Kyoto&Nara Private Highlights Tour with English driver Pickup
Active
8h - 10h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Full-Day Customizable Private Car Tour in Kyoto & Nara
Discover Kyoto and Nara on a fully customizable private car tour, ideal for travelers seeking comfort and flexibility. Design your own itinerary and explore at your own pace with a private driver, with the option to add a professional guide for deeper local insight.
After booking, coordinate with our team to plan your route. On the day of the tour, enjoy flexible hotel pickup in Kyoto or Osaka and begin your personalized journey.
In Kyoto, possible stops include the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, Nishiki Market, Nijō Castle, Ginkaku-ji, and Sanjūsangen-dō. You may also stroll along Hanami-koji Street, visit a Zen temple, or explore the Samurai & Ninja Museum.
You may also extend the tour to Nara to visit Nara Park, Tōdai-ji, Nigatsu-do Hall, Kasuga Taisha, Hōryū-ji, Wakakusayama Hill, and the historic Naramachi district.
Available options
MAX 23PAX No guide
Middle bus: 18 main seats and 6 secondary seats<br/>Service 8 hours<br/>Pickup included
Coach MAX 44PAX No guide
Service 8 hours<br/>Pickup included
Separate English/others guide
Separate guide: English, Hindi, Chinese, French, Italian, Spanish. Select language based on date.<br/>Pickup included
MAX 6PAX Driver cum guide
6 Seats<br/>Service 10 hours<br/>Pickup included
MAX 9PAX Driver cum guide
9PAX<br/>Service 10 hours<br/>Pickup included
MAX 13PAX No guide
Middle bus: 18 main seats and 6 secondary seats<br/>Service 8 hours<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Fuel & Tolls & Parking fee
Private Transportation(Luxury 6 or 9 Seats van )
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi
Detailed itinerary
1
The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Kyoto’s most iconic natural sights. A short walking path winds through towering bamboo stalks, creating a calm and atmospheric experience. The gentle sound of the wind through the bamboo makes it a peaceful escape from the city.
2
Stop 2
Kinkakuji Temple, a three-storey pavilion covered in gold leaf that is one of the most famous and recognizable of all the historic buildings in Kyoto and has been selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will see the golden reflection of the temple in the still mirror water surface. And try to pray in front of those statues for fortune and luck.
3
Stop 3
Fushimi Inari Shrine, where a long corridor of thousands of Torii Shrine gates, a bright red tunnel along the mountain path, is an amazing experience.
You could walk through every gate, feel the ancient sense, and take photos. The Torii shrine gates form a maze, wish you can find your way out.
4
Stop 4
Gion is Kyoto’s most famous traditional district, known for its historic wooden townhouses and geisha culture. Walking through its narrow streets, especially in the evening, offers a glimpse into old Kyoto, with teahouses, traditional restaurants, and a timeless atmosphere.
5
Stop 5
Nishiki Market is a lively food market in the heart of Kyoto, often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” The narrow covered street is lined with food stalls selling local specialties, snacks, and traditional ingredients, making it a great place to experience Kyoto’s food culture.
6
Stop 6
Kiyomizu-dera is one of Kyoto’s most famous Buddhist temples, founded in 778. It is best known for its large wooden stage, built without nails, offering panoramic views over the city. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is especially popular during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
7
Stop 7
Nara's iconic attraction, Nara Park, which is a paradise of nature and the home of Nara deer. Walking in the park, you can see herds of deer leisurely walking in the grass, they are docile and cute, close to people. Buy a packet of deer cakes, interact with these lovely creatures, and feel in harmony with nature.
8
Stop 8
Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden building in the world, which houses a magnificent bronze Buddha statue. Incredibly, it took almost all of Japan's bronze reserves at the time to create this 15-meter-high bronze Buddha.
Todai-ji is a large temple, take your time enjoy the peaceful time by walking and pray. You may listen to the chanting sutras between the temples.
What's not included
Todai-ji Temple
Kinkakuji Temple
Available languages
Guide guide
JA
EN
ZH-CN
Audio guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.0
5 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
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Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The total duration includes the travel time.
The duration for every attraction is the recommend time.
If you want shorten or extend single attraction duration, you can communicate with driver or guide.
About Kyoto
Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.
Top Attractions
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.
Historical/Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.
Religious
2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike)
Free
Kiyomizu-dera
A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.
Religious
1-2 hours
¥400
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)
Gion
Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).
Cultural
1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event)
Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kaiseki Ryori
A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.
Dinner
Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.
Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)
A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.
Matcha Desserts
Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).
Dessert
Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Obanzai
Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.
Popular Activities
Hiking in the mountains
Cycling through the countryside
Rafting on the Hozu River
Onsen (hot spring) visits
Tea ceremonies
Scenic walks in gardens and parks
Temple and shrine visits
Traditional tea ceremonies
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.
15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn)
59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English (limited)
- English: Limited/Rare
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
JST (UTC+9)
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use reputable tour operators and taxis
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto
By train
Kyoto Station
By bus
Kyoto Station Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Gion
Higashiyama
Arashiyama
Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)
Day trips
Nara
40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day
Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.
Uji
20 km from Kyoto • Half day
Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).
Kurama and Kibune
25 km from Kyoto • Full day
Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.
Festivals
Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th)
Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd
Aoi Matsuri • May 15th
Pro tips
- Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
- Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
- Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
- Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.
$433
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
