Kyoto / Full-day tour
A private day in Kyoto, made to order.
We build the day from scratch, guided in English. Add a private car with driver and you can leave the city for a fishing town by the sea or a village in the mountains. You can also do the day by e-bike.
- 8 hours
- Anywhere in Kyoto Prefecture
- Private, up to 7 people
- Train, bus or private car
- English
- Book up to 2 days ahead
We build the day from places in Kyoto Prefecture. The meeting point is set once the route is decided, and it is usually Kyoto Station. That is about 2 hours 15 minutes from Tokyo Station by shinkansen, and about 30 minutes from Osaka Station by train.
Places you could go
One of Japan's three great views, and a town of boat houses
A mountain village of thatched roofs
Byodo-in, a World Heritage site, and long-established tea houses
Beyond the city there is the sea, the forest and the tea country. Tell us where you want to go, and we plan the day around it.
Times are one way from Kyoto Station by car, except Uji, which is quicker by train. Amanohashidate and Ine are 30 minutes apart, so you can do both in a day.
How your day is built
Options
- A private car with an English-speaking driver+¥82,000 Per group, 8 hours, within Kyoto Prefecture. It cuts down how far you walk. Good with children, with older travellers, or in the rain.
- E-bike+¥3,750 Per person. It covers the hills of Higashiyama, the Kamo riverside and Arashiyama efficiently.
You choose options when you book. Bookings close2 days before the tour date.
Price
- Up to 7 people, children included¥99,000
- Cherry blossom, autumn leaves, New Year¥110,000
This is the price for the whole group. It is the same whatever the number of people.
Everyone counts as one person, including babies and children. This tour takes up to 7 people, children included.
High season is cherry blossom 20 March to 20 April, autumn leaves 1 November to 15 December, and New Year 20 December to 7 January.
What the price includes
✓ Included
- One English-speaking guide, 8 hours, for your group only
- Choosing the places and planning the day
- Support before and after the tour
✕ Not included
- Train and bus fares
- Taxi fares (if you do not add a private car)
- Entrance fees
- Food and drink (including your guide's lunch)
- Tips (optional)
What you pay on the day depends on where you go. We send the breakdown once the route is set. Entrance fees are cash only at most places, so please bring cash.
FAQ
How are the places decided?
After booking we ask you by email what kind of day you want. From that, a planner chooses the places and sets the order of the day。The photographs on this page are examples, not a list to choose from. It is fine if nothing comes to mind. If you already know where you want to go, just tell us. Anywhere in Kyoto Prefecture works.
Where do we meet and finish?
It is set once the route is decided, and it is usually Kyoto Station. We tell you by email after you book.
How late can I book?
Up to2 days before the tour date. We talk about where to go by email afterwards. You do not need to know when you book.
How much cash do I need on the day?
It depends on where you go. Entrance fees are cash only at most places, so please bring cash. Once the route is set, we send you the breakdown and a rough total. Meals are extra.
What happens if it rains?
Light rain does not change the plan. Please bring an umbrella or a raincoat. If we cancel for weather or safety, such as a typhoon, you get a full refund or a new date.
Can you pick us up at our hotel?
Your guide will be waiting at the meeting point. If you would like a hotel pick-up, please ask before you book.
Can we join with children?
Yes. There is no age limit. Babies and children count towards the 7 people. How far you walk depends on where you go. Adding a private car cuts the walking down a lot.
Refunds
- 8+ days before Full refund
- 7 days to 48 hours50% refund
- Within 48 hours No refund
Not turning up counts as within 48 hours.
Book
Please read this before you book.
- Cancellation: full refund 8 days or more before, 50% refund from 7 days to 48 hours before, no refund within 48 hours
- Travel insurance: please arrange your own travel insurance before the tour
- Who you contract with: the booking, the contract and the payment are handled by DHJ PRIVÉ (Discovery Hidden Japan Inc.), a registered travel agency
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