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Kyoto with Withlocals

  1. Find the perfect private tour

  2. Select one of our local experts

  3. Enjoy Kyoto like a local

Explore Kyoto

Let our local experts guide you through a handpicked selection of things to do on a private tour. Think hidden gems, insider stories, and all the local vibes. Ready to find your private tour of Kyoto? Your adventure-packed day is just one click away!

Top 10 tours in Kyoto

Make your stay in Kyoto complete with these things to do

  1. 1Experience image
    Portrait from local Guia - Hostest with the mostest!
    Portrait from local Tiro - The City Explorer
    Choose your favorite local

    The 10 Tastings of Kyoto: Street Food

    177 reviews
    3 hours | Food tours | Kyoto

    Ready to taste the best food in Kyoto? Satisfy your cravings for local food and culture with highlights along the way, together with a foodie host. Enjoy 10 delicious and typical tastings that range from sweet to savory as well as drinks on a tasty food tour in Kyoto.

    €116 per person
    Explore
  2. 2Experience image
    Portrait from local Erick - The Family Foodie
    Portrait from local Tiro - The City Explorer
    Choose your favorite local

    City Kickstart Tour: Kyoto

    178 reviews
    2 hours | City highlights tours | Kyoto

    Welcome to Kyoto! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to Kyoto to start your city trip on the right foot.

    €33.09 per person
    Explore
  3. 3Experience image
    Portrait from local David - The Magician
    Portrait from local Sebastian - Your Kyoto & Osaka Local Insider
    Choose your favorite local

    Full Coverage Kyoto City Tour

    127 reviews
    8 hours | City highlights tours | Kyoto

    Ready for a jam-packed tour, full of history, culture, stories, and sights? Checkmark from your travel bucket list all your must-sees of Kyoto, because if there’s a Withlocals tour that shows you all the city's ins and outs, it’s this complete and personalized tour of Kyoto.

    €177 per person
    Explore
  4. 4Experience image
    Portrait from local marielle - Guide, Teacher & Storyteller
    Portrait from local Eiji - a Gentle Music Producer
    Choose your favorite local

    The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike Tour

    134 reviews
    2.5 hours | City highlights tours | Kyoto

    Enjoy the freedom of exploring Kyoto on a bike tour with a local. Cover more ground, take scenic routes, and cycle through main spots like the Philosopher's path and Gion Area. Take in the views as you bike through the city in a safe and fun way, and hear fascinating stories at every stop along the way!

    €70.98 per person
    Explore
  5. 5Experience image
    Portrait from local Nehal - Nehal
    Portrait from local Ahmed - the expert foreign local
    Choose your favorite local

    Highlights & Hidden Gems of Kyoto

    389 reviews
    3 hours | City highlights tours | Kyoto

    Want to see the best of Kyoto? We got you covered. But as you can expect from a Withlocals experience, the real excitement is its hidden gems. Join your favorite local and get a feeling of the city's real vibe on a tour that has it all, so you can say: I experienced the real Kyoto!

    €66.55 per person
    Explore
  6. 6Experience image
    Portrait from local Naoki - The Japanese Kansai Local
    Portrait from local Ren - The Life Coach & Artist
    Choose your favorite local

    Treasures of Kyoto: Geishas and Traditions Tour

    100 reviews
    2.5 hours | City highlights tours | Kyoto

    You’ve probably heard that Kyoto is well-known for its Geishas and Traditions, but do you know the stories and origin behind it? Or how much influence it has on the locals daily life? On this private city tour, you are in for a cultural treat!

    €51.68 per person
    Explore
  7. 7Experience image
    Portrait from local Tiro - The City Explorer
    Portrait from local Maha - Authenticity Radar
    Choose your favorite local

    City Explorer: Nara Day Trip

    821 reviews
    8 hours | Day trips | Kyoto

    Make your trip a wholesome experience by seeing what other cities outside of Kyoto have to offer. On this private day trip, you don’t need to worry about anything! Follow your local host to Nara and be back in Kyoto the same day but with more unforgettable experiences than before.

