Set on the Japanese island of Honshu and famous for its Buddhist temples, gardens and imperial palaces, the city of Kyoto can be explored on a number of private tours.
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One of the best ways to discover a new place is on an organised tour where an experienced guide can illuminate the experience with their own unique insights. In Kyoto, there are a wide range of tours available, including several private options where you get the added benefit of being with only a select group of family or friends, plus your guide. We’ve picked out three of the best private Kyoto tours below.
Private Tour with Local Licensed Guide
This 4 or 6-hour walking tour allows you to customise your itinerary to your private group’s specific tastes and preferences, based on both your own research and your guide’s recommendations. After meeting the guide, they’ll lead the way as you explore renowned city sights such as Fushimi Inari’s iconic torii gates, the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple and panoramic Kiyomizu-dera, as well as secluded alleys and even filming spots from the acclaimed movie Memoirs of a Geisha. Throughout the tour, your guide will regale you with insider insights into Kyoto’s culture and history, as well as offering tips on great places to shop and eat once the tour comes to an end. Both ways transportation from local accommodation is included in the price. From $105 per person.
Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing
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The alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice known as sake is indelibly linked with Japanese culture – and this fun and informative 3-hour tour lets you delve deep into its rich sake heritage. Led by a certified sake sommelier, you’ll visit a sake museum and one of the city’s most renowned breweries to learn about traditional sake brewing methods. There’ll be a chance to taste over 10 different sakes for yourself – some not available outside Japan – in a dedicated private tasting room and explore their unique flavours, from dry to fruity to sweet, with your guide on hand to explain what makes each one special and how it’s made. You’ll also get to try classic Japanese otsumami (snacks) to see how sake pairs with food. From $94 per person.
Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk
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Another practice deeply entrenched in Japanese culture is meditation. During this 70-minute meditation experience at a private Kyoto temple, you’ll gain a unique insight into peace and reflection. Guided by a monk, you’ll learn the fundamentals of Zazen (seated meditation), a core practice of Zen Buddhism, and take part in a quiet, mindful tea ceremony. The serene setting – closed to the general public—offers a rare chance to unplug, breathe deeply and explore self-awareness in an authentic way. A short lecture helps introduce you to the principles of Zen, followed by your guided meditation and time to chat with the monk. From $105 per person.