Kyoto Nara Private Guided Tour With Pick up

Kyoto and Nara are two of Japan’s most captivating destinations, and a private guided tour is the perfect way to experience their enchanting beauty. With convenient pickup and an English-speaking driver, you’ll navigate through iconic sites like Tenryū-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Nijo Castle with ease. The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes a delicious lunch, making it suitable for everyone. But the real magic lies in the opportunity to uncover the rich history and cultural significance of these remarkable cities.

Good To Know

1. This private guided tour in Kyoto, Japan, covers popular sites like Tenryū-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nijo Castle, and Kyoto Imperial Palace.
2. The tour price of $503.18 per group (up to 6 people) includes an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, fuel, and an English-speaking driver.
3. Entrance fees for the sites can add up to around 6000 yen per adult, and must be paid directly at each site.
4. Pickup and drop-off services are available, and the tour is wheelchair accessible with stroller and infant seat options.
5. Previous guests have reported issues with the driver’s behavior, unexpected additional fees, and incorrect itinerary execution, suggesting caution when booking this experience.

Tour Overview

This private guided tour in Kyoto, Japan, provides an opportunity to explore the city’s renowned cultural and historical landmarks.

Priced at $503.18 per group of up to 6 people, the tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, fuel, and an English-speaking driver. Lunch is also provided, making it a convenient and comprehensive experience.

The tour covers popular sites like Tenryū-ji Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Nijo Castle, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, with entrance fees that can add up to around 6000 yen per adult.

Pickup and drop-off services are included, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Entrance Fees

The tour includes several entrance fees that visitors can expect to pay.

Tenryu-ji Temple costs 500 yen per adult. Kinkaku-ji Temple is 400 yen per adult. Nijo Castle is 800 yen per adult. The Kyoto Imperial Palace is 1300 yen per adult.

In total, the additional entrance fees can reach up to 6000 yen. Visitors should factor these costs into their overall budget for the tour.

The tour provider doesn’t cover these fees, so guests will need to pay them directly at each site.

Pickup and Accessibility

The tour provider offers pickup and drop-off services, and guests can request these if their hotel isn’t listed as an available option.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and stroller and infant seats are available.

The tour takes place near public transportation, and the surfaces are accessible.

Guests don’t need to worry about transportation logistics, as the tour includes air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, petrol, gas, and highway tolls.

Cancellation and Confirmation

Guests receive confirmation at the time of booking for the Kyoto Nara Private Guided Tour. The tour can be cancelled up to 24 hours before the experience starts, local time. This offers flexibility for guests’ plans.

Viator offers a reserve now, pay later option, allowing guests to book the tour without immediate payment. However, the tour company didn’t refund extra fees the previous guests incurred, despite Viator providing a partial refund.

Guests should review the cancellation policy and potential additional costs before booking to ensure the tour aligns with their expectations and budget.

Reviews and Feedback

How do the tour’s reviews and feedback fare? The overall rating is a disappointing 1.0 out of 5 based on just a single review.

The reviewer highlights concerning issues with the driver’s behavior and safety, unexpected additional fees, and incorrect execution of the tour’s itinerary.

While Viator did provide a partial refund, the company itself didn’t refund the extra fees the customer incurred.

These negative reviews and feedback suggest the tour may not live up to expectations, and travelers should exercise caution when booking this experience based on the limited but unfavorable feedback currently available.

Exploring Tenryu-ji Temple

As one of the major stops on the tour, Tenryu-ji Temple offers visitors a glimpse into Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. Founded in 1339, the temple is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is renowned for its stunning Zen garden.

Visitors can explore the main hall, admire the reflection pond, and soak in the serene atmosphere. The entrance fee is 500 yen per adult.

Guests should allow approximately 1 hour to fully experience the temple’s tranquil beauty and appreciate its historical significance within Kyoto’s iconic landscape.

Discovering Kinkaku-ji Temple

Next, the tour explores the captivating Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This three-story Zen temple is coated in brilliant gold leaf, reflecting beautifully in the pond below.

Visitors can admire the pavilion’s striking architecture and intricate details. The temple’s serene gardens and tranquil atmosphere offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city. Entrance fees of 400 yen per adult apply.

After exploring the temple, the tour continues to the historic Nijo Castle, showcasing Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

Visiting Nijo Castle and Kyoto Imperial Palace

The tour then proceeds to Nijo Castle, an imposing fortress that showcases Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Ninomaru Palace, known for its "nightingale floors" that squeak to warn of intruders. Next, they visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the Emperor of Japan. Here, guests can admire the elegant architecture and learn about the palace’s significant role in Japan’s history.

Site	Entrance Fee
Nijo Castle	800 yen per adult
Kyoto Imperial Palace	1300 yen per adult

The tour provides a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to explore Kyoto’s iconic landmarks and gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s imperial legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not specify a dress code. However, it’s recommended to wear comfortable, conservative clothing suitable for visiting temples and cultural sites. Visitors should avoid revealing or overly casual attire.

Can We Make Stops at Other Attractions?

The tour includes visits to the specified attractions, but it doesn’t mention the ability to make additional stops. Travelers should check with the tour provider if they’d like to visit other sites during the tour.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Water/Snacks?

No, you don’t need to bring your own water or snacks. The tour includes lunch, and the driver will provide water during the tour. The company covers all food and drink throughout the day.

Is There a Bathroom Break During the Tour?

The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, so there should be opportunities for bathroom breaks during the day. The guide can likely accommodate any requests for bathroom stops as needed throughout the tour.

Can We Customize the Itinerary if Needed?

Yes, the itinerary can be customized to meet your needs. The tour provider is flexible and willing to adjust the schedule if you have specific requests or preferences during the tour. Just let them know in advance.

The Sum Up

This private guided tour of Kyoto and Nara offers a hassle-free way to experience the region’s iconic sites. With convenient pickup, an English-speaking driver, and a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, you’ll explore temples, castles, and the imperial palace with ease. The included lunch enhances the adventure, making this tour a comprehensive and accessible way to discover the enchanting beauty of these historic destinations.