Tours in Kyoto

Escape the summer heat of Kyoto with a seasonal dining experience in the scenic mountain village of Kibune. Dine at a traditional restaurant on a “kawadoko” platform set above a flowing river, surrounded by forest and fresh mountain air. This non-private experience includes a round-trip shuttle from Kyoto Station and offers both lunch and dinner options. Relax in an atmospheric riverside setting and enjoy Kyoto-style cuisine made with seasonal ingredients—a true highlight of Kyoto’s summer culture.

Discover Kyoto's traditional culture with the Kimono/Yukata (summer kimono) experience! Gion is such a great traditional Japanese vibe. You can enjoy Japanese culture more by wearing a kimono or yukata at a tea ceremony & festival! We offer a wide selection of kimonos, ranging from traditional patterns to modern designs, with experienced staff to assist you with dressing. Plus-size kimonos are also available, so everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably. The package includes the kimono itself, sash belt (obi), Japanese clutch, sandals, and socks. Don't worry, hairstyling is available at an additional cost. If it's not too busy, the dressing process can take less than an hour, and you can set off on your adventure. Now, have a fantastic time exploring Japan!

If you are looking to get a deeper insight into Japanese food (washoku), there is no better way to do it than cooking it. So here we are at a small cooking studio in which you can experience a Japanese home style cooking. This is a great chance for you and your travel mate to escape from the travelling crowd and make a delicious meal together.

A wide range of beautiful locations, some unknown to others. Photos taken by a professional and vastly experienced photographer who has done photoshoots for 14 years. Details: ■ 70-minute photoshoot ■ A private & exclusive booking ■ 50 professionally taken and edited shots (in Jpeg) for solo / 70 + for couples or groups *I will always try to add some extras* ■ Free use of beautiful vintage Japanese fans & umbrellas upon request ■ A native English speaker ■ I can guide you in a variety of poses and capture some great, natural candid moments too After: ■ Images edited & sent via Google Drive 1-3 days later

Experience Kyoto like never before with SunnySight Japan! Our unique private tours, starting from just 3 hours, take you to hidden gems with no crowds. You can enjoy the heart of Kyoto with just your love ones to create special memories.Just share your bucket list of your Kyoto trip/ anything you are interested in, and we’ll create the perfect journey just for you! Enjoy a personalized adventure led by passionate local guides, ensuring memorable moments exploring serene temples, local cuisine, and more. Let's go on an adventure to discover the treasure of Kyoto with us! The price covers food, experience fee, admission fee, and guide fee. We also have a photo service for the guests to bring precious memories back home!(with no charge) All you have to do is tell us what you want to do and we will arrange your original tour! Just bring yourself to enjoy the most of Kyoto on the day of your tour.

Visit Higashiyama, Kyoto’s breathtaking historical district, in a traditional kimono. Walk along its cobblestoned slopes to discover Kiyomizu-dera, a striking temple complex built abreast a waterfall, then stroll beside geisha in the Gion district before finishing the tour in beautiful Yasaka Shrine — all the while learning about the history of this great area. ◆ Tour the most popular area in Kyoto with a nationally certified interpreter-guide ◆ Trek up to Kiyomizu-dera, a temple with over 1,250 years of history, best known for its overhanging stage overlooking the city ◆ Enjoy a truly serene moment in Kennin-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, founded by Eisai, the founder of Zen Buddhism ◆ Explore the brilliant vermillion red buildings of Yasaka Shrine ◆ Walk the streets of Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district ◆ Look around at the traditional shops, cafés and galleries that dot the Higashiyama district

A 5-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station, located in the center of Kyoto. This is open to guests aged 20 and over and is perfect for those who are new to sake or simply want to enjoy it in a relaxed and welcoming setting. This experience is led by a female instructor who holds an International Sommelier of Sake certification and welcomes guests wearing a traditional kimono. Participants will learn about the history of sake, brewing methods, different types, and how to read labels so they can confidently choose sake that suits their taste. During the tasting, you will enjoy carefully curated pairings of seven different types of Japanese sake with complementary snacks, discovering how sake and food enhance each other. You’ll also explore how the flavor and aroma of sake can change depending on the vessel, while appreciating the beauty and uniqueness of traditional sake cups.

