These itineraries are sample plans by tour length and can be adjusted to match your interests and pace.
Perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience Kyoto’s major sights in a single, well-paced day.
Itinerary
Meet at an agreed station or hotel pickup
Travel to Arashiyama by train (approx. 1 hour).
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Enjoy a refreshing walk through one of Kyoto’s most iconic natural landmarks, where towering bamboo creates a calm, otherworldly atmosphere.
Lunch
Lunch will be planned either in Arashiyama or near Fushimi Inari. I can recommend great lunch spots based on your preferences.
Travel to Fushimi Inari by train (approx. 1 hour).
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Ascend gentle slopes and stone steps through seemingly endless rows of vibrant red torii gates on the forested hillside.
Travel by train, then on foot or by taxi (20–35 min).
Kiyomizudera Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage temple famous for its wooden stage, built without nails, offering sweeping views over Kyoto.
Kiyomizudera Temple Approach
Walk down the gently sloping historic streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, lined with traditional shops and cafes, with views of Yasaka Pagoda from the outside. Time is set aside for shopping and a cafe break in this area.
Gion Shirakawa Area
Enjoy a scenic walk along the Shirakawa canal, passing historic bridges, traditional wooden townhouses, and atmospheric streets.
Tour ends in the Gion area
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.
| Time of Cancellation | Cancellation Fee |
| 7 days or more before the tour start time | Full refund, minus non-refundable processing fees |
| Between 3 and 6 days before the tour start time | 50% refund, minus non-refundable processing fees |
| Within 2 days of the tour start time, or no-shows | No refund |
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
6-Hour Itinerary Idea
East Kyoto Essentials
4-Hour Itinerary Idea
Golden Zen Trail
