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.
Cancel and get a refund up to 7 days before
Easily reschedule your booking
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Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"David was an excellent tour guide in Kyoto. He was friendly, genuine, and easy to talk to, which made the entire experience feel relaxed and enjoyable. He was attentive to our needs and took the time to make sure we were comfortable throughout the tour. David was also very knowledgeable about Kyoto’s history and culture, and he shared interesting insights that made the places we visited even more meaningful. We had an amazing time with him and would highly recommend David to any friends visiting Kyoto."
"My wife, son and I had a fantastic day with Eiji. He was fun to be with and super accommodating making sure the pace was just right. An extra bonus was all the pictures he took of the three of us which he then sent. Much appreciated. Highly recommended!"
"From the start Simone was friendly and very easy to talk to. He filled the day with lots of information not just about the places visited but also about the culture. His knowledge of about Arashiyama and the Bamboo Forest was excellent. Lunch was at a small out of the way, very friendly restaurant with excellent food which was also a great experience. I would highly recommend Simone to anyone looking for an informative and friendly guide."
"This is the third time we booked with Sebastian and was a great tour guide as usual. In addition to being knowledgeable , he’s also fun to be around, kind and funny.. Tailored the trip to our liking and didn’t mind our frequent stops in tinny shops .. I would always recommend him ! "
"David was our guide through Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. The bamboo forest was striking. We found the less crowded areas of Tenryuji Temple and the Monkey Forest. David listened to our interests and he guided us outside of the big crowds. It was a joy to spend the better part of a day with him."
"What a great tour and an excellent guide! We loved her energy and her adaptability to our schedule. She was very sensitive to our needs and interests. We highly recommend her to anyone who would like to visit Kyoto."
"We had elderly people in our group and Eiji managed to plan the itinerary so there are plenty of rest stops. It was nice that we were able to cover a lot of places without being too tiring. He also took a lot of really nice photographs of the group. "
"Great job. We learned a lot. Great English. "
"So, this was my first time in Japan, and I wanted to learn about the traditions in Japan from a local rather than an YouTube guide. Mr. Eiji was the perfect person for it. He was extremely patient with me and more than just being a guide he genuinely wanted me to enjoy Japan and what it had to offer. It was very heartwarming because most guide don't go that far. He showed me the nuances of Japanese culture and explained to me the commute methods. Also, he is a very good photographer lol."
"My 16 yr old son and I took a tour of Arishiyama Bamboo Forest, a villa, and the town area with Guia. My son was dead set against a tour at first, and afterward he raved about what a wonderful time it was and how he is “now sold on tours”! Guia was knowledgable and a great guide who knew how to pivot when some places were closed due to our need for a late start. We highly recommend a tour with her!"
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!
