Private English Tour in Kyoto
Private English Tour in Kyoto
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To contact us, please search with "Private English Tour in KYOTO", or "Takakazu Machi". Our tours are private tours using a car. Our guide can drive you to each site, go inside sightseeing spots with you, and explain everything about the site, culture, custom in Japan.
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Private English Tour in Kyoto
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
928 reviews
Excellent
920
Very good
7
Average
1
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Kelly B
5 contributions
Feb 2023
My private tour with Mr. Takakazu Machi was the highlight of my visit to Japan. I traveled to Tokyo for business, and was excited to spend the weekend in Kyoto, with the intention of seeing as much as possible in just two days!
Taka-san was very responsive to my pre-trip communications and flexible to changes in departure time/party size. On the day of the tour, he arrived promptly at the time he said he would and off we went! Taka-san helped me see all the highlights I had researched, like the Golden Pavilion temple, the bamboo forest (where he did an unbelievable backbend to get a cool picture, I have to mention), the monkey park, and Gion district, but I loved the additional sights he recommended that I would not have known to go to had I been on my own (don't forget to bring cash for entry fees and parking). I LOVED where he took us for lunch, too, it was just the kind of small, family-owned authentic Japanese restuarant I was hoping to experience, and everything was just delicious (it was called Okonomiyaki Katsu).
His English is perfect, and I learned so much from him. He is just such a kind, respectful, and friendly person, too, it was very easy to spend 8 hours with him! His sedan car was really beautiful and clean, I was very impressed. My colleague ended up joining me for the tour, but I would have been totally comfortable on the tour with Taka-san on my own.
Thank you, Taka-san, for an incredible experience! I have already recommended you to three friends/colleagues who are headed to Japan soon. I wish you much happiness and success!
Taka-san was very responsive to my pre-trip communications and flexible to changes in departure time/party size. On the day of the tour, he arrived promptly at the time he said he would and off we went! Taka-san helped me see all the highlights I had researched, like the Golden Pavilion temple, the bamboo forest (where he did an unbelievable backbend to get a cool picture, I have to mention), the monkey park, and Gion district, but I loved the additional sights he recommended that I would not have known to go to had I been on my own (don't forget to bring cash for entry fees and parking). I LOVED where he took us for lunch, too, it was just the kind of small, family-owned authentic Japanese restuarant I was hoping to experience, and everything was just delicious (it was called Okonomiyaki Katsu).
His English is perfect, and I learned so much from him. He is just such a kind, respectful, and friendly person, too, it was very easy to spend 8 hours with him! His sedan car was really beautiful and clean, I was very impressed. My colleague ended up joining me for the tour, but I would have been totally comfortable on the tour with Taka-san on my own.
Thank you, Taka-san, for an incredible experience! I have already recommended you to three friends/colleagues who are headed to Japan soon. I wish you much happiness and success!
Written March 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeffrey M
Houston, TX10 contributions
Mar 2023
We planned a day tour of Kyoto with Hiro and were very pleased with everything. He clearly communicated with us before we arrived and did a great job planning our tour. He was right on time and picked us up in a very nice car...great for the tour. We saw several sites and he was very knowledgable about them all along with Kyoto in general. We highly recommend him and the service he works for . Thanks for a great day in Kyoto!
Written March 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ledfordrun
Crestview, FL4 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Kenji San was such a delight and his English was better than mine! He knew so much history about the city which made such a big difference on each tour. Also he was very kind in accommodating our handicapped sons, making sure we could see everything without having to walk as far. If I could give him 10 stars I would!
Written March 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dch1990
Dallas, TX3 contributions
Mar 2023
Taka Machi was everything we could hope for in a guide. His pre-trip communication was friendly, prompt, and helpful. He constructed a custom tour to suit our interests. Between our major destinations (Ryoanji temple, Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama bamboo forest, others), he took us on brief tours of several city and country neighborhoods. His colorful and funny narration during these side tours painted us a much richer and more memorable picture of daily life, culture, and history in Kyoto than we would have gotten from a simple "greatest hits" tour (e.g. why are there little torii on the outer walls of some bars? Why do some Buddhist temples have Shinto shrines inside, and vice versa? What are the little corner shrines in residential neighborhoods?). In addition, he guided us to a terrific lunch at hidden restaurant, and sprinkled our visits to the major sites with a few thoughtful small surprises. Highly recommended.
Written March 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
yang c
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Mr Takakazu Machi has been an excellent guide for our day in Kyoto; no complaints, thoroughly an enjoyable experience and easily the best day we had in Japan (first time there!)
. We are a family of 4 with 2 kids (4 and 10 years old) , and Mr Taka has been most accomodating and mindful for all our requests and needs. He has great english communication skills and is also well versed in the history of the places we visited. Also with regards to places for taking photos , best times to go to scenic spots and how to avoid the crowds , he is the perfect guy to go to. All thumbs up from the entire family!
