Top Kansai Prefecture Private Sightseeing Tours

Take a tour of Kyoto's famous Gion district and learn all about the mysterious geisha traditions of the area. Your local guide will tell you about the traditions from an insider perspective, as it can be difficult for outsiders to access geisha culture otherwise. At the same time you'll explore Gion's beautiful streets, temples, shrines, and shops, for a comprehensive overview of historic Kyoto.

Take a tour of the Kyoto bamboo forest by rickshaw, and on foot, to explore every part of it. First you’ll be pulled by your guide through the green bamboo on a path reserved for rickshaws. Then pass by Nonomiya Shrine and stop for photos at a little park. The last leg is on foot, where you’ll walk to an impressive part of the forest. Early morning is best to avoid the crowds.

Step into an authentic Japanese rickshaw for the ride of a lifetime, through some of the most scenic and historic districts in Kyoto, Japan. You have the option of exploring the verdant Bamboo Grove and impressive shrines of west Kyoto’s Arashiyama district or the intriguing wooden buildings and stone alleys (maybe even spotting a geisha or two) in Kyoto’s famed Higashiyama area, all with a knowledgeable local guide and rickshaw driver. This authentic, customizable Kyoto adventure is a fun introduction to this beautiful city.

Take control of your Kyoto sightseeing and visit only the sights you wish to see on this private walking tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour lets you customize a half-day or full-day itinerary. Opt to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or to stray from the beaten path to see an alternative side of Kyoto. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most picturesque locations, but for the most awe-inspiring scenery, you have to travel outside the city. Get a peek at Old Japan—with no skyscrapers to block your view—during this scenic walking tour. Just a short ride from Kyoto’s main station, Sagano was once a resort for aristocrats in past centuries. Discover sites only frequented by locals, from shrines to historic landmarks, and roam through a bamboo grove.

Osaka is a convenient base from which to explore the rest of Japan. Explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kyoto with ease on a hassle-free day trip from Osaka, the ideal choice for first-time visitors with limited time. You’ll experience a romantic train ride to Sagano, home to Arashiyama Park, and tick off the vivid Fushimi Inari Shrine without the hassle of traveling between landmarks alone.

Enrich yourself with the fascinating history of Kyoto’s numerous UNESCO-listed temples and shrines during this day trip from Osaka. Explore the seemingly endless ‘torii’ gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, visit Kiyomizu-dera temple, and explore Kinkaku-ji temple. Customize your trip by adding on a deluxe or standard Japanese style lunch, and select from four pickup points.

Spend a day exploring historic neighborhoods, visiting temples, and shopping on a full-day tour from Osaka to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Explore the Arashiyama district, tour the Kinkaku-ji Temple and Nara Park, and take in the stores at Kobe MOSAIC. This tour includes Kinkaku-ji entrance fee, as well as pickup from Kyoto Station, Umeda, Nippombashi or Namba. Opt for a buffet or shabu shabu lunch and/or a Kobe steak or an all-you-can-eat shabu shabu dinner.

Go off the beaten track—and avoid tourist traps—on this nighttime walking tour of Osaka. In a small group of no more than six people head for the foodie districts of Tenma and Kyobashi to sample local dishes, enjoy a few drinks, and get to know the locals.

Take a deep-dive into Japanese culture and experience Osaka like a local on this evening walking tour. Join your Japanese-Australian guide, Andy, to explore the city’s historic districts, including the former ghetto and the Red Light district. Learn about Osaka’s history, heritage, and local traditions; venture down the backstreets to visit quirky sites often missed by travelers; and sample traditional street foods. Upgrade to include a delicious dinner of typical ‘kushikatsu’ cuisine.

When your trip to Osaka is over, get to Kansai International Airport (KIX) with ease on this pre-booked transfer service. Your driver meets you at your accommodation located anywhere in Osaka’s city center. Then, sit back and relax on the journey to the airport where you arrive with plenty of time before your departure flight.

If you want to party like they do in Osaka, this bar-hopping tour is perfect for you. Your local guide takes you to hidden bars that tourists often miss. If you don’t speak Japanese, don’t let language barriers get in your way. Your guide helps to explain the menus, and order for you. This is a fun tour for friends or couples, and makes a great start to a night out in Osaka.

