Make your stay in Kyoto complete with these things to do
1
Choose your favorite local
City Kickstart Tour: Kyoto
148 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!
Explore the Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle with a Local
516 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
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
247 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.
Traveling to Kyoto with kids? We’ve got you! See the best of Kyoto on a family friendly tour and discover the city through your kid’s eyes. Your private tour includes fun activities, entertaining stories, a tasty treat, and unforgettable memories that your whole family will cherish forever.
"Eiji was a fun and informative guide. He was very friendly, with good knowledge of the city. Eiji took us to places off the tourist trail. We felt safe on the bikes with him as our guide."
"Yoshihiro (aka Ted-san) is just such a wonderfully delightful, likeable man, and we are honored to have spent time with him in Kyoto. My only regret is that we spent several days in Kyoto (right around the New Year) and were not able to book Ted-san until the day before we departed. Nonetheless, Ted-san was exceedingly communicative before the trip to help us plan our time/experiences independently so that by the time our day with him arrived, we had a better sense for what we wanted to focus on. The crowds are no joke, and Ted-san deftly navigated our meeting spot and itinerary to make the most of our time together. He was also very flexible as my son/spouse were hungry and wanted a bit of a breakfast/coffee stop before we began. Ted-san chose a great spot to fuel up and get our bearings, and was so sweet about accommodating our requests. He thoughtfully and carefully presented information at the perfect "level" of detail for our group which included my teenage son. We came away with enough information to understand the significance and impact of Kyoto within Japanese history without feeling like we were bogged down with information. Ted-san graciously answered my questions to help us understand the more personal cultural aspects of modern Japanese citizens, all with thoughtfulness and warmth. If we get to return to Kyoto during the Spring (and I hope we do!) I would absolutely book another tour with Ted-san. He is a gem!!!"
"Naoki was an outstanding guide in Kyoto. He is extremely friendly, very well-educated, and clearly passionate about Japanese history and culture. He explained everything in a way that was engaging and easy to understand
Another great thing is his flexibility and willingness to help - he adapted the schedule to our pace and interests, and was always ready to assist with anything we needed, from restaurant recommendations to local tips/translations.
We also had a wonderful dinner together and friendly chat, which made the whole experience more personal and authentic.
Thank you Naoki for a wonderful experience!"
"Shohei was excellent. He showed us all the highlights and explained shrines and temples. My teens were engaged and asked questions. It was a great tour."
"We had the most incredible time with Ryuki whom our friend used and raved about. We highly recommend him to anyone visiting Kyoto -- super knowledgeable, flexible with the programing, and able to make things interesting on the fly. "
"David John was an all world guide who provided my son and I with a wonderful 3 hour tour of the hidden gems of Kyoto! Incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and fun to be with he provided great historical background, insights and great anecdotes as he toured us around the temple grounds , shrines and other areas of Gion. Cant endorse him highly enough!"
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
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
Choose your favorite local
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