Joseph M.United States
Excellent guide who made very good choices.
Choose a currency
Private tour in Kyoto Rick I
Half Day Kyoto highlight tour and optional Maiko dinner (2 hours)
5.0
(5) reviews
-
5 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
5 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 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
Rick I.
5.0
Guide rating
49
Reviews
Tours delivered
8 hrs
Avg. response time
My nick name is Rick and Japanese name is Ryoichi. I was born and grew up in Kyoto. Kyoto has so many sightseeing spots based on its 1000 year history. I will propose you the "must see" spots from local eyes not only temples & shrines but also alternative side of Kyoto. As Kyoto certified English guide and National Government Licensed English guide, I will assist you with high hospitality for your satisfactory stay in Kyoto. 1. For the first visitors I will prepare the tour with selection out of the spots as Nijo-castle, Imperial Palace, Nishiki-market, Gion amusement quarter, Arashiyama area and some temples and shrines of World Cultural Heritage Sites based on your request and taste. 2. For the visitors who want to see more spots than regular tours I will prepare some unique tours like visiting Fushimi area for Sake brewery and riding classical boat, visiting some traditional handicrafts ateliers, enjoying traditional performing art, etc. Please make any inquiry for your preferred type of Kyoto guiding without hesitation. I would be happy to propose you with the type of tour that makes your visit in Kyoto unforgettable one. National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN01767) City of Kyoto Visitors Host - Licensed Guide certified by City of Kyoto (EN00004) 2nd Grade of the licensing examination on knowledge of Kyoto history & culture I do not have a commercial driver's license. I cannot drive during the tours.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Rick I.
Kyoto cultural properties and traditional performing art
Overview of your Kyoto tour
By joining this tour, you can enjoy the main 3 sightseeing spots of Kyoto in 5 hours. After that, you have an option to join Maiko dinner which you can enjoy Japanese cuisine and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) performance in around 2 hours . This tour is only for the visitors who stay in Kyoto. (Option) Maiko dinner The Maiko dinner is for a group of three persons or more and the price is 52, 500JPY per person (62,500JPY in high season; Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, Mar. 15 to Jun. 30) or less depending on the number of people of the group. (the price is as of Jan. 9. 2026) If you want to join it, please send me a message about it at the timing of tour booking. The dinner booking procedure will be advised by Rick. If you take the afternoon tour, Rick will take you to the restaurant of Miko dinner just after the tour. The location is Yasaka-dori Enraku. The booking is recommended to be done at least five days before the date and dinner cancel policy will be applied after the booking. The detail will be informed upon request.
Recent Reviews
Igor T.United States
Punctual, knowledgeable, very flexible. Polite & accommodating. We had marvelous tour today. It was raining but we got to se all planned sights. He answered all of our questions & showed us everything we wanted to see. Thank you. Highly recommend
Ruth H.United States
Ryoichi (Rick) was the best tour guide I have ever had the pleasure of spending a half day with. He was very knowledgeable and accommodating. He knew the history and the "special" features of every place we visited. I would definitely book with him again. His English was excellent. Thank you so much for everything.
Nicholas B.United Kingdom
Excellent tour. Rick is a friendly and knowledgeable guide.
Your Kyoto tour itinerary
Please select one of the courses below. < Golden course > - Golden pavilion - Nijo castle - Nishiki market - (Option) Maiko dinner < East course> - Silver pavilion - Philosopher's path - Nanzennji temple - (Option) Maiko dinner < West course > - Bamboo groove - Tenryuji temple - Ryoanji temple - (Option) Maiko dinner < South course > - Fushimi Inari shrine - Kenninji temple - Gion walk - (Option) Maiko dinner The visiting spots may be changed based on the communication with the customer.
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: Public Transportation / Category: Train
Subway, train, bus. Taxi may be used depending on the situation. Also the tour includes 4 to 5 Kilometers' walk.
What's included
Other: Hotel pick-up in central Kyoto area.
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Entrance fee
Option fee: Maiko dinner(48,500JPY per person or less depending on the number of people of the group. The minimum number of a group is 3 people.)
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
The hotel you stay in Kyoto
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Religious Sites
City Highlights
Tour reference number
590517
Languages
Japanese
EnglishActivity level
Moderate
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Kyoto best suited for?
This private tour in Kyoto is perfect for travellers who want to explore the cultural highlights of the city with a local guide. It's ideal for those staying in Kyoto who wish to experience the main sightseeing spots and enjoy an optional Maiko dinner for a deeper cultural experience.
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?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
5 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
5 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
More tours in Kyoto by Rick I.
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 GemsKyoto highlights full day tour with a guide/photographerExplore Kyoto Full Day Tour by MinivanSummer sale! 1 Day_Best of Kyoto or Nara or Osaka with Kyoto-born native guideKyoto Half-Day History/Culture Tour with Two Local Guides!Tomoko's Customized Kyoto Full Day Tour8 hours Family trip in Kyoto(T5M)Kyoto 6 to 7hours Zero Emission Car Personalized Tour with a Japanese Tour Navigator(Nara optional)One Day Kyoto customized tourKyoto in a Day: A Private Journey Through Time and BeautyA Super Packed Kyoto 2 Day Itinerary for First TimersThe best course of Kyoto city tourSunrise to sunset: the ultimate Kyoto experienceSavor Kyoto by Night: Hidden Delights & Historic StreetsDiscover Gion – Kyoto’s Iconic Geisha DistrictKyoto Highlight One Day TourKyoto Must-See Places - Private TourHalf-Day Kyoto Experience: Tailored Private TourKyoto Highlights Private Tour (Full day)Calm, Quiet, Authentic Kyoto With a History & Culture Guide.Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour: Culture & Food ExperienceThe Soul of Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Journey Through Temples, Culture and Hidden BeautyKyoto Highlights Private TourTwilight Elegance: A Night Stroll Through GionKyoto Day Tour with Two Local Guides!Summer sale!! Half day Kyoto Tour with Kyoto-born native guide Bespoke Premium Tour: With Exclusive Access to Inaccessible Sites.Private Tour - Your choice of KyotoMultiple Days_Kyoto and other cities with Kyoto-born native guideFull day private guided tour of Must See in KyotoWestern Highlights in Kyoto for first time visitors - Full Day TourBespoke Half-Day Tour: (ALL INCLUDED) Kyoto's Must-See Sites with Some Hidden GemsKyoto Night Food tour - Gion to Pontocho DistrictsKyoto Essence: Temples, Bamboo Grove & Golden Pavilion by Private CarA Beautiful Full Day Tour in KyotoEnjoy multiday Kyoto’s timeless charm with private guideLUXURY EXPERIENCE: Intimate tea ceremony with a Maiko in a traditional teahouse.Early Morning Tour: Avoid the Crowd in Kyoto as Popular Travel Destinations and Feel the Sacred Atmosphere in the Dawn【2026】Kyoto Sakura tour with 2 guides!
Book with a deposit
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.