Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Gion 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.
Make your stay in Kyoto complete with these things to do
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"This was a special experience to have a guide all by yourself and with so much flexibility. Tiro guided us around so smoothly, so all we did was enjoy the area without looking at the map or reading the guide book. He told us most interesting facts and stories, which we enjoyed very very much. During the tour we had a deliciouis snack. Three hours passed soo quickly, but without any further dues Tiro showed us all what he planned. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and we loved the seven rule quize. We keep it in mind as we go, especially the last one :) We are very greatful for this experience and we highly recommend Tiro for the tour. Afterwards ( and even before we arrived to Kyoto), he gave us further recommendations on food, which turned out to be delicious. Last, but not last, during the tour we got lucky to see maiko on the street. "
"We had a great time with Ahmed, and was a great source of knowledge for us. Tour was well paced, and he was happy to take our pictures at various spots along the tour. Additionally, he gave us recommendations for the other sights we should see after the tour was finished."
"Bottom line… Tiro was awesome! Highly recommend him if you are looking for a personalized tour in Kyoto. We had a very short stay in Kyoto (literally 30 hours… tip: 2-3 days minimum!), so we hired Tiro to show us the important parts of Kyoto. He met us at our hotel, right on time, and off we went. He is very knowledgeable of the area and more importantly the history and traditions. We learned so much, and saw so much, in a compressed period of time! We would have never covered that much ground if left to ourselves! Aside from knowledge tour expertise, he was just a cool guy to hang out with! Kyoto was amazing - we should have spent less time in Tokyo and more time in Kyoto! Thanks to Tiro, we squeezed in a good amount of stuff and we will definitely return to Kyoto!"
"Ryuki was a great guide for our 3 hour tour of the Gion area of Tokyo. He took a group of 5 adults (23-56) and kept us entertained and informed while showing us memorable shrines, hidden gems and the Geiko region of Gion. We even had time to stop for delicious cherry blossom ice cream - highly recommended!"
"We had a great tour. Guia gave us the highlights filled with a ton of cultural info. We got a real sense of history and place! She was super friendly and even gave us many restaurant recommendations which we loved!"
"Ryuki was a fantastic guide - delightful company and a Kyoto local who shared so much knowledge about his city and its history and culture in an interesting and enjoyable way . The pace was perfect and there was time along the way to stop for cherry blossom ice- cream which was an added bonus . We enjoyed our time with Ryuki so much that we booked a food walking tour with him the next day . "
"Although we were delayed by traffic, we were able to stay in touch with Yochiro by What’s App to let him know our times. He graciously accommodated his schedule to ours and took us on the full tour. He was a wealth of local info and answered all our questions. Sadly, I dropped my wallet but he took me to the security booth where someone had turned it in, where I reclaimed it with no lost cash. Japanese culture is great!"
"Eiji was a fantastic guide . We felt very safe riding the streets of Kyoto with him and exploring off the beaten tourist path as well as orientating ourselves to places we wanted to go back to later . Eiji shared interesting information about the history of Kyoto . Thank you Eiji . We really enjoyed our afternoon with you . "
"We had a fabulous time with Guia! She was very informative, open, friendly and her English was great! She tailored the tour to what we wanted and gave us lots of information throughout! She was very helpful and super nice! Could only recommend!! "
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
Discover the enchanting Gion district in Kyoto with Withlocals' private tours. Explore ancient temples, encounter elusive Geisha, and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Book your personalized Gion adventure today!
Geisha, traditional female entertainers, are an iconic symbol of Gion. Learn about their elaborate makeup, elegant kimonos, and the strict training they undergo. Discover the rich history and significance of Geisha in Japanese culture during a personalized walking tour with a local guide.
Step back in time and explore Gion's rich history, dating back to the 13th century. Discover ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and the captivating stories of merchants and samurai during a Withlocals tour that weaves through Gion's historical tapestry.
Indulge in the unique flavors of Kyo-ryori, Kyoto's traditional haute cuisine. Discover local delicacies and experience the art of tea ceremonies during a private tour that tantalizes your taste buds and reveals the secrets of Kyoto's culinary heritage.
Explore Kennin-ji, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple, founded in 1202. Wander through its serene gardens, discover hidden treasures, and learn the secrets of Zen Buddhism during a private Gion tour with a knowledgeable local guide.
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.
Unlock the secrets of Gion with a personalized tour. Book your unforgettable Kyoto experience now and discover the heart of Japanese culture. Don't miss out; limited spots available!