    €163 per person
    Explore
  8. 8Experience image
    Portrait from local Shohei - "Play by Ear" Traveler
    Portrait from local Naoki - The Japanese Kansai Local
    Choose your favorite local

    Withlocals Your Way! - Kyoto City Tour

    1,566 reviews
    3 hours | City highlights tours | Kyoto

    Did you know that the Kyoto tour of your dreams exists? Yes, and it’s 100% personalized and created by your local host around your interests. Customize and see only the places that spark your interest. From classic landmarks to neighborhood walks - your wishes are our command!

    €66.18 per person
    Explore
  9. 9Experience image
    Portrait from local Yoshihiro - The Japanese Local
    Portrait from local Naoki - Your local Narrator
    Choose your favorite local

    Explore the Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle with a Local

    1,064 reviews
    3 hours | | Kyoto

    With your local host, trace Kyoto’s power corridors—from the shogun’s ornate Nijo Castle to the calm avenues of the Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gyoen)—with clear stories, easy pacing, and photo-friendly stops

    €52.94 per person
    Explore
  10. 10Experience image
    Portrait from local marielle - Guide, Teacher & Storyteller
    Portrait from local Tiro - The City Explorer
    Choose your favorite local

    City Escape: Day Trip Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove

    932 reviews
    6 hours | Day trips | Kyoto

    Imagine this: a scenic road trip from Kyoto to explore Arashiyama with stops along the way to discover viewpoints, villages, incredible nature, and cultural gems. Sounds like a dream? No, it’s possible on a Withlocals day trip with a local host leading the way!

    €153 per person
    Explore
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Real People. Real Stories. Really Good Travel.

  • Feel like a local, not a tourist

    Always private. It's just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.

  • More you, less checklist

    Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.

  • Travel that feels good

    Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.

Private tours with locals in Kyoto

Our locals will give you the best experiences that Kyoto has to offer

  • The 10 Tastings of Kyoto: Street Food
    Guia - Hostest with the mostest!
    Tiro - The City Explorer
    Choose your local

    The 10 Tastings of Kyoto: Street Food

    4.9
    177 reviews
    3 hours • Food tours
    from €116 per person
  • City Kickstart Tour: Kyoto
    Erick - The Family Foodie
    Tiro - The City Explorer
    Choose your local

    City Kickstart Tour: Kyoto

    4.9
    178 reviews
    2 hours • City highlights tours
    from €33.09 per person
  • Full Coverage Kyoto City Tour
    David - The Magician
    Sebastian - Your Kyoto & Osaka Local Insider
    Choose your local

    Full Coverage Kyoto City Tour

    4.9
    127 reviews
    8 hours • City highlights tours
    from €177 per person
  • The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike Tour
    marielle - Guide, Teacher & Storyteller
    Eiji - a Gentle Music Producer
    Choose your local

    The Beauty of Kyoto by Bike Tour

    4.9
    134 reviews
    2.5 hours • City highlights tours
    from €70.98 per person
  • Highlights & Hidden Gems of Kyoto
    Nehal - Nehal
    Ahmed - the expert foreign local
    Choose your local

    Highlights & Hidden Gems of Kyoto

    4.9
    389 reviews
    3 hours • City highlights tours
    from €66.55 per person
  • Treasures of Kyoto: Geishas and Traditions Tour
    Naoki - The Japanese Kansai Local
    Ren - The Life Coach & Artist
    Choose your local

    Treasures of Kyoto: Geishas and Traditions Tour

    5.0
    100 reviews
    2.5 hours • City highlights tours
    from €51.68 per person
  • City Explorer: Nara Day Trip
    Tiro - The City Explorer
    Maha - Authenticity Radar
    Choose your local

    City Explorer: Nara Day Trip

    4.9
    821 reviews
    8 hours • Day trips
    from €163 per person
  • Withlocals Your Way! - Kyoto City Tour
    Shohei - "Play by Ear" Traveler
    Naoki - The Japanese Kansai Local
    Choose your local

    Withlocals Your Way! - Kyoto City Tour

    4.9
    1,566 reviews
    3 hours • City highlights tours
    from €66.18 per person


Explore Kyoto with our incredible locals

Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Kyoto with locals

  • Guia

    Hostest with the mostest!