Your local host Masayo, a professional chef who attended one of the most famous culinary schools in Japan and has been teaching cooking for over two decades, will welcome you into her beautiful cafe with a warm smile and a cup of freshly brewed Japanese tea. Hear about your menu for the day as you enter her cafe kitchen for your hands-on Japanese cooking class! Your homemade Japanese feast may include traditional meat dishes such as chicken meatballs with teriyaki sauce, ginger karaage, or ginger pork, Japanese egg rolls, an organic vegetable salad, miso soup, rice and dessert. Masayo harvests almost all her vegetables from a close friend's an organic farm in Kyoto. She takes prides in using the freshest, highest quality ingredients from seaweed to bonito sourced from local producers. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to experience traditional Japanese food, culture and way of life with a professional cook in her cafe!

You will find it! Your own "special." Mimosa is a small store, but has a full line of kimonos and accessories. In this plan, you can choose your favorite standard kimono (yukata)! Find your own special one and enjoy a wonderful sightseeing tour of Kyoto♪ Facing the Ichinenzaka slope of Kodaiji Temple, Mimosa is ideal for sightseeing in Kyoto. Once you change into a kimono and step outside, you will see the cobblestone pavement scenery that is typical of Kyoto. It is also a great place to start sightseeing right away. Located in a historical townscape typical of Kyoto, The "Kyoto-like" interior of a renovated Kyo-machiya. You can get ready while enjoying the retro atmosphere! Hospitality that only a small store can offer. we treat our customers with meticulous service! Compared to other stores, you can choose kimonos and accessories in a more relaxed atmosphere. If you have any questions about coordination, feel free to ask the staff.

Would you like to experience restaurants and bars LOVED by locals? Hi I am Takeshi, your friendly personal guide who’s passionate about Kyoto’s Bar Hopping scene. On this tour I will guide you to authentic bars and restaurants so you can really experience Kyoto like a local. You will discover delicious food and drinks whilst meeting new people! This will be an experience you won’t forget. I will guide you Places you can’t easily Google!!!around locals area. By taking this tour, you will support the local businesses of Kyoto. Only guests over 20 years old, up to 4people in total can participate. This tour is private tour so you can enjoy with your friends! If you have any special requests for location, food, dates, etc., I will be happy to organize a tour to meet your needs. I am sincerely looking forward to joining you on a tour that will make you feel "I am really glad I came to Kyoto!"

～Perfect one day tour visiting Principal attractions in Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan～ If you can only stay in Kyoto for one day, don't worry! I will take you to the best places to see and feel the essence of Japan. On this tour, we will take you on a one-day tour of Kyoto's "highlights" and talk a lot about Japanese culture, including the seasonal customs and traditions of the people who preserve them, as well as the historic tea ceremony. I am a local and have practiced the tea ceremony for many years, so I can explain the beauty of Japan and its traditions from two aspects: traditional beauty and practical beauty. You can learn a lot about Kyoto and Japan in one day while enjoying the authentic beauty of each spot. For example, by visiting both a Buddist temple and a Shinto shrine, you will also learn why the Japanese have two different religions. The tour ends in Gion, where you will also learn about geisha, an essential part of Kyoto. This tour includes two World Heritage Sites, Kinkaku-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. *This is a suggested itinerary and can be customized as you wish.

Flytographer Private Vacation Photo Shoot Connect with a local hand-picked professional photographer in Kyoto and capture your most memorable moments during this private photo shoot. Get insider tips on the best things to do in Kyoto, including where to eat & what to see from your vacation photographer. Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality vacation photos — the best souvenir ever. We specialize in: - honeymoons - family trips - engagements - anniversaries - romantic getaways - multi-generational trips - babymoons - solo travellers - and just because! With over 35,000 5-star reviews, Flytographer is the global leader in vacation photography and has captured over 3 million memories for travellers across six continents. We’ve been featured across A-list media, including Conde Nast Traveler, Oprah, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, New York Times, BRIDES, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle Magazine, Elle, Buzzfeed, Refinery29, Huffington Post, & many more.

