Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Best of Kyoto Private Tour | 3 hours

112 Reviews | Kyoto
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 8 travelers in total.
Adult (1-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 8
2
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Best of Kyoto Private Tour
2 Adults x $279.57
$559.14
Approx Total
$559.14
Short Description: Kickstart your Kyoto visit with your local private guide, get unique insights and tips and make the most out of your trip!

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: Japanese, English
  • Tickets for Kiyomizu Temple included
  • Private Tour
  • Local Guide
  • 1 local drink/tasting
  • Hotel pick-up and drop off
  • Food & beverages not listed as inclusions

Overview

This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Kyoto from a unique perspective! Get to know Kyoto on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Kyoto at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like Gion Area, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka-Jinja Shrine and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included. Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups.

Meeting points

198 Nakanochō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0075, Japan

Open in Google Maps

At the entrance of the Minamiza Theatre, next to Gion Shijo station

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

  • Higashiyama Zoo & Botanical Garden

    Pass by the Zoo and get to see this neighborhood, which preserves the look and feel of feudal-era Japan in a wood-built historic quarter of narrow lanes lined with traditional pottery stores, tea houses, and restaurants for multi-course kaiseki meals.

    30 minutes

  • Yasaka Shrine

    Hokanji temple was built in the Asuka period (538 - 710)

    20 minutes

  • Kongoji Temple

    Learn more about the folk faith, which says that to have a wish granted, you must sacrifice one desire.

    20 minutes

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Over 1200 years have passed since the foundation of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Halfway up Mt. Otowa, one of the peaks in Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountain range stands the temple

    30 minutes

  • Yasaka Shrine

    Before getting to see another shrine, you will have a coffee. This is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto. Founded over 1350 years ago

    20 minutes

  • Gion

    Gion is Kyoto's most famous geisha district

    20 minutes

  • Kamogawa River

    Another unmissable place in Kyoto is Kamo-gawa river. This is probably the most famous and arguably the most popular river in Kyoto.

    20 minutes

  • Nishiki Market Shopping District

    Explore a 400-year-old market, sample local Japanese goodies and shop for souvenirs

    20 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Private tour: only you & your local guide
  • CO2 Neutral: all tours carbon emissions are offset

Free Cancellation

June 18100% refund
June 19No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.9

112 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    103
  • 4 stars
    5
  • 3 stars
    2
  • 2 stars
    2
  • 1 star
    0

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 103 reviews with 5 stars

Excellent Tour Guide

Published on Apr, 2025

Ted was punctual and very good at communicating prior to our tour. He gave us detailed information on the tour about Kyoto and the history and cultural events. Plus, he felt like a friend and was so kind and courteous and went above and beyond to help us figure out some plans for that evening and the next day.

A great guide

Published on Mar, 2025

Eiji came highly recommended and we were very pleased. He is a very nice man and he gave interesting information without overwhelming us.

Great tour with a great guide!

Published on Feb, 2025

Yoshihiro (or Ted to us Americans) is an excellent and knowledgable guide. He gave us a comprehensive view of Buddhist, Shinto, and secular traditions in Kyoto, has wide ranging knowledge of the city's art and history, and showed us the culture on a deeper level than most guides. He's also a very pleasant and fun guy. He also led us to an great tempura restaurant after and gave us some nice recommendations for other parts of our trip. I would highly recommend Ted to anyone visiting Kyoto.

Ted Kyoto talk&walk

Published on Feb, 2025

Ted took us through the artistically startup journey led by the female with a sword - he gave insightful story telling linked to the Geisha neighborhood. The guiding towards temples and shrines gave us a good basis for continuing to visit interesting places in Kyoto. Thank you Ted!

Great time, Great City, Great Guide

Published on Dec, 2024

We had the pleasure of joining a guided tour in Kyoto with Guia, and it was an unforgettable experience. Guia was incredibly friendly, funny, and entertaining, making us feel comfortable and engaged from the start. Her deep knowledge of Kyoto’s rich history and culture was impressive, and she shared it in a way that was both informative and captivating. She took us to the most beautiful and iconic spots in the city, as well as a few hidden gems we would have never discovered on our own. The time flew by, and by the end of the tour, we all felt like we had not only learned a lot but also gained a genuine appreciation for Kyoto. If you’re looking for an amazing guide who can bring the city to life, Guia is the one to choose. Highly recommended!

