Hi, I’m Kiyoto

Hi, I’m Kiyoto, your local host in Kyoto! I’m passionate about the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines this beautiful city. From the warm hospitality of Kyoto’s people to the spotless streets, I love how our respect for others and the environment is reflected in everyday life. Exploring new restaurants and cafes, especially those in historic buildings, is one of my favorite activities. I’m also an avid runner, finding peace in the city’s temples and shrines during the early morning or late at night. Whether it’s ramen, sweets, or a scenic running route, I’m here to share the best of Kyoto with you!

5 (39)

I’ve lived in Kyoto for 40 years

I speak English, Japanese

I am a Sales person

My Interests are:

Street food Local cuisine Desserts Food markets Fine dining Unique & unusual foods

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.

Languages I speak

English
Japanese

We really enjoy the tour with Kiyoto. It was amazing to know everything about Kyoto city!! Highly recommended. Also he knows a lot of important facts in every location we visit. — David , Kyoto

Fun fact about me

I am named after the city of Kyoto. My dad grew up in Hiroshima and my mom grew up in Fukui, and they met and got married in Kyoto. I am so proud of my name and finally became a tour guide show my guests around my charming hometown. Welcome to Kyoto! Okoshi-yasu--!

My Favorite Experiences To Host

Pre-Trip Planning Session

Kyoto

Kyoto trip planning video call

5 (47)

30-90 minutes

From $25 per person

See details

Video chat or email with a local to plan your perfect trip or get answers to all your questions

Seasonal Highlights

Kyoto

Kyoto in pink: Experience the cherry blossom season like a local

5 (65)

4 hours

From $201.38 per person

See details

Join a local for an authentic cherry blossom experience. Discover secret sakura spots, enjoy a traditional picnic, and immerse in the beauty of hanami

Local Food & Drink Tastings

Kyoto

Kyoto’s Izakaya Experience: A Taste of Japanese Social Dining

5 (71)

3 hours

From $182.5 per person

See details

Discover Kyoto’s izakaya culture, where locals gather over shared plates, drinks, and conversation, with a tailored experience crafted to your tastes.

Hidden Gems

Kyoto

Kyoto’s Best-Kept Secrets: A Hidden Gems Discovery

5 (778)

3 hours

From $120.5 per person

See details

Uncover Kyoto’s hidden side with peaceful temples, serene gardens, and quiet canals, all curated to reveal the city’s authentic, crowd-free charm.

Flexible Full-Day Discovery

Kyoto

Kyoto, Your Story: A Full-Day of Icons, Culture & Hidden Gems

5 (504)

8 hours

From $265.5 per person

See details

Your perfect Kyoto day, tailored to you. Explore icons, hidden gems & culture with a local host shaping a flexible experience around your interests.

City Essentials: First Day

Kyoto

Your First Day in Kyoto: City Essentials and Cultural Insights

5 (576)

3 hours

From $120.5 per person

See details

Ease into Kyoto’s rhythm with a thoughtful 3-hour introduction to its iconic sights, cultural nuances, and local tips, leaving you ready to explore.

Night Experiences

Kyoto

Magical Kyoto after dark

5 (121)

3 hours

From $151.5 per person

See details

Explore Kyoto at night with a local. Explore mystical Gion and the winding streets in Pontocho or mingle with the locals at a bar; it's up to you!

Mystical Gion: explore the iconic geisha district

Traditions & Heritage

Kyoto

Mystical Gion: explore the iconic geisha district

5 (218)

3 hours

From $120.5 per person

See details

Explore Kyoto's most mesmerizing district, see stunning temples, traditional shops, and maybe even the odd geisha hurrying to her next appointment

Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems

Kyoto

Top 8 must-sees: magical Kyoto

5 (38)

8 hours

From $265.5 per person

See details

Visit some of Kyoto's top sites in a day, from the Kinkakuji temple and Fushimi Inari gates to the Nishiki market, and a sprinkle of hidden gems

Local Food & Drink Tastings

Kyoto

Eat like a Kyoto local in and around Nishiki Market

5 (44)

3 hours

From $168 per person

See details

Wander through the 400-year-old Nishiki Market, trying local specialties like "konna monja" donuts, buttered potato tempura and "dashimaki tamago"

Articles I Recommend or Wrote

See All Articles

What My Guests Think of Me

David 15 December 2025

We really enjoy the tour with Kiyoto. It was amazing to know everything about Kyoto city!! Highly recommended. Also he knows a lot of important facts in every location we visit.

