Tour Requests
Kyoto lady dressed in a traditional kimono

Build-Your-Own Kyoto

52,000 JPY (UP TO 5 PEOPLE)


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 – 5 people = 52,000 JPY/group
    6 – 10 people = please add 2,500 JPY to the above price for each extra person.
  • Half-Day 5 Hours
    1 – 5  people = 37,000 JPY/group
    6 – 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 = 118,000 JPY
  • 5 – 8 people = 128,000 JPY
  • A 1.5% payment processing fee will be added at checkout.

5 Hours

  • 1 – 4 people = 82,000 JPY
  • 5 – 8 people = 87,000 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  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  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  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  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  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  I had the best day. visiting Nikko dressed in its Autumn foliage- Mayu from Backstreet Guides was so organised and thankfully her English was impeccable (as my Japanese was very,... read more

    Tas-wanderer
    December 4, 2019
  • star rating  11 family members ageing from 11 to 72 went to Hakone and Mt Fuji with guide Mayu. She was an extremely caring, organised, flexible and informative guide. Highly recommend Backstreet... read more

    KJTremo
    January 17, 2020
  • star rating  Historical Tokyo tour  - We enjoyed this tour with Mana, she was amazing and we covered so much history and beautiful gardens full of cherry blossoms. Some of the best places were the small... read more

    avatar thumb denisesS640QJ
    April 3, 2025
  • star rating  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

    avatar thumb Curious28322482007
    March 2, 2026
  • 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

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