Private tour in Kyoto Tess L

Kyoto Samurai & Ninja culture tour

5.0

(27) reviews

-
Hours icon 5 hours 30 minutes
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-5 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
-
Hours icon 5 hours 30 minutes
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-5 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

Tess L.

5.0

Guide rating

215

Reviews

Tours delivered

21 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello and welcome to Kyoto! My name is Tess and I am an experienced tour guide with 6 years of experience showing visitors around Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I am always on the lookout for the most delicious street food and the coziest Izakaya in town. I have extensive knowledge of Japanese wine, and I can point you in the direction of the best restaurants and special cuisine that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you are a connoisseur or simply enjoy trying new things, I can guarantee you an unforgettable culinary experience. In addition to my love for food, I also have a strong passion for Japanese history and culture. Having worked at the Samurai and Ninja museum, as well as a kimono and teahouse for three years, I have gained a wealth of knowledge about the customs and traditions of Japan. Whether you're interested in learning about the history of the samurai or the art of the tea ceremony, I can offer you an insightful and engaging tour. As your tour guide, I am committed to making your visit to Kyoto as enjoyable and memorable as possible. With my enthusiasm, positive attitude, and insider knowledge, I can help you discover the best that this city has to offer. So why not let me show you around and introduce you to the wonders of Kyoto? I'm looking forward to meeting you! 3 years - Samurai and Ninja museum tour guide 1 year - Maikoya tea house Kimono and hairdresser. I do not have any restrictions in regard to my guiding, I can offer a full range of experiences.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Tess L.

Overview of your Kyoto tour

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure through Kyoto's rich cultural history? Join me for an immersive tour of Kyoto's Samurai and Ninja culture. Discover the grandeur of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the secrets of Nijo Castle, and the hidden tactics of Nijo Jinya. Finally, indulge in local delicacies at Nishiki Market, the oldest fish market in Kyoto. This tour is your chance to experience the rich cultural heritage of Japan's legendary warriors and explore Kyoto like a local. (Optional) Experience 450yrs old Martial arts, Tamiya-ryu. In 1600, Tamiya is the famous samurai family name. During Edo period, 95% of the samurai school use this martial art. (This tour more than 4p is available, please message me)

Your Kyoto tour itinerary

Meet up at hotel lobby - Walking Experience - (Visiting 3 spots, Nishiki Market is must, others 2 spots are by choice. ) •Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868. (Monday close) •Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by the Tokugawa shoguns 420 years ago. Most historic and excellently preserved castle. •Nishiki market, the oldest fish market in Kyoto. > Takoyaki(octopus ball), Karaage(Japanese fried chicken), Koroke(Fried mashed potato), skewer octopus, Maccha sweets, and many famous Japanese street food. •Nijo Jinya, a former hotel for Daimyo during their visits to Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace. >It was built around 1670 and has functioned as an accommodation for daimyos (feudal lords) who stopped by on their way to and from their official duties. (Restricted to high school students and above) • (Optional/1hrs) Martial arts training, SAMURAI IADO sword training, or Ninja experience. •The itinerary is flexible.

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

Walking tour

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets: Admission tickets
Meeting location

Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Hotel, station, by guide

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
History
Classes And Workshops
Food And Drink
Architecture
Tour reference number
1075548
Languages
English
Mandarin
Japanese
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
5.0

Traveller reviews for this private tour in Kyoto

27 reviews

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Kyoto best suited for?

This private tour in Kyoto is perfect for those interested in exploring the rich cultural history of Samurai and Ninja. It's ideal for travellers who want to experience Kyoto like a local, with the guidance of Tess L., a former guide from the Samurai and Ninja Museum. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly, and for those who enjoy moderate walking activities.

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 5 hours 30 minutes
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-5 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
-
Hours icon 5 hours 30 minutes
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-5 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 Tess L.
Similar tours in Kyoto
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/photographerSummer sale! 1 Day_Best of Kyoto or Nara or Osaka with Kyoto-born native guideExplore Kyoto Full Day Tour by MinivanKyoto 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 TimersSavor Kyoto by Night: Hidden Delights & Historic StreetsThe best course of Kyoto city tourSunrise to sunset: the ultimate Kyoto experienceKyoto Must-See Places - Private TourDiscover Gion – Kyoto’s Iconic Geisha DistrictKyoto Highlight One Day TourHalf-Day Kyoto Experience: Tailored Private TourCalm, Quiet, Authentic Kyoto With a History & Culture Guide.Multiple Days_Kyoto and other cities with Kyoto-born native guideKyoto Highlights Private Tour (Full day)Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour: Culture & Food ExperienceKyoto Highlights Private TourThe Soul of Kyoto: A Full-Day Private Journey Through Temples, Culture and Hidden BeautyPrivate Tour - Your choice of KyotoKyoto Day Tour with Two Local Guides!Twilight Elegance: A Night Stroll Through GionFull day private guided tour of Must See in KyotoSummer sale!! Half day Kyoto Tour with Kyoto-born native guide Kyoto Night Food tour - Gion to Pontocho DistrictsWestern Highlights in Kyoto for first time visitors - Full Day TourBespoke Half-Day Tour: (ALL INCLUDED) Kyoto's Must-See Sites with Some Hidden GemsBespoke Premium Tour: With Exclusive Access to Inaccessible Sites.Kyoto Essence: Temples, Bamboo Grove & Golden Pavilion by Private CarA Beautiful Full Day Tour in Kyoto【2026】Kyoto Sakura tour with 2 guides!Enjoy multiday Kyoto’s timeless charm with private guideLUXURY EXPERIENCE: Intimate tea ceremony with a Maiko in a traditional teahouse.Magical Kyoto: 2-Hour Private Gion night walking Tour