Tours in Kyoto

This unique one-day tour blends a peaceful mountain hike with an easy downhill cycling route through some of Kyoto’s most scenic and lesser-known areas. Begin your journey with a walk through Kurama’s cedar-lined trails, where ancient temples and timeless silence await. Then, hop on a bicycle for a relaxing ride through quiet neighborhoods, past the historic Kamigamo Shrine, and along the tranquil banks of the Kamo River. With no steep climbs and plenty of time to take in the views, this tour offers a perfect escape for travelers seeking Kyoto’s natural beauty, cultural depth, and calm rhythm—away from the crowds. Perfect for those who love nature, culture, and a relaxed pace. No steep climbs — just smooth, scenic cruising. ・Riding with a navigator who knows the local area well allows you to enjoy the ride slowly and safely. ・All equipment for riding is provided, so you don't need to bring anything. ・The tour course can be arranged according to your wishes.

Highlights of Your Visit: Thatched-Roof Architecture Marvel at the iconic kayabuki roofs, made of natural materials such as straw and reeds, carefully maintained by the local community. Miyama Folk Museum Learn about traditional tools, customs, and the history of the village at this charming local museum housed in an old thatched home. Local Experiences Try hands-on activities like traditional paper making, soba noodle workshops, or enjoy seasonal festivals that celebrate the local culture. Nature & Tranquility Surrounded by forests and rivers, Miyama offers peaceful walks and stunning views year-round—especially beautiful in spring cherry blossoms and snowy winter scenes.

With over 50 years of experience in the wedding industry, we help over 40,000 couples each year create unforgettable moments. Inspired by the beauty of kimono weddings from the Edo period, we founded our company to share this tradition with the world. Based in Kyoto, we offer authentic special experiences and virtual backgrounds of Japan’s stunning landscapes for a modern touch. Our passionate team is dedicated to celebrating Japanese culture and supporting each couple with warm hospitality.

Want to capture your amazing honeymoon? Family vacation while the kids are still little? Your perfect couples retreat from everyday busy life? A solo trip without asking strangers to take pictures of you? Stop searching, we got you here! We are the largest network of local vacation photographers in the world! Besides Kyoto, we operate in over 700 destinations worldwide! We always make sure that every special moment of each client is captured well. We believe in our service and quality of our photos so much that we even offer a 100% money back satisfaction guarantee for your photo shoot. Which means, if you don’t like the result of your photo shoot, you can contact us within 7 days and claim your money back! So what are you waiting for? Become one of our hundreds of happy customers by treating yourself to this special experience! Your family and friends will love the result too!

Step into the serene grounds of a Kyoto temple and immerse yourself in a unique yoga experience that blends physical practice with spiritual peace. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, our sessions are thoughtfully designed to accommodate all levels, ensuring a calming and meditative journey for everyone. Experience the calming power of Zazen, the ancient practice of seated meditation. In a serene, guided environment, you'll learn to quiet your mind, focus on the present moment, and deepen your self-awareness.To complete your experience, indulge in a calming tea session with freshly prepared matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets, adding a delightful touch to your visit. Our sessions are intimate and personalized, with groups of up to 10 people, allowing for a peaceful, focused atmosphere where you can fully embrace the serenity of your temple surroundings.

This is not just a sightseeing tour — it’s a spiritual journey through Kyoto’s sacred heart. On this exclusive 5.5-hour guided experience, you’ll visit six remarkable temples dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion. From quiet, hidden sanctuaries to world-famous landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera and Sanjūsangen-dō, each temple reveals a different form and story of Kannon’s mercy. Unlike typical temple visits, this tour gives you deep insight into Buddhist beliefs, legends, and symbolism, all brought to life by a knowledgeable local guide. You'll walk through Kyoto’s history while discovering how Kannon has shaped faith and daily life for centuries. With all admission fees included, this thoughtfully curated tour offers a rare chance to reflect, learn, and be inspired — an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking meaning beyond the surface.

Among Kyoto's popular tourist destinations, Higashiyama and the Kyoto Station area, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, attract visitors from Japan and abroad due to their deeply Japanese atmosphere. This tour focuses on experiencing Japanese history, culture, and summer in Kyoto. The tour begins at Shijo-Kawaramachi Station, offering easy access to Higashiyama attractions. After a short bus ride and walk, you'll reach Kiyomizu-dera Temple, known for its clear water and small waterfall. After shopping on the street in front of the temple, you'll visit Yasaka Shrine, believed to ward off epidemic diseases during the hot season. Next, enjoy the Japanese summer sweet "shaved ice" in Gion and stroll along the famous Gion street. The tour concludes with a visit to Kyoto Tower in front of Kyoto Station for a romantic view at dusk. Let's embark on a trip to Kyoto, a city best enjoyed in the hot summer!

