Yes. Kyoto Insight Tours is a fully licensed Type 2 Travel Agency registered with the Kyoto Prefectural Governor (Registration No. 2-1086). We operate in accordance with the requirements of the Japanese Travel Agency Act and are authorised to arrange and sell travel services within Japan. As a licensed travel agency, we provide the appropriate travel contracts, terms and conditions, and consumer protections required under Japanese law. Kyoto Insight Tours is also a member of the All Nippon Travel Agents Association (ANTA), one of Japan's recognised travel industry associations, reflecting our commitment to professional standards and responsible business practices. When you book with us, you can be confident that you are dealing with a properly registered and regulated travel company in Japan.

Absolutely. In fact, every Kyoto Insight Tours experience is designed around you. Our tours are bespoke and consultation-driven, meaning we work closely with you before your visit to understand your interests, travel style, priorities, and preferred pace. Whether you wish to explore Kyoto's iconic landmarks, discover hidden local gems, enjoy cultural experiences, or venture into the surrounding countryside, we will create a personalised itinerary tailored to your preferences. We can also customise a variety of elements to enhance your experience, including vehicle class, dining arrangements, refreshment options, and special interests or accessibility requirements. For guests planning a longer stay, we can also assist with accommodation recommendations and reservations, as well as the creation of customised multi-day itineraries. Our goal is simple: to create a seamless and memorable journey that reflects your interests rather than asking you to fit into a pre-packaged tour.

Our private tours are designed to provide a seamless, stress-free experience from beginning to end. Your tour includes: A private licensed vehicle and professional driver for the duration of the tour A native English-speaking guide/interpreter throughout the day Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or another agreed location within Kyoto City Admission fees for all locations and experiences included in your itinerary Refreshments and light snacks throughout the day Pre-tour consultation and personalised itinerary planning Lunch is not included in the tour price. During the planning process, we will discuss your preferences and recommend suitable dining options to complement your day. We can make any necessary reservations in advance, and on the day you are free to order directly from the menu and pay the restaurant. We are, of course, happy to assist with communication and payment arrangements where helpful. Our aim is to ensure that, once your tour begins, you can simply relax and enjoy the experience while we take care of the details.

Our booking process is designed to be simple, personal, and tailored to your individual travel plans. 1. Submit an Enquiry Complete our online enquiry form and tell us a little about your interests, travel dates, group size, and any special requests. 2. Consultation and Planning We will contact you by email to discuss your preferences and refine the details of your ideal day. This consultation process allows us to create an experience tailored specifically to your interests, pace, and travel style. 3. Receive Your Personalised Proposal Once we have gathered the necessary information, we will prepare a Proposal document outlining your suggested itinerary, inclusions, and tour price. 4. Confirm Your Booking If you would like to proceed, we will send a secure payment link for the Application Fee, which is 30% of the total tour price. 5. Contract and Reservation Confirmation Upon receipt of the Application Fee, we will issue your travel contract and begin making the necessary arrangements and reservations for your tour. 6. Final Payment The remaining balance of 70% is due no later than 30 days before the start of your tour. We will send a further secure payment link at that time. 7. Enjoy Your Day Once everything is confirmed, all that remains is for you to relax and enjoy your personalised Kyoto experience. If you have any questions during the planning process, we are always happy to assist.

As our tours are individually planned and customised for each guest, cancellation fees may apply if a booking is cancelled. To confirm a booking, we require an Application Fee equal to 30% of the tour price. This fee includes a non-refundable Planning Charge of ¥22,000, which covers consultation, itinerary design, research, reservations, and other planning work undertaken on your behalf. If you cancel your booking before the standard cancellation period begins, any amount paid in excess of the ¥22,000 Planning Charge will be refunded. In the case of cancellation, the following charges may apply: Full details of all cancellation charges will be provided in your Contract Document and Terms and Conditions.

We recommend contacting us as soon as you have confirmed your travel dates, particularly if you plan to visit during Kyoto's busy spring and autumn seasons. Booking early allows us to secure preferred vehicles, make restaurant and experience reservations where required, and create a carefully tailored itinerary based on your interests. That said, we understand that travel plans do not always come together months in advance. If your visit is approaching, please feel free to contact us. Subject to availability, we are often able to accommodate enquiries at shorter notice. Please note that bookings made within 30 days of the tour date may require full payment at the time of booking rather than the standard deposit and balance payment schedule. In such cases, our standard cancellation policy will still apply. As all of our tours are bespoke and consultation-driven, we encourage guests to allow sufficient time for the planning process whenever possible.