Discover Kyoto’s magical Gion district, which is known for being the city’s Geisha area. Don't worry about language barriers, as a guide is there to help you translate and explain the difference between maiko, geiko, and other Japanese words. The unmarked narrow streets of Gion can make it easy to get lost at night, but this is not a problem with a guide to navigate and lead the way. Upgrade to a longer, private tour for a closer look at Geisha culture.

Gain a better understanding of sake during this tour that explores the Fushimi Sake District of Kyoto. Visit Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, one of the largest sake breweries in Fushimi, and end your visit with a sake-tasting session. Not only will your guide be able to explain the basics of sake and introduce you to new kinds you may have never tried, but your tastings will also be paired with Japanese snacks that enhance the tasting experience. 

Discover the beauty, art and ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony during this private workshop in Kyoto. Experience true ‘omotenashi’ (hospitality) during your visit to the Tea Ceremony Room of Ju-An, observing as your tea is methodically, painstakingly, boiled, poured and mixed with matcha powder using a bamboo whisk. Enjoy your warm drink accompanied by Japanese sweets as you learn about the intricacies of this timeless custom.

Enjoy a night out in Osaka without stressing over where to go with this nightlife tour of the city. With visits to at least three bars and one club included, the crawl showcases the city’s most happening venues and introduces you to like-minded travelers at the same time. Enjoy discounted drinks and free shots, and explore Osaka after dark with a group of up to 50 people, aged mostly between 21 and 38 years old. Drinkers must be at least 20 years old, and ID is required.

Many people believe Kyoto is most beautiful at night, as this is the time that the narrow lanes are lit-up by lanterns. Enjoy a private evening tour with a guide to take you to special places that you wouldn’t find alone. Try delicious local snacks, and avoid crowds by taking secret shortcuts. You’ll see beautiful buildings, temples, and shops with guide commentary along the way.

Get more out of your time in Kyoto by joining a private tour with a scholarly guide who is an expert in Japanese culture and history. This private tour is customizable to suit your interests but usually includes the city’s main highlights: Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji (the Golden and Silver Temples), Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and more. Learn more than you would touring independently.

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular travel destinations and with over 50 million annual visitors, it can get busy. This tour makes an early start so you can avoid the crowds and cram much more into your day. Stroll around the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before the tour groups arrive, visit Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion) right as it opens, and walk through the torii gates of Fushimi Inari (Shrine) before the midday heat.

Japan’s former capital Kyoto is known for being Japan’s city of culture. By going on a private tour, you have a more personalized experience. Don't worry about getting lost as you explore the city with a guide. Save time waiting in line, as entry to Tofukiji Temple is included. Your guide takes you to multiple beautiful sites including the filming location of 'Memoirs of a Geisha'—Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion District.

Enjoy tranquil lake view and farm-to-table country-style food, during this 6-hour trip. Pedal past sights like Shirahige Shrine and the nearby ‘Torii’ gate. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, take a scenic taxi ride to a mountain village in the nearby Hata district, enjoying a country-style lunch prepared by an ‘Obaachan’ (elderly woman), lively conversation and a chance to stroll the village's charming streets. A guide, bike and helmet, and lunch are covered.

This an ideal choice for travelers with limited time in Osaka. Save hours researching where to visit in Osaka, and instead have an action-packed itinerary created for you. Traveling between sites in a private vehicle means avoiding the crowds on public transport, and fitting more into your day. You also don't worry about getting lost. Highlights include Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Shitenoji, and Harukas. Your tour is enhanced with entertaining stories along the way, and useful tips from your guide.

Experience the best of both worlds on this half-day Osaka walking tour, designed to reveal popular attractions and hidden gems. Tick off icons such as Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) and Tsuruhashi Market, and explore the Dotonbori district, famed for its Japanese snacks and neon signs. Plus, explore lesser-known neighborhoods such as Shin-Sekai—full of unique charms. Choose from a morning or afternoon tour.

This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Kyoto from a unique perspective! Get to know Kyoto on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Kyoto at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like Gion Area, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka-Jinja Shrine and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included. Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups.