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Private Kyoto Tours

Go beyond the touristy stuff, discover the hidden side of Kyoto

JOIN A TOUR

Don't get stuck on only the touristy stuff.

Are you sure your clients won’t end up getting stuck only seeing the touristy stuff on their own, missing out on the hidden side of Kyoto?

I get it. There is so much to see and do in Kyoto but with a lack of local knowledge and connections, it’s difficult for your clients to go beyond the touristy stuff. 

I’ve taken clients just like yours on Private Tours of Kyoto. Before my tour, they worried about language issues, getting stuck in crowds and tourist traps, not to mention being unable to find the off-the-beaten-track places and things only a local would know. Join a tour and let an experienced local help you discover the hidden side of Kyoto.

I can’t wait to help your clients discover the hidden gems!

Your Local Connection

No language barriers

Myself along with other guides are fluent in both English and Japanese​, helping to smooth out any communication problems

Professional & Experienced Guides

Myself and or other guides who I carefully select, possess the knowledge, expertise and a passion to take you beyond the touristy stuff!!

Unique insights into history, culture & people

Hands On Kyoto guides possess unique insights and local knowledge that brings out the history, culture and people that your clients would miss out on their own!

Discover the Hidden Side of Kyoto

Join a Tour in 4 easy steps:

1. Click JOIN A TOUR

2. Choose your tour

3. Finalize the booking

4. Discover the hidden side of Kyoto

Exploring Kyoto on your own can be intimidating.

Your clients trying to go beyond the touristy stuff on their own is difficult. Knowing where the off-the-beaten-track places are and how to get away from the crowds…usually leads to stress and headaches. 

With a local guide this doesn’t happen.

We will help you discover the hidden side of Kyoto!

Tours ensure your clients experience the unknown side of Kyoto, only a would know.

Your clients will be happy and relieved they joined a tour.

Hands on Kyoto tours with a Kyoto Insider

I've helped these clients discover the Hidden Gems:

"Before the tour, I was super overwhelmed by Kyoto and navigating around, trying to hit all the landmarks without getting lost. He speaks both English and Japanese and could translate when needed, making the experience more authentic. Didn’t expect to spend time at the Zen temple, just talking about tea ceremony and had no idea it was similar to a martial art. I would definitely recommend this tour to a friend. It was a super awesome time, I saw a local Zen temple that was off-the-beaten-track no one really knew about and feel like I took all sorts of secret little paths with Greg to get to our destinations and see things I definitely wouldn’t have seen if I was on my own"
Hudson Eddy
Hudson Eddy⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"We had been to Kyoto before and enjoyed a group tour with Greg as our guide. When we next visited with friends, we knew that Greg was able to use his insider knowledge and connections to put together something that suited all of us for a Private Tour. With Greg's help we were able to maximise our limited time to explore this extraordinary city which has so many things to offer, and he showed us treasures we would never have found by ourselves. I also felt as if we were being showed around by a local friend. Highlights of the tour for me were navigating the railway system; delving into the city's ancient history; feasting on the architecture; artisan gallery shopping; sharing a tasty local meal."
Marg Powell
Marg Powell⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Certificate of Excellence 2018
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating on TripAdvisor

Discover the hidden side of Kyoto. A simple click away.

JOIN A TOUR

What You'll get on a Private Kyoto Tour:

Native English, Fluent Japanese Speakers

Local Kyoto residents

Experienced/Knowledgable Guides

Access to off-beaten-track-places

Access to local restaurants, places & people

Rare cultural Insights

Tour Options

Option
1

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Off-beaten-path Garden

Sanjusangendo Temple

Nijo Castle

Nishiki Market

option
2

Ginkakuji Silver Temple

Philosopher’s Path

Off-beaten-path Garden

Chion-in Temple

Yasaka Shrine

Hidden gems of Kyoto
3

Off-beaten-track temple

Unknown shrine

Off-beaten-path restaurant

Locals only known shopping arcade

Lesser known garden

Tour Pricing

  • Guide fee: 35,000 yen (1-5 clients) 
  • 4,000 yen fee for every extra person above 5 clients
  • Note: entrance fees, transportation fees and lunch are not included, separate from the guide fee
  • entrance into temples is free for me due to my guide license
  • depending on lunch and way we get around (walking/public transportation or taxi) costs will differ

Tour Details

  • tours usually 8:30 am until 3:00 pm (flexible with start/finish time)
  • I personally meet you at your accommodation or place of choice (within Kyoto city limits)
  • Walking and taxi is the main way to get around for these options

Custom Tours

Local Authentic Kyoto-Customized

Design your own local authentic Kyoto -Custom tour designed to fit your unique cultural interests.

Possibilities

  • Meet a genuine tea master

  • Meet an actual geisha

  • Try taiko drumming

  • Ninja experience

  • Pottery and other traditional arts & crafts
  • Visit breathtaking gardens

Tour Pricing

  • Guide fee: Starting at ¥35,000 (1-5 clients) 
  • Planning/Co-ordination fee: ¥10,000 
  • Note: cultural activity fees, entrance fees, transportation fees and lunch are not included, separate from the guide fee
  • Entrance into temples is free for me 
  •  Depending on lunch and mode of transportation, for example-walking/public transportation or taxi, costs will differ

Tour Details

  • Tours are from 8:30 am until 3:00 pm (flexible with start/finish time)
  • I personally meet you at your accommodation or place of choice (within Kyoto city limits)

**Free Consultations: Please email me at greg@handsonkyoto.com to schedule a consultation on Google Hangout, Whatsapp, Skype or another platform of your choice.

Have Questions? We've Got Answers

I take away the uncertainty about finding places to eat, getting lost and extra hassles dealing with language barriers. Based on my experience, I know what you’re looking for and help you discover off-the-beaten-track places you won’t find otherwise.

More than just a guide, I’m more like a “local friend” who helps you get an insider’s look into Kyoto.

I’m easily to relate to and communicate with since I’m a native English speaker from Canada, yet I’m also fluent in Japanese.

I’ve actually lived and breathed Japan, encountering tons of personal experiences over 15 years, providing you with insights into Japanese people, culture and beyond.

The maximum number for the price quoted is for 4 people. 

There is a booking form we ask clients to fill out. You simply list basic information concerning your tour choice, name and contact details and we reply as soon as possible. 

Rain or shine our tours will be held.  However, during the typhoon season (August-October) we experience torrential downpours and strong winds and in these cases the tours will be cancelled. I will contact those of you who have booked to let you know the tour is actually cancelled. 

The price is 35,000 yen up to 4 people. (excluding entrance fees, transportation fees, lunch) Unfortunately, we don’t accept credit cards or online payments at the moment. Please pay us in cash (Japanese yen) on the day of the tour.