Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto was once the capital of Japan. Many historical buildings and cultural traditions are still preserved today. Among them, the Gion district is a place where geisha culture and traditional Japanese culture remain strongly present. I take a leisurely stroll through its scenery and atmosphere in the evening. Of course, when visiting the Gion district, I make sure to visit must-see spots such as Yasaka Pagoda, Nene no Michi, Yasaka Shrine, Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, and Pontocho. The meeting point is in front of the elevator at the Edion Building, located at the Shijo Kawaramachi intersection in downtown Kyoto. A professional local guide from the Gion district will lead you to hidden areas that you cannot experience other walking tours.

Discover the hidden life of plants as they illuminate the Kyoto night. At the century-old Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Japan's oldest public plant sanctuary, cutting-edge light, sound, and projections reveal nature's secrets. Step into the Conservatory, a lush sanctuary where melodies float through the air and vibrant plant life glows with energy. Four unique installations invite you to connect with plants in ways you never imagined. Tune your senses to the subtle rhythms and whispers of botanical life, experiencing their unseen communications. This is an invitation to activate your senses and discover the universal voice of nature like never before. Get ready to see, hear, and explore the botanical diversity on display. LIGHT CYCLES KYOTO is a tribute to nature and an exploration of our relationship with it. This immersive entertainment experience, created by the acclaimed multimedia studio Moment Factory, reveals the hidden world of plants and showcases their charm in entirely new ways.

Whether you’re only in Kyoto for the morning or want to avoid the crowds of tourists, this early morning cycling tour of the city lets you experience the city at its most tranquil. After your sightseeing session, you will still have much of the afternoon and onwards to explore thanks to your early start. Also, since Kiyomizu-dera Temple is at the end of a long uphill, electric bicycles are very convenient for us to get there.

Choose from a variety of bus tours in Japan, and forget about having to worry about train schedules or expensive taxis. Save time, see the best sights in a convenient way and learn about Japan's history and culture. - Navigate Kyoto and beyond with ease and avail of this Kyoto Skybus Hop-on Hop-Off pass with JR Kansai Area Pass - Visit some of Kyoto’s top attractions and more with the help of your Kyoto Skybus Day Pass - Equip yourself with the JR Kansai Area Pass and enjoy unlimited rides to JR trains and buses for 1 to 4 days - Save yourself the hassle of lining up to long queues and just ride your preferred mode of transportation immediately!

This 8-hour guided tour takes you to Ohara, a quiet mountain village a short distance from the city center of Kyoto. You will enjoy a leisurely stroll through the rural scenery and explore Ohara's historical and natural attractions. Since Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan, Ohara was an ideal place for nobles to go to forget of the glittering city life and retreat in search of peace and quiet. As a result, Ohara has many spots where you can enjoy the elegance of historical buildings combined with the natural beauty of the four seasons. Surrounded by beautiful mountains on all sides, the tranquil mountain village scenery still remains and fascinates many people. Have a peaceful time savoring the historical atmosphere typical of Kyoto and its verdant and lush nature.

Explore Kyoto with Your Private English-Speaking Driver-Guide! Experience Kyoto in comfort with our private tour. Your English-speaking driver will also serve as your guide, ensuring a seamless and enriching journey. Customizable Itinerary for Your Perfect Day Choose your preferred destinations and enjoy convenient pick-up and drop-off at your desired locations. Our private tour offers ultimate flexibility tailored to your interests. Stress-Free Travel Without the Crowds. Avoid the hassle of crowded public transportation and enjoy a stress-free sightseeing experience in comfort. Visit Kyoto's Highlights in One Day Effortlessly visit top attractions like Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle in a single day. Let us guide you through Kyoto's must-see sights.

Start your day refreshed and energized with a private yoga session in a peaceful temple hall near Kyoto Station. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere and let go of stress as you practice gentle yoga poses. Our experienced instructor will guide you through a sequence of postures designed to improve flexibility, balance, and mindfulness. Please note that our tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate. If we don't reach this minimum number, unfortunately, we'll have to cancel the tour. You'll be notified of any cancellation 4 days before departure, and a full refund will be issued.

Experience Arashiyama at its most peaceful—before the crowds arrive. This exclusive morning tour takes you through the bamboo grove, Nonomiya Shrine, and Togetsukyo Bridge in the fresh, quiet air of dawn. With a local English-speaking guide, you'll uncover the deeper stories and atmosphere of each site—without rushing, without noise. In just 1.5 hours, you’ll enjoy a side of Arashiyama most tourists never see—serene, intimate, and unforgettable. Start your Kyoto day with clarity, calm, and beauty.

