimersKyoto in a Day: A Private Journey Through Time and Beauty(T5M)Kyoto 6 to 7hours Zero Emission Car Personalized Tour with a Japanese Tour Navigator(Nara optional)Savor Kyoto by Night: Hidden Delights & Historic StreetsA Leisurely Journey Through Kyoto’s Iconic SightsDiscover Gion – Kyoto’s Iconic Geisha DistrictKyoto Must-See Places - Private TourHalf-Day Kyoto Experience: Tailored Private TourMultiple Days_Kyoto and other cities with Kyoto-born native guideTwilight Elegance: A Night Stroll Through GionKyoto Highlight One Day TourKyoto Highlights Private Tour (Full day)Kyoto Day Tour with Two Local Guides!Private Tour - Your choice of KyotoKyoto Highlights Private TourWestern Highlights in Kyoto for first time visitors - Full Day TourFull day private guided tour of Must See in KyotoKyoto Night Food & Drink tour from Gion to Pontocho DistrictsSummer sale!! Half day Kyoto Tour with Kyoto-born native guide 2 full days Kyoto TourBespoke Half-Day Tour: (ALL INCLUDED) Kyoto's Must-See Sites with Some Hidden GemsA Beautiful Full Day Tour in KyotoBespoke Premium Tour: With Exclusive Access to Inaccessible Sites.Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour: Culture & Food Experience【2026】Kyoto Sakura tour with 2 guides!Enjoy multiday Kyoto’s timeless charm with private guideKyoto Half-day Private TourMagical Kyoto: 2-Hour Private Gion night walking TourKyoto Essence: Temples, Bamboo Grove & Golden Pavilion by Private Car