How it works

Everything you need to know before you book a Kimasu tour. If something here is unclear, write to us, we will tell you in plain language.

Three ways to explore

Bike: flat routes through quiet lanes, riverside paths, and back-street temples. We provide bikes, helmets, and rain ponchos. Suitable for anyone comfortable on a city bike.
On foot: paced for a half day or a full day, suited to all fitness levels. We stop, we sit, we drink tea. We do not march.
By car: for reaching Nara, Osaka, Uji, and farther temples in comfort. Driver-guide format with door-to-door pickup in central Kyoto.

Three formats

Half day, 3 to 4 hours. Best for arrivals, jet lag, or pairing with an afternoon free.
Full day, 6 to 8 hours, with a long lunch at a local restaurant included.
Evening, 2 to 3 hours after sunset. Lanterns in Gion, illuminated temples, dinner-inclusive variants on request.

From inquiry to confirmation

  1. 1Send us a short inquiry: dates, group size, what catches your interest.
  2. 2We reply within 24 hours, in your language, with a written quote and 2 or 3 itinerary options.
  3. 3Pick the format you want. We confirm availability with the guide and lock the date.
  4. 4Pay the 30 percent deposit online to secure the booking. The balance is due 7 days before.
  5. 5You receive confirmation, meeting point, your guide's name and contact, and a packing note.
  6. 6On the day: meet your guide at the agreed spot. After: we email a private photo gallery within a week.

What is always included

  • A dedicated private guide for your group, fluent in English or French.
  • Route planning tailored to your interests, the season, and the weather forecast.
  • Bikes, helmets, and rain ponchos on bike tours.
  • Lunch at a small local restaurant on full-day tours.
  • A private photo gallery shared by email after the tour.

If the weather turns

Light rain is normal in Kyoto and rarely a problem on walks or bike rides; we adapt the route. If a typhoon, snow, or extreme heat warning makes the tour unsafe or unpleasant, we reschedule, switch to an indoor alternative, or refund. Your call.

FAQ

What happens if it rains?

Light rain: we adapt the route and bring rain ponchos. Heavy weather: we reschedule, refund, or switch to a covered alternative. Your choice.

Can you accommodate children?

Yes, on most tours. Tell us ages and we adapt the pace, distances, and stops. Child seats and smaller bikes are available on request.

Are tours private?

Yes. All our tours are private by default. You will never be paired with strangers.

What languages do you guide in?

English and French as standard. Spanish, Italian, and Japanese are sometimes available; ask at the inquiry stage.

What is your cancellation policy?

Full refund up to 72 hours before. 50 percent refund between 72 and 48 hours. No refund inside 48 hours, but a free date change remains possible up to 48 hours before, subject to availability.

Do you share photos?

Yes. Your guide takes photos along the way and we email a private gallery within a week. No watermarks, no public posting.

Accessibility?

Walking tours can be adjusted for mobility constraints. Tell us at the inquiry stage and we route accordingly.

Can you arrange hotel pickup?

Yes for car-day tours. For bike and walking tours we usually meet at a central station to save time.

Ready?

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