At Maana, our renovation work has led us to a deep appreciation for Tsuchikabe—a distinctive blend of clay, rice straw, sand, and seaweed, crafted by skilled craftspeople called Sakans. In our workshop, let's discover this traditional craft by creating your own earthen wall art panel, adding a piece of Japan’s heritage to your home in a meaningful way.

Rent a Road Bike and enjoy the freedom of cycling around Kyoto and beyond. Connect the best sights of Kansai on two wheels and ride at your own pace. Are you interested in seeing more than just the sites of a city? Riding a Road Bike is a great way to experience everything in Kyoto, and the surrounding Kansai area has to offer. Rent a bike and forge your own path through urban and rural Western Japan. Kansai offers kilometre after kilometre of cycle path so you can see and connect with the area allowing you to visit more in one day than you would imagine, and at your own pace. You can also take advantage of Road Bike Rental Japan staff's knowledge of Japan, Kansai, cycling, and travel to make the most of your cycle trip in Japan. This rental includes the use of a bike helmet, lock, and other useful tools to ensure a safe and fun ride.

You can wear a kimono to take pictures on the streets of Kyoto. You can experience the traditional Japanese kimono culture.

Experience the essence of Japan's wabi-sabi culture with our 60-minute tour of Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion. This guided tour invites you to explore the serene beauty of Ginkaku-ji, renowned for its understated elegance and historic significance. Discover the temple's minimalist architecture and tranquil gardens, reflecting the subtle charm that defines wabi-sabi. Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere and appreciate the beauty of simplicity at this iconic Kyoto landmark. Join us for a captivating journey through Ginkaku-ji, where you can fully savor the origins of Japan’s unique aesthetic.

Explore Kyoto beyond the typical tourist route with a local guide who shares the vibrant culture and history of the city. This unique tour takes you through antique and flea markets at historic temples and shrines, where you can hunt for treasures alongside friendly locals. As a student of English, your guide will engage you in conversations about Japanese customs, give you haggling tips, and recommend hidden gems in the city. Perfect for travelers looking to connect with locals and gain deeper insights into Kyoto's culture. - Guided exploration of Kyoto's flea markets and antique treasures - Local guides keen to practice their English and introduce you to Japanese culture - Engaging conversations and valuable recommendations throughout the tour - Two-hour private walking experience using public transportation

Explore Kyoto Like Never Before: A small group Half-Day Tour Discover the best of Kyoto, blending famous landmarks with hidden gems, on Sparrow travel’s exclusive half-day tour through the city's historic east side. A Perfect Day in Kyoto From Shinto shrines to geisha culture, Buddhist temples to beautiful gardens, this walking tour offers a perfect mix of Kyoto’s past and present. Why follow the crowds when you can immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and culture at your own pace? Let us show you the hidden side of Kyoto, and share its stories with you in a way no one else can. If you’re interested in a private tour or pick up, please let us know via message.

Dive into the real Kansai with us — beyond the tourist guides and into the heart of local life. You’ll explore Osaka’s vibrant nightlife, Kyoto’s hidden bars, and Nara’s peaceful evening streets, guided by someone who knows every hidden corner. Eat where the locals eat, drink where the locals celebrate, and experience the side of Japan. What's special? This journey is completely flexible to match your needs! We can adjust the meeting point (Osaka, Kyoto, or Nara), customize the tour content based on your interests, and even shift the focus between food, bars, nightlife, or quiet cultural experiences. Food worries? We've got you covered. Whether you're Halal, vegetarian, or have other dietary needs, we'll assist you with ordering and explaining dishes, even in local, non-tourist spots — so you can enjoy your night with total peace of mind. Let’s create a night you’ll never forget — full of flavor, new friends, and unforgettable moments across Kansai.

Kyoto is an iconic image of traditional Japan for most tourists. Not only being symbolic, Kyoto is one of the oldest municipalities in Japan, the capital of Japan and the residence of the Emperor from 794 to 1868, is home to countless temples, shrines, and other historically significant structures. This tour will focus on the eastern part of the prefecture. Many of the centres of the 15th century Japanese cultural development known as Higashiyama Culture are located here. The Gion entertainment district in front of Yasaka Shrine and the cobblestone streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka that lead to the world heritage site Kiyomizu Temple have been designated as protected areas to preserve traditional-style buildings. Wandering through narrow streets and alleys and discovering beautiful gardens, majestic shrines, and dazzling temples. You can fully feel the historical atmosphere along with the glory of olden times. Come and discover this priceless experience.