Step into the heart of Kyoto’s sake culture with a guided evening tour through the historic Fushimi district — one of Japan’s most famous sake-producing areas. Discover what makes Fushimi’s sake so special as you explore atmospheric streets lined with centuries-old breweries and learn the secrets of traditional brewing. You’ll visit two distinctive sake breweries, each offering a unique insight into the craft — from hands-on history to expertly guided tastings of smooth, locally brewed sake (and even craft beer). Afterward, wind down like a local at a lively food hall where you can pair regional dishes with your favorite sake. Order what you like, try new flavors, and enjoy the casual, social side of Kyoto nightlife. Whether you're a first-time sake drinker or a true enthusiast, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of Kyoto’s rich traditions and hidden charm.

Situated in the center of Shiga Prefecture, Lake Biwa, easily accessible from Kyoto, offers beautiful lakeside scenery and plenty to do. Takashima and Kosei Areas are home to the Shirahige Shrine. It is said to bring a variety of good fortune. Also, there is a famous cherry blossom spot, Umezu Osaki. Omi Shrine, Biwako Terrace, and Ukimido are situated in Otsu and Konan Areas. Biwako Terrace is a popular spot for a breathtaking view. Ukimido is believed to have been built to pray for safety on the waters of Lake Biwa. If you are interested in the Sengoku period, you cannot miss the Azuchi Castle Ruine, the residence of the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga. Hikone Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful castles, is set in the Koto Area. In the Koga area, there is the Miho Museum and "Shigaraki Toen Tanuki Mura" where you can see Shigaraki ceramics of Japanese tanuki! This tour is for a pick up and drop off in Kyoto city only.

Embark on a captivating day tour exploring Kyoto’s southern treasures. Departing from Kyoto Station, this expertly chosen route showcases the best of the city’s southern region during the autumn season. Begin in Uji, where you'll visit the Byodoin Temple, renowned for its stunning Phoenix Hall, which is featured on Japan’s 10-yen coin. Enjoy the temple’s elegant architecture and tranquil setting. Next, experience the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant vermillion torii gates that create a mesmerizing pathway through the forest. The tour culminates at Tofukuji Temple, celebrated for its breathtaking autumn foliage. The temple’s expansive gardens and the scenic Tsutenkyo Bridge offer some of Kyoto’s most spectacular fall colors, providing a perfect finale to your tour. This route, carefully selected by local experts, ensures you experience the seasonal beauty and cultural highlights of Kyoto’s southern area.

What sets this experience apart is the combination of Kyoto’s hidden beauty and a genuine cultural encounter. As a local, I’ll guide you through quiet backstreets and shrines that most visitors miss — places full of history and stories passed down through generations. After the walk, we’ll visit a long-established sake shop where the staff will introduce you to rare regional varieties and the meaning behind them. You won’t just taste sake — you’ll understand its role in Kyoto’s culture. This is more than sightseeing; it’s a deeper, more personal way to experience the heart of the city.

On the Noh stage of a historic residence, enjoy the maiko’s dance up close to live shamisen by jikata. 【Highlights】 ・Held every Friday night (with occasional exceptions). ・Held on the Noh stage of a historic residence built by the former geiko who served as the model for the film Yoru no Chō (“Night Butterfly”). ・Enjoy the maiko’s elegant dance up close, accompanied by live shamisen. ・Two-shot photo with the maiko on the Noh stage; senjafuda pickup. ・Conversation time with the maiko (kimono & kanzashi introductions; Q&A). ・Ozashiki games made even livelier with live shamisen. ・Dinner & free drinks included, for relaxed conversation over the meal. ・Lineup: Maiko + jikata (shamisen). When there are more than 10 participants, we upgrade to Maiko + jikata + Geiko (three performers) for a more glamorous and lively atmosphere. Please enjoy this special evening of mai (舞) and conversation.

This Kyoto Bike Tour will take you on a wonderful yet challenging cycling route that will take you beyond the city lines of North Kyoto and into the hills that make the backdrop of beautiful Kyoto. The tour is for intermediate to advanced cyclists that hit an elevation 400 metres, however, beginners are also welcome. The main goal of the tour is to discover the amazing nature and cycling routes that are easily accessible from Kyoto city. The route takes in a variety of cycling that quickly passes through the popular Arashiyama area before tackling the progressive climb that leads to the way to the forested areas of Takao and Yamanaka. There is the option to stop at the secluded Kosanji Temple. The scenery is spectacular with the sound of white water ebbing its way down to Kyoto, on both the outbound and inbound legs of the route. The winding roads up the mountain are a cyclist's dream and not to be missed.

