Chris Rowthorn Tours offers private guided Kyoto walking tours for groups of 1 to 6 people. They’re the perfect introduction to Kyoto’s sights and the city’s fascinating culture.
Walk 1: Northern Higashiyama Highlights and Secrets
Ideal for seeing some famous temples, some quieter temples, and some nature and greenery.
(Four hours duration. Price: ¥40,000)
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Walk 2: Tofuku-ji Temple to Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine
This walk lets you wander from one of Kyoto’s most beguiling temples to its most famous and awe-inspiring Shinto shrine.
(Four hours duration. Price: ¥40,000)
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Walk 3: Classic Southern Higashiyama
Take in some of Kyoto’s most famous sights and some of its secret spots too, all in one four hour private Kyoto walking tour.
(Four hours duration. Price: ¥40,000)
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Walk 4: Gion Evening Walk
Discover the world of the geisha in this atmospheric evening walk in Gion, the “Floating World” of Kyoto.
(Two hours duration. Price: ¥35,000)
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Walk 5: Arashiyama
Explore the stunning Kyoto district of Arashiyama, including the breathtaking Bamboo Grove, on this guided private walk.
(Four hours duration. Price: ¥40,000)
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About Chris Rowthorn Tours
I’m Chris Rowthorn, the co-founder of Inside Kyoto and the Lonely Planet Kyoto guidebook writer since 1996. I’ve spent the last 20 years seeking out the hidden gems of Kyoto: tiny temples, serene gardens, preserved lanes, local restaurants and atmospheric shrines. At my company, Chris Rowthorn Tours, I offer five different private Kyoto walking tours with your own English-speaking tour guide.
Kyoto Walking Tour Guides
I have spent years finding and training the best guides in all of Kyoto. Licensed, professional bilingual guides who love Kyoto as much as I do. But, don’t take my word for it, have a look at the TripAdvisor Reviews for Chris Rowthorn Tours.
Please note that I have only a limited number of guides. Thus, I recommend booking as far ahead as possible, especially during April (the cherry blossom season) and November (the fall foliage season).
Kyoto Walking Tour Prices
The tour price is for a private group of 1 to 6 people. Please note the price is NOT per person. For example, if there is one person booking a four-hour walking tour, the price is ¥40,000 total. If there are six of you, the price is still ¥40,000 total (making it much cheaper per person).
How To Make A Kyoto Walking Tour Inquiry
Follow the links above to see full details of each of the five walking tours and to send an inquiry. We’ll get back to you very soon afterwards to confirm availability and discuss your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Hire A Private Guide?
You don’t need a guide to enjoy Kyoto, but having a guide will add a lot of depth to your understanding of the city. A guide will also free you from having to think about the logistics of getting around and making the most efficient use of your time. A guide can also help you enjoy local restaurants without any communication difficulties.
Hiring a guide for a tour on your first day will give you the confidence to explore on following days on your own and a guide can give you some advice about what to see later in your trip.
Who Runs These Tours?
My company Chris Rowthorn Tours provides these tours. We have been running licensed tours in Kyoto for 10 years. I have spent years finding and training the best guides in all of Kyoto. Licensed, professional bilingual guides who love Kyoto as much as I do. But, don’t take my word for it, have a look at reviews of Chris Rowthorn Tours on TripAdvisor.
Is The Price Per Person?
No! This is the PER GROUP price, i.e., it’s the price for a private group of 1 to 6 people. For example, if there is one person booking a four-hour walking tour, the price is ¥40,000 total. If there are six of you, the price is still ¥40,000 (making it much cheaper per person). The tour group is private. That means there is only you and your family or you and your friends on the tour and no one else. Please note that we do NOT put different individuals or groups together, even upon request.
Do I Get A Discount If We Are Less Than 6 People?
The price is for a private group for 1 to 6 people. There are no discounts if there are less than the maximum number of people.
How Do I Pay For My Private Kyoto Walking Tour?
Payment is in cash at the conclusion of the tour or by credit card in advance of the tour (we can set up credit card billing). If you choose to pay in cash, please note that we accept yen cash or the equivalent amount in US/Euro cash.
Can I Cancel A Tour After Booking It?
You can cancel a tour with no penalty up to 48 hours before the scheduled start of the tour. If you cancel between 24 and 48 hours of the scheduled start, we charge you 50% of the price of the tour. Cancellations made fewer than 24 hours from the scheduled start of the tour incur a full 100% charge.
What’s Not Included In The Tour Price?
The tour fee covers the price of the guide. Transport to and from the tour and during the tours, drinks and snacks along the way, and temple/garden/entrance fees are not included in this price (these costs are usually minimal). Please note that for full-day tours and six-hour tours, the guide will join you for lunch and we ask that you cover the cost of the guide’s lunch and their transport during the tour (usually a minimal expense).
How Do We Meet With Our Guide?
Your guide can meet you in the lobby of your hotel, ryokan, guesthouse or at any other convenient spot. They can also drop you off there if you wish at the conclusion of the tour.
Will My Guide Speak Fluent English?
My guides all speak high-level international-standard English and most have studied abroad. They have all passed the Japan National Guiding License, which includes a very strict English language section.
Do We Stop To Eat?
On two- or four-hour tours, you most likely will not stop for a proper sit-down meal (although, since it’s a fully private tour, if you chose to do so, you could). On six- and eight-hour tours, you will most likely stop for lunch en route. You might also stop for a drink at a teahouse or coffee shop en route. Please remember that these are fully private tours – the choice is up to you!
Where Can I Rest Along The Way?
Please do not feel that you have to walk at a certain pace for the entire tour. Or, for that matter, that you have to walk the complete distance or even finish the tour. Because these are fully private tours, you can rest as often as you wish: on park benches, in teahouses, at temple gardens, in restaurants and so on. And, if you tire of walking, you can always jump in a taxi.
Is It Easy To Find A Restroom?
Restrooms are very easy to find in Japan. Almost all attractions like temples have them, as do parks and shopping malls.
How Do We Get Home At The End Of Our Tour?
It is your choice: Your guide can escort you back to your lodgings or can simply explain the best way to get there on your own. Or, if the day is not yet over, your guide can point you in the direction of additional sightseeing. Please keep in mind that if you choose to have your guide accompany you to your lodgings, this will be on the clock, so that you will have to leave some of the sights a little early to make it back before the end of the tour.
Kyoto Walking Tours
- Kyoto Walking Tour Overview
- Kyoto Walking Tour 1: Northern Higashiyama Highlights and Secrets
- Kyoto Walking Tour 2: Tofuku-ji Temple to Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine
- Kyoto Walking Tour 3: Classic Southern Higashiyama
- Kyoto Walking Tour 4: Gion Evening Walk
- Kyoto Walking Tour 5: Arashiyama
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
Kyoto District Map
Click a Kyoto District for detailed info on attractions, places to eat and accommodation
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