Kyoto & Nara: Private Car Tour with Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama & Pickup

Summary

See Kyoto’s golden temples and bamboo groves by private car

You’ll ride in comfort from your Kyoto hotel with a local guide who actually chats with you — not just recites facts. Walk under Fushimi Inari’s endless torii gates, breathe in Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, taste matcha ice cream near Tenryu-ji Temple and watch gold shimmer at Kinkaku-ji. Every moment feels both relaxed and quietly surprising.

What’s the experience like?

Our driver, Mr. Sato, greeted us outside the hotel with this little bow — not stiff or formal, just warm. He asked if we’d had breakfast (we hadn’t), then pointed out a bakery on the way to Fushimi Inari Shrine. The smell of fresh bread mixed with the morning air as we drove through Kyoto’s quiet streets. I tried to say “arigatou” properly; he smiled and replied in English, “You’re welcome.” It felt easy right from the start.

The first stop was those famous red torii gates at Fushimi Inari. Even though I’d seen photos before, walking under them was something else — there’s this hush between the gates, just our footsteps and a couple of old ladies chatting softly in Kansai dialect. Our guide, Emi, told us about the fox statues everywhere (messengers of the gods, apparently). She laughed when I tried to pronounce “kitsune.” I probably butchered it.

Later we headed west to Arashiyama. The bamboo grove is quieter than I expected — you hear wind more than people. Sunlight flickers through green stalks and it smells faintly sweet, almost like grass after rain. Emi suggested we try matcha ice cream near Tenryu-ji Temple (I did; it’s grassy but good). The Golden Pavilion came last: gold leaf shining even on a cloudy day, reflections rippling in the pond. There were schoolkids everywhere taking selfies but somehow it didn’t ruin it for me.

I still think about that view from Togetsu Bridge — mountains behind cherry trees starting to bloom. We talked about how different Kyoto feels from Tokyo: slower, softer around the edges. By the time we got dropped off back at our hotel, I felt like we’d seen more than just sights; maybe a little bit of how people live here too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Kyoto's famous temples and park

• Visit Kinkakuji Temple
• Explore Tenryu-ji Temple and garden
• Walk through Arashiyama Park and bamboo grove
• Tour Fushimi Inari Shrine and torii gates

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Kyoto private car tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Which main attractions are visited on this tour?

The tour visits Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Park (including Bamboo Grove), Tenryu-ji Temple, and the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji).

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

How long does the full day private car tour take?

The tour is designed as a full-day experience covering several top sites in Kyoto.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

No, guests are responsible for covering entrance fees for themselves and their guide.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are accommodated.

Is there an option to visit Nara as well?

Yes, there is an option to include Nara Park and Todaiji Temple in your itinerary.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English fluently during your Kyoto day trip.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with parking and expressway fares covered, an English-speaking local guide throughout your journey, plus convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. Wheelchair users or families with young children will find all areas accessible — just bring some yen for entrance fees or snacks along the way.