Make your stay in Kyoto complete with these things to do
1
Choose your favorite local
City Kickstart Tour: Kyoto
134 reviews
2 hours | City highlight 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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
Discover Kyoto in an active and immersive way! On this 3.5-hour e-bike tour, you’ll explore serene temples, scenic rivers, historic streets, and vibrant cultural districts—all while enjoying the freedom of cycling through this beautiful city.
Shinto Basics & Buddhist Insights: A Kyoto City Walk
144 reviews
3 hours | | Kyoto
With your local host, explore Gion and two of Kyoto’s most loved temples—Kiyomizu-dera and Kennin-ji—with clear, down-to-earth stories about Shintō and Buddhism you can use for the rest of your trip.
Explore the Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle with a Local
144 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
Picture this, a night out in Kyoto hopping from hot spot to hot spot, discovering local nightlife while tasting typical local drinks perfectly paired with delicious local bites. Sounds like a fun night? Join a local nightlife expert and discover how the locals unwind in Kyoto.
"David was a great guide! We enjoyed the walk through nikishi market and gion as we learned about the locals, customs and history of the area. It was a good time to see the area in a less crowded and more intimate fashion. Thanks so much!"
"Maha took us on a fantastic walking tour through parts of Kyoto that we didn’t know existed! We found her openness and insights as a person from another country living in Japan interesting. Thoroughly enjoyed our time with Maha and would definitely recommend her to others!"
"I really enjoyed my afternoon with Guia. We saw beautiful places and browsed a flea market, which was all great, but most importantly, I learned SO much about Japanese life and customs, and had many, many questions answered. Guia was warm and approachable, made me feel completely at ease, and was a joy to be with. Thank you, Guia!"
"Naoki was amazing. We texted as we were coming by train and he made us a much more reasonable meeting place. We also had someone with us who needed breaks and ability to sit down a few times.
He made this availabille to us.
Naiki was extremely knowledgeable and willing to help. He helped us buy train tickets for our return trip.
The tour was great, old school Japan."
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.
5.0
Fabulous tour!
"What a brilliant way to spend 5 hours in Kyoto!! Tiro is an EXCELLENT tour guide. I Very knowledgeable, a great communicator, he answered all my questions so well and adapted to my requests. I highly recommend him. I am so glad we did part of the tour by car, I had no idea just how far apart some of the places I wanted to see were. I am particularly interested in history and culture and I loved it all. "
"A Wonderful Walk Around Kyoto with Tiro
Our walk with Tiro was an unforgettable experience! He was funny, knowledgeable, and incredibly attentive throughout the tour. We loved his storytelling style — full of charm and insight — which brought Kyoto’s history and traditions to life. Thanks to him, we learned many fascinating facts that helped us appreciate the city even more. Every stop was meaningful and beautifully explained. Absolutely magical and unique experience. Highly recommended!"
"Ryuki-san was a kind and considerate tour guide! I was a bit nervous about meeting a new person but he made our group feel at ease. I enjoyed learning lots of new things from him about Kyoto from popular local places to eat in the Gion district to tidbits about statues, temples, and shrines. Time went by before we knew it! Hope to visit again soon and explore even more of Kyoto! Highly recommend!"
"Lovely morning with Ted exploring and understanding about the Geisha culture and districts.
Ted was very knowledgeable, easy to get on with and keen to make our tour and trip memorable. Going above and beyond bring suggestions and recommendations for our time in Kyoto Great that Ted took us to the quieter less touristy areas too.
Good preparations for tour with good information and communication. Thanks Ted. "
"Ryuki was an easygoing, friendly and very knowledgeable guide. He made my day in Kyoto full of history, beautiful sights and good local snacks. I would definitely recommend him to someone interested in navigating the sometimes overwhelming streets of this city, all while making you feel like you are with a friend."
Aase (oo-se)About local RYUKI Kyoto, October 11, 2025
5.0
Fantastic tour
"If I could give 11 out of 10 I would, Simone did a fantastic job within the short time we had. We had a great introduction to Kyoto and are now fully set up for our next few days .
I can’t say enough how beneficial a tour with Simone was. "
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.
Private & personalized city tours in Kyoto with a local
Discover Kyoto like never before with a private city tours led by a local guide. These tours are tailored just for you, with no fixed routes or crowds. Whether you’re into history, hidden alleys, iconic landmarks, or everyday local life, your guide will customize the experience to match your interests.
Walk through Kyoto with someone who truly knows the city, hear the stories behind the sights, and uncover corners most tourists miss. Want to focus on art, neighborhoods, or cultural quirks? It’s your tour, your pace. Perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned explorers, our personalized city tours help you connect with Kyoto in a meaningful way.
Say goodbye to generic tours and hello to a one-of-a-kind local experience in Kyoto.
City Tours in Kyoto
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.
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
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