Build-Your-Own Kyoto
Build-Your-Own Kyoto
60,000 JPY per group - 8 hours
Welcome to our custom Kyoto private tour services, where your exploration is crafted to your desires. Tailor each moment with our expert guidance, selecting from Kyoto’s myriad treasures: ancient temples like Kinkaku-ji, serene bamboo forests, or cultural districts like Gion. Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s charm, designing a personalized journey that meets your preferences and curiosities.
- Expert advice to build your own private Kyoto tour
- Full days & half-day tours
- Flexible custom tour itineraries
- Tell us your interests
- Top local Kyoto tour guides
- We help you to plan
MORE INFORMATION
Custom Kyoto Private Tours
Prices & Info
PRICE:
- Full-Day 8 Hours
1 – 4 people = 60,000 JPY/group
5 – 10 people = please add 3,000 JPY to the above price for each extra person. - Half-Day 5 Hours
1 – 4 people = 41,000 JPY/group
5 – 10 people = please add 2,000 JPY to the above price for each extra person. - A 1.8% payment processing fee will be added at checkout.
Our private tours are suitable for up to 10 people in a group with one tour guide. If you have more than 10 people in your group please email us to discuss details. We can give the best advice for your tour group.
START TIME:
- Full-Day 8 Hours = 9 AM at central Kyoto hotels or train stations.
- Half-Day 5 Hours = 9 AM to 12 PM at a time that suits you.
END TIME:
- 8 or 5 hours after your start time at central city locations. If you want to end at your hotel please discuss with your guide on the day so that they can allow time.
TOUR OPERATES: Any dates except for some holidays. Please request availability.
GROUP SIZE: Minimum 1, Maximum 10
INCLUSIONS: Local English-speaking tour guide, central hotel pick-up, bespoke tour planning service
EXCLUSIONS: Transport, lunch and entrance fees. Please pay for these as you go on the day for yourselves and your guide. We will advise you of these costs before you book.
Private Transport Available
Private transport with a car and professional driver can be added to this tour for a more comfortable and efficient experience. All vehicles and drivers are fully government licensed, and tours with private transport include a separate local guide and driver. Simply select the “Add Private Transport” option when completing the tour request form. See the prices below.
PRICE:
8 Hours
- 1 – 4 people = 122,000 JPY
- 5 – 8 people = 132,000 JPY
- A 1.8% payment processing fee will be added at checkout.
5 Hours
- 1 – 4 people = 85,000 JPY
- 5 – 8 people = 90,000 JPY
- A 1.5% payment processing fee will be added at checkout.
INCLUSIONS: Local English-speaking tour guide, fully licensed driver, suitable size vehicle, central hotel pick-up/drop-off, bespoke tour planning service.
EXCLUSIONS: Meals, entrance fees and parking fees. Please pay for these as you go on the day for yourselves and your guide. We will advise you of these costs before you book.
Tour Cancellation Policy
- Notice of cancellation received by The Backstreet Guides 30 days or more prior to the starting date of the tour will incur a charge of 20% of the tour fare.
- Notice of cancellation received by The Backstreet Guides 29 days to 7 days prior to the starting date of the tour will incur a charge of 40% of the tour fare.
- Notice of cancellation received by The Backstreet Guides 6 days to 3 days prior to the starting date of the tour will incur a charge of 60% of the tour fare.
- Notice of cancellation received by The Backstreet Guides less than 3 days prior to the starting day of the tour, including no-show, will incur a charge of 100% of the tour fare.
- Any tickets purchased are non-refundable unless otherwise stated.
Testimonials
We bring the best experience
See what our past guests say about us. Travelers' Choice Award 2024 & 25!
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The BEST Tokyo Guides - This was our second time booking with The Backstreet Guides. We had an amazing private tour with Rie! We were so grateful to have her with us for 3 days.... read more 
Daisy L
March 31, 2026 - Great Experience with lovely guide who spoke English very well. - Rie was wonderful! We are 6 active seniors from the US- she was fun, informative, and made sure no one got lost in the crowds! We enjoyed her company for 2 days.
donutBoca
May 5, 2026 - THE BEST OF KYOTO WITH THE BEST TOUR GUIDE - The best of the best: Excelency and profesionaly, KIndly, well known and punctual. We visit 1000 torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, Foodie adventure in bustling Nishiki Market, Geiko (Geisha)... read more
GERARDO C
September 11, 2026 -
Thumbs up Backstreet guides - Met at our hotel by our guide Rie, we proceeded to travel around Tokyo suburbs trying amazing food,coffee and craft beer. Throw in a few temples,shrines and shops,it's a full... read more 
Curious28322482007
March 2, 2026 - 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
Karen H
October 16, 2025 - 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
865courtneyv
November 2, 2025 - Great day in Tokyo - We had a wonderful day in Tokyo on the Market & Modern Culture tour with our guide, Rie. She showed us the best spots in Tsujiki market that locals... read more
MTS55305
March 23, 2026 - Our KYOTO ADVENTURE with the wonderful Saki - Our Kyoto Tour was absolutely unforgettable.
Our wonderful tour guide SAKI was knowledgeable and shared fascinating historical and cultural insights that brought each site to life.
This tour gave... read more 
Richard N
January 11, 2026 - Amazing experience in Osaka/Kyoto with Saki! - The Backstreet Guides continue to be the most spectacular group of people. Japan is such an amazing place, and its only made better by this team. They are excellent in... read more
Kyle G
October 2, 2026 - We visited several shrines and gardens using public transportation. - Mami was very friendly and knowledgeable. She explained things well making sure we were comfortable with the pace of the tour. And we saw a lot!
Thank you, Mami, for... read more 
Elsie T
October 3, 2026