. We are a family of 4 with 2 kids (4 and 10 years old) , and Mr Taka has been most accomodating and mindful for all our requests and needs. He has great english communication skills and is also well versed in the history of the places we visited. Also with regards to places for taking photos , best times to go to scenic spots and how to avoid the crowds , he is the perfect guy to go to. All thumbs up from the entire family!
Written December 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tompsk
Somewhere near, NY7 contributions
Nov 2022
Nobu san was for me the highlight of the trip, his incredible knowledge of Kyoto, it's history, its cultural heritage were phenomenal. We really gained an inside insight into the shrines, temples, key figures in local history (including major film stars and industries). We came at a wonderful time of year (late November is perfect for fall colours) and Nobu san made the most of that.
There are many ways I'm sure to see Kyoto. But this is the only way I would choose to do it and I will seek out Nobu san again the next time I'm in Kyoto to see more and to revisit certain sites.
There are many ways I'm sure to see Kyoto. But this is the only way I would choose to do it and I will seek out Nobu san again the next time I'm in Kyoto to see more and to revisit certain sites.
Written December 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bec
1 contribution
Nov 2022 • Couples
Taka did such a great job of not only showing us the temples and shrines but sharing the history of each location with us in a way that brought it to life. Would highly recommend!
Written November 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nathan7264
Malvern, PA7 contributions
Nov 2022
I highly recommend a tour with the “Private English Tour in Kyoto” group, and in particular, Takakazu Machi (Taka) as your guide if you come to Kyoto. I think he typically does groups of 1-4, with private transportation, and has colleagues who can handle larger groups.
He met us at Kyoto station when we arrived and was very easy to find waiting for us with a sign. He first asked if we had any particular interests or sites we wanted to see, and we mentioned some of these. He was able to quickly tailor a plan for the day to include what we would like to see, with other suggestions based on the best timing and locations. We were looking for about six hours of touring, and the plan and timing worked perfectly. The sites we visited included the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama bamboo forest, Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, and Golden Pavilion Temple. He was very knowledgeable as he guided us around, mentioned a lot of interesting history and anecdotes at each place, and was able to answer our questions. He also asked us if we had any preferences for eating lunch, and when we did not have a particular style of food, but were very open and no allergies, he suggested a wonderful neighborhood Soba restaurant which was very delicious, and we would never have been able to find and navigate on our own. I loved all of the sites we visited, and everything was excellent, but one of my favorite parts was driving around in some of the more residential areas between the Bamboo Forest and Otagi Nenbusuji Temple, where he was able to provide some interesting facts about the area, and seeing the houses, gardens, and landscaping was very beautiful.
It was very easy to reach out to the company and coordinate with Taka-san directly to coordinate details and arrange our trip. We felt very fortunate that he was available the Saturday we visited Kyoto. If I have friends going to Kyoto, or I find myself back here, I will definitely recommend this tour group, and in particular Taka-san.
He met us at Kyoto station when we arrived and was very easy to find waiting for us with a sign. He first asked if we had any particular interests or sites we wanted to see, and we mentioned some of these. He was able to quickly tailor a plan for the day to include what we would like to see, with other suggestions based on the best timing and locations. We were looking for about six hours of touring, and the plan and timing worked perfectly. The sites we visited included the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama bamboo forest, Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, and Golden Pavilion Temple. He was very knowledgeable as he guided us around, mentioned a lot of interesting history and anecdotes at each place, and was able to answer our questions. He also asked us if we had any preferences for eating lunch, and when we did not have a particular style of food, but were very open and no allergies, he suggested a wonderful neighborhood Soba restaurant which was very delicious, and we would never have been able to find and navigate on our own. I loved all of the sites we visited, and everything was excellent, but one of my favorite parts was driving around in some of the more residential areas between the Bamboo Forest and Otagi Nenbusuji Temple, where he was able to provide some interesting facts about the area, and seeing the houses, gardens, and landscaping was very beautiful.
It was very easy to reach out to the company and coordinate with Taka-san directly to coordinate details and arrange our trip. We felt very fortunate that he was available the Saturday we visited Kyoto. If I have friends going to Kyoto, or I find myself back here, I will definitely recommend this tour group, and in particular Taka-san.
Written November 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Waqas Bhatti
Tokyo, Japan2 contributions
May 2022 • Family
Taka is an amazing tour guide. He’s super courteous and was super flexible to structure the tour as per our requirements. He also knew the best routes to the places to avoid traffic jams. We had an amazing time in Kyoto during the tour with him. He also took some amazing photos of us so thankful for that .
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laura
1 contribution
Oct 2019
Touring with Taka is an absolute must and an unforgettable experience. My fiance and I took a one day tour of Kyoto with Taka nearly a year ago and we still remember it as one of the major highlights of our two week trip to Japan.
Taka showed us many of the quintessential Kyoto sights (Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji Rock Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove), but our favorite parts of the tour were the more hidden treasures that Taka suggested we see and do. These included the Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple with 1200 unique statues,Kokedera Moss Temple, and a delicious ramen restaurant for lunch that we'd have never found on our own.
