⛩️ Kyoto · Kansai
Who we are
A small agency rooted in Kyoto. Private tours, on foot and by bike, guided by residents who chose Japan as home.
The story behind our name: Kimasu (来ます)
In Japanese, 'Kimasu' means 'to come' — the verb of movement, meeting, and invitation. Our original slogan plays on this: 'Kimasu, dekimasu kara' — come, because it's possible / come, we'll handle everything. Our promise for every exploration: travel at your own pace.
How Kimasu was born
Kimasu grew from a simple desire: to offer intimate, human-scale guiding focused exclusively on private groups — allowing for genuine personalisation and real space for exchange. The typical Kyoto day-tour was either a five-hour rush through three temples, or an opaque package designed for selling, not for travelling. Our format is the opposite.
Who guides you
Kimasu is run by professional guides settled in Kyoto, with 10+ years of combined life and deep roots in Japan. Fully bilingual in French and English, we navigate Japanese daily for on-the-ground logistics. Our international background — time in France, Canada, and South America — gives us a unique sensitivity for travellers' expectations, with a special affection for French-speaking visitors.
Our perspective on Kyoto and the Kansai
We know every corner of Kyoto — its hidden shrines, residential lanes, and the best local addresses. Our strength is showing you the richness of the city through cultural and historical references that resonate with Western visitors. We do this work because we love sharing. A day spent together should be fascinating and genuinely useful: we give you the keys, the cultural codes, and the practical advice to approach the rest of your journey with full confidence.
Our commitments
Always local & embedded
We live here year-round. Our on-the-ground recommendations come from yesterday's explorations, not a printed guidebook.
100% Private, no compromise
No groups of strangers. Travelling at your pace means you are the sole masters of your time and programme.
Complete transparency
A flat per-group rate, clear terms, and zero surprise charges on the day.
Respect for living heritage
We brief our guests on shrine etiquette and steer clear of Instagram-saturated spots to preserve the magic of the moment.
Flexibility & responsiveness
Plans change, and Kansai weather changes too. We reroute or adapt the pace in real time, without drama.
Moderate carbon footprint
We default to walking, cycling and local trains. Private vehicles are brought in when distance or comfort genuinely require it — never out of laziness.