A security deposit of 3,000 yen per vehicle will be kept in cash when you visit. (The deposit will be refunded upon return.) Our shop is 7 minutes on foot from Shijo Karasuma Station and 8 minutes on foot from Karasuma Oike Station. This restaurant is located in the center of Kyoto, making it easy to access from sightseeing spots and nearby hotels. We are waiting for everyone with stocks that can accommodate groups.

This experience can enjoy traditional music, culture and architecture at the same time. Shamisen is a Japanese traditional instrument that resembles a guitar. The sounds play by the three strings are very beautiful and cool. It's a bit difficult, but everyone will surely feel fun. I will teach you how to play a Syamisen. Since I teach it from the basics, even a beginner is fine. We will practice the traditional Japanese song. After the experience, it is tea time with green tea and traditional sweets. While enjoying drinking tea, you can enjoy traditional Japanese manners. The venue is a very precious traditional Kyoto architectural residence. Because it is a private residence, travelers can not usually enter. Only experience guests can enter the house specially.

Come with me on a captivating journey through the cultural heart of Kyoto as we explore the timeless Gion and Higashiyama districts. Wander down ancient streets lined with historic temples and charming teahouses, where every corner holds a story. We’ll stroll through the iconic Gion district, with its traditional machiya houses, and if we’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a real Geisha gliding by. I’ll share with you the secrets of these enchanting neighborhoods, giving you a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s rich heritage, blending the past and present in the most unforgettable way.

The recommended point of this product is ・ You can see the beautiful and emotional scenery of the boathouses lined up along Ine Bay from the sea. ・ You can see the scenery of Amanohashidate, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. ・ You can see the village of Kayabuki in Miyama-cho, where you can meet the original scenery of Japan.

Fushimi Inari Shrine's iconic Thousand Torii (Red Gate) paths have welcomed millions of visitors over the years and has consistently been one of the top sites in Kyoto. But did you know that the Inari Mountain where the shrine stands actually has around ten thousand torii gates, and even a secret bamboo forest? Go off the beaten track with your experienced tour guide to see the quaint side of Fushimi Inari. Then hike to the top of the mountain (233m) to enjoy the views of Kyoto from the south and soak-in the spirit that resides in this sacred location. Afterwards, follow the trekking route to the nearby temple complex that has maintained a royal connection for more than a thousand years and has been used as an on-set location for many films.

Unlock the traditional flavors of Kyoto through this cooking lesson！We will introduce how to make traditional plant-based Buddhist cuisine (Shojin Ryouri) using fresh, seasonal ingredients directly sourced from local farmers. Make fresh rice and miso soup from scratch, the traditional way! For those with a sweet tooth, our cooking menu includes instructions on how to make two flavors of Kyoto-style mochi, Yatsuhashi.

Visit a kiln bath in Kyoto, the birthplace of Japanese bathing culture. Learn about the history of bathing in kiln baths and take a bath in one. Enjoy a meal at a high-class restaurant and relax in a cafe with an artistic interior. Tour the historical sites remaining in the area. Learn how to bathe in a kiln bath and actually take a bath in one. Experience the only kiln bath currently in operation in Kyoto and get a feel for how Japanese people lived in the past. Enjoy a meal at a high-class restaurant. Savor Kyoto cuisine prepared with care. Then, experience bathing at Funaoka Onsen, a historic bathing facility used by local Japanese people. Relax in a cafe with an artistic interior that was renovated from a public bathhouse.

Embark on a journey through the fascinating world of Japanese fermentation! Learn the art of making white miso from scratch, and discover why this delicate and flavorful paste has been a staple in Japanese cuisine for centuries. You'll also cook potage soup with white miso and enjoy a delicious fermented food lunch and gain a deeper appreciation for the rich culinary traditions of Japan. [Highlights] - A miso expert will share with you the history and secrets of miso making. - You will have a hands-on experience making white miso. - Cook and taste potage soup with white miso. - Indulge in a delicious fermented food lunch to nourish your gut. *Please note that you will not be able to take miso home due to customs regulations. We require a minimum of 2 participants for the tour to operate. If we don't reach this number, we'll cancel the tour 72 hours in advance and refund you in full.