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Kyoto lady dressed in a traditional kimono

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
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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 1.5% 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 1.5% 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Any tickets purchased are non-refundable unless otherwise stated.

Request Availability

Private Guided Tours

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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  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  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  Great tours with Backstreet Guides  - Great tours with Backstreet guides in Tokyo and Kyoto. We had been to both cities before and they were great in making suggestions for things we had not seen... read more

    avatar thumb travelfan21_12
    January 9, 2026
  • star rating  We organised this tour after successfully using Backstreet Guides 7 years ago on our first trip to Japan. Our gorgeous guide Mayu came and met us at out hotel in... read more

    archimum77
    October 6, 2019
  • star rating  Day in Kyoto  - The tour was amazing, our guide Ai was very knowledgeable and had answers to all our questions. She took us over a large area in a good amount of time... read more

    avatar thumb Jess M
    January 26, 2026
  • 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
  • star rating  Historic Tokyo Tour  - Our customized trip with Rie was perfect and efficient. Rie fit a lot in for a full city tour and explained so much of the context and history. 10/10 stars.

    avatar thumb 801lorenm
    June 1, 2025
  • star rating  Fantastic day tour of Tokyo with Junko from Backstreet Guides  - Fantastic tour of Kyoto with Junko. She was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and took us through all the major sights of Kyoto AND encouraged us to take fun detours along the... read more

    avatar thumb Marty M
    March 25, 2025
  • star rating  The Best  - The Backstreet Kyoto Tour was amazing! Our guide Saki was such a knowledgeable and impressive tour guide. We visited and learned about all the major Kyoto sites. Also we had... read more

    avatar thumb Dan R
    October 3, 2025
  • star rating  Rie was awesome. Patient and great with my kids and made it a terrific experience for first timers to Tokyo.  - Rie was awesome. Patient and great with my kids and made it a terrific experience for first timers to Tokyo. We didn’t know what to expect, but she took care... read more

    avatar thumb sfeldage
    June 30, 2025

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