What‘s Included

Meeting and Pickup

What To Expect

Reviews

• Friendly customized tour of Kyoto

  Jenny R,

  Dec 5, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Tatsu was great! He was very friendly and works very hard to making our tour customizable and enjoyable. We got to eat at a local ramen shop and see the less crowded temple/shrines in addition to all the major sites of Kyoto.

• An amazing tour of Kyoto

  MarkE W,

  Dec 1, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Riku my driver contacted me the night before to confirm the hotel pick up address and time. He was also in communication the morning of to confirm the pickup time and car details Once we met he greeted me with a warm smile and handshake and made sure I was comfortable in the car and the itinerary. We set off on a long but enjoyable day and he was very knowledgeable in the sights we saw and very patient in allowing me to take time taking photos. The day was well planned and he offered additional suggestions to enhance my experience which was an added bonus I highly recommend this trip and having Riku as your driver / guide. He was amazing !!

• Fantastic experience for cruise ship passengers with limited time in port

  michellemW9594FB,

  Nov 28, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  After doing a ton of research, we decided that this tour was our best option given our limited time at dock in Osaka. Overall, we were not disappointed with our choice! Riku picked us up at the cruise ship terminal and had his car awaiting nearby before we hit the road for Kyoto. It's entirely true that travel to Kyoto from the port (and back) does take time -- and there can be delays due to heavier traffic. However, we didn't need to worry about any of these things, as Riku did the driving, managed time and made sure that we were able to see and make the most of all planned stops. Otherwise, it was a real delight to be able to spend time with Riku and to learn all about various aspects of Japanese culture. Along the way, he offered many helpful suggestions to enhance our experience, including a fantastic rickshaw ride (at an extra expense, but with no regrets) through the Arashiyama bamboo forest area. We also loved the Ramen restaurant where we dined for lunch. All of that to say, you need not look any further for a wonderful, stress-free, and full day tour if you're hoping to explore Kyoto on limited time while docked in Osaka port. Thanks so much, Riku!

• What an amazing excursion - Riku was AMAZING!!!

  kevins313,

  Nov 28, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Riku was absolutely AMAZING - this was one of the most fulfilling excursions that we have experienced, and we are seasoned annual travellers and regular cruise ship passengers. He was early picking us up at the port, and gave us a detailed history lesson for each stop along the way. We had so much fun with him, and he is an EXPERT guide - we highly recommend him… AWESOME excursion!!! Thank you, Riku!!!

• Disappointing tour, would not recommend

  TravelingSuz,

  Nov 27, 2025

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  2.00

  We have taken many tours during our trip to Japan, but unfortunately this one fell short of expectations. Communication with the tour company prior to our arrival was difficult and it appeared that important details were not shared with our guide. Our goal was to visit three to four stops in Kyoto followed by a trip to Nara. Although our guide assured us we would still have enough time, even with a 90-minute rickshaw ride, this turned out not to be accurate. We ended up rushing through lunch just to fit in the third temple. We ultimately did not make it to Nara, and more concerning, we nearly missed the one temple we specifically requested. The guide was unaware that the temple itself closed earlier than the surrounding grounds, so by the time we arrived, near dusk, we were unable to go or see inside. In general, the guide was very nice but we received very little historical or cultural information about Kyoto. Overall, this experience was disappointing, and we would not recommend this tour group based on the lack of communication, poor itinerary management, and limited historical insight.

• Disappointed

  Johan B,

  Nov 26, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  2.00

  It was a waste of money. Of the tour we booked, we saw only the golden temple and the Bamboo forest. At the forest it was so busy, we eventually hired. a ricksha at own expense. There was no time to visit the temples there or any other offered sights or Nara. Our guide was a good driver but I knew more than him about the sights - his facts were also uncertain. He did take us to the temple of the 1000 Buddha’s because it was on our way back and he felt bad about our tour. The next day I worked out my own tour and did much more at a fraction if the cost. Big disappointment, we should be refunded

• Great private tour to see...

  Zane A,

  Nov 26, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Great private tour to see the main sites in Kyoto! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made a huge difference when visiting the sites and knew how to avoid crowds/see things off the beaten path. He picked us up directly from our hotel and was very friendly. Would definitely recommend.

• Unforgettable Day in Kyoto — Thanks to Riku!

  Jocelyn B,

  Nov 23, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Our time with Riku was everything promised and more. He was polite, informative, and genuinely committed to making sure our experience was memorable — and he absolutely succeeded. We mentioned we wanted ramen for lunch, and the place he brought us to was life-changing in the best way. Truly some of the best ramen we’ve ever had. The shrines were beautiful, and it was such a wonderful surprise to be able to go inside the temple in Arashiyama to see the maple leaves changing color. It felt magical — the perfect moment to share on our honeymoon. Riku made the entire experience feel personal and special, and we are so grateful for his kindness and guidance. Ōkini, Riku, for making our honeymoon in Japan even more unforgettable..

• Amazing tour and incredible guide!

  Alejandra M,

  Nov 20, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  It was an amazing experience! Our tour guide, Riku, was very accommodating and helpful when touring all the different sites. We did the tour with the Nara option. It was great having someone to help us navigate and explain all the different features of each site. 1,000 out of 1,000! 100% recommend!

• Amazing Day Trip

  Elizabeth M,

  Nov 18, 2025

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  Our day with Riku was fantastic! He was full of knowledge about the sights, and super adaptable n to our pace. And he took us to an amazing local Ramen restaurant we never would have known existed. Highly recommend!!

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