The ‘Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour’ is a must-try experience for those who wish to fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Japan’s cultural capital.
Imagine exploring the ancient grounds of Nijo Castle, or gazing in awe at the breathtaking Kiyomizu Temple.
This tour offers two different routes, allowing visitors to customize their itinerary based on their interests.
Led by knowledgeable and friendly guides, you will gain valuable cultural insights along the way.
Booking is a breeze, with flexible options for group size and date preferences.
The meeting point, Hotel Granvia Kyoto, is conveniently located in the heart of the city.
With a stellar reputation and glowing reviews, the ‘Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour’ promises an unforgettable journey through the captivating streets of Kyoto.
Quick Takeaways
- The Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour offers two different routes to choose from, covering major attractions such as Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple.
- The tour provides a personal guide and starts from Hotel Granvia Kyoto as the meeting point.
- There are specific itineraries for each route, with highlights including Arashiyama Park, Ryoan-ji, Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Food Market, Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Gion area.
- The tour has a flexible pricing system based on group size and offers a Lowest Price Guarantee. Plus, there is a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Pricing and Booking
The pricing and booking options for the Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour vary based on the size of the group. The tour offers a lowest price guarantee, ensuring that customers get the best deal possible.
To book the tour, customers need to select the desired date and the number of travelers. They can then check the availability and reserve their spot. One advantage of this tour is the option to pay later, allowing customers to secure their reservation without immediate payment.
In case the tour is fully booked, customers also have the option to join the waitlist for any cancellations or additional availability. The payment options include credit card and online payment methods, providing convenience and flexibility for customers.
Tour Overview
A private tour of Kyoto offers visitors the opportunity to explore the city’s major attractions with a personal guide, providing an immersive and informative experience.
With two different routes to choose from, the tour covers major attractions such as Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple.
The tour starts at Hotel Granvia Kyoto, where participants meet their personal guide.
Throughout the tour, the guide will share their knowledge and insights about the history and culture of Kyoto. They’ll also provide recommendations and answer any questions the visitors may have. This personalized approach allows visitors to fully appreciate the beauty and significance of each attraction.
Whether it’s the stunning architecture of Nijo Castle or the panoramic views from Kiyomizu Temple, the private tour ensures that visitors have a memorable and enriching experience.
Itinerary and Highlights
During the private Highlights of Kyoto Tour, visitors can explore the city’s major attractions with a personal guide, taking them on a journey through the northwest-bound or southeast-bound itinerary.
Both itineraries offer unique cultural insights and recommended stops that showcase the rich heritage of Kyoto.
In the northwest-bound itinerary, visitors can visit Arashiyama Park, Ryoan-ji, Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Food Market, and Nijo Castle.
On the southeast-bound itinerary, highlights include a visit to Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, and the famous Gion area.
Throughout the tour, visitors can benefit from the exceptional expertise of guide Yuri, who’s highly praised for her knowledge and understanding of Kyoto’s history and culture.
With Yuri’s guidance, visitors can have an enriching and unforgettable experience exploring the best that Kyoto has to offer.
Cancellation Policy
Visitors can take advantage of a free cancellation policy for the Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This allows participants to have flexibility in their plans and makes it easier for them to change or cancel their booking if necessary.
The cancellation policy ensures that customers can receive a full refund if they cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. However, if the cancellation is made less than 24 hours before the start time, no refund will be given. It’s important to note that changes to the booking aren’t accepted less than 24 hours before the start time as well.
Plus, since the tour is weather-dependent, participants have the option to either choose an alternative date or receive a refund if the tour needs to be canceled due to poor weather conditions.
Reviews and Ratings
The reviews and ratings for the Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour showcase the exceptional experiences and high satisfaction levels of participants. With an overall rating of 5.0 based on 68 reviews, the tour has received positive feedback from customers on both Viator and Tripadvisor. Participants have praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides, highlighting their cultural insights and recommended stops. Tour Guide Mie has been specifically commended for her excellence, while guide Yuri has been praised for her knowledge and expertise. However, there was one mixed review that mentioned a lack of information from a guide. The reviews indicate that the Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour offers a perfect introduction to Kyoto, with guides who possess a wealth of knowledge and provide an enjoyable experience for participants.
| Ratings | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 5 stars | Cultural insights, recommended stops |
| 4 stars | Excellent guide Mie |
| 3 stars | Lack of information from a guide |
| 2 stars | – |
| 1 star | Exceptional guide Yuri, knowledge and expertise |
Northwest-Bound Itinerary
The Northwest-bound itinerary of the Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour covers several major attractions, including Arashiyama Park, Ryoan-ji, Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Food Market, and Nijo Castle. This itinerary takes visitors on a journey through some of Kyoto’s most iconic and culturally significant sites.