 Flow of plan 1 Greetings, explanation of how to use the brush (5 minutes) 2 paper sketches & practice (10 minutes)  (For foreigners, call on a calligraphy experience where you write your name in Japanese. Please take it home as a work.) Let's draw on 3 fabrics! Combine your favorite color (40 minutes) 4We do heat treatment and give work on the spot (5 minutes) Let's draw your favorite character and picture freely with your favorite color! There are no rules for producing works! Let's enjoy it at will, totally freely! Of course, if there is a consultation such as "what kind of design is good", the staff will be happy to support you, so please rest assured. With a small number of people, please enjoy the production slowly. You can sit in the chair and enjoy painting at your own pace in the renovated Kyomachiya store. After the experience, heat treatment on the spot, so you can take your work home.

As a chef, your guide is dedicated to unveiling the essence and origins behind Japan's extraordinary culinary heritage. In Kyoto, a pioneer of Japanese cuisine and craftsmanship, countless tales and culinary delights await your discovery. Embark on a journey through the Nishiki Market, Kyoto's culinary heart, where we'll unravel the secrets of Japanese cuisine and its historical roots. From fresh seafood to artisanal sweets, this bustling market offers a glimpse into centuries of culinary tradition. Explore, taste, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere. Our adventure continues with a visit to Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine and the allure of Gion, the Geisha district. Enjoy matcha sweets at Saryo Tsujiri Tea House before strolling along Hanamikoji Street. Discover the tranquility of Yasaka Shrine and conclude your day at the spiritual grandeur of Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, leaving you with cherished memories of Kyoto's rich heritage and flavors. See you soon!

Come with us to visit Arashiyama on foot for 4 hours! Tenryuji Zen Buddhist temple dates from the 14th century. He is a witness to the history of Japan. We begin our visit with this temple. Then we sink into the beautiful bamboo grove of Arashiyama. We are impressed by its giant bamboos! Our walk will take us to Arashiyama Park and then to the Katsura River. We can recharge our batteries in these places rich in nature. Finally, we will explore Sagano, a charming old neighborhood rich in history. Between nature and history, this tour offers a perfect blend of traditional and natural wonders of Kyoto. Come with us to immerse yourself in the beauty of Arashiyama. Are you coming? We are waiting for you!

Get away from the tourist crowds in the center of Arashiyama and admire the true beauty of the area. Meet your guide in front of the ticket gate of Saga Arashiyama station and head to the iconic Togetsu Bridge. Admire the bridge and then head to the observatory of Arashiyama Park. Take a picture in front of the bamboo forest and then head to Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple with a collection of 1200 unique and whimsical statues. Continue to Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple with 8,000 stone images and pagodas. On the way to Seiryoji Temple, go through the streets of Saga Toriimoto. Admire the street view filled with traditional Japanese houses and visit some local shops including a cocoon dolls shop and Washi paper shop. Along the way, learn the history of Okusaga and Arashiyama from your guide. Finally, finish your tour at Saga Arashiyama station.

Why not visit Nara after enjoying sightseeing in Kyoto or Osaka? This ancient city, rich in nature and history, offers a unique charm that's different from the bustling cities. We offer small-group one-day van tours departing from Kyoto or Osaka. On this tour, you'll visit two of Nara’s most iconic cultural heritage sites: Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Our guide will share only the most interesting and engaging facts about their history—don’t worry, this isn’t a history class! In addition to temples and shrines, we’ve planned a full day for you, including a delicious lunch, cozy cafés, souvenir shops, and breathtaking views from the summit of Mount Wakakusa. Our friendly and flexible guide will ensure you have the best day in Nara. With a small group size of up to 8 people, this tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or anyone who enjoys connecting with the guide and fellow travelers.

