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ALL ACCESS KYOTO

Kyoto Tours By Locals


Explore Kyoto with a knowledgeable, English-speaking local guide. Choose to tour by Kyoto’s public transport or add a private car and driver for extra comfort. Our private Kyoto tours are fully personalised, letting you experience Japan’s ancient capital at your own pace.

Discover iconic landmarks like Fushimi Inari’s thousands of torii gates, stroll through the serene Bamboo Forest and historic Higashiyama lanes, savour local flavours at Nishiki Market, and uncover hidden gems your guide loves. A private guided tour of Kyoto is the best way to see the city’s rich culture, timeless temples, and local life with insider insight.

Kyoto lady dressed in a traditional kimono Group 9 Created with Sketch. PRIVATE TOUR

Build-Your-Own Kyoto

Bespoke Kyoto Private Tours

  • Build your own Kyoto private tour
  • Tell us your what you want
  • Expert advise to build your own private Kyoto tour
  • Local knowledgeable guides
  • Be flexible on the day
  • Kyoto hotel pick-ups
  • Full days & half days tours
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view of the Golden Pavilion in north Kyoto Group 9 Created with Sketch. PRIVATE TOUR

Bamboo & Gold Kyoto

Arashiyama & Golden Pavilion

  • Experience the Magical Bamboo Forest
  • Wish for love at the Nonomiya Shrine!
  • The zen temple gardens of Tenryu-ji
  • Explore Arashuyama district
  • Eat lunch like a local!
  • Calm at the dry stone garden of Ryoan-ji
  • Visit the Iconic Golden Pavilion
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Fushimi Inari Shrine 1000 gates Group 9 Created with Sketch. PRIVATE TOUR

Kyoto Explorer

Explore Eastern Kyoto City

  • 1000 torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha
  • Foodie adventure in bustling Nishiki Market
  • Geiko (Geisha) district of Gion
  • Eat lunch like a local!
  • Yasaka Shrine
  • Atmospheric local lanes of Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
  • Enjoy views from Kiyomizu-dera
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Testimonials

We bring the best experience

See what our past guests say about us. Travelers' Choice Award 2024 & 25!

  • star rating  The Backstreet Guides worked with me to create a one day tour for my husband, 8 year old son and myself. We covered a lot of ground starting at 9am.... read more

    GobalTravelwFamily
    September 16, 2019
  • star rating  Tour guide in Kyoto and Tokyo  - We used Backstreet twice. Once in Tokyo and once in Kyoto. In Tokyo we had Rie. she took us around and we saw historical sites modern... read more

    avatar thumb J M
    February 26, 2025
  • star rating  I had a private tour scheduled when we arrived. We met our guide Mayu. She was So sweet and friendly that half way through the tour i booked her for... read more

    Marcthornton1
    December 4, 2019
  • star rating  Private Day Tour - Tokyo - Rie was the absolute best tour guide!! We thoroughly enjoyed our day, learned so much, and were able to partake in new and authentic experiences. Would recommend to anyone and... read more

    avatar thumb 865courtneyv
    November 2, 2025
  • star rating  Great, busy day  - We had a fabulous, fun filled day with Seiko along with lots of laughter and jokes. She met us promptly at the port and off we went on a... read more

    avatar thumb twoonaroadtrip
    October 7, 2024
  • star rating  Do it... you won't regret it! - Great tour with Mana Nakano.
    She was prompt in meeting at hotel, had a historical presentation about Tokyo. We went to the Ueno station, Imperial Palace Gardens, and several other... read more

    avatar thumb jka2017
    February 6, 2026
  • star rating  10/10 once in a lifetime experience!! - This tour was incredible, and Hitomi, along with our driver, made the experience unforgettable! There’s no way we could have seen as much or appreciated the sights as deeply without... read more

    avatar thumb emrklein
    April 7, 2025
  • star rating  Terrific time in Tokyo  - We had a very enjoyable day touring Tokyo and seeing the sights we requested plus a few others recommended by our guide, Rei. The restaurant she chose for lunch... read more

    avatar thumb Brad K
    July 28, 2025
  • star rating  Fabulous Personal Tour  - Great Tour Company. I inquired about a tour and got a response the very next day. As the tour date approached and I realized I needed to revise... read more

    avatar thumb King F
    November 22, 2024
  • star rating  Outstanding Tour by Rie  - Rie was an outstanding tour guide. She took us to two markets, two shrines, and other fascinating places. She was punctual, knowledgeable, patient with our slow pace of walking, and... read more

    avatar thumb Karen H
    October 16, 2025

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