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Kyoto Highlights Private Tour with Local driver

5h–10h4.7 / 5 · 237 reviews on Viator / Tripadvisor
Kyoto Highlights Private Tour with Local driver
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Kyoto Highlights Private Tour with Local driver

About this experience

Explore Kyoto in Style and Comfort! Discover the magic of Kyoto on our exclusive private day trip by car. Your day, your way. We customize the itinerary to match your interests and preferences.The trip showcases a variety of temples and shrines in a day—including Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the bamboo forest in Arashiyama. As it’s a private trip, the itinerary can be customized based on your requests. Say goodbye to crowded buses and trains. Our private car ensures a comfortable and efficient journey between sites, maximizing your sightseeing time. No rush, no fixed timetable. You decide how long you want to spend at each stop. We're here to accommodate your pace. Book our Private Kyoto Day Trip by Car today and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting city!

What to expect

  1. Stop 1 · 1h 30min

    Arashiyama is a rural area in Kyoto with a very beautiful nature. Arashiyama is famous for its bamboo forest. Nestled on the western outskirts of Kyoto, Arashiyama offers a blend of historic charm and stunning landscapes that captivate visitors from around the world.

  2. Stop 2 · 1h

    Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a revered Zen Buddhist temple located in Kyoto, Japan. Renowned for its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings, Kinkaku-ji stands as a testament to the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship and spirituality. The temple's upper two floors are adorned with shimmering gold leaf, creating a breathtaking sight that is reflected in the tranquil pond that surrounds it.

  3. Stop 3 · 2h

    Kiyomizu Temple is the biggest and the most famous temple in Japan and has been registered as the world heritage in UNESCO. Surrounding Kiyomizu-dera, the Higashiyama district is a treasure trove of traditional Japanese culture. Narrow lanes lined with traditional machiya houses, quaint shops, and artisan studios provide an authentic taste of old Kyoto. The historic Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka sloping streets are particularly charming and offer opportunities for exploration and discovery. Besides that you can also rent yukata to walk around Kyoto and take great pictures.

  4. Stop 4 · 1h 30min

    Fushimi Inari Taisha, is a sacred Shinto shrine renowned for its iconic torii gates and profound spiritual significance. As one of the most visited shrines in Japan, Fushimi Inari Taisha offers a unique and enchanting experience that captivates visitors from around the world. The shrine is characterized by its vivid vermillion torii gates that create a mesmerizing pathway through the forested slopes of Mount Inari. This symbolic trail, known as the Senbon Torii, leads visitors on a spiritual journey, representing a passage between the physical world and the divine.

What’s included

  • Petrol/Gas
  • English Speaking Driver
  • Walking guide (included with Premium Plan only)
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Parking Fees

Not included

  • Lunch
  • Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Tour & ticket options

Options may have different inclusions and meeting points. Choose your option when booking on Viator.

Osaka pickup–Hiace(Driver)

Toyota Hiace: Includes a spacious Hiace vehicle with an English-speaking driver. Pickup included

Kobe Port (8–10H) - Standard

English-speaking driver-guide Pickup included

Kyoto P/U • Driver-Guide

Driver-Guide: English-speaking driver-guide. Commentary provided during the drive. Duration: 9 hours: Full-Day (8–10 hours) Pickup included

Kobe Port–Premium(Guide)

Premium (Driver + Guide): Upgrade to a premium experience with a dedicated guide who accompanies you into sites, shares stories, maximizes your visit. Pickup included

Osaka pickup– Standard(Driver)

English speaking driver: Travel smoothly between sights with a professional driver. Ideal for independent travelers who want flexible support. Pickup included

Microbus(10~22 Pax)

Premium(Driver+Guide): Upgrade to a premium experience with a dedicated guide who accompanies you into sites, shares stories, maximizes your visit. Pickup included

Kyoto pickup–Hiace(Guide)

Premium(Driver + Guide): Upgrade to a premium experience with a dedicated guide who accompanies you into sites, shares stories, maximizes your visit. Toyota Hiace: Includes a spacious Hiace vehicle and a local guide. Pickup included

Osaka pickup–Hiace(Guide)

Toyota Hiace: Includes a spacious Hiace vehicle and a local guide. Pickup included

Kyoto pickup–Hiace(Driver)

Driver: The driver provides basic information during travel but does not accompany guests at sightseeing locations. Toyota Hiace: Includes a spacious Hiace vehicle with an English-speaking driver. Pickup included

Kyoto Pickup–Premium(Guide)

Driver + Private Guide: Upgrade to a premium experience with a dedicated guide who accompanies you into sites, shares stories, maximizes your visit. Duration: 9 hours: Full-Day (8–10 hours) Pickup included

Osaka pickup–Premium(Guide)

Premium (Driver + Guide): Upgrade to a premium experience with a dedicated guide who accompanies you into sites, shares stories, maximizes your visit. Pickup included

Before you go

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Time for transportation and lunch is already included in the total duration.
  • Guide services depend on the selected plan. ・Standard Plan: Includes an English-speaking driver who provides general information while traveling between destinations. The driver remains with the vehicle and does not provide walking tours. ・Premium Plan: Includes a walking guide who accompanies guests at each sightseeing location.
  • The operator will contact you via WhatsApp the day before the tour.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.