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A traditional Japanese building with a reflection in water, a person in traditional attire, and a pagoda. 1
A bamboo forest pathway. 2
A traditional Japanese pagoda with multiple tiers, surrounded by buildings with tiled roofs and greenery. 3
A stone staircase flanked by red lanterns leading up a forested path. 4
A cemetery with numerous stone statues of Buddha. 5

Kyoto Highlights:Custom Private Tour with English-Speaking Driver

By Ever Journey Tours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$896 per traveller* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple travellers
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 10h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup

Overview

Experience Kyoto Your Way

Discover the heart of Japan's ancient capital with the ultimate comfort of a private vehicle. This fully customisable day trip is designed for travellers who value flexibility and ease, allowing you to bypass the crowds of public transport and see Kyoto's iconic landmarks at your own pace. From the golden reflections of Kinkaku-ji to the thousands of vermilion gates at Fushimi Inari, we handle the logistics so you can focus on the beauty of the city.

Activity location

  • Arashiyama
    • Ukyo-ku,
    • 616-0007, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Arashiyama
    • Ukyo-ku,
    • 616-0007, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Check availability

Kyoto Highlights custom tour in English

  • Activity duration is 10 hours10h
    10h
  • Opening hours: Sat 8:30 am-6:30 pm
  • English

Duration: 10 hours
Pickup included

Language options: English
Price details
NZ$896.37 x 1 TravellerNZ$896.37
Total
Price is NZ$896.37
Until Fri, 17 Jul

What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Pick-up and Drop-off to Hotel
  • Inclusions
    Private transport
  • Inclusions
    English-Speaking Driver
  • Inclusions
    Pick-up options available from Osaka and Nara charging an additional fee approximately JPY 20000
  • Inclusions
    Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Inclusions
    Fuel surcharge
  • Inclusions
    Parking Fees
  • Exclusions
    Food not included
  • Exclusions
    Temple & Shrine Admission Fees must be paid on site approximately

Know before you book

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transport options are available nearby
    • Specialised infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Activity itinerary

Arashiyama

  • 3h
  • Admission ticket not included
Arashiyama is a historic district on the western outskirts of Kyoto, celebrated for its dramatic seasonal landscapes and spiritual landmarks. The area is defined by the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where a winding path leads through a dense forest of soaring green stalks. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Katsura River from the Togetsukyo Bridge, a landmark that has stood as a symbol of the district for centuries. The area also features the sprawling Tenryu-ji Temple, a premier Zen institution featuring a 14th-century garden that remains in its original form. Whether blanketed in cherry blossoms or vivid autumn maples, Arashiyama offers a peaceful retreat into Japan’s natural and imperial past. Note: Admission tickets for Tenryu-ji Temple and the Iwatayama Monkey Park are not included. Visitors will need to purchase these directly from the site staff at the entrance gates.

Kinkakuji Temple

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket not included
Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple and one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. Originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the structure is renowned for its top two stories which are completely covered in brilliant gold leaf. Set against the "Mirror Pond" (Kyoko-chi), the temple's reflection creates a stunning visual harmony with the surrounding Muromachi-period gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Japanese garden design, particularly striking during the autumn foliage and winter snow seasons. Note: Admission tickets are not included in the tour price. Visitors will need to purchase these directly from the site staff at the entrance gates.

Nishiki Market Shopping District

  • 1h
Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," Nishiki Market is a narrow five-block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. This lively retail market specialises in all things food-related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialities, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi. Many shops have been operated by the same families for generations. It is an ideal spot for travellers to experience the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Japanese marketplace and sample unique local delicacies.

Gion

  • 1h
Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka: Leading up to Kiyomizu-dera, these historic pedestrian slopes are the heart of the Higashiyama preservation district. The stone-paved paths are lined with traditional shops selling Kyoto crafts, Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, and local sweets. Sannenzaka (Three-Year Slope) and Ninenzaka (Two-Year Slope) offer some of the most iconic "Old Kyoto" views, with beautiful wooden architecture and classic pagodas in the background. It is the perfect place for photography and finding unique souvenirs. Note: These are pedestrian-only areas. No admission tickets are required to walk through these districts.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

  • 1h
  • Admission ticket not included
Founded in 778 AD, Kiyomizu-dera ("Pure Water Temple") is a UNESCO World Heritage site located on the forested hills of eastern Kyoto. The temple is best known for its massive wooden stage that juts out 13 metres above the hillside, offering panoramic views of the city surrounded by cherry blossoms or maple trees. The complex is named after the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from three streams believed to grant longevity, success, and love. Note: The first part of the temple grounds, including the impressive Nio-mon Gate and the Three-Story Pagoda, is free for entry. However, admission tickets (approx. 500 JPY) are required to access the main wooden stage and the Otowa Waterfall. Visitors will need to purchase these directly from the site staff at the entrance gates.

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

  • 1h
Fushimi Inari-taisha is the head shrine of the god Inari, the deity of rice and business. It is world-renowned for its "Senbon Torii" (Thousands of Torii Gates), which form two parallel dense tunnels of vibrant orange gates winding up the wooded slopes of Mount Inari. Visitors can walk through the lower loop of gates to reach the Inner Shrine or explore the mountain trails lined with stone fox statues, who are believed to be the messengers of the gods. As a private tour, we can arrive via the most convenient access point, allowing you to experience the spiritual atmosphere of this 8th-century landmark without the stress of navigating public transport. Note: Entry to the shrine grounds is free of charge. No admission tickets are required.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Arashiyama
    • Ukyo-ku,
    • 616-0007, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Arashiyama
    • Ukyo-ku,
    • 616-0007, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

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