Let our local experts guide you through a handpicked selection of things to do on a private tour. Think hidden gems, insider stories, and all the local vibes. Ready to find your private tour of Kyoto? Your adventure-packed day is just one click away!
Top 10 tours in Kyoto
Make your stay in Kyoto complete with these things to do
1
Choose your favorite local
The 10 Tastings of Kyoto: Street Food
139 reviews
3 hours | Food tours | Kyoto
Ready to taste the best food in Kyoto? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Kyoto.
Welcome to Kyoto! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to Kyoto to start your city trip on the right foot.
Ready for a jam-packed tour, full of history, culture, stories, and sights? Checkmark from your travel bucket list all your must-sees of Kyoto, because if there’s a Withlocals tour that shows you all the city's ins and outs, it’s this complete and personalized tour of Kyoto.
Enjoy the freedom of exploring Kyoto on a bike tour with a local. Cover more ground, take scenic routes, and cycle through main spots like the Philosopher's path and Gion Area. Take in the views as you bike through the city in a safe and fun way, and hear fascinating stories at every stop along the way!
Want to see the best of Kyoto? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Kyoto!
You’ve probably heard that Kyoto is well-known for its Geishas and Traditions, but do you know the stories and origin behind it? Or how much influence it has on the locals daily life? On this private city tour, you are in for a cultural treat!
Make your trip a wholesome experience by seeing what other cities outside of Kyoto have to offer. On this private day trip, you don’t need to worry about anything! Follow your local host to Nara and be back in Kyoto the same day but with more unforgettable experiences than before.
Imagine this: a scenic road trip from Kyoto to explore Arashiyama with stops along the way to discover viewpoints, villages, incredible nature, and cultural gems. Sounds like a dream? No, it’s possible on a Withlocals day trip with a local host leading the way!
Did you know that the Kyoto tour of your dreams exists? Yes, and it’s 100% personalized and created by your local host around your interests. Customize and see only the places that spark your interest. From classic landmarks to neighborhood walks - your wishes are our command!
Discover Kyoto in an active and immersive way! On this 3.5-hour e-bike tour, you’ll explore serene temples, scenic rivers, historic streets, and vibrant cultural districts—all while enjoying the freedom of cycling through this beautiful city.
"Eiji showed us around Kyoto and we learned so much from him! He has a great sense of humor and made the day both educational and enjoyable. His friendliness and deep knowledge brought the city to life. It was truly a pleasure to take the tour with him — highly recommended!"
"Our tour with Guia in Kyoto was absolutely wonderful! She was an incredible guide—warm, knowledgeable, and deeply passionate about Japanese culture. Throughout the drive, she shared fascinating insights about Kyoto’s history, traditions, and especially the world of geishas. Thanks to her detailed explanations, we gained a much deeper appreciation for the elegance and artistry that define this unique aspect of Japanese culture.
Guia made every stop meaningful, combining historical facts with engaging stories and personal touches that brought the city to life. Her friendly personality and fluent English made the experience both educational and enjoyable."
"Charming Kyoto tour with Ryuki. We learned about the culture and history."
annuschka and geriAbout local RYUKI Kyoto, November 5, 2025
5.0
I issued David a challenge:
"I was unsure if I would enjoy Kyoto, so I issued David a challenge:
Make me regret only staying 1 day in Kyoto!
He cleared this with flying colors! David showed us some amazing spots that had very few people! He taught us facts about the shrines that gave us insight about the culture and practices around the shrines.
He was very outgoing, funny, and patient! I can't recommend him enough! If you're planning a trip to Kyoto - book David!"
"We had a great couple of hours with Ted. Such a lovely, helpful man. We got plenty of useful tips to make our experience in Kyoto go smoothly, Ted also showed us many sites that we would not otherwise have ventured too."
Christopher About local YoshihiroKyoto, October 30, 2025
5.0
Wonderful tour with Ted
"Ted is a lovely gentleman, he was very knowledgeable about the history and guided us beautifully around the Gion area of Kyoto. He kindly helped us plan beyond our tour with advice on what order to plan our itinerary and how best to get to each beautiful spot. We had the best time with him, thank you Ted! "
"We had a great time with Ryuki. Since we had already visited the temple featured in the original plan we asked Ryuki for something different and he really exceeded our expectations. We asked many questions and he had answers and recommendations for us. I highly recommend Ryuki for your Kyoto visit."
"David was a great guide! We enjoyed the walk through nikishi market and gion as we learned about the locals, customs and history of the area. It was a good time to see the area in a less crowded and more intimate fashion. Thanks so much!"
"Maha took us on a fantastic walking tour through parts of Kyoto that we didn’t know existed! We found her openness and insights as a person from another country living in Japan interesting. Thoroughly enjoyed our time with Maha and would definitely recommend her to others!"
"I really enjoyed my afternoon with Guia. We saw beautiful places and browsed a flea market, which was all great, but most importantly, I learned SO much about Japanese life and customs, and had many, many questions answered. Guia was warm and approachable, made me feel completely at ease, and was a joy to be with. Thank you, Guia!"
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
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Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
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Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Private & Personalized Tours in Kyoto with a Local
When you hit the road and land in a new city like Kyoto, there's an exciting way to dive into its soul: personalized local tours. Forget the typical touristy routes – these tours are like having a local friend show you around all the cool spots.
Imagine having someone who lives and breathes Kyoto spill its secrets. That's what local guides bring to the table. They know the hidden alleys, the best bites, and stories that never made it to the guidebooks. Whether you're into munching through food tours, wandering the city's streets, or going off the beaten path, a local guide hooks you up with a private tour that's authentically Kyoto.
The best part? These tours are all about you. No herding in big groups or rushing through places you're not interested in. With private tours, you're the boss. Whether it's snapping pics at iconic landmarks, diving into history, or checking out the art scene, the tour is tuned to your vibes at your tempo.
But it doesn't stop at city limits. Day trips let you escape the urban jungle and explore nearby wonders. And if you're just setting foot in Kyoto, kickstart tours give you a taste of everything. Think of it as a crash course in Kyoto awesomeness, guided by a local who knows the city like the back of their hand.
So, next time you're in Kyoto, ditch the ordinary. Grab a local tour and unlock the city's real magic – the stories, flavors, and places that make it uniquely Kyoto. Get ready to explore like a local!
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
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