Full Day Tour of Kyoto With Private Transportation

Exploring the cultural heart of Japan, a full-day tour of Kyoto offers travelers a chance to enjoy the city’s iconic landmarks and rich heritage. With private transportation and an English-speaking guide, visitors can discover renowned sites like the Kiyomizu Dera temple and Kinkakuji pavilion at their own pace, while savoring authentic local cuisine. Catering to accessibility needs, this comprehensive tour provides a seamless experience that delves into the unique customs and traditions that have shaped Kyoto’s enduring legacy. What secrets and insights await those who embark on this captivating journey?

Key Points

• This full-day private tour covers the highlights of Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, including iconic temples like Kinkakuji and Kiyomizudera.
• Private transportation is provided, with hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing for a personalized and flexible itinerary tailored to the group’s interests.
• The tour includes admission fees, an English-speaking guide, and gratuities, ensuring a hassle-free and comprehensive sightseeing experience.
• The tour is accessible for wheelchair users and stroller riders, though some destinations have stairs not recommended for wheelchairs.
• Guests have the opportunity to explore Kyoto’s vibrant food culture by visiting handpicked, authentic restaurants recommended by the guide.

Tour Overview

This full-day Kyoto tour offers private transportation, allowing travelers to explore the city’s top attractions at their own pace.

The tour covers locations in Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, with a starting price of €228.90 per person. Included are the fuel surcharge, parking fees, private transportation, entrance fees to Kiyomizu Dera and Kinkakuji, an English-speaking guide, and gratuities.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Pickup is available from hotels in Kyoto, Kobe, or Osaka, and the tour is accessible for wheelchair users and stroller riders, though some destinations have stairs.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup for the Kyoto tour is available from hotels and accommodations in Kyoto, Kobe, or Osaka.

Travelers should wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. If the accommodation isn’t listed, travelers can note their preferred pickup location. The tour provider will arrange transportation to meet the group at the designated location.

Travelers should be ready and waiting to ensure a prompt departure for the day’s activities. The travel time from Osaka/Kyoto to the destinations and back to the hotel is included in the tour experience.

Accessibility and Requirements

The Kyoto tour with private transportation is accessible for wheelchair users and those with strollers, and service animals are allowed on the tour.

The tour is also near public transportation, though infants must sit on laps.

Travelers should note that some destinations have staircases not recommended for wheelchairs, so a moderate physical fitness level is required.

The tour experience includes:

• Wheelchair accessibility
• Stroller accessibility
• Service animal allowance
• Near public transportation, with infants sitting on laps

Despite some accessibility limitations, the tour aims to accommodate a range of travelers and their needs.

Tour Experience

As the tour is private, only the group participating will be included. This means travelers can enjoy a personalized experience tailored to their interests and pace.

The tour includes travel time from Osaka or Kyoto to the destinations and back to the hotel. Throughout the day, the knowledgeable tour guide will provide options and assist the group, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Whether exploring the iconic Kinkakuji Temple or the historic Kiyomizudera, the private nature of the tour allows for a more immersive and flexible itinerary.

Travelers can make the most of their time in Kyoto with this comprehensive private tour.

Kiyomizu Dera Temple

One of the highlights of the Kyoto tour is a visit to the renowned Kiyomizu Dera Temple. This 8th century Buddhist temple sits atop a hill, offering stunning views of the city.

Visitors can explore the main hall, which features a large wooden veranda that juts out over the hillside.

Some key features of Kiyomizu Dera include:

• The beautiful wooden architecture and impressive size of the main hall
• The stunning Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from three streams said to grant wisdom, longevity, and success in love
• The Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the god of love and matchmaking
• The opportunity to walk along the temple’s famous "love stones" to test one’s romantic luck.

Kinkakuji Temple

After exploring the renowned Kiyomizu Dera Temple, the tour continues to the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion.

This Zen temple is famous for its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf, which reflects beautifully on the pond below. Visitors marvel at the temple’s stunning architecture and serene gardens.

The tour guide provides insightful information about the temple’s history and cultural significance. Guests have ample time to wander the grounds, take photographs, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere before heading to the next destination on the Kyoto sightseeing itinerary.

Lunch and Local Dining

Following the tour of the iconic Kinkakuji Temple, the private Kyoto tour offers an opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine.

The guide expertly navigates the group to handpicked, authentic restaurants, providing insights into Japanese culinary traditions.

Travelers can expect to savor:

• Hearty bowls of steaming ramen
• Delicate sushi and sashimi platters
• Flavorful okonomiyaki, Kyoto’s signature savory pancake
• Seasonal kaiseki ryori, a multi-course haute cuisine experience

The tour incorporates ample time for guests to relax, refuel, and enjoy the vibrant food culture of Kyoto.

Feedback and Recommendations

Travelers consistently praise the Kyoto tour for its exceptional quality, with a 5.0 average rating across 4 reviews on Viator and TripAdvisor.

Reviewers highlight the tour guide’s attentiveness, patience, and knowledgeable recommendations for local dining. Guests appreciated the personalized service and enjoyable experiences throughout the day.

The tour’s wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as allowance for service animals, further adds to its inclusive nature.

While some destinations have stairs not suitable for wheelchairs, the overall positive feedback underscores the tour’s ability to cater to a wide range of travelers and deliver a memorable Kyoto experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Type of Vehicle Is Used for Private Transportation?

The private transportation for this tour likely consists of a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, such as a van or minibus, that can accommodate the group size. The specific vehicle used may vary based on the number of participants.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit additional sites. The tour guide provides options and assistance throughout the day, allowing travelers to tailor the itinerary to their interests within the allotted time frame.

Is a Professional Photographer Included in the Tour?

A professional photographer is not included in the tour package. The tour focuses on providing private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and access to key sites in Kyoto. Additional photography services can be arranged separately at an extra cost.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Visit Other Cities Nearby?

The tour can be extended to visit other cities nearby, but this would likely require additional fees and coordination. Travelers should check with the tour provider about options to customize the itinerary and visit additional destinations outside of Kyoto.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Private Tour?

The tour is private, with only your group participating. The group size is not specified, but private tours typically accommodate small groups for a more personalized experience. The exact group size may depend on your booking.

The Sum Up

The Kyoto full-day tour with private transportation provides a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks. Visitors can customize their experience, enjoying the convenience of hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and accessible options for all travelers. With visits to renowned sites like Kiyomizu Dera and Kinkakuji, as well as opportunities to indulge in authentic local cuisine, this tour offers a deeply immersive and personalized experience of Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.