Here are the highlights of the Northwest-bound itinerary:
- Arashiyama Park: Explore the picturesque Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, known for its towering bamboo stalks that create a serene and enchanting atmosphere.
- Ryoan-ji Zen Temple: Visit this tranquil temple famous for its rock garden, which is considered a masterpiece of Zen art.
- Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji): Marvel at the stunning golden exterior of this Zen Buddhist temple, set amidst a beautifully landscaped garden.
- Nishiki Food Market: Enjoy the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of Kyoto’s renowned food market, where you can sample local delicacies and purchase unique culinary souvenirs.
- Nijo Castle: Step back in time as you explore the historic Nijo Castle, known for its magnificent architecture and beautiful gardens.
With these attractions, the Northwest-bound itinerary offers a diverse and enriching experience for visitors to Kyoto.
Southeast-Bound Itinerary
The Southeast-bound itinerary of the Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour offers an alternative route for travelers to explore some of the city’s renowned landmarks and cultural gems. This itinerary takes visitors on a journey to the Gekkeikan Sake Brewery, where they can learn about the traditional brewing process and even sample some sake.
The next stop is the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that lead up to the sacred Mount Inari. Travelers will then have the opportunity to visit the iconic Kiyomizu Temple, which offers breathtaking views of the city from its wooden terrace.
Lastly, the tour concludes with a visit to the historic Gion area, known for its traditional tea houses and geisha culture.
For those considering this tour option, it’s worth comparing it with the Northwest-bound itinerary to see which route aligns better with personal preferences and interests.
The best time to visit Kyoto and embark on this tour is during the spring months of March to May, when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, or in the autumn months of September to November, when the city is adorned with vibrant fall foliage. These seasons provide the most picturesque backdrop for exploring Kyoto’s cultural treasures and enjoying the natural beauty of the city.
Lunch Break and Extra Stops
During the Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour, travelers have the opportunity to take a lunch break and make additional stops along the way.
Here are the lunch options and additional attractions available:
- Lunch Options:
- Travelers have the freedom to choose their own lunch venue during the break.
- There are various local restaurants and cafes nearby that offer a wide range of delicious Japanese cuisine.
- Vegetarian and vegan options are also available for those with dietary restrictions.
- Additional Attractions:
- Travelers can make extra stops at their preferred locations within the tour itinerary.
- Some popular choices for additional attractions include the Sanjusangendo temple, known for its thousand statues of Kannon, and the picturesque Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka neighborhoods with their traditional wooden buildings and charming shops.
With the flexibility to explore and enjoy a satisfying meal, the lunch break and extra stops enhance the overall experience of the Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour.
Common questions
What Is the Minimum and Maximum Group Size for the Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour?
The minimum and maximum group size for the Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour varies depending on the booking. It is best to check the pricing and availability for the specific date and number of travelers.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Expenses That Are Not Included in the Tour Price?
There are no additional fees or hidden costs included in the Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour. The tour price covers all expenses, including the guide, entrance fees, and transportation.
Can I Customize the Itinerary and Choose Specific Attractions to Visit?
Yes, travelers have the option to customize the itinerary and choose specific attractions to visit on the Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour. Must-visit attractions include Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu Temple, and more.
Is Transportation Included in the Tour, or Do I Need to Arrange My Own Transportation?
Transportation arrangements are included in the tour. The tour group size may vary, affecting the price. However, specific attractions cannot be customized. The tour offers a private guide and covers major highlights of Kyoto.
What Is the Average Duration of the Tour?
The average duration of the tour is approximately 7 hours. There are two duration options available: a half-day tour and a full-day tour. The best time to visit Kyoto is during spring and autumn.
The Sum Up
To sum it up, the ‘Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour’ offers travelers a comprehensive and customizable exploration of the cultural capital of Japan.
With varying prices based on group size and flexible booking options, participants can easily select their preferred date and itinerary.
Led by knowledgeable guides, visitors will have the opportunity to visit major attractions and gain cultural insights along the way.
With a convenient meeting point, flexible cancellation policy, and stellar reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable experience through the enchanting streets of Kyoto.