Mt. Koya is a World Heritage site deemed by UNESCO. It is a place of scenic beauty where history, culture, and nature are concentrated. The Highlight is to visit the World Heritage site of Mt Koya, a pilgrimage route. This is a day trip from Kyoto. Also experienced guide with a strong knowladge about Koyasan. This tour Includes round trip express bus. Mount Koya is the center of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect which was introduced to Japan in 805 by Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), one of Japan's most significant religious figures. A small, secluded temple town has developed around the sect's headquarters that Kobo Daishi built on Koyasan's wooded mountaintop. It is also the site of Kobo Daishi's mausoleum and the start and end point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. ※You will use Highway bus from Kyoto Station to Koyasan. ※No guide will accompany you on the highway bus. It takes about 3 hours one way.

Start with just flour and water, and learn to knead, roll, and cut chewy udon noodles by hand with guidance from a local udon master and English-speaking guide. No experience? No problem—it's all about having fun and learning by doing! Next, prepare classic Japanese rice dishes like onigiri and inari sushi, and try your hand at frying crispy, golden tempura. Friendly instruction and hands-on practice make it easy and enjoyable for everyone. After cooking, enjoy everything you’ve made—fresh udon, sushi, and tempura—paired with a mini sake tasting. You'll also receive easy English recipes to recreate these dishes at home.

・A full lecture by a professional calligrapher. ・Calligrapher make the customer's name in kanji characters. ・You can write it on a beautiful Japanese colored board. ・The opportunity to see an amazing performance by a calligrapher . ・A special experience of writing Kanji characters with a large brush. ・Hold an experience in a Kyoto machiya (traditional townhouse) or a hotel where you are staying.

For the time and budget-conscious traveler, experience the Gion district with our government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guides. You'll start your day by meeting your guide at the Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine, the center of Gion. While exploring Gion, your guide will show you the history and culture of geisha―from their kimonos and hairstyles to rules and daily rituals. You'll walk down the cobbled streets of three Geisha areas in total―Gion, Pontocho, and Miyagawacho―while you listen to stories of Kyoto's ancient past. If you're lucky, you may even spot a geisha on the street! This short but value-packed trip is a fantastic way of experiencing a side of Kyoto that most tourists do not get to see. This private tour is a walking day tour with a guide. A private vehicle is not included.

Tired of the crowds and cookie-cutter tours? This private tour is crafted for travelers seeking Kyoto’s quieter, spiritual side—the one guidebooks often miss. We begin in Arashiyama at peaceful temples that are still considered must-visits, yet remain pleasantly uncrowded. From there, we drive into Kyoto’s northern countryside, away from the tourist map, into the deep green of forests and old villages. You'll walk shaded paths, breathe in the scent of moss and trees, and visit sacred places known for their silence more than their fame. One stop includes a tranquil garden where time seems to pause. Another, a centuries-old shrine tucked deep in the mountains, doesn’t appear on maps—and its name is deliberately kept secret. Some say it feels like entering another world. Others fall silent, moved by the stillness. This isn’t just a sightseeing trip. It’s a meditative journey into Kyoto’s sacred quiet. Special launch offer: 40% off for early guests.

This tour is a private walking tour of 4 major locations in western Kyoto with an experienced guide. Along with the Kyoto Eastern Area Tour, this is a must-visit tourist spot in Kyoto, where you can experience Japan's historic architecture, traditional gardens, and magnificent nature. We will also pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, so you won't get lost even if it's your first time visiting Kyoto.

Uncover the timeless beauty of Kyoto with a private tour meticulously designed for your interests and pace, guided by your expert local guides. Choose from two distinct options: Kyoto Essentials (4-Hour Private Tour), perfect for a focused exploration of two iconic locations like the golden Kinkaku-ji or the vermilion Fushimi Inari gates, allowing you to absorb their essence; or for a deeper dive, our Kyoto Immersion (8-Hour Private Tour) offers a comprehensive journey through three to four hand-picked sites, including tranquil Zen gardens like Ryoan-ji or the picturesque Philosopher's Walk, providing ample time to truly connect with the city's rich history and culture. Ready to explore Kyoto your way? Book your private adventure today!