Kyoto
Top 8 must-sees: magical Kyoto
Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 8 hours
5.0
(27)
Top 8 must-sees: magical Kyoto
Visit some of Kyoto's top sites in a day, from the Kinkakuji temple and Fushimi Inari gates to the Nishiki market, and a sprinkle of hidden gems
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Get to know the real Kyoto with your host (a city local) and avoid the tourist traps, whilst still seeing the highlights!
- See six to eight of the city's most famous attractions in one day - although 3000 temples and 1700 shrines are too many even for us
- Discover the main attractions as well as the hidden gems that are tucked away nearby
- Eat and drink authentic Japanese food by picking up street food recommended by your host or stopping by at a local eatery
- Get tips from your host regarding exciting places to visit during the rest of your stay
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
8 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Private and personalized experience
8 hours with a host
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
What’s not included
Food and drink
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
The host will be waiting you at Matsumoto Kiyoshi Kyoto Shijo KawaramachiCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
See six to eight sights that put Kyoto on any traveler’s bucket list, like the wood-built streets of Higashiyama and the city’s nearby geisha district, Gion, where you’ll find lantern-lit izakaya and street entertainment. Explore ancient architecture – from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to hilltop Kiyomizu-dera – and see those less-frequented, like Yasaka Pagoda and its secret upstairs viewpoint.
For a history lesson in central Kyoto, head to Fushimi and Nishijin – the old sake brewing and weaving districts – and visit the centuries-old Nishiki Market for the best street food. You’ll experience Kyoto’s popular pastimes with your host–from watching the Kamo River sunset to taking a 30-minute train ride north to the Kurama onsen, Japan’s natural hot springs.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
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recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of this experience
Marianne,
Jan 2025
Toga is fantastic! A day with him as our guide made us fall in love with Kyoto. He is very knowledgeable about the sites, thoughful in planning and kind in manner. He even provided recommendations for our following days in Kyoto and Tokyo.
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Marianne,
Jan 2025
Toga was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgeable about the sites, very thoughtful in his planning and very kind in manner.
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Michael,
Jan 2025
Kenta was an insightful and knowledgeable tour guide. He designed the itinerary around our Kyoto ‘must sees’ and provided advice on what are really the key things to do. He also took us to a great restaurant which we would never have found on our own plus made sure we were able to do the things that we really wanted to do like also buy a set of great Japanese knives.
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Wayne,
Nov 2024
Hi Akane, We loved every minute of our time in Kyoto! You made our visit extra special. Best wishes, Wayne
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Tod,
Nov 2024
Alex listed to our wishes, changed plans based on them, was fun, communicated well, was knowledgeable and navigated us to places with ease. Having a private guide is the way to go and reasonable for the enhanced experience.
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HARRY,
Mar 2024
Toga was friendly, knows the city very well and adapts to the clients necessities. We walked all over town and it felt like a breeze and very smooth. We also had some nice dinner at the end near Gion. Highly recommend Toga if you are looking for a tour guide in Kyoto.
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