    106 reviews
    English・日本語
  • Ahmed

    the expert foreign local

    23 reviews
    العربية・English
  • RYUKI

    Your Kyoto born guide RYÜKI

    106 reviews
    English・日本語
  • Tiro

    The City Explorer

    78 reviews
    English・日本語
  • David

    The Magician

    84 reviews
    English・Indonesia・日本語・Melayu
  • Yoshihiro

    The Japanese Local

    347 reviews
    English・日本語
  • Sebastien

    Professional guide and Bamboo Flute Player

    7 reviews
    English・Français
  • marielle

    Guide, Teacher & Storyteller

    2 reviews
    English
  • Erick

    The Family Foodie

    11 reviews
    English
  • WAJID

    Your Friendly and Expert Local Guide

    13 reviews
    English・हिन्दी
See all locals


  • Explore the Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle with a Local
    Yoshihiro - The Japanese Local
    Naoki - Your local Narrator
    Choose your local

    Explore the Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle with a Local

    4.9
    1,064 reviews
    3 hours •
    from €52.94 per person
  • City Escape:  Day Trip Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove
    marielle - Guide, Teacher & Storyteller
    Tiro - The City Explorer
    Choose your local

    City Escape: Day Trip Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove

    4.9
    932 reviews
    6 hours • Day trips
    from €153 per person
  • Shinto Basics & Buddhist Insights: A Kyoto City Walk
    marielle - Guide, Teacher & Storyteller
    Shohei - "Play by Ear" Traveler
    Choose your local

    Shinto Basics & Buddhist Insights: A Kyoto City Walk

    4.9
    815 reviews
    3 hours •
    from €51.84 per person
  • Kyoto Garden Highlights: Golden Pavilion & Ryoan-ji
    Naoki - Your local Narrator
    Ren - The Life Coach & Artist
    Choose your local

    Kyoto Garden Highlights: Golden Pavilion & Ryoan-ji

    4.9
    582 reviews
    3 hours •
    from €52.57 per person
  • Kyoto by E-Bike: Temples, Culture & Scenic Paths
    Ren - The Life Coach & Artist
    Tiro - The City Explorer
    Choose your local

    Kyoto by E-Bike: Temples, Culture & Scenic Paths

    4.9
    495 reviews
    3.5 hours •
    from €90.63 per person
  •  Half-Day Uji from Kyoto by Train: Byōdō-in, Ujigami Shrines & Tea Stories
    Naoki - Your local Narrator
    Maha - Authenticity Radar
    Choose your local

    Half-Day Uji from Kyoto by Train: Byōdō-in, Ujigami Shrines & Tea Stories

    4.9
    334 reviews
    4 hours •
    from €79.78 per person
  • Family Friendly Kyoto City Tour
    Ahmed - the expert foreign local
    Sebastian - Your Kyoto & Osaka Local Insider
    Choose your local

    Family Friendly Kyoto City Tour

    4.9
    318 reviews
    2.5 hours •
    from €48.71 per person
  • Arashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari: Day Trip from Kyoto by Train
    marielle - Guide, Teacher & Storyteller
    Erick - The Family Foodie
    Choose your local

    Arashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari: Day Trip from Kyoto by Train

    5.0
    299 reviews
    10 hours •
    from €128 per person
See all experiences


Find experiences by category

Discover experiences based on your interest

  • City highlights tours 23
  • Day trips 3
  • Food tours 3
  • Photo tours 2
  • Night tours 1

Enjoy the Best of Kyoto
Like a Local

Why is Withlocals the best place to book a tour?

  • Private & Personal

    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.

  • Tailored to your wishes

    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.

  • Chat before you book

    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.

  • Travel that supports locals

    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.

  • Feel good about where your money goes

    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.

  • Trusted by millions

    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.

  • Secure & flexible booking

    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.

