banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner

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

112 Reviews | Kyoto
From $149.07 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
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

October 26100% refund
October 27No 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
From
$149 /   Person
Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlig ...
Likely To Sell Out
30791P164
time

2 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,353
From
$76 /   Person
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour ...
175777P12
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
636
From
$35 /   Person
Kyoto Gion Night Walk - Small Group Guid ...
92163P220
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
463
From
$50 /   Person
Kyoto Rickshaw Tour
6808KYORICKSHAW
time

30 minutes to 3 hours

time Free Cancellation
166
From
$41 /   Person
Kyoto Geisha District Walking Tour in Gi ...
New On TravelOne
21490P162
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
131
From
$28 /   Person
Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Templ ...
Likely To Sell Out
63670P34
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
98
From
$105 /   Person
Your Private Vacation Photography Sessio ...
92281P2
time

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
92
From
$307 /   Group
Geisha Streets & "Real Kyoto" Magical Ni ...
New On TravelOne
478373P5
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
92
From
$120 /   Person
1 Day Kyoto Tour with a Local Guide
Likely To Sell Out
22178P23
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
71
From
$150 /   Person
Kyoto night walk tour (Gion district)
227614P3
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
62
From
$50 /   Person
Kyoto: Night Walk in Gion and Higashiyam ...
New On TravelOne
459077P2
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
53
From
$27 /   Person
Half-Day Private Walking Tour in Kyoto
288428P3
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
43
From
$92 /   Person
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
From
$119 /   Person
Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
63670P28
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,531
From
$74 /   Person
Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour
38922P1
time

3 hours 45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1,452
From
$126 /   Person
Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlig ...
Likely To Sell Out
30791P164
time

2 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,353
From
$76 /   Person
Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
63670P6
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,260
From
$162 /   Person
Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in ...
60659P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1,178
From
$113 /   Person
Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour
63670P22
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,067
From
$57 /   Person
Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto plus Lun ...
90162P2
time

5 hours to 6 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,030
From
$102 /   Person
Kyoto Samurai Experience
44484P1
time

1 hour 45 minutes

time Free Cancellation
1,028
From
$123 /   Person
Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English-Sp ...
427786P1
time

5 hours to 6 hours

time Free Cancellation
995
From
$107 /   Person
Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-L ...
Likely To Sell Out
92136P55
time

6 hours

time Free Cancellation
931
From
$150 /   Person
World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authenti ...
New On TravelOne
28575P54
time

9 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
817
From
$133 /   Person
Recently Viewed
Seattle: Time Travel Exploration Game an ...
107194P129
time

1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
9
From
$11 /   Person
Bus Tour to Ras Mohamed from Sharm El Sh ...
439532P2
time

4 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
54
From
$15 /   Person
Ras Mohammed national park by bus + Snor ...
Likely To Sell Out
478965P1
time

5 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
15
From
$29 /   Person
Siena Highlights Private Walking Tour Wi ...
New On TravelOne
104357P443
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
2
From
$95 /   Person
Hong Islands Full-day Tour from Krabi wi ...
146991P72
time

7 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$83 /   Person
Marmaris & Icmeler Dalyan w/ mud & therm ...
353959P12
time

10 hours

time Free Cancellation
0
From
$37 /   Person
Snoqualmie Falls and Wineries Tour from ...
319144P1
time

7 hours

time Free Cancellation
165
From
$125 /   Person
Orvieto and Civita di Bagnoregio from Ci ...
Likely To Sell Out
8733P18
time

7 hours to 8 hours

time Free Cancellation
3
From
$573 /   Person
Ras Mohammed Diving Day Trip from Sharm ...
11692P214
time

8 hours

time Non Refundable
3
From
$68 /   Person
Tuscany Private Tour with Wine and Chees ...
2635FLRTUSCANY
time

9 hours

time Free Cancellation
17
From
$649 /   Person
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Customize Your 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 should we recommend one?

Where do you want to go next?

Is this your first time visiting ?

When do you plan to travel?

Select the general vibe you're looking for on this trip

What theme best captures the vibe you want for this trip?

Choose your preferred travel flow

Customize your trip's activity flow

Who's traveling and how many of you?

Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Women Only
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Women Only
Join A Group

What kind of accommodation do you prefer?

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Choose Hotel Options

We’ll help find the meals that suit your taste

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Tell us how you’d like to travel between places

What are your preferences for Arrival/Departure Airport Transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Select your preferred guide style

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?

Do you need dining recommendations/reservations support from the guide?

Let us know if you want flight assistance

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?

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

    Choose your preferred travel flow