The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto
The four hour low-down: magical Kyoto

What you'll do

See the temples and shrines that make Kyoto famous – and the popular local haunts your guidebook doesn’t even know exist! From feasting on wagyu (yes, wagyu!) sushi ordered by your in-the-know host at centuries-old Nishiki Market to exploring the historical, wood-built streets of Higashiyama, to gazing out over the city from Yasaka Pagoda, the soul of Kyoto is quick to discover – and even quicker to love. Get a taste of modern and ancient Japan, harmoniously intertwined, as you snack on street food while listening to live traditional music at Kamo River. Gather with other revelers in the streets of Gion and Ponto-chō for a night of karaoke, upscale dinners, and draft beer at intimate izakayas where the crowds outside seem to fade from existence.

 

Where you’ll go

It may be small in size, but Kyoto is vast in cultural heritage – and with a host’s invaluable insider knowledge, you’ll make the most of your time. You could explore ancient temples, like cherry blossom-flanked Kiyomizu-dera, or head a mile north to tranquil Rakusho teahouse for uji green tea and wagashi confections. Five minutes away, Kyoto’s lantern-lit central district, Gion, is the perfect place for a draft beer at a cozy izakaya bar or a multi-course kaiseki meal at one of the many traditional restaurants. From here, you might amble a short distance south to the wood-built streets of historical Higashiyama for a view from 1400-year-old Yasaka Pagoda, then cross the Kamo River bridge west to Nishiki Market for your street food fix. 

 

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 4 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking Tour

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • In just a few short hours, see a tailor-made selection of sites, picked by your local host, that show every side of Kyoto
  • Experience modern and ancient Japan – from late-night karaoke bars to the oldest temple in Kyoto
  • Explore two of Kyoto’s most famous districts: Gion and Higashiyama
  • Learn about Japan’s history by simply walking the streets and talking to your local insider
  • If you’re hungry, your host is on hand to explain every dish, order from any menu, and recommend the most delicious food in the city

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalized experience
  • 4 hours with a host
  • Walking experience ( if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options )
  • Hotel meet-up ( available on request for central location )

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 7 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    The local Tour was amazing! Really made me feel like a local. An impossible task but one he really tried to accomplish. Helped me understand how Kyoto works from the ground up. Great experience and a great visit!!

    April 2022

    Chance C

    I had a great day! The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable about the places we visited. I totally recommend it!

    March 2022

    Vola A

    Vanessa thanks for a great tour. I spent about 4 hours in Gion- saw amazing places you recommended and all the old streets/pagoda. Special place jo

    December 2019

    Joanna C

    My guide was Haruka, he is a polite young man with very good communication skills.This is a highly recommended tour for a first time visitor to Kyoto. Having a personal guide takes away the fear of being on another country and was able to enjoy the city. Haruka was so nice to take me around via train and bus, was able to see and learn the history of the country and the city. I would love to come back and again would love to have a guide. Thank you.

    December 2019

    Elvira Garcia B

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Kyoto. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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