Private Drivers in Kyoto: 7 Sorted by What They Cost

1.Explore Kyoto | Private Tour – Local English Driver(guide option)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 203 reviews Our pick

Explore Kyoto by private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver, parking, and fuel included. Build your day around Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari, or adjust the route with help from drivers such as Fuji, Victor, Lexi, or Kaku. This is mainly a driver service, not a walking tour.

“We had an incredible experience with the your guide. Victor took me and my elderly parents around so well and showed us all the important places in Kyoto as well as their significance. The ride was comfortable, safe and well organized.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

2.Kyoto Private 6 hour Tour: English Speaking Driver Only, No Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 88 reviews Top rated

You choose three or four Kyoto sights, then travel by private air-conditioned car with an English-speaking driver. Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari, Tenryu-ji, and Arashiyama are possible stops. Drivers such as Harry, Hiro, Sachi, and Mr. Fuji may offer practical advice, photos, and local context, but no licensed guide is included.

“We are absolutely delighted that we booked this private tour. Our driver, Mr. Fuji, was exceptional! When he arrived to pick us up at the hotel, we shared our interests, and he crafted an itinerary that efficiently covered the best route in just 6 hours. Mr. Fuji was incredibly thorough and detail-oriented. He took us to the prime photo spots, and when we got lost at one location, he patiently communicated with us via WhatsApp and guided us through the maze. Truly amazing! If we had any doubts in the beginning due to the limited number of reviews, we now wholeheartedly recommend this tour. By the way, this is the…”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

3.Kyoto Private Day Tour with English-Speaking Driver from Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 85 reviews

You’ll tour Kyoto in a private air-conditioned vehicle for up to five people, with pickup and drop-off in Kyoto or Osaka. Drivers such as Yuki, Fujimoto, Fuji, Lexi, and Sasaki can adjust the day to your pace and interests. Expect practical travel help, not a full guided tour, unless you add a licensed guide for ¥10,000.

“Fuji was an excellent guide. He told is the history of Kyoto and drove us to all the “must see” places in Kyoto. We had wonderful day sightseeing with this Viator tour.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

4.Private Kyoto Customizable Day Tour with English Speaking Driver

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 82 reviews

You get a private, air-conditioned vehicle and English-speaking driver for 8 to 10 hours, with hotel pickup and drop-off in Kyoto. Build your day around Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Nishiki Market, Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari. Drivers such as Malik, Ravi, Aka, and Dhanu have been praised for flexible plans and family photos, though guiding depth can vary.

“We booked this tour based on the multiple 5 star reviews shared. Unfortunately, our experience was not like those in the reviews. Our driver brought our group to the locations listed in the description, however we were not able to customize it. Read more”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

5.Kyoto Day Trip using Private Car with English Driver (up to 5)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews

Spend about 10 hours exploring Kyoto in a private vehicle for up to five people. An English-speaking driver such as Toshi, Mike, or Terry can adjust the day around your interests, mobility, and pace. The usual route links Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari, with transport, tolls, parking, and fuel included.

“We saved so much time traveling between venues with Toshi. He provided us some insights on Japanese customs and traditions. He taylored our activities towards our interest. Our tour felt like it was specifically designed to meet our sight seeing needs. Special thanks to Toshi for taking us to Kitenya Tempura Restaurant for lunch. It was dining experience that we could never schedule on our short stay in Kyoto.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

6.Kyoto tour with English Speaking Chauffeur

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews

Spend 9 to 11 hours touring Kyoto by private, air-conditioned vehicle for up to five people. Your English-speaking chauffeur can follow your plan or suggest stops, including Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, Gion, Fushimi Inari, Nishiki Market, and Nijo Castle. Drivers such as Rashi, Yasiru, and Mike have been praised for punctual service and clear English, though guiding depth can vary.

“This is just a driver in a minimally comfortable car. No information about any of the sites. No plan on where we should go. DEFINITELY NOT WORTH THE MONEY”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

7.Kyoto Private Customizable Day Trip With English chauffeur

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews

Spend 8 to 10 hours touring Kyoto in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver such as Dhanush, Shan, Dhanesh, Dhanu, Ravindu, or Ganesh. Set your route around highlights such as Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari. Hotel pickup, parking, fuel, and drop-off are included.

“The driver was very knowledgeable and took us to see several sites we didn’t even know about. The temple was one of the most amazing ones I have ever been to.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →