Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto once flourished as the capital of Japan for over a thousand years until Tokyo became the capital and the emperor moved there in 1868. There are plenty of places worth visiting such as Arashiyama, which used to be the aristocrats’ summer resort, a magnificent temple with a stunning garden, the alleys where geisha girls in kimono stroll, and the celebrated shrine with a tunnel of a thousand vermillion torii gates. We will show you the sights that represent Kyoto for a whole day.

Join one of our hosts to immerse yourself in the delicious world of traditional Japanese wagashi - sweet confections. Japanese culinary pursuits are precise and packed with extraordinary flavor, and wagashi is no different. Visit Nishiki Market, a food market as well as a traditional tea house to find the staple ingredients of Kyoto’s cuisine and try some of the yummy sweets. You won’t know whether you should devour or Instagram these beauties. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Get introduced to a real Maiko or Geiko (Geisha) of Kyoto for a rare chance to learn, indulge the senses, and be charmed. Watch her dance, interact, ask questions, and take commemorative photos. - Highlights - ・ Great view of Maiko's Traditional Dances ・ Brief introduction on Maiko ・ Question and Answer Time ・ Commemorative Photo Session with your own camera or smartphone camera

Dress in a traditional Japanese kimono or yukata and capture beautiful photos against the scenic streets and iconic locations of Kyoto, creating unforgettable memories of your trip to Japan. Wearing a kimono allows you to blend in like a local and fully enjoy the charm of the city. ・Explore our selection of over 1,100 kimonos, from timeless patterns to contemporary designs. ・Friendly, expert staff provide flawless dressing support, ensuring you look your best. ・Just bring yourself! We have everything you need, with dressing taking just 40-60 minutes for an easy, authentic experience. ・Conveniently choose between two prime locations, Gion Store or Kyoto Tower Store, for seamless access to Kyoto’s top spots. Embrace the magic of Japan—your unforgettable Kyoto adventure awaits!

Discover Osaka’s culinary delights on this immersive food tour through its vibrant neighborhoods. Visit bustling markets and hidden gems to experience the city’s best-kept secrets, from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses. Our knowledgeable local guides provide insider knowledge and ensure you savor a variety of mouthwatering dishes. This tour is perfect for food enthusiasts and adventure seekers looking to dive into Osaka’s rich gastronomic landscape. Enjoy an unforgettable journey that combines delicious food with authentic local culture.

On this cultural experience, you will have a full experience of wearing traditional Japanese kimono and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. You will learn all you need to know about the tea ceremony from a friendly English-speaking tea master in relaxed manner. Your memorable moments will be captured by our professional photographer and you will receive 3 photos as a memento of your experience. Highlights: ■ Interactive cultural experience including the demonstration of the tea ceremony and wearing Kimono in a traditional house ■ Learn the history and culture of traditional Japanese tea ceremony ■ Enjoy making your own Matcha green tea ■ You will receive 3 photos as a memento of your experience Itinerary: ■10:00/14:00 Meet at the venue (@Nishiki Orizuruya). ■10:15/14:15 Change your clothes to Kimono and enter the tea room. Watch the tea ceremony demonstration in English. ■You will make your own Match green tea and have it with Japanese sweets. ■11:45/15:45 Finish the experience

Matcha Green Tea was originally introduced to Japan in the 12th century by the zen monk, Eisai, the founder of Japanese Zen Buddhism in Kyoto. Since then, it has been developed into the refined form of tea ceremony. However, the original purpose of bringing tea leaves into Japan was for medication. Such the tradition must be the important factor to discover the hidden secret of Japanese people, who are boasting of the world highest life expectancy. Today, various researchers are tackling with the secret of matcha through scientific approaches to identify its health benefit, and its various facts have been unveiled. In this program, you will visit the oldest tea plantation in Kyoto to learn about how the tea leaves for matcha are carefully grown, and the matcha factory's production line can be observed. You will also have a chance to handle a green tea mill and try the taste of the most expensive matcha with sweets.

Ready for a bike ride like no other? Hop in; you are about to discover Kyoto on a bike tour with a local guide. On this Kyoto bike tour, cycle through picturesque streets and scenic roads as you check out the main spots around town. Pass by the Philosopher's path, and Gion Area, and make stops along the way to hear fascinating stories about Kyoto. Your local guide is a bike pro and will make this private tour an easy-going ride for you. So, if you are looking for a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to move around Kyoto, this bike tour ticks all the boxes! Withlocals City Bike Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local products and preventing over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Join one of our local Hosts to get yourself comfortable in Kyoto. You’ll feel like you’re being welcomed into the city by a friend who can’t wait to show you all its highlights, as well as hidden gems. They could take you to see some famous attractions like The Golden Pavilion or Fushimi Inari Shrine, or you could explore the area where you’re staying and receive plenty of recommendations on where to eat, drink and explore!