Compare Similar Experiences

Current

Highlights & Hidden Gems With Locals: Be ...
24380P968
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
112
Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlig ...
Likely To Sell Out
30791P164
time

2 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,353
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour ...
175777P12
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
636
Kyoto Gion Night Walk - Small Group Guid ...
92163P220
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
463
Kyoto Rickshaw Tour
6808KYORICKSHAW
time

30 minutes to 3 hours

time Free Cancellation
166
Kyoto Geisha District Walking Tour in Gi ...
New On TravelOne
21490P162
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
131
Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Templ ...
Likely To Sell Out
63670P34
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
98
Your Private Vacation Photography Sessio ...
92281P2
time

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
92
Geisha Streets & "Real Kyoto" Magical Ni ...
New On TravelOne
478373P5
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
92
1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide
Likely To Sell Out
22178P23
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
71
Kyoto night walk tour (Gion district)
227614P3
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
62
Kyoto: Night Walk in Gion and Higashiyam ...
New On TravelOne
459077P2
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
53
Half-Day Private Walking Tour in Kyoto
288428P3
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
43
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour
Skip The Line
28575P18
time

8 hours to 9 hours

time Free Cancellation
9,562
Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
63670P28
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,531
Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour
38922P1
time

3 hours 45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1,452
Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlig ...
Likely To Sell Out
30791P164
time

2 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,353
Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
63670P6
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,260
Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in ...
60659P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1,178
Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour
63670P22
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,067
Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto plus Lun ...
90162P2
time

5 hours to 6 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,030
Kyoto Samurai Experience
44484P1
time

1 hour 45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1,028
Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English-Sp ...
427786P1
time

5 hours to 6 hours

time Free Cancellation
995
Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-L ...
Likely To Sell Out
92136P55
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
931
World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authenti ...
New On TravelOne
28575P54
time

9 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
817
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Plan your Next Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover

TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or would you like TravelOne AI to suggest one?

What is your destination?

Are you visiting Japan for the first time?

Travel Date

What is your general interest for this trip?

City Breakup


Travelers Details


Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2

Accommodation Preferences

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Dining Preferences

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Transportation

What are your preferences for arrival/departure transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Guide Support

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Dining recommendations/reservations?

Flights Preferences

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Olive Oil Tasting Wine Making Workshops
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings High Tea
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Brunch Dinner Lunch Breakfast Restaurants Dinner and Show Tickets
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Whale Watching Shark Diving Wildlife Watching Wildlife Encounters Swim with Dolphins Zoos & Wildlife Parks Aquariums Safaris
    Hiking & Exploration
    Hiking Tours Glacier Walks Nature Walks National Parks Nature Parks Parks Natural Attractions Outback Tours
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Horseback Riding Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Sailing Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding Jet Ski Rentals
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Snorkeling Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Fishing Charters Eco Tours
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Attractions & Museums Planetariums
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Ghost Tours Crime Tours Underground Tours
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers Classic Car Tours
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Sufi Whirling Shows Easter Lunar New Year
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Spas Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    National Parks Nature Parks Involves Poverty Stricken Communities Involves Animals
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Walking Tours Self-guided Tours
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Cycling Cycling Classes Bike Rentals Bike Tours E-Bike Tours
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows Live Concerts Music Tours
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Festivals Mardi Gras Carnival Christmas Halloween Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Cultural Tours Culture Costume Dress Up Experiences Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Pottery Classes Photography Tours
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Helicopter Tours Heli-Hiking Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Hummer Tours Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Motor Sports Go Kart Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks Flyboarding
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Caving Sea Caving
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing Scavenger Hunts Fun & Games
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Sports Lessons Cycling Cycling Classes
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Private and Luxury Viator VIP Tours Once in a Lifetime Experiences Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator Exclusive Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations Photo Shoots
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Pack Animal Tours Ferry Services Water Transfers Water Parks Water Equipment Rentals
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Summer Winter Spring Break Winter Sports

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!

    Loading questions for you...! Please wait...!