These itineraries are sample plans by tour length and can be adjusted to match your interests and pace.

An ideal tour for travelers who want to explore Kyoto’s northwest area efficiently.
This tour visits two UNESCO World Heritage temples: Kinkakuji and Ryoanji.

Itinerary

Travel by bus (approx. 30 minutes).

Known as the Golden Pavilion, this iconic Zen temple is covered in gold leaf and beautifully reflected in the surrounding pond and garden.

Travel by bus or taxi (approx. 5–15 minutes).

Famous for its minimalist rock garden, Ryoanji offers a quiet space to pause, reflect, and experience Zen aesthetics.

Travel by bus (approx. 20 minutes).

This shrine is known for the god of learning, its seasonal natural beauty, and rows of traditional lanterns.

Guidance to the nearest station or bus stop will be provided.

FAQ

Please review the FAQs before making a request.

Steps to Join the Tour

1.Submit a Request

Tell me your preferred date, tour length, and interests using the form below.

2.Discuss Your Plan

I’ll review your request and work with you by email to shape a personalized tour based on your interests.

3.Pay Online

Once the tour details are confirmed, I will send you a secure link for advance payment. Credit cards are accepted. PayPal is available upon request.

4.Tour Day

We’ll meet on the tour day and enjoy a relaxed, memorable private tour.

Customization

These itineraries are examples only. Tours can be fully customized based on your interests, preferred pace, and desired experiences. Hands-on cultural activities such as traditional Japanese sweets–making can also be arranged upon request.

In addition to Kyoto, private tours are available in Osaka and Nara as well. Just let me know where you would like to go or what you would like to focus on during your time in Japan.

Have questions before you submit your request? Feel free to send me a message.

Pricing

All tours are fully customized and personally guided by me. I will design the itinerary based on your interests, pace, and travel style.

Tour Duration & Base Price
(Price is per group, up to 3 guests)

• 8 hours — from USD 330
• 6 hours — from USD 270
• 4 hours — from USD 200

The above prices apply to 1–3 guests. Whether you are traveling solo or as a group of three, the price remains the same. For groups of 4 or more, please get in touch for a customized quote.

Additional Time
Extra time can be added at USD 50 per additional hour.

What’s Included in the Tour Fee

• A private tour personally guided by Waka, a Kyoto-based Japanese guide fluent in English
• A fully customized itinerary tailored to your interests, pace, and needs
• Hotel pick-up within Kyoto city
• Photo assistance during the tour, with digital photos shared after the tour

What’s Not Included in the Tour Fee

• Guests’ transportation costs, meals, and entrance fees
• Minimum necessary food and drink costs and entrance fees for the guide, if applicable
• Taxi fares, if used during the tour
• Fees for optional cultural experiences, if applicable
• Gratuities for the guide (optional)

Notes

• Children aged 5 and under can join the tour free of charge. Age is based on the tour date.
• While my main pickup area is central Kyoto, I may be able to pick you up from accommodations outside the city limits depending on availability. Please feel free to contact me in advance to discuss.
• Tours can start at a flexible time, as long as the tour ends by 10:00 PM. Guiding services are available between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM.
• Tours operate rain or shine.
• Most tours involve a combination of walking and public transportation (trains or buses).

Cancellation Policy

Your booking is confirmed once the tour fee has been paid. After the booking is confirmed, the cancellation policy below will apply.

All refunds will be processed via the original payment method. All cancellation periods are based on the local date in Japan.

Tour Date Changes

If you would like to change your tour date, please contact me at least 48 hours before the tour start time. If I am available on your requested new date, I will be happy to reschedule the tour at no additional charge.

If I am not available on the requested date, the tour cannot be rescheduled. In that case, you may choose to keep the original date or cancel the tour. If you choose to cancel, the refund will be processed according to the cancellation policy.

Other Itinerary Ideas

8-Hour Itinerary Idea
Kyoto Highlights in One Day

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6-Hour Itinerary Idea
East Kyoto Essentials

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