Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised
Overview
Spend the day with one of our hosts as you unleash your inner explorer in Kyoto! You’re in the ‘City of Temples’ and you’ll be able to visit iconic and sacred sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Maybe explore the culturally rich entertainment district of Gion? Alternatively, you could get off the beaten tourist track and explore some hidden gems in the city that only a local would know about.
Within 24 hours after booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.
Within 24 hours after booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.
Inclusions
- A private and personalized experience
- 3, 5, 7 or 8 hours with your host
- Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
- Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-0882 Kyoto Prefecture
Ready for a morning hiking upon Kyoto’s hills? The famous thousands of vermilion torii gates path stretches from behind the shrine’s grounds into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari (233 meters). But don’t worry, the view from half-way is as just as spectacular. How many fox’s statues will you be able to spot? They are the shrine guardians acting on behalf of Inari, the god connected to rice and sake.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Sannenzaka Ninenzaka, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0001 Kyoto Prefecture
It’s a great traditional place where the narrow lanes, wooden buildings and traditional merchant shops invoke a feeling of the old capital city. The streets in Higashiyama are lined by small shops, cafes and restaurants to Kyoto specialties. Looking for some traditional souvenirs? You’ll find plenty of shops selling pottery, sweets, crafts and more.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862 Kyoto Prefecture
One of the most celebrated temples of Japan, Kiyomizudera is best known for its massive wooden stage, and the beautiful view on the autumn foliage (mid November-early December). Make sure to pay a visit to the nearby Otowa Waterfall: divided into three separate streams, each of them is said to have a different benefit: longevity, success at school and a fortunate love life. Which one would you pick?
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Kennin-ji Temple, 584 Yamatooji Yojo-sagaru Komatsucho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0933 Kyoto Prefecture
Oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, one of the highlights being a gilded folding screen adorned with the most famous images of the the wind and thunder gods. Not to miss the impressive twin dragons painted on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Yasaka Shrine, 625 Giommachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0073 Kyoto Prefecture
Founded over 1350 years ago, Yasaka is the guardian shrine of the Gion entertainment district in Kyoto. It is well known for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri (July), arguably the most famous festival in the whole country.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Maruyama Park, 473 Maruyamacho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0071 Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto’s most popular park for cherry blossoms (end of March-first half of April). The perfect place to take a small break after all the morning walking.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Gion, Kyoto 605-0074 Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto’s most famous Geisha’s district (however, if you spot them, please act respectfully). Make sure to pay a visit to Hanami-koji street and then cross Tatsumi Bridge to reach Shimbashi, the most picturesque part Gion, with elegant traditional wooden houses of Kyoto housing high-class restaurants, cafes, and tea-houses.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Pontocho District, Nakagyo-Ku BetweenKamogawa and Kiyamachi-dori, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture
Pontocho Alley is considered to be the most beautiful street in Kyoto. It’s lined with traditional shops and restaurants, and no cars, modern buildings or gaudy signs are allowed. At dusk, with the red lanterns lining down the narrow street, Pontocho becomes a magical place. And, if you are lucky, you may have the chance of spotting a maiko (apprentice geisha).
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Kiyamachi Street, Ishiyacho Zaimokucho, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto 604-8002 Kyoto Prefecture
Lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, this is a great place to have a drink before heading back to your hotel.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto 612-0882 Kyoto Prefecture
Ready for a morning hiking upon Kyoto’s hills? The famous thousands of vermilion torii gates path stretches from behind the shrine’s grounds into the wooded forest of the sacred Mount Inari (233 meters). But don’t worry, the view from half-way is as just as spectacular. How many fox’s statues will you be able to spot? They are the shrine guardians acting on behalf of Inari, the god connected to rice and sake.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Sannenzaka Ninenzaka, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0001 Kyoto Prefecture
It’s a great traditional place where the narrow lanes, wooden buildings and traditional merchant shops invoke a feeling of the old capital city. The streets in Higashiyama are lined by small shops, cafes and restaurants to Kyoto specialties. Looking for some traditional souvenirs? You’ll find plenty of shops selling pottery, sweets, crafts and more.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Kiyomizu-dera Temple, 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862 Kyoto Prefecture
One of the most celebrated temples of Japan, Kiyomizudera is best known for its massive wooden stage, and the beautiful view on the autumn foliage (mid November-early December). Make sure to pay a visit to the nearby Otowa Waterfall: divided into three separate streams, each of them is said to have a different benefit: longevity, success at school and a fortunate love life. Which one would you pick?
