Kyoto Private Tour by Car

Discover bamboo groves, golden temple grounds and historic streets on a Kyoto private tour with Tokyo Grand Tours. Travel between districts in a luxury vehicle with an English-speaking chauffeur and convenient hotel pickup. Along the way, explore the places that make Kyoto such a memorable part of Japan.

Your Kyoto private car tour brings together the nine sights below in a customizable suggested itinerary. Because these places span several districts, we plan the route around your priorities and the time available. Some nearby sights are best explored together on foot.

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Begin in Arashiyama with a walk along the paths of its famous bamboo grove. Look up at the tall green stems and enjoy the changing light beneath the canopy. Take time to explore the public paths before continuing to your next stop.

Kinkaku-ji – Golden Pavilion Temple

Next, visit Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Follow the garden route to view the gold-covered pavilion beside its pond. You can also enjoy different views of the surrounding landscape as you walk through the grounds.

Gion

Explore Gion’s public streets, where wooden townhouses and traditional teahouse facades reflect Kyoto’s cultural heritage. The district is known for its geiko and maiko traditions. Enjoy the architecture and atmosphere as you wander through the neighbourhood.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Then visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple in the hills of Higashiyama. Its large wooden stage offers views across the surrounding trees and Kyoto’s cityscape. Explore the temple grounds and enjoy the scenery from its hillside setting.

Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka

Nearby, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka connect historic streets lined with traditional buildings, shops and cafes. Browse ceramics, souvenirs and local sweets as you walk along the sloping lanes. You can also stop for lunch in the area, with food and drinks at your own expense.

Kodai-ji Temple

Continue to Kodai-ji Temple, which Nene founded in memory of her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Explore the gardens and temple grounds at your own pace. This visit adds another side of Kyoto’s history to your day.

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine stands beside Gion and offers another stop within the Higashiyama area. Walk through its gates and explore the shrine grounds. Because several nearby sights connect on foot, we can plan a walking section between vehicle journeys.

Fushimi Inari Taisha

At Fushimi Inari Taisha, follow the paths beneath its famous vermilion torii gates. Explore the shrine and a section of the gate-lined paths at a pace that suits your group. A longer mountain walk needs extra time, so let us know if that is a priority.

A Flexible Kyoto Sightseeing Tour

The nine sights form a suggested itinerary, and the order may change to suit the day. Traffic, queues and opening hours affect how long you can spend at each stop. For example, a longer temple visit may mean less time shopping or a shorter walk elsewhere.

Tell us your must-see places, so we can balance sightseeing, walking and lunch breaks. Please also share any mobility needs, as some temples and historic streets involve slopes and steps.

Your English-Speaking Chauffeur

Our Kyoto private tours include a vehicle and chauffeur exclusively for your group. Your driver shares commentary in the vehicle between sights, then you explore each destination independently. Alternatively, request an accompanying walking guide for a fully guided experience at an additional fee.

Pickup and What Is Included

• Tour format: A full-day private tour with a customizable itinerary.
• Pickup: Your Kyoto hotel or another agreed pickup location. Please provide the full address when booking.
• Included: Private luxury vehicle, English-speaking chauffeur, fuel, highway tolls and parking.
• Extra costs: Temple admission, lunch, drinks, optional activities and any accompanying walking guide.

We will confirm your pickup time and schedule for the agreed route. Admission tickets for paid visits are separate from the tour price.

Cancellation Policy

• 8 days or more before the tour: No cancellation charge.
• 3 to 7 days before the tour: 50% cancellation charge.
• 2 days before the tour or later: 100% cancellation charge; no refund.

All refunds are subject to a 5% payment processing fee.

Plan Your Kyoto Private Day Tour

Book your Kyoto private tour and share your preferred sights, pickup address and any special requests. We will help you shape a day around the temples, neighbourhoods and experiences that interest you most.

For more destinations, explore our other private tours in Japan when planning the rest of your visit.