Experience Japan’s Cultural Heart on a One-Day Private Tour from Nagoya
If you’re staying in Nagoya and want to explore Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, a day trip is surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding.
With the Shinkansen Nozomi Superexpress, it takes only 36 minutes from Nagoya Station to Kyoto Station. Even locals from Nagoya often visit Kyoto just for the day — and so can you!
Our private guided tours from Nagoya to Kyoto are designed for travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and insight. Enjoy a full day of world-class temples, shrines, gardens, and cuisine — all accompanied by an English-speaking licensed guide.
🚆 Why Take a Guided Kyoto Day Trip from Nagoya?
While Kyoto is close to Nagoya, its public transportation system can be confusing, even for Japanese visitors.
Major sites such as Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) are located far apart and require multiple transfers.
Our private tour lets you experience Kyoto efficiently and comfortably in one day:
- Government-licensed English-speaking guide
- Comfortable private car or jumbo taxi (up to 8 passengers)
- Customizable itinerary based on your interests
- Pickup at your hotel in Nagoya or directly at Kyoto Station
🚐Sample itineraries
Below are two sample itineraries. The destinations have been chosen for those who are new to Kyoto. The destinations can be customized, so please consult with us. If you have visited Kyoto many times, please see this site.
🏯 Sample Itinerary 1 – Kyoto Day Trip from/to Nagoya by Private Car
| Time | Schedule |
|---|---|
| 08:00 | Depart from your hotel in Nagoya |
| 10:30–11:15 | Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine |
| 11:45–13:00 | Explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple (UNESCO World Heritage) |
| 13:15–14:00 | Enjoy Kyoto-style tofu lunch (Yudofu) |
| 14:30–15:30 | Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) |
| 18:00 | Return to your hotel in Nagoya |
Private car and English-speaking guide included. Custom routes available.
🚅 Sample Itinerary 2 – Kyoto Day Trip by Shinkansen and Private Car
| Time | Schedule |
|---|---|
| 09:13–09:47 | Take the Shinkansen from Nagoya to Kyoto |
| 10:00 | Meet your private guide at Kyoto Station |
| 10:30–11:15 | Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine |
| 11:45–13:00 | Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple |
| 13:15–14:00 | Lunch at a local Kyoto restaurant |
| 14:30–15:30 | Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) |
| 16:00 | Drop-off at Kyoto Station (free time available) |
| 17:08–17:42 | Return to Nagoya by Shinkansen |
🌸 Highlights of the Kyoto Day Tour
⛩️ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Ranked No.1 by TripAdvisor among foreign visitors for several years, this shrine is famous for its “Senbon Torii” – thousands of red gates lining the mountain path.
It is the head shrine of more than 40,000 Inari shrines across Japan and symbolizes good fortune and prosperity.
🏯 Kiyomizu-dera Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
Dating back before Kyoto’s founding, this temple has welcomed pilgrims for centuries.
Its vast wooden stage juts out over the hillside, offering panoramic views of Kyoto.
The Japanese phrase “to jump from the stage of Kiyomizu” means to take a bold leap — just like visiting Kyoto itself.
💛 Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
One of Japan’s most iconic sights, the Golden Pavilion’s top floors are covered in real gold leaf, shining brilliantly above its reflective pond.
In winter, the snow-capped temple creates an unforgettable photo opportunity.
It’s a must-see UNESCO Cultural Heritage site.
🍱 Lunch – Kyoto’s Elegant Cuisine
Enjoy a refined Kyoto-style lunch, featuring the local specialty Yudofu (boiled tofu), a dish cherished by Zen monks and travelers alike.
This seasonal meal highlights Kyoto’s delicate culinary tradition and beautiful presentation.
Of course if you prefer other menus, we can refer you to other restaurants. You can also enjoy street food, for example at Nishiki Market.
🚐 Tour Information
- Private car (or jumbo taxi) for 1–8 passengers
- English-speaking licensed guide included
- Duration: 10 hours (approx.) from Nagoya by car
- Tour fee: depends on the type of transportation
- Custom tours and larger buses available on request
👉 [Contact us here] for availability, customization, or group pricing.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I visit Kyoto from Nagoya in one day?
A: Yes! Kyoto is only 36 minutes away by Shinkansen. Our private guided tours make it easy and stress-free.
Q: Is public transportation in Kyoto difficult to use?
A: Major temples are spread out, so buses and trains can be confusing. Our private car and guide help you make the most of your time.
Q: Can I start the tour from Kyoto Station instead of Nagoya?
A: Absolutely. We offer flexible pickup at Kyoto Station or your hotel in Kyoto.
Q: What if we have more than 8 people?
A: Larger vehicles or buses can be arranged upon request.
📍 Contact Us
Plan your unforgettable Kyoto Day Trip from Nagoya with our professional English-speaking guides.
We respond within 24 hours.
👉 [Click here to contact us]