Experience hassle-free travel between the vibrant cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Nara with our private transfer service. Say goodbye to the stress of navigating public transportation or finding taxis, as your licensed driver will pick you up directly from your hotel. Enjoy the comfort and convenience of traveling in a private vehicle exclusively for your group, ensuring privacy and flexibility in your journey. Book now and let us take care of your transportation needs, so you can focus on enjoying your time in Japan!

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. Marvel at the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji that shows you the best of the timeless Japanese city, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bambo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

Explore the cultural highlights and beautiful landscapes in two historically important districts in Kyoto on a walking tour of Arashiyama and Sagano. This 4-hour tour allows you to choose a few locations of your choice within the Arashiyama and Sagano areas. How about crossing the Togetsukyo bridge to enjoy the river view and visit a magnificent temple like Tenryu-ji or a serene temple like Jojakko-ji Temple, and stroll through a beautiful bamboo forest? Arashiyama/Sagano is a picturesque place where aristocrats have had their villas since ancient times. Whether you are a history and culture lovers who wants to visit temples, a nature lover or a shopper, there is always something for everyone in these areas. Please choose 2-3 places that you wish to visit.

(This is a walking tour) Perfectly designed for travelers with packed schedule and limited time in Kyoto. We are offering you not just sightseeing, visiting the tourist spot, and know the history of the spot, but also a deeper understanding about Japan, Japanese and their culture, their life philosophy and their minds. After the tour, you'll understand 'why it is very hard to find trash cans', or 'why Japan roads are so quiet' and the philosophy behind it. Even the smallest thing can be understandable if you join us.

Saga/Arashiyama, located in the western part of Kyoto City, is home to many attractive spots that transport visitors back a thousand years ago, such as historic temples and shrines, bamboo forest paths, and bridges across the Katsura River. This tour will take you through Arashiyama's scenic spots and provide you with a wealth of Kyoto's history and seasonal beauty. Even though it's my first time, I'm sure I'll want to visit again. Let's go on a perfect tour of Arashiyama to enjoy with all five senses! [Visit Spots] ・Nonomiya Shrine ・Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ・Jojakko-ji Temple ・Tenryu-ji Temple ・Arashiyama Shopping Street ・Togetsu-kyo Bridge ・Arashiyama Monky Park

Accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide, explore the area of Arashiyama and Sagano, where aristocrats once unwound in their villas more than 1,000 years ago. The highlights of this tour include the scenic countryside views from Togetsukyo bridge; Tenryu-ji temple with its beautiful traditional gardens; the enchanting world from within the Bamboo Grove; and Jojakko-ji Temple with its breathtaking green moss. During the tour you will also visit some secret spots unfamiliar to the usual tourists. Enjoy the walk and delicious food while learning about Japanese culture and history. Our guides are looking forward to arranging a tour that’s best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

At the Kyoto Shibori Museum, this traditional Japanese craft class shows you how to dye a 46cm x 180 cm silk georgette scarf using the Itajime shibori method. You'll end up with a beautiful silk scarf to serve as a souvenir of your trip to Kyoto. Classes are usually individual and take 30 minutes to 60 minutes per class.  Start by choosing your two favorite color and design, learning how to fold your fabric in a particular way. Sandwich the folded fabric between the same wooden shapes. Dye the fabric in two different colors to create your original color!You can also enjoy the dyeing process in this class. While your fabric is drying, rinsing and drying (about 30 minutes), you'll learn more about shibori. Browse art pieces, tools, and samples displayed in the museum. The museum shop also sells a variety of shibori items, souvenirs, fabrics, and more.

This tour covers every part of the bamboo forest. By rickshaw and on foot! The first stop after cruising through the bustling main street is the bamboo forest. Enjoy the vivid green bamboo as your guide pulls you along the path reserved for rickshaws only, away from other visitors. Have your camera or mobile phone ready to take pictures. You don’t want to miss this. After passing by the Nonomiya Shrine you will enter the second part of the bamboo forest, which is designed like a little park. Here we can take great group pictures with the stunning green bamboo in the background. On the way to the third and last section of the bamboo forest, you will pass by a well-kept scene from the Edo period The third part of the bamboo forest can only be accessed on foot, so our guide will park the rickshaw within walking distance and then guide you to the most famous and impressive part of the bamboo forest. (To avoid the crowds here, we recommend starting the tour before noon)