Taka is an extremely informative guide and we enjoyed his lessons and anecdotes about Japanese history and culture. He speaks perfect English and sprinkles his tour with thoughtful touches such as a clean car, water and extra umbrellas to protect you from the heat or rain. He is also a fantastic photographer.
We've recommended Taka to friends who also had a fantastic experience on his tour. Thank you for a great tour, Taka; we hope to see you again one day.
Taka showed us many of the quintessential Kyoto sights (Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji Rock Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove), but our favorite parts of the tour were the more hidden treasures that Taka suggested we see and do. These included the Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji Temple with 1200 unique statues,Kokedera Moss Temple, and a delicious ramen restaurant for lunch that we'd have never found on our own.
Taka is an extremely informative guide and we enjoyed his lessons and anecdotes about Japanese history and culture. He speaks perfect English and sprinkles his tour with thoughtful touches such as a clean car, water and extra umbrellas to protect you from the heat or rain. He is also a fantastic photographer.
We've recommended Taka to friends who also had a fantastic experience on his tour. Thank you for a great tour, Taka; we hope to see you again one day.
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Oscar G
Montreal, Canada3 contributions
How do we book with Mr. Taka Machi and how much does it cost?
孝和 町
Kyoto, Japan7 contributions
Please look at our official website. If you can't find a link from TA, please try to search with "Takakazu Machi" Our e-mail address is t a k a @ p r i v a t e t o u r - k y o t o . c o m
Do you have a vehicle that would fit 8 people? If so, what is the rate for a full day?
孝和 町
Kyoto, Japan7 contributions
I am sorry, the capacity of our biggest car is for 6 guests. We specialize tours for small groups and cannot guide your party.
We don't do tours using 2 or more cars.
Thank you for your kind understanding,
Takakazu Machi
Rebecca H
8 contributions
Hello! Does your vehicle accommodate a 5 year old child in a car seat?
孝和 町
Kyoto, Japan7 contributions
Since our cars are designated as taxi cabs, we are exempted from the duty of having seats for children. You do not have to have a car seat for your child.
FYI, even if you would like to have it, we cannot prepare car seats for children.
Heaven G
Metro Manila, Philippines
May i know if how much per day??
孝和 町
Kyoto, Japan7 contributions
We use hourly rate, not per day.
Basic rate for a sedan is 6100 JPY per hour, and basic rate for a mini-van is 6600 JPY per hour, if the tour is only inside Kyoto city. This price is for one group. These prices include transportation and guiding fees. Entrance and parking fees are not included. Please hire us at least 4 hours a day. If you hire a sedan for 6 hours, it will be 36600 JPY, and 39600 JPY for a mini-van.
Please visit our official website, too.
Pip T
Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand4 contributions
Do you book by emailing the tour company? We are coming to Kyoto from Tokyo on bullet train for one day tour and want to be picked up from train station.
Can this happen?
孝和 町
Kyoto, Japan7 contributions
Thank you for your inquiry.
We can pick you up at the train station. We will send you an instruction and a map to come to the meeting place after your tour has confirmed.
Hi. If we are in the hotel where do we meet you
孝和 町
Kyoto, Japan7 contributions
HI, GrandTour15241012993,
Thank you for your question.
We can meet you anywhere you like in Kyoto. We usually pick up our guests at their hotel or train station.
DbBil
Needham, MA35 contributions
I know tipping is not the norm in Japan but it seems very odd to not tip our guide. Did people offer tips? Is it considered offensive to tip?
孝和 町
Kyoto, Japan7 contributions
Dear DbBil,
Thank you for your question.
For our service, you don't have to tip. It's not expeced. However, if you tip, it is apprecitatively accepted. Tipping is not offensive.
Stacey N
Los Altos Hills, CA57 contributions
Do you feel you needed a car(with guide) to tour Kyoto or is a tour guide sans car sufficient?
LifeWithNoRegrets
Wildwood, FL434 contributions
I agree with the all the other responses. I took a tour with Taka and LOVED it just last month (June). Being hot and humid, having a car was a great relief between places. Also, your itinerary can change depending on the weather and time of day so to be able to squeeze in another site or change to another and still have time to see it was helpful. You can eat up a lot of time trying to figure out where to go in an unfamiliar place.
Pip T
Hawke's Bay Region, New Zealand4 contributions
Hey there
We would like to book 1 day tour for 4 people on 6 August.
We will be arriving by bullet train to Kyoto about 11am.
Do we have about 6 hours in Kyoto.
Can we book taka or Hiroshi as our drivers.
Do you have air conditioning car?
How much will it cost?
Thank you very much.
Pip from New Zealand
孝和 町
Kyoto, Japan7 contributions
Thank you for your inquiry. There are lots of limitations here.
For example, can't write our e-mail or website addresses.
Please look at our official website and e-mail to me. You can find those information on TripAdvisor.
If you can't, please search with "Takakazu Machi".
Thank you,
Takka
I would like to book, but no one is picking up the phone, please respond to my email.
孝和 町
Kyoto, Japan7 contributions
Since we have tours in the daytime, we cannot answer the phone. I found your e-mail this evening, and already replied.
Thank you,
Takakazu Machi