  • Private & Personal

    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.

  • Tailored to your wishes

    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.

  • Chat before you book

    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.

  • Travel that supports locals

    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.

  • Feel good about where your money goes

    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.

  • Trusted by millions

    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.

  • Secure & flexible booking

    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.



Private & Personalized Tours in Kyoto with a Local

When you hit the road and land in a new city like Kyoto, there's an exciting way to dive into its soul: personalized local tours. Forget the typical touristy routes – these tours are like having a local friend show you around all the cool spots.

Imagine having someone who lives and breathes Kyoto spill its secrets. That's what local guides bring to the table. They know the hidden alleys, the best bites, and stories that never made it to the guidebooks. Whether you're into munching through food tours, wandering the city's streets, or going off the beaten path, a local guide hooks you up with a private tour that's authentically Kyoto.

The best part? These tours are all about you. No herding in big groups or rushing through places you're not interested in. With private tours, you're the boss. Whether it's snapping pics at iconic landmarks, diving into history, or checking out the art scene, the tour is tuned to your vibes at your tempo.

But it doesn't stop at city limits. Day trips let you escape the urban jungle and explore nearby wonders. And if you're just setting foot in Kyoto, kickstart tours give you a taste of everything. Think of it as a crash course in Kyoto awesomeness, guided by a local who knows the city like the back of their hand.

So, next time you're in Kyoto, ditch the ordinary. Grab a local tour and unlock the city's real magic – the stories, flavors, and places that make it uniquely Kyoto. Get ready to explore like a local!



Related Kyoto pages

You might be interested in these

  • Guides in Kyoto
  • City Highlight Tours in Kyoto
  • Day Trips in Kyoto
  • Food Tours in Kyoto
  • Photo Tours in Kyoto
  • Night Tours in Kyoto
  • Walking Tours in Kyoto
  • Bike Tours in Kyoto
  • Short Tours in Kyoto
  • Half day Tours in Kyoto
  • Full day Tours in Kyoto
  • Luxury Tours in Kyoto
  • Nijo Castle in Kyoto
  • Arashiyama in Kyoto
  • Sake Tour in Kyoto
  • Gion in Kyoto
  • Bamboo Forest in Kyoto
  • Nishiki Market in Kyoto
  • Geisha in Kyoto
  • Things To Do Tomorrow in Kyoto
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Travelers love our locals

Reviews from guests about our tours and locals

  • 5.0

    What a bike through Kyoto?

    "Eiji was an amazing tour guide. We had very clear instructions on where to meet him and it was easy to find the bike shop. Once on the bikes we rode through the back streets of Kyoto was shown places that we wouldn’t have expected to see and had a wonderful time on this tour. It was absolutely fantastic and a big thank you to Eiji!!"

    local Eiji
    guest ANNETTE
    ANNETTEAbout local EijiKyoto, September 10, 2026
  • 5.0

    Amazing Kyoto Tour

    "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."

    local David
    guest Hilda
    HildaAbout local DavidKyoto, August 24, 2026
  • 5.0

    Perfect intro to Kyoto

    "My husband and I, along with our 8 year old daughter, had a wonderful time exploring Kyoto with Ren. We wanted to get an introduction to Kyoto from a local’s perspective and we loved the brilliant restaurants, supermarkets and shops she showed us, especially the amazing 100 yen shop! She even helped us buy a travel card for our daughter and sent us loads more tips and recommendations. We visited a Buddhist temple, and then the Pokemon Center and Nintendo Shop. We would have missed the Mario photo op on the roof if she hadn’t taken us up there. As a former game dev myself, I was keen to hear about Ren’s career and was in awe of some of her projects and friends. She was a brilliant, thoughtful guide, and an extremely kind and interesting person to hang out with!"

    local Ren
    guest Gabrielle
    GabrielleAbout local RenKyoto, August 19, 2026
  • 5.0

    Great company and great with kids

    "We had a great morning with Ted! He took time to share parts of Kyoto with us and we saw parts we wouldn’t have found alone Ted was also awesome with our kids and was patient and told us everything answering questions along the way"

    local Yoshihiro
    guest Gareth
    GarethAbout local YoshihiroKyoto, August 15, 2026
  • 5.0

    Unforgettable experience!