"Beyond sightseeing—A journey of thought, dialogue, and rediscovery." This unique tour is led by a nationally licensed guide who is also a trained philosophy researcher. Along the way, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Zen Buddhism and a broad spectrum of Japanese intellectual and spiritual traditions—from ancient thought to modern philosophy. Unlike typical guided tours, this experience offers an intellectually engaging journey through contemplation and meaningful dialogue. Together—guide and guest—we explore the deeper meaning behind Kyoto’s landscapes, using philosophical inquiry to uncover layers of cultural and historical insight. Expect eye-opening conversations and new perspectives that may stay with you long after the tour ends—enriching not only your travel experience, but perhaps even your personal or professional life. Shall we walk, think, and rediscover Kyoto—through the lens of philosophy?

- Discover Kyoto's special streets with their quaint atmosphere, as if you had time-slipped into ancient times. Kiyomizuzaka is the name of an area that is composed of several streets with a traditional feel of Kyoto. In the area, we also take you to the most colorful temple in Kyoto called Yasakakoshindo. - A variety of local street foods will take you to Kiyomizu-Dera After that, we'll enjoy local snacks and foods there! We'll then visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. We'll also visit Otowa Waterfall, which brings you good luck. Let's try the Japanese way of worshipping together. - Lead yourself into a world of an elegant and peaceful Tea Ceremony Enjoy traditional-style tea ceremony with Japanese sweets in a sophisticated room surrounded by tea utensils. Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

Starting from the Starbucks Kyoto Sanjo Karasuma Building, we will visit a series of iconic Kyoto landmarks, beginning with a peaceful visit to Rokkakudo Temple. From there, we will head to Yaoyaichi, a local market that showcases Kyoto’s seasonal produce and unique ingredients. Along the way, you’ll explore the bustling Daimaru Department Store's basement, where you can experience the offerings of Kyoto’s gourmet scene. Then, we will wander through Nishiki Market, famously known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” where diverse and flavorful goods await. At Yaoyaichi, Daimaru, and Nishiki Market, you’ll have the opportunity to sample 6-10 different items. Finally, we will conclude the tour at the serene Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine. Itinerary: 10:00 AM: Meeting at Starbucks Kyoto Sanjo Karasuma Building, Visit Rokkakudo Temple 10:30 AM: Stop at Yaoyaichi (local market) 11:30 AM: Daimaru Department Store's basement 12:30 AM: Nishiki Market 2:00 PM: Tour ends at Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine

Experience Zen meditation at a hidden temple in Kyoto. While Zen is globally renowned and recognised, there are few places in Japan where you can have the best Zen experience with English tour guide support. This temple is not open to the general public, and you can enjoy hidden atmosphere of the temple and authentic zen experience, Enjoy a private Zen experience, fostering a connection with the monk. Meet at the temple, where you'll learn briefly about Japanese culture and Zen. Following that, a monk will personally lecture on the principles and techniques of Zazen (seated meditation), and you'll have the opportunity to practice. Unify your mind, confront yourself, and detach from ego and worldly concerns. After zen experience, you will get the opportunity to enjoy watching beautiful traditional garden, which will make you forget hustle and bustle of the daily life. Capture photographs with the monk and within the temple, creating lasting memories for a lifetime.

Take in the best of traditional Japanese performing arts all on one stage, followed by an authentic dining experience. Accompanied by an informative guide at Gion Corner, you’ll see maiko dancers, the art of flower arranging, gagaku court music, puppet theater and more. Then enjoy a tea ceremony by candlelight and a Japanese-style dinner. Pickup taxi from selected Kyoto hotels is included. Enjoy personal attention on this small-group tour.

Visit inspiring forest mountain vistas, charming temples and shrines. Capture Instagram-worthy moments in the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Forest. Immerse yourself in captivating stories shared by our friendly and well-informed guide. Flexible booking – even last-minute reservations are welcomed! Select from a variety of start times that suit your schedule. Experience the warmth of a small group adventure, with no more than 9 explorers.

It is rare to have the experience of processing raw fish from the beginning.By processing fish and eating it as sashimi yourself, you can deepen your enjoyment of food and understanding of Japanese food culture. It is a lot of fun to process fish, and the fish you process yourself tastes better than anything else! I have been working in a fish shop for 20 years and have studied how to process various kinds of fish. We will use this experience to carefully teach you how to process fish. We have gluten free soy sauce and halal soy sauce Please feel free to inquire. We hope that this class will provide you with a new dining experience!