Monica 25 November 2025

Our day with Kiyoto was nothing short of OUTSTANDING. It was clear how much care and thought he put into creating a personalized experience. He guided us through Kyoto in a way that felt intimate and authentic, taking us to places we never would have discovered on our own. What stood out most was his deep connection to the city’s history and his eagerness to share it with us. It felt like we were uncovering Kyoto’s stories together. Before our visit, he reached out with thoughtful questions to understand our interests, and that preparation made the day feel perfectly tailored. He also made sure we captured every moment, helping us take wonderful photos and videos along the way. It was a truly special experience, and we’re so grateful for the time we spent with him. Kiyoto is such a good soul! Highly recommended.

Morgan 21 November 2025

We had an amazing experience with Kiyoto in Kyoto! He picked us up at our hotel and took us all throughout the city. Kiyoto made it feel like we were exploring with a friend, while also learning so much about the culture and history. He knew all the best spots to visit that didn’t have long lines and introduced us to customs and activities we never would have discovered on our own. In addition to touring, he took incredible photos and videos of us throughout the day so we could remember our visit, and he even shared restaurant recommendations and helped set us up for our next stop. Kiyoto is such a happy and friendly guy who loves sharing his hometown with others. He truly made our time in Kyoto feel even more special!

Josefina 23 October 2025

Kiyoto is an amazing and knowledgeable guide. He would answer our questions, and if he didn’t know the answer, he would find out in a matter of minutes. He took great pictures and taught us some Japanese phrases. I would recommend this tour as it is designed to your interests and your pace.

Meet Other Hosts in Kyoto

Our hosts bring destinations to life, sharing local stories and crafting your perfect experience.

Alex

Kyoto

Cultural Stories, Local Insights

Kyoto culture enthusiast, excited to share hidden gems and vibrant traditions!

5.0 (208)

View Host

Milo

Kyoto

Knows Every Hidden Gem

Kyoto history buff uncovering temple secrets and hidden gems with a twist!

5.0 (209)

View Host

Toga

Kyoto

Knows Every Hidden Gem

Temple fan and bar lover sharing Kyoto’s hidden spots and tasty local finds.

5.0 (171)

View Host

Mia

Kyoto

Brings Stories & Places to Life

Kyoto culture pro with insider tips on transit, stays & hidden local gems.

5.0 (130)

View Host

Kenya

Kyoto

Local Historian

History buff and matcha lover with deep knowledge of Kyoto’s temples, traditions, and flavors.

4.9 (125)

View Host

Ryuki

Kyoto

Loves Food & Local Culture

History buff & foodie uncovering Kyoto’s temples, hidden shrines & tasty bites.

5.0 (122)

View Host

Ada

Kyoto

Cultural Stories, Local Insights

Passionate culture sharer on a mission to show you Kyoto through her eyes.

5.0 (102)

View Host

Masaya

Kyoto

Loves Food & Local Culture

Sake lover and culture fan sharing Kyoto’s hidden spots and rich local flavor.

5.0 (95)

View Host

Kenta

Kyoto

Nature & City Explorer

Tea and garden lover uncovering Kyoto’s serene corners and cozy coffee spots.

5.0 (91)

View Host

Nisa

Kyoto

Art & Creative Spaces Explorer

Zen garden fan and coffee lover sharing Kyoto’s charm, culture, and hidden gems.

5.0 (86)

View Host

Cultural Stories, Local Insights

Hi, I’m Alex

Kyoto

5.0 (208)

I’m Alex Before ending up in Japan, many years back, I had a nomad life across several Asian countries for many years as well. I spent most of that time in India, where among other activities I had my first experiences as a tour guide. There I also met my wife, and when the relationship got more serious we decided to settle down and have a more stable life, we chose Japan where she is from. Since then I had many personal experiences in this country in different fields such as human relations, jobs in different sectors, trips, bizarre situations, etc, experiences that I always like to share, together with some knowledge about aspects of the culture that I studied for years, just for the sake of getting knowledge without thinking that I would do this activity later on. By the way, I appreciate a lot the human factor, and besides having a responsibility I enjoy a lot just meeting and being with new people. In other words; I love this job, I love the culture I show, and I love human communication in itself. Let’s meet and spend time together so I can show you the best of this city, the cultural capital of Japan

Here’s how I can help make your experience unique.