Kyoto private tours

Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city

Top private tours in Kyoto

From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences

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The best Kyoto private tours & experiences with locals

Looking for the ultimate Kyoto private tours in Japan’s glittering cultural gem? City Unscripted has got you covered. The cobbled streets and winding lanes of this otherworldly cityscape are best explored on foot with a passionate local leading the way. On private tours in Kyoto, you’ll immerse yourself in a snapshot of centuries-ago Japan, where geishas float down lantern-lit alleys and traditional multi-course meals are fit for ancient royalty. But more than that, our private tours of Kyoto will show you the surprisingly modern marvels of this living museum – a world of neon-lit nightlife and festive karaoke bars – and reveal how these two halves collide.

Meet some of our Kyoto local hosts

Tess

Kyoto

Cultural enthusiast with an insider's knowledge of Kyoto's traditional neighborhoods, tea ceremonies, and all the amazing cultural and historical spots.

Vanessa

Kyoto

Vibrant Kyoto host with a knack for uncovering hidden temples, savoring the best teas, and reveling in the city's enchanting natural wonders!

Experience Kyoto like a local

Kyoto’s major attractions like Gion, the glittering geisha district, and wood-built Higashiyama have played host to hundreds of thousands of happy visitors over the decades. But Japan’s perfectly preserved piece of history has many more secrets only a local guide could reveal on Kyoto private tours with us. Step off the tourist trail and experience the city through a local’s eyes. On private tours in Kyoto, explore bustling traditional markets, head to a local haunt for an ice-cold beer and bar snacks, and watch the sunset over Kamo River while snacking on Gyoza dumplings.

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture

There are so many ways to experience Japan’s iconic culture in Kyoto, and we’ll make sure you have several opportunities to do it on Kyoto private tours with our local insiders. From attractions like the 1200-year-old Kiyomizu-dera Temple to traditional teahouses serving pastel-colored Rakugan confections, the city is a journey back in time. Private tours in Kyoto with City Unscripted let you explore these cultural gems with a knowledgeable local who understands the history and heritage intimately. Learn about the way of life on private tours of Kyoto with someone who lives it every day.

Kyoto private tours tailored to you

What do you enjoy most about seeing a new city? Before planning your personalized itinerary for your Kyoto private tours, that’s the first question we’ll ask you. Kyoto is a culinary capital, a historic hub, and a nature-lover’s nirvana all at once, so we make sure your Kyoto private tours are tailored to suit your personality and passions. Our range of tours – from full-day experiences to day trips to food tours – cater to any type of traveler. Just tell us what it is that brings you to this fairytale city and we’ll be sure to craft private tours in Kyoto that you’ll never forget.

Kyoto travel tips and inspiration from our Travel Magazine

Find essential city info, travel tips and the best things to do in Kyoto and around the world recommended by our local hosts

Latest reviews from our guests

Excellent experience with Hanna! She was very knowledgable and worked on the itinerary with me ahead of time. Immediately recommended to our friends as well!

February 2025

Robin S
Milo was incredibly friendly and informative. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking to see the highlights of Kyoto

February 2025

John P
Great experience, great tour guide. Toga has an in-depth understanding of Japanese history and was able to easily translate that to us, an American audience. We could not have been more happy with our tour.

February 2025

Markus W
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience in Kyoto, look no further than a tour with Ryuki! We had the absolute pleasure of exploring Gion with him, and it was hands down one of the highlights of our trip. Ryuki is not only incredibly knowledgeable about Kyoto’s rich history, but he also has a gift for storytelling that brings the past to life. As we wandered through the charming streets of Gion, he shared fascinating insights about the area’s geisha culture, historical landmarks, and hidden gems that we never would have found on our own. Beyond his expertise, Ryuki is a joy to be around—warm, engaging, and genuinely passionate about what he does. He made us feel welcome and ensured that every moment was enjoyable. Whether you’re a history buff or just want a deeper appreciation of Kyoto, Ryuki is the guide you need. This tour was worth every moment, and we can’t recommend Ryuki highly enough. If you’re visiting Kyoto, make sure to book with him—you won’t regret it!

February 2025

Briana B