Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver
Overview
Mobile ticket
Explore Kyoto in Comfort and Style!
Discover the timeless beauty of Kyoto on our exclusive, private day trip by car. Tailored just for you, we create a personalized itinerary based on your interests, allowing you to enjoy Kyoto’s iconic sights at your own pace. Visit renowned landmarks such as Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the tranquil bamboo forest of Arashiyama all in one day!
The itinerary can be customized based on your requests.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This experience includes an English-speaking driver
Special rides, cruises, and admission tickets aren’t included and can be purchased directly at each location.
What To Expect
Arashiyama
Arashiyama, located in western Kyoto, Japan, is a picturesque district renowned for its natural beauty and cultural heritage. It is best known for the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where visitors can walk through a mesmerizing pathway lined with towering bamboo stalks. The area is also home to the historic Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning gardens, and the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Arashiyama’s charm is especially captivating during the cherry blossom season in spring and the vibrant autumn foliage, making it a popular destination year-round.
Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, was originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. After his death, the villa was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple. The structure reflects a blend of traditional Japanese and Chinese architectural styles. Although the original building was destroyed by arson in 1950, it was rebuilt in 1955, with the top two floors covered in gold leaf, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.
Options
Pick-up and drop-off at Kyoto
Pick-up and drop-off at Kyoto Pickup included
What‘s Included
Pick-up and Drop-off to Hotel
Pick-up options available from Osaka and Nara charging an additional fee.
English-Speaking Driver
Air-conditioned vehicle
Private transportation
Food not included
Admission tickets are not included. Travelers can purchase these directly at location.
Pickup points
Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto
7 Seikanji Ryozan Cho, Higashiyama Ward Kyoto Japan
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
175 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
We had an amazing tour in...
Marina S,Jun 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing tour in Kyoto with Malik. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and made the entire day enjoyable from start to finish. Malik shared fascinating information about the history, culture, and local traditions, while also making sure everyone felt comfortable and engaged. He was patient with our questions, gave great recommendations, and helped us experience Kyoto in a way we never could have on our own. His passion for the city really showed, and it made the tour both informative and memorable.We highly recommend Malik to anyone visiting Kyoto. Thank you for a wonderful day and for helping create such great memories!
Had a great experience,...
Jordan F,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a great experience, Malik was very knowledgeable and personable. The tour took us by all of the locations we wanted and never felt rushed.
Our tour guide Malik is...
Wei S,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our tour guide Malik is punctual, professional, friendly and flexible with our family. He made our one day at Kyoto memorable.
A great way to get around...
stephanie j,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A great way to get around Kyoto and see many sites in one day! Saved time with the back and forth travel to focus on the actual sites. Especially helpful when it was a rainy day.
A day in Kyoto
Paula A,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Shawn was excellent and knowledgeable. Kind with my daughters and made our experiance a memorable one.
Flexible, Knowledgeable, and Friendly Guide
Lynda T,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fantastic experience with our driver and guide in Kyoto. He was incredibly flexible and accommodating, allowing us to adjust our schedule throughout the day based on what we wanted to see and how much time we wanted to spend at each location. He also provided excellent recommendations on timing, which helped us avoid crowds and make the most of our day. One thing we especially appreciated was that he walked us directly to the entrance of each site, making it easy to navigate and ensuring we always knew exactly where to go. His English was excellent, and he shared a wealth of knowledge about Kyoto's history, culture, and the places we visited, which made the experience much more meaningful. Beyond that, he was simply a warm, friendly person who was easy to talk to and made us feel comfortable throughout the tour. We would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a personalized and informative Kyoto experience.
Very efficient, clean...
Mel B,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very efficient, clean and happy to drive us to all the places we wanted to see using our own customised itinerary. We skipped crowed areas because of Malik's local knowledge. We enjoyed the day ! Thank you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding Tour Guide – The Best We’ve Had in Years!
Steven A,Jun 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Mozam with Ashan Global Tours was simply the best tour guide and driver we have had in a long time, and we have used Viator extensively during our travels around the world. Mozam is a college student with a genuine passion for the history, culture, and hidden gems of Kyoto and the surrounding area. Before our tour, I provided him with a detailed list of places we hoped to see. I honestly did not expect we would be able to visit them all, but Mozam made it happen—and then exceeded our expectations by introducing us to several other points of interest that we would have otherwise missed. His planning and driving skills were exceptional. Navigating through busy city traffic with ease, he carefully mapped out the most efficient routes, minimizing time on the road and maximizing our time enjoying each destination. Every stop felt well thought out and perfectly timed. What truly set Mozam apart was his attentiveness and flexibility. Whenever we finished a location sooner than expected, he was immediately ready with the next destination. He also provided valuable tips and suggestions at every site, helping us avoid crowds, find the best viewpoints, and make the most of our visit. Those small insights enhanced our experience and saved us a lot of time. Thanks to Mozam, our visit to Osaka and Kyoto was one of the most enjoyable and memorable experiences of our trip to Japan. I highly recommend Ashan Global Tours and, if possible, specifically request Mozam as your guide. He is professional, knowledgeable, personable, and truly dedicated to ensuring his guests have an amazing experience. In fact, I have already recommended Mozam and this service to a friend who will be visiting Japan this December. Thank you, Mozam, for an unforgettable day and for showing us the absolute best of Osaka and Kyoto!
Best tour of Kyoto
Julie M,Jun 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Incredible experience! Lots of walking lots of stairs… Not for the weak! Amazing tour guide! We really appreciated Malik!
Awesome experience!
isabelletI3879QR,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The service was exceptional. Excellent excellent guide knowledgeable kind and interesting. Highly recommend him.
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