This private tour focuses on Kyoto: the heart of Japanese culture and tradition, and Japan’s most enchanting destination. It includes private cultural touring with your own guide and driver, accommodation in Kyoto’s most luxurious hotel, private airport transfers, and access to a wide range of unique activities. Upon request, accommodation can be arranged in one of the city’s most venerable ryokan (traditional inns).
During touring with your private guide and driver, experience the best of this elegant city. Visit important temples and shrines. Gain access to imperial villas and private gardens such as Katsura Rikyu, Shugakuin and Saihoji (the Moss Temple). Enjoy an exclusive private tea ceremony. Stroll through a bamboo forest. Enjoy a Buddhist vegetarian lunch at a local temple. Tour traditional geisha districts such as Gion. Visit markets and food purveyors to sample Kyoto’s culinary specialties, considered the most refined in Japan. Explore antiques districts, and browse our favorite shops for exquisite ceramics, lacquerware and other crafts. One day, enjoy a private excursion to the I. M. Pei-designed Miho Museum or to ancient Nara, the birthplace of Buddhism in Japan.
One day, opt to remain in Kyoto for additional private touring and cultural activities, or take a private excursion to Himeji Castle, Hiroshima and the nearby island of Miyajima, or Nara—thebirthplace of Buddhism in Japan. Another day, enjoy a private excursion to the I. M. Pei-designed Miho Museum or into the mountain districts around Kyoto.
Upon request, Artisans of Leisure can also arrange a wide range of other unique activities in Kyoto, such as an exclusive private dinner accompanied by geisha and maiko, private Zen meditation in a local temple, meetings with local craftspeople, ikebana (flower arranging) lessons, manga drawing lessons, a visit to a private machiya (traditional merchant house), hiking to temples in the hills surrounding the city, and private Japanese cooking classes.
Itinerary Overview
Day 1
Arrive Osaka - Kyoto
Private arrival transfer to Kyoto for 5 nights
Day 2
Kyoto
Full-day private tour, including lunch at a temple
Day 3
Kyoto
Full-day private tour in Kyoto or private excursion to Nara, Himeji Castle or Hiroshima
Day 4
Kyoto
Full-day private excursion to Miho Museum or Kyoto-area mountain districts
Day 5
Kyoto
Half-day private tour
Day 6
Depart Kyoto (or Kansai International Airport)
Private airport transfer
Hotels
Kyoto:
Hyatt Regency Kyoto or Kyoto Hotel Okura * Accommodation can be arranged at a luxury ryokan some or all of the nights, upon request and for additional cost.
