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Kyoto has so much to see that a private tour can make the difference between a rushed day and a calm one. A private tour lets you set the pace, choose where to go and start early, before the busiest hours.

But “private tour” can mean very different things. This guide explains what to look for, so that you can choose the right one.

Step 1: Decide what you need

Some private tours include a guide who explains what you see. Others are a private car and driver only. These are not the same thing.

For example, one Kyoto operator offers an early-morning private car charter with highway tolls, parking and service charges included, but with no tour guide and no admission tickets. A guide is booked separately. Be sure to read what is included before you book.

If you want to understand the history of the temples and shrines you visit, choose a tour with a guide. If you only want comfortable, private transport between places you have chosen yourself, a car and driver may be enough.

Step 2: Understand guide qualifications

Japan has a national qualification for guides, the Licensed Guide-Interpreter. Since a law change in January 2018, people without this qualification may also work as guides. However, only qualified guides may use the title.

This means two things. First, a guide without the qualification can still be a good guide. Second, if a tour describes its guide as “licensed”, you can ask for the guide’s registration details. Ask about the guide’s experience and the languages they speak.

Step 3: Think about timing

Many popular places in Kyoto can be crowded, and the city’s official tourism site asks visitors to be considerate of residents who live near the attractions. An early start is one of the main advantages of a private tour. Some operators begin as early as 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. Please check the opening hours of each temple or shrine on its official website, because they differ from place to place and can change.

Step 4: Keep the plan simple

It is tempting to see everything. Instead, choose three or four places and give each of them time. For a first visit, a half-day of three to five hours is a good starting point; the operator mentioned above offers charters of three, four or five hours. You can always add a second day.

Step 5: Ask these questions before you book

• What is included? Check admission tickets, highway tolls, parking and the guide.
• What type of vehicle is used, and how many people can it carry?
• Where will you be picked up and dropped off? Many operators pick up at your hotel or at Kyoto Station.
• What is the cancellation policy? Policies differ. The operator above, for example, allows free cancellation up to three days before departure, then charges 30% of the fare one or two days before and 50% on the day.
• Which languages does the guide speak?

Where to book

Booking links for private tours in Kyoto will be added to this guide soon.

Sources: Japan Tourism Agency (Licensed Guide-Interpreter Act); Kyoto City Official Travel Guide; NearMe (example private car charter). Photos: Jenny Mavimiro and Satoshi Hirayama on Pexels.