Choose a currency
Private tour in Kyoto Ryan D
The Best of Higashi-yama Kyoto!
-
4 hours
30 minutes
1
Tour date
-
4 hours
30 minutes
1
Ryan D.
0.0
Guide rating
0
Reviews
Tours delivered
5 hrs
Avg. response time
Hello, and welcome! I’m a Swiss-American born and raised in Japan, with a French–Irish father and a Swiss–Japanese mother — a true “walking United Nations.” I’ve been living in Kyoto for over 32 years, and at 37 years old, I still find new wonders in this city every day. For the past 12 years, I’ve worked in hospitality — from hotels and Airbnbs to guiding tours. Kyoto, Japan’s capital for over 1,100 years, is the nation’s cultural heart, home to more than 800 temples, 1,700 shrines, and 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (the most in the world!). Here, history, Zen, and beauty come together in a way unlike anywhere else. On my tours, I love blending the must-see highlights with hidden gems off the beaten path. I share Kyoto’s stories with plenty of history and insight, but always in a light, conversational way — so it feels more like exploring the city with a local friend than attending a school lecture. And because Kyoto has so many incredible things to experience, I can also customize tours to fit your interests. Want to spend a whole day exploring Zen gardens? Prefer peaceful spots away from the crowds? More excited about food, or shopping, than temples? Whatever your style, I’ll craft a tour designed just for you — so you can enjoy Kyoto in the way that’s most meaningful to you. Join me, and let’s discover the magic of Kyoto together!
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Ryan D.
From the heights of Kiyomizu-dera to the Geisha district of Gion!
Overview of your Kyoto tour
Discover Kyoto’s timeless charm on a 5-hour tour with a Kyoto-born American guide: ▪️ A UNESCO World Heritage temple — one of Kyoto’s must-see sites. ▪️ Beautiful scenery — traditional Japanese gardens and centuries-old pathways. ▪️ Charming boutique shops — offering snacks, sweets, pottery, and small gifts. ▪️ The Gion Geisha district — stroll through the area where Geisha live and work. ＊Some locations require an admission fee. If we visit all the sites listed on the itinerary, the total cost will be ¥1,300 per adult or ¥1,000 for guests under 18. “I kindly ask that the guide’s ticket/admission fee be covered by the group.”
Your Kyoto tour itinerary
📍 Meet & Greet Meet at the agreed location (Kyoto station or your Hotel Lobby). 🏯Kiyomizu-dera = Clear water temple World heritage temple famous for its scaffolding structure. One of Kyoto’s most iconic sites. Tickets required 🚶♂️ Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka Walk through the lively streets filled with snakes, sweets, pottery, antiques, and more. 🤫 Ishibekoji = the Cobblestone path Stroll through a narrow, scenic street, which has remained almost unchanged for the past 150 years. ⛩️ Yasaka shrine A 1,300 year old shrine that started the Gion district. 👘 Geisha district Stroll through the streets as I share the life of a Geisha. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Geisha walking by! 🐉 Kenninji temple The oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, featuring beautiful rock gardens and a massive dragon painting. Tickets required 🏁 End of Tour Conclude at the temple or your preferred location.
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: Taxi
Most of the tour will be on foot, but we’ll take a taxi to the first location. The fare is approximately ¥1,000–¥3,000. Each taxi can hold up to four passengers, so we’ll use one to three taxis depending on the size of the group.
What's included
What's not included
Meeting location
Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Tower Sando (https://maps.app.goo.gl/FkqPDorJjA8xzYeG6) Or at your hotel lobby located in the city center
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Tour reference number
Languages
English
JapaneseActivity level
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Kyoto best suited for?
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?
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
-
4 hours
30 minutes
1
Tour date
-
4 hours
30 minutes
1
Tour date
More tours in Kyoto by Ryan D.
Explore more of Kyoto
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.