Start early, stay cool, and make the most of your day with this perfectly timed 12-hour Kyoto Summer Tour itinerary. From quiet shrine walks in the morning breeze to shaded temple gardens and breezy bamboo groves, Kyoto in summer is full of charm—especially when explored with care and comfort. With a private vehicle and local driver, you’ll skip the crowded buses, enjoy door-to-door service, and explore at your own pace—even in the warmer months.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this itinerary is crafted to highlight Kyoto’s best summer experiences—with a relaxed pace, scenic breaks, and local lunch spots to keep you refreshed throughout the day.
Private Tour Sample Itinerary
Kyoto Summer Tour (12 Hours) with Hire Taxi Japan
7:30 AM – Hotel Pick-Up
Your English-speaking driver will greet you at your accommodation. Enjoy a peaceful start in your air-conditioned private vehicle—ideal for beating the summer heat and crowds.
8:00 AM – Fushimi Inari Taisha
Begin your day at Kyoto’s iconic shrine, famous for its endless red torii gates. Arriving early lets you enjoy the shaded forest trails in cooler morning air, with fewer visitors around. The peaceful atmosphere and soft lighting make this one of the most memorable stops of the day.
9:30 AM – Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Sannenzaka Slope
Next, head to this hilltop UNESCO site with sweeping views of Kyoto. The summer breeze often flows through the temple balcony, and the lush greenery below glows in the morning light. Afterward, stroll the picturesque Sannenzaka slope—lined with craft shops, wagashi stores, and shaded teahouses.
11:00 AM – Nanzen-ji Temple & Aqueduct
This spacious Zen temple complex is calm and quiet, even in summer. Wander through its moss-covered gardens and admire the red-brick Meiji-era aqueduct—one of Kyoto’s most photogenic landmarks. The temple’s shaded grounds and stone paths offer a refreshing escape from the sun.
12:30 PM – Lunch Break
Recharge with one of these Kyoto summer-friendly dining options:
- Popular Pick: Omen Ginkakuji – Known for its refreshing cold udon noodles and seasonal vegetable sides. Perfect for a light, cooling lunch.
- Local Favorite: Kyogoku Kane-yo – Famous for its grilled unagi (eel) served over rice—an energizing summer delicacy locals love.
- Vegan-Friendly: Veg Out (Kamogawa Riverside) – A peaceful café offering plant-based meals and desserts with a river view—perfect for a relaxed summer afternoon.
2:00 PM – Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Tenryu-ji Temple
Head west to Arashiyama to experience the calming sound and shade of the famous bamboo grove. The nearby Tenryu-ji Temple offers cool corridors and stunning garden views, including lotus ponds and distant mountain scenery. This area is especially peaceful in summer afternoons.
4:00 PM – Kyoto Gyoen National Garden
Take a scenic drive through the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden surrounding the former Imperial Palace. The expansive shaded grounds and wide gravel paths make it a breezy, relaxing spot to stretch your legs and enjoy Kyoto’s quieter side.
5:30 PM – Gion District & Shirakawa Canal Walk
Drive into Gion’s atmospheric streets where wooden townhouses, lantern-lit teahouses, and quiet canal paths offer a magical glimpse into Kyoto’s past. The willow-lined Shirakawa Canal is especially beautiful at dusk, when the golden hour light reflects off the water.
7:00 PM – Kyoto Station or Local Dinner Drop-Off
End your day with the comfort of door-to-door service. Whether you’re returning to your hotel or heading to a dinner reservation, your driver will make sure your journey ends as smoothly as it began. If you’d like, stop by Kyoto Tower or the station’s rooftop garden for a relaxing view of the city before dinner.
Why Book a Private Tour in Kyoto?
✔️ Early Start & Custom Timing – Beat the heat and the crowds with a flexible, early-morning start.
✔️ Air-Conditioned Comfort – Travel between stops in cool comfort without relying on packed city buses or walking long distances.
✔️ Expert Local Drivers – English-speaking drivers familiar with Kyoto’s summer pace and secret spots.
✔️ Tailored Experiences – Add or swap destinations based on your interests, group size, or weather conditions.
Book Your Kyoto Summer Tour with Hire Taxi Japan
Summer in Kyoto is filled with natural beauty, cultural elegance, and seasonal flavor. With the right timing, route, and comfort, it can be one of the most rewarding times to visit. Let Hire Taxi Japan take the stress out of planning, so you can focus on the moments that matter.
Book your 12-hour Kyoto Summer Tour today and explore the city your way—cool, calm, and connected.
