Private Kyoto Tours
Go beyond the touristy stuff, discover the hidden side of Kyoto with a local friend!
Don't get stuck on only the touristy stuff.
Are you sure you won’t end up getting stuck only seeing the touristy stuff on your 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 you to go beyond the touristy stuff.
I’ve taken clients just like you, 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 friend would know. Join a tour and let a local friend help you discover the hidden side of Kyoto.
I can’t wait to help you discover the hidden gems!
Your Local Friend
Bi-lingual: English/Japanese
Language barriers disappear! I'm a native English speaker originally from Canada who speaks Japanese fluently.
Professional & Experienced Guide
I know exactly what you are looking for!! I've worked in the hotel industry for 2 years and as a full-time guide for almost 10 years now. I'm your local friend who happens to have the knowledge and experience to take you beyond the touristy stuff.
Your Local Kyoto Friend
I think of myself as your local friend who can give you an insider’s look into Kyoto. Living in Japan for more than 15 years, I can personally speak on what Japan is like from both a Western and Japanese perspective. I've gone through the pain of learning the language and finding the hidden gems, so you don't have to.
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.
Trying to go beyond the touristy stuff on your 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 friend this doesn’t happen.
I’ll help you discover the hidden side of Kyoto!
My tours ensure you experience the unknown side of Kyoto, only a local friend would know.
You’ll be happy and relieved you joined a tour.
I've helped these clients discover the Hidden Gems:
Certificate of Excellence 2018
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating on TripAdvisor
Discover the hidden side of Kyoto. A simple click away.
What You'll get on a Private Kyoto Tour:
Native English, Fluent Japanese Speaker
Local Kyoto resident-over 15 years
Experienced Guide
Off-beaten-track-places
Access to local restaurants, places & people
Rare cultural Insights
Tour Options
Fushimi Inari Shrine
Off-beaten-path Garden
Sanjusangendo Temple
Nijo Castle
Nishiki Market
Ginkakuji Silver Temple
Philosopher’s Path
Off-beaten-path Garden
Chion-in Temple
Yasaka Shrine
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.