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Kennin-ji Temple, 584 Yamatooji Yojo-sagaru Komatsucho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0933 Kyoto Prefecture
Oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, one of the highlights being a gilded folding screen adorned with the most famous images of the the wind and thunder gods. Not to miss the impressive twin dragons painted on the ceiling of the Dharma Hall.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Yasaka Shrine, 625 Giommachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0073 Kyoto Prefecture
Founded over 1350 years ago, Yasaka is the guardian shrine of the Gion entertainment district in Kyoto. It is well known for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri (July), arguably the most famous festival in the whole country.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Maruyama Park, 473 Maruyamacho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto 605-0071 Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto’s most popular park for cherry blossoms (end of March-first half of April). The perfect place to take a small break after all the morning walking.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Gion, Kyoto 605-0074 Kyoto Prefecture
Kyoto’s most famous Geisha’s district (however, if you spot them, please act respectfully). Make sure to pay a visit to Hanami-koji street and then cross Tatsumi Bridge to reach Shimbashi, the most picturesque part Gion, with elegant traditional wooden houses of Kyoto housing high-class restaurants, cafes, and tea-houses.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Pontocho District, Nakagyo-Ku BetweenKamogawa and Kiyamachi-dori, Kyoto Kyoto Prefecture
Pontocho Alley is considered to be the most beautiful street in Kyoto. It’s lined with traditional shops and restaurants, and no cars, modern buildings or gaudy signs are allowed. At dusk, with the red lanterns lining down the narrow street, Pontocho becomes a magical place. And, if you are lucky, you may have the chance of spotting a maiko (apprentice geisha).
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Kiyamachi Street, Ishiyacho Zaimokucho, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto 604-8002 Kyoto Prefecture
Lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, this is a great place to have a drink before heading back to your hotel.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Please book at least 48 hours in advance so that we can build the best experience for you
- Stroller accessible
- Experiences are fully personalised so any additional requirements like tickets, transportation and food & drinks can be arranged for an additional cost
- Private groups are normally no larger than 6 people (if your group is larger, please make this known so that arrangements can be made)
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
643chiat
May 2023
I used City Unscripted to a Kyoto private tour. The guide was unprepared and unprofessional. He asked me to write 5 star review because he can get extra money. And he also mentioned their hosts can increase their salary if they leave good reviews. That is why this company is terrible and there a...
I used City Unscripted to a Kyoto private tour. The guide was unprepared and unprofessional. He asked me to write 5 star review because he can get extra money. And he also mentioned their hosts can increase their salary if they leave good reviews. That is why this company is terrible and there are so many good reviews. I was shocked that he was our guide. I had to follow up with City Unscripted twice and they offered partial refund and coupon for future visit. I will NEVER use City Unscripted again.Elaine_C
May 2023
We could not have asked for a better guide than Masaya who took our requests and planned a great tour. We were interested in Gion and he covered every part from the geisha street and culture to the temple and pagoda and everything in between. He shared lots of pertinent details about all we saw. ...
We could not have asked for a better guide than Masaya who took our requests and planned a great tour. We were interested in Gion and he covered every part from the geisha street and culture to the temple and pagoda and everything in between. He shared lots of pertinent details about all we saw. We asked for dining suggestions and he not only showed us many favorite restaurants but gave us cards. We have tried two and both were delicious. After the tour he even emailed me some kimono shopping information because I mentioned hoping to find one in Kyoto.Q4952RXmariak
May 2023
Our guide Milos was very knowledgeable about the various sites in Kyoto and had prepared a great tour plan for us. He set a very good pace for progressing through the various landmarks and we managed to see everything we wanted. Equally, he had very in depth knowledge about the cultural heritage ...
Our guide Milos was very knowledgeable about the various sites in Kyoto and had prepared a great tour plan for us. He set a very good pace for progressing through the various landmarks and we managed to see everything we wanted. Equally, he had very in depth knowledge about the cultural heritage and history of each of the sites we visited and fantastic recommendations for what to dedicate our time to over the course of our stay in Kyoto. Really great job and would highly recommend him.JustinTai
May 2023
I was shocked by this company, tour guides have no licenses and unprofessional. A lack of cohesiveness in a team caused several issues for travelers. The team have poor communication. They hire a lot of international students without knowing anything about Japanese history, basically we can just ...
I was shocked by this company, tour guides have no licenses and unprofessional. A lack of cohesiveness in a team caused several issues for travelers. The team have poor communication. They hire a lot of international students without knowing anything about Japanese history, basically we can just use google map to find the places by ourselves. I wouldn’t recommend it.Zebrakurt
May 2023
Tess, our guide was amazing! Very knowledgeable, well prepared and funny. We saw quite a few of the highlights of Kyoto like the Inari Shrine and Gion and also got an impression of the city as a whole. Can only recommend it!
Tess, our guide was amazing! Very knowledgeable, well prepared and funny. We saw quite a few of the highlights of Kyoto like the Inari Shrine and Gion and also got an impression of the city as a whole. Can only recommend it!69vasilikig
May 2023
We had this trip in May and our guide was Tess. She was amazing . So organised. She is very knowledgeable and with great sense of humor. Also the company was amazing with the booking etc. I recommend this company and Tess 100.
We had this trip in May and our guide was Tess. She was amazing . So organised. She is very knowledgeable and with great sense of humor. Also the company was amazing with the booking etc. I recommend this company and Tess 100.