Tours in Kyoto

The Japanese garden defies quick and easy understanding. As we move in awe through one of these masterpieces we can feel that there is something