Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Bamboo Forest with a private, personalized experience led by a local.
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We had the absolute pleasure of doing a guided tour of Kyoto with Eiji, and I can’t recommend him enough. From the very beginning, he was incredibly warm, kind, and welcoming — the kind of person who instantly makes you feel at ease. He’s extremely knowledgeable and shared so many fascinating stories and historical insights about Kyoto that really brought the city to life. What stood out the most was how thoughtful and patient he was with us throughout the entire experience. Eiji went out of his way to take so many beautiful photos of us along the way — such a kind gesture — and even sent them afterward to us, which meant the world to us. It’s little things like that which make a guide truly special. Overall, Eiji is not only an amazing guide but a genuinely lovely person. We were so grateful to have met him and will remember this day fondly. Thank you, Eiji!"
"Guia took incredibly good care of us, from completing the booking to completing the tour. She was warm, friendly, efficient, considerate, knowledgeable, and patient with our large group. She helped us find just the right experiences, going above and beyond in some instances. The experience was delightful. We highly recommend her!"
"Guia took incredible care of us, from completing the booking to completing the tour. She was warm, friendly, efficient, considerate, knowledgeable, and patient with our large group. She helped us find just the right experiences, going above and beyond in some instances. We highly recommend her!"
"We had an amazing experience in Kyoto thanks to our wonderful tour guide. He was kind, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable—sharing the city’s history with real passion and excitement. He handled our large group of 10 (including teenage kids!) with ease and was especially great with the children, keeping them engaged and happy throughout the day. He was on time, organized, and sweet, and made our day in Kyoto truly unforgettable. Highly recommend! "
"Great experience!! Sebastian is the best guide of Kyoto!! My wife and myself went with him to all the best places, including all the temples and a tea ceremony. Ask for Sebastian if you are in Kyoto, Thank you!!!"
"Better late than never! Teddy-san was amazing. He was very responsive and more than willing to modify our tour to include a location we requested. He also recommended some temple night illumination events, and we’re so glad we followed his advice. The experience was absolutely beautiful! We also lost a souvenir we had bought for our niece and described to him where we had purchased it, but we couldn’t remember how to get back there. At the end of the tour, Teddy went out of his way to take us to the place he thought matched our description. It was such a kind and thoughtful gesture. We highly recommend Teddy—he’s sociable, very nice, and a fantastic guide."
"We had an amazing experience with Guia as our guide in the bamboo forest and Arashiyama! Her deep knowledge of the area’s history added so much value to our visit. Guia was incredibly patient and flexible, seamlessly adjusting the itinerary to suit our needs. As a family with varying ages, we were especially grateful for how well she connected with everyone, making sure each person felt engaged and included. Her warmth and attentiveness made this tour truly special. Highly recommend Guia for anyone looking to explore this beautiful area with an expert guide!"
"Mako completed our day in Kyoto wirh her charm and grace. She knew so much about the city and highlights, (local short cuts also) our day was flawless. I would highly recommend Mako for your day in Kyoto."
"Olli was a very nice and courteous guide. he adapted the route to my wishes and was even able to show me a few hidden corners and paths that weren't so crowded. so we had a little more peace. At the end he showed me a very nice café and gave me a few addresses and tips for the coming days. it was very nice excursion and I recommend it"
"I was travelling on my own and only had a short days stop in Kyoto. I booked Ollie so that I could see as much as possible when I was there. The chat service is great, then I could make wishes and it was easy to communicate. He met me at the train station and we visited several places, by train, taxi and bike. And we had a great meal together. Ollie had picked the best places and it made me want to come back. He is a very relaxed person, and although we did a lot in short time the tour was never stressed. He had lots of information, and since we share a passion for hiking he gave me lots of tips for future trips. I highly recommend Ollie, I had a great day hanging out with him!"
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Kyoto with locals
Our locals will give you the best experiences that Kyoto has to offer
Discover experiences based on your interest
Step into the enchanting world of Kyoto's bamboo forests, where tranquility and beauty intertwine. Explore these serene escapes with our passionate local guides and discover the hidden wonders within. Book your private tour today!
Bamboo forests, serene and ethereal, evoke a sense of tranquility. Their towering stalks create a mystical world, filtering sunlight and rustling in the breeze. Discover the magic of these unique ecosystems with our local guides in Kyoto!
The iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a short trip from Kyoto, is a must-see. Stroll through towering bamboo stalks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and feel transported to another world. Capture unforgettable photos of this natural wonder!
Bamboo's significance in Japanese culture is profound. It symbolizes strength, resilience, and flexibility. Used in art, crafts, and cuisine, bamboo is integral to everyday life. Learn more about its cultural impact from our expert guides!
The history of bamboo in Japan is intertwined with its development. From ancient building materials to modern art forms, bamboo has played a vital role. Delve into its historical significance with fascinating local insights!
Experience Kyoto's local culinary scene and savor bamboo shoots, a seasonal delicacy. Our guides can introduce you to traditional restaurants where you can taste the unique flavors of bamboo in authentic Japanese dishes.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Uncover the secrets of Kyoto's bamboo forests. Book your personalized tour now and create unforgettable memories. Don't miss out; limited spots available!