We welcome both first-time visitors and repeat guests.
This is a rare opportunity to experience traditional Japanese craftsmanship that you won’t find on typical Kyoto tours.
During the factory visit, you'll observe expert artisans at work, and in the workshop, you'll become a craftsperson yourself by creating a one-of-a-kind goshuincho.
After the experience, we encourage you to enjoy Kyoto’s temples with your personally made stamp book in hand.

We are the experience-based facility in Kyoto where you can customize your own sake. The aim is to broaden the ways to enjoy sake through "blending". At the Kyoto-Kawaramachi facility, after getting basic knowledge of sake in a space with Japanese elements, you can taste eight types of sake, choose and mix your favorite from them. When you decide one from two prototypes, it will be your My Sake recipe! Our staff will ready your My Sake with 200ml bottle to take out.

A Kyoto and Nara day tour uniquely blends the refined elegance of Kyoto's imperial heritage with Nara's tranquil spiritual charm. In Kyoto, visitors are captivated by iconic sites like the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple, the vibrant Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of torii gates, and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Nara offers a contrasting experience with its friendly, free-roaming deer in Nara Park and the awe-inspiring Tōdai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha. Together, these cities provide a harmonious glimpse into Japan's rich cultural and historical tapestry.

This tour is designed to help you avoid crowds and immerse yourself in the serene, nature-rich environment of Arashiyama. More than just experiencing its natural beauty, the tour is crafted to allow participants to feel the breath of history through their own senses. As you explore the distinct atmosphere and unique stories of each temple, you’ll feel like a traveler bridging the past and present. Through the guide’s narrative-style explanations and hands-on experiences, the tour draws out the "serenity," "inspiration," and "wisdom" that each temple has to offer. Sagano and Arashiyama are not just tourist destinations. They are extraordinary places where the lives, faith, and culture of those who lived in the past are deeply ingrained. By joining this tour, you will not only gain a multi-faceted appreciation of the historical charm of this area but also find an opportunity to reflect on your own life in the present day. Come and enjoy a truly special moment in a truly special place.

You will learn the basic information of soy sauce such as the making process, the variety of soy sauce type. Then taste 5 different types of soy sauce and experience food pairing with each. It includes the tips to how to use each type of soy sauce for daily cooking, so that guests can have more cooking variety even after they are back home. This workshop is perfect for those who love cooking and want to deepen their knowledge of Soy sauce.

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Japan's only Imperial Household temple, Sennyuji, with an exclusive incense ceremony led by a master of the Senzan Goryu school.

This Kyoto Beauty Experience Tour is guided by Kyoto local lady who is working for beauty salon more than 10 years. Not many people know there is a beauty shrine in Kyoto, and also the hospitality in those beauty industry are really good according to Kyoto's traditional culture. The guide also knows well about the healthy food to get inner beauty as her mother is macrobiotic cooking teacher. As her grandmother is a real Geisha, she also knows a lot of Kyoto traditional life and culture. The guide has worked at Epcot, Walt Disney World in Florida, her English is good enough to communicate. If there are other places you would like to go with the private guide, please send us message before the travel.

Afternoon Izakaya Cooking Class is a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese dining culture as well as learn authentic and popular Japanese foods that are eaten at home and in local restaurants. The course consists of two parts. First, you will cook 2~3 dishes and enjoy them. Then you will return to the kitchen and learn 2~3 more dishes before eating once more. Enjoy cooking and eating a variety of dishes in cozy atmosphere just like in Izakaya restaurants (Japanese style pubs)!

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

Your experience begins with a welcome toast of premium sake. A Certified Instructor Our female instructor holds the International Sommelier of Sake certification. She welcomes you in a traditional kimono. Find Your Favorite Learn about sake history, brewing methods, types, and how to read labels, helping you confidently choose sake to suit your taste. 7 types of Japanese Sake × Snack Pairing Enjoy carefully curated pairings of 7 types of sake with complementary snacks, not just as side dishes but as equally starring elements. You’ll learn useful tips for pairing sake with different dishes. Variety of Sake Vessels The flavor and aroma of sake can change depending on the vessel. Enjoy the visual beauty and taste of sake with a variety of unique cups.

Escape to the tranquil mountain village of Ohara, just a short distance from Kyoto’s city center. This 8-hour guided tour offers a peaceful journey through historic temples, serene gardens, and lush rural landscapes, perfect for those seeking a quiet retreat and a glimpse of Japan’s classical elegance. ・Visit Sanzenin Temple, home to national treasures and exquisite seasonal gardens dubbed “jewels of the Orient” ・Experience the spiritual atmosphere of Shorin-in Temple, birthplace of Buddhist Shomyo music ・Relax in Hosen-in Temple’s framed garden while enjoying matcha tea and traditional sweets