Greg H.United States
Akira was a great guide for Kyoto. He took us to amazing sites and shared the history of each. Very knowledgeable guide, we would highly recommend.
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Private tour in Kyoto Akira M
Private Tour - Full Day Highlights of Kyoto
4.9
(33) reviews
-
8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Akira M.
4.9
Guide rating
208
Reviews
Tours delivered
2 hrs
Avg. response time
Hello ! My name is Akira. Please call me Aki. I am a national licensed tour guide in English for 9 years. I am specialized in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe and Hiroshima. When you have a plan to visit those area, please contact me. In those area, you can find a traditional and cultural Japan. I will guide you wherever you would like to visit and you can enjoy Japan with me for sure. I worked for an export company for more than 30years and met many people from overseas who were interested in Japanese culture, history and buildings. So after I retired, I decided to become a tour guide. Please let me know what and where you are interested in so that I can arrange it for you, and make your itinerary which you will be satisfied with. In my spare time, my hobby is Japanese martial art Aikido (black belt 2nd grade). If you are interested in Japanese martial art, I am pleased to talk about it with you. Looking forward to your inquiry. Thank you so much for reading my introduction, and I look forward to sharing my country with you. - National guide certificate (registration number EN00593) English - Certificate of Authorized Tour Conductor (registration number 05-15-D043954) I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle which you book. Please make sure that rented vehicles have taxi license for me to be able to conduct a tour.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Akira M.
Let's explore this histric, traditional and amazing city together with your own Local Guide
Overview of your Kyoto tour
I am sure that you'll come to know Japanese tradition and culture by visiting these places. Of course we can arrange to visit the places which you would like to see in 8 hours. Kyoto has more than 1000 years of history, so there are many temples, shrines and other world heritage sites. In those places I chose most popular sites. I am sure that you will be satisfied with them and you feel the Japanese atmosphere. Kinkakuji temple is known as the temple of Golden Pavilion. It was built in the 14th century by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. It is one of the most popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto. After that, we'll visit Nijo castle, Kiyomisu temple and Gion district which are also must-see spots in Kyoto.
Recent Reviews
Farshad Y.United States
Great guy with a very friendly personality. We enjoyed being in his tour
Ciara W.Canada
Akira is a true local guide. He is hospitable, kind, and knowledgeable. He is so accommodating and knows the best places to go, and when. He is flexible on itinerary. You feel safe and taken care of when you are guided by him. It's like travelling with family.
Geraldine M.United States
Akira was an excellent guide. He knows a great deal about Japanese history and the significance of the sights we visited. He gives just enough information without overwhelming his guest. He is delightful with very good English. Note: even with using public transportation, there is a lot of walking on this tour.
Peter G.United States
Akira is a fantastic tour guide, very knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating . He is a top choice for anyone looking for a guide in the Kyoto/Osaka area.
John M.United States
Akira was a great guide and we had a lovely, active day in Kyoto. Regretfully we were on a cruise ship and limited to one day. However, we were all over Kyoto and feel we saw as much as you can see in 1 day . Kyoto is not to be missed. The day was a real value compared to other options and the use of public transportation worked very well. We took a bullet train from Himeji and Akira met us right on the platform. He was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to be with.
Your Kyoto tour itinerary
From your hotel we take a public transportation to Kinkakuji temple, Nijo castle, Kiyomizu temple and Gion district. Kiyomizu temple is located in the hill, so you have to walk 30 minutes from the bus stop and from Kiyomizu temple you walk to Gion district one hour. Of course you can take a taxi if your are tired. Our tour will end in the Gion district, or we can return to your hotel.
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
Public transportation and walking.
What's included
Other: - My time and service as your private guide
- My transportation fee to pick you up and during our tour
- My admission fee
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. -Your transportation fee(buses,trains,subways,taxis)
-Your admission fee
- All meals and drinks
- Shopping
Public Transportation
Food Drinks Snacks
Tickets
Private Transportation
Private Transportation With Driver
Accommodation
Tastings
Equipment
Classes Workshop
Meeting location
Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: hotel/accommodation’, ‘airport’, ‘train station’, etc..
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Religious Sites
Tour reference number
390661
Languages
Japanese
EnglishActivity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
4.9
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 historic and traditional aspects of the city with a local guide. It's especially suitable for those interested in Japanese culture and history, as you'll visit significant sites like Kinkakuji temple, Nijo castle, Kiyomizu temple, and the Gion district. The tour is also kid-friendly, making it a great option for families.
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?
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
-
8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
8 hours
Public transportation
Private tour for 1-10 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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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 20% 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.
- The remaining balance will automatically be charged to your credit card 30 days before your tour date.