    "Our day with Ren in Kyoto was the absolute highlight of our trip to Japan. From the very first email, she was incredibly responsive, helping us craft a custom itinerary that perfectly balanced Kyoto's must-see landmarks with hidden local spots we never would have found on our own.Her knowledge of Kyoto’s history, culture, and architecture is profound, but she shares it in a way that is engaging, conversational, and fun. She helped us navigate the complex subway system effortlessly, saving us hours of travel time, and knew exactly when to visit crowded areas to avoid the massive tour bus rushes. Ren also went above and beyond by taking beautiful photos of our family throughout the day and recommending incredible, authentic lunch spots within our budget. If you want a deeply knowledgeable, warm, and professional guide who feels like an old friend showing you around his hometown, book Ren immediately, we would in a heartbeat!"

    local Ren
    guest Volker
    VolkerAbout local RenKyoto, August 14, 2026
  • 5.0

    We absolutely loved our tour with Tiro!

    "He took plenty of time to show us some beautiful and special places in Kyoto that we probably would not have discovered on our own. We cycled along the river, stopping several times while Tiro gave us interesting explanations and pointed out things we would otherwise have missed. We visited the shrine dedicated to beauty and even tried a delicious “beauty potion” 😊. Later, we visited the oldest shrine and then continued cycling downstream, passing the old palace before making our way to a temple. Tiro was incredibly attentive throughout the tour and also made sure to take the children’s needs into account, for example by stopping for a little drink break when needed. To finish the tour, we cycled through the Gion district and were even lucky enough to see real geishas! 😊 We honestly would have loved to spend the whole day cycling around Kyoto with Tiro. A fantastic experience and highly recommended! 🚲❤️"

    local Tiro
    guest Isabelle
    IsabelleAbout local TiroKyoto, August 10, 2026
  • 5.0

    Great guide!

    "We really enjoyed our introduction to Kyoto. Guía was great and very knowledgeable about the city and Japan more generally. Thank you for sharing your beautiful city with us!"

    local Guia
    guest Dan
    DanAbout local GuiaKyoto, July 29, 2026
  • 5.0

    An unforgettable bike tour with Tiro! ♥️

    "We did our bike tour through Kyoto with Tito today and had a blast! He took us to places where we would have not gone on our own and adjusted the tour spontaneously to our wishes. Because of his flexibility, we could visit a temple and partake in a cleaning and candle celebration, which only takes place this time of the year. We traveled through little Streets, learned about Kyoto, went to an old-fashioned coffee and tea house, (which we would not have found on our own) and spend some time at the river and finally a food market, with the best sushi!! We had a great time and really appreciate all the time Tiro took to explain to us the history of Kyoto at all the different places we stoped. He is a well of information! Thank you for showing us these places in Kyoto and for all the explanations and stories how the city evolved and the religion behind it. Thank you for going beyond our expectations! All the best for you and your family! ♥️ "

    local Tiro
    guest Pat&Jules and Liam
    Pat&Jules and LiamAbout local TiroKyoto, July 21, 2026
  • 5.0

    Excellent storyteller!

    "Marielle guided us through Kyoto, and gave us all the details in a very enthousiast manner. We really enjoyed her laughs! Tour was adapated to our interests, and she gave us plenty of tips for the days to come! Book her, you will not be disappointed!!"

    local marielle
    guest Dominic
    DominicAbout local marielleKyoto, July 18, 2026
  • 5.0

    Wonderful bike with family

    "We had a fabulous experience cycling through some spectacular sights in Kyoto. From the older part of the city, philosophers path and back along the riverbank. Sebastian was full of knowledge and made the experience very enjoyable for our family including a 12 & 9 yr old. I’d highly recommend this tour. "

    local Sebastian
    guest Paula
    PaulaAbout local SebastianKyoto, July 17, 2026