1-Full Day Private Tour of Kyoto for 1 Day Visitors

Visiting Kyoto for just one day can be a challenge, but a private tour offers an efficient and comprehensive way to experience the city’s most iconic sights. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this 9-hour tour takes travelers to must-see destinations like the golden-pavilioned Kinkakuji Temple, the historic Nijo Castle, and the stunning Kiyomizu-dera Temple. With transportation, entrance fees, and lunch all included, it’s a seamless and hassle-free experience. Whether arriving or departing by cruise ship, this tour ensures 1-day visitors can make the most of their limited time in Kyoto’s rich cultural landscape. What else might this private tour have in store?

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Kyoto.

Key Points

• This private one-day tour in Kyoto includes visits to iconic temples, a historic castle, and transportation coverage for up to 5 travelers.
• The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide and includes entrance fees, lunch, and a seamless start with pickup service.
• The 9-hour experience is not wheelchair accessible but is stroller-friendly and suitable for families with young children.
• Travelers can book this tour for a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, but no refunds are available for last-minute cancellations.
• The tour provider reserves the right to cancel the tour due to poor weather, offering a different date or a full refund.

Tour Details

This private one-day tour of Kyoto offers guided services and transportation arrangements suitable for up to 8 travelers.

The tour includes a knowledgeable guide who’ll lead you through Kyoto’s must-see attractions. You’ll visit the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, the historical Nijo Castle, and the renowned Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Transportation is provided, with up to ¥100,000 covered for groups of up to 5 travelers.

The tour lasts 9 hours, including travel time, and is a private experience for your group only.

Pickup and drop-off can be arranged from any location within Kyoto city, or even from the port if needed.

Included Services

The private 1-day Kyoto tour includes a knowledgeable guide who’ll manage the experience and provide transportation. Lunch is provided, along with entrance fees for the Kinkakuji Temple (¥500 per person), Nijo Castle (¥1,350 per person), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple (¥500 per person).

Included Services	Cost
Guiding and management	Included
Lunch	Included
Transportation (up to ¥100,000 for up to 5 travelers)	Included
Entrance fees	Varies

The tour covers the highlights of Kyoto, ensuring visitors make the most of their time in this historic city.

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour includes pickup from any location within Kyoto city, and it’s possible to arrange transportation from or to the port as well.

This provides flexibility for travelers, allowing them to start and end their private tour conveniently.

The pickup service ensures a seamless start to the day, while the option to arrange transportation to or from the port caters to those arriving or departing by cruise ship.

This added convenience eliminates the hassle of navigating public transportation or securing separate transportation, allowing the tour participants to focus on the sights and experiences that Kyoto has to offer.

The tour provider aims to make the logistical aspects as smooth as possible for a memorable day exploring the city.

Additional Information

Along With the pickup and drop-off convenience, the tour offers several other details travelers should consider. It’s confirmed at the time of booking, ensuring participants have secured their spot.

While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller accessible, catering to families with young children. Infants must sit on laps during transportation.

Most travelers can comfortably participate in the full-day experience, which lasts approximately 9 hours, including travel time between sights.

The tour is private, meaning only your group will participate, providing a personalized and exclusive experience.

Whether you’re a solo traveler or a group, this comprehensive Kyoto tour caters to a variety of needs and preferences.

Cancellation Policy

Canceling the tour carries specific requirements and consequences. Travelers receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours before the experience, but no refund is offered for cancellations less than 24 hours in advance.

Plus, the tour provider won’t accept any changes requested less than 24 hours prior to the tour’s start. This strict policy ensures the tour company can properly plan and manage the experience.

It’s important for visitors to be aware of these terms before booking, as unexpected events may arise. The tour provider does reserve the right to cancel the experience due to poor weather, in which case they’ll offer a different date or a full refund.

Kinkakuji Temple

One of the included entrance fees for the 1-day private tour of Kyoto is Kinkakuji Temple, which costs ¥500 per person.

This iconic temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a must-see destination that showcases Muromachi-period architecture and is surrounded by a picturesque pond garden.

Visitors can admire the stunning golden exterior of the pavilion, which reflects beautifully on the surface of the water.

The temple’s serene atmosphere and stunning natural setting make it a highlight of any Kyoto sightseeing experience.

With the private tour, travelers can explore this iconic landmark at their own pace and learn about its rich history and cultural significance from the knowledgeable guide.

Nijo Castle

Nijo Castle, another included entrance fee for the 1-day private tour of Kyoto, costs ¥1350 per person.

This 17th-century castle, built by the Tokugawa shogunate, features impressive Momoyama-style architecture and is renowned for its ‘Ninomaru Palace‘ and ‘Ninomaru Guard House’, which showcase the shoguns’ power through their meticulously crafted ‘nightingale floors’ that squeak when walked upon to alert guards of any intruders.

The palace’s walls are adorned with intricate gold-leaf paintings, and visitors can explore the castle’s expansive gardens, which include a series of ponds and bridges.

Nijo Castle is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Japan’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

The iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, another captivating landmark included in the 1-day private tour of Kyoto, charges an entrance fee of ¥500 per person.

This historic Buddhist temple, dating back to the early 17th century, sits atop the scenic Otowa Mountain and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding city.

Visitors can admire the grand wooden Main Hall, which doesn’t use a single nail in its construction, and the Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the god of love and matchmaking.

The temple’s famous ‘Otowa Waterfall‘ is believed to have therapeutic powers, and guests can try to collect the water from the three different streams using a ladle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary to Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized to the travelers’ preferences. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility in planning the day’s activities based on the group’s interests and needs.

Are Photography and Video Allowed at the Temples and Castle?

Yes, photography and video are generally allowed at the temples and castle visited on the tour, though visitors should be respectful and avoid disturbing other guests or interfering with religious activities. Some restrictions may apply at certain sites.

What Is the Dress Code or Attire Recommended for the Tour?

The tour operator recommends comfortable, modest attire that covers shoulders and knees, as many of the temples and shrines have dress code requirements. Casual, weather-appropriate clothing is best to ensure a comfortable and respectful experience during the tour.

Can We Stop for Additional Sightseeing or Shopping During the Tour?

Yes, the tour allows for additional sightseeing or shopping during the day. The private nature of the tour provides flexibility to adjust the itinerary as desired, subject to time constraints and the guide’s recommendations.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Travelers can request to extend the 9-hour tour for more sightseeing or shopping, though arrangements must be made at least 24 hours prior to the experience.

Recap

This one-day private tour of Kyoto covers the city’s top sights, including Kinkakuji Temple, Nijo Castle, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

With transportation, entrance fees, and lunch provided, it’s a seamless and hassle-free way for up to 8 travelers to explore Kyoto’s rich history and culture, especially for those with limited time in the city.