Kyoto
Kyoto, Your Way: A Personalized 4-Hour Exploration
Flexible Half-Day Discovery • 4 hours
5.0
(717)
Kyoto, Your Way: A Personalized 4-Hour Exploration
Shape your half-day in Kyoto with iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and serene paths—crafted by your local host to match what excites you most!
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Tailored to your interests—explore Kyoto’s history, culture, or hidden gems.
- See both iconic sights and tucked-away corners, avoiding the crowds.
- Set your own rhythm—glide through Kyoto’s lively streets or pause in its most tranquil corners.
- Experience Kyoto through local eyes, beyond what guidebooks offer.
- Enjoy spontaneous discoveries, from hidden shrines to artisan shops.
- Adapt in real time—your host fine-tunes the experience to match your mood.
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
Walking experience may use public transport for long distances
English Other languages may be requested
Eco-friendly & local Supports local businesses and low-impact travel
What’s included
Tailored itinerary created based on your preferences
A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems
Flexible start times to fit your day
What’s not included
Food, drinks and shopping expenses
Transport fares or attraction entry fees
Meeting point
Matsumoto Kiyoshi Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi, 103-2 Hashimotochō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8011, JapanCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostHere’s what your experience could look like
These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes
Meeting point
Matsumoto Kiyoshi Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi, 103-2 Hashimotochō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8011, Japan
Start at Yasaka Shrine via a Quiet Path
Discover Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park through serene back paths.
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Explore Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Slopes
Experience Kyoto’s iconic streets with hidden detours.
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Visit Kodaiji Temple and Bamboo Grove
Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Kodaiji’s gardens.
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1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
Golden hour at Kinkaku-ji!
Lost in the Beauty of Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove!
Savoring tradition in Kyoto's historic heart!
Savoring a Traditional Kyoto Breakfast!
Uncovering Kyoto’s Hidden Riverside Charm!
Morning Walk Through Kyoto’s Pagoda District!
Exploring Kyoto’s Timeless Temples!
Hidden gems and local warmth in Kyoto!
Bamboo forest adventures with new friends!
Through the Archways of Kyoto’s Hidden Gems!
Sweet Matcha Moments in a Kyoto Teahouse!
Strolling Kyoto's streets, soaking in the charm!
Golden Reflections at Kinkaku-ji!
17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting
Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.
recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.
James
Oct 2025
Wonderful waking tour of the city. Emi was very knowledgeable and fun to talk with. Highly recommend!
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Alisa
Oct 2025
Michael gave us a great tour for our first experience of Kyoto. I would send all of my friends straight to him without hesitation. I would definitely recommend that you come ready to walk! We covered a lot of ground
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John R
Oct 2025
Cici was friendly, well prepared and very knowledgeable. She took us to places we would not be able to get to on our own. We very much enjoyed our tour!
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Lisa
Oct 2025
Emi is a great tour guide, her knowledge and local tips was a great help during and after the tour. While it rained all day, she still made the tour enjoyable and accommodated when possible to shelter from the rain momentarily. Highly recommend booking with Emi, you won't be disappointed!
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Marite
Oct 2025
Cici is experienced guide arranging the best irtnerary based on our request and providing prompt information on sightseeing spots and a bit of history.
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Danielle
Oct 2025
We had an amazing private group tour with Mariko, and we can’t recommend her highly enough! From the very beginning, her communication was excellent—she reached out in advance to learn about our interests, provided helpful details about the day, and answered all our questions thoroughly and promptly. Mariko was incredibly thoughtful and well-organized throughout the tour. She was upfront about travel times between locations and helped us make the most of our schedule without feeling rushed. We started at the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, then explored the charming Gion district, where she led us to a fantastic lunch spot that we loved. In the afternoon, we visited the stunning Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), and Mariko made sure everything flowed smoothly throughout the day. Though we toured Nijo Castle on our own, Mariko kindly accompanied us there and ensured we had everything we needed before parting ways. She even went above and beyond by recommending a scenic hike in Kurama for our free day, which was a perfect suggestion. Mariko’s professionalism, local knowledge, and genuine warmth made this tour a standout part of our trip to Kyoto. If you’re looking for a guide who is not only knowledgeable but also deeply considerate of your interests and time, Mariko is the one to go with!
Show moreFAQs
Your questions, answered
Is this a traditional tour or something different?
This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.
How does personalization work?
After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..
Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?
Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.
What makes City Unscripted different?
We don’t do generic tours. Every experience is crafted around you, ensuring a unique, personal, and authentic way to explore the city. You won’t just see the sights—you’ll connect with the people and stories that bring the city to life.
Will I know my itinerary in advance?
Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!
Can I request specific places or types of stops?
Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.
Can I adjust the plan on the day?
Absolutely. Your host can adjust the itinerary on the day based on your pace, energy, or any new ideas you have. It’s a flexible experience from start to finish.
What kind of stories and insights will my host share?
Each host has their own personal relationship with the city. You'll experience the city through their eyes—hearing stories about places they love, discovering hidden gems, and learning what makes their city special in a way that goes beyond a typical tour.
Will we enter attractions, or just explore from the outside?
That’s up to you! Some experiences include visits inside attractions, while others focus on the city's culture and atmosphere, which can be hard to truly experience without someone who knows the city inside out.
How much walking is involved?
This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Your experience will still go ahead, and your host will adapt the day to suit the conditions. One of the great things about City Unscripted is that no two experiences are the same, and your host knows the city well enough to find great “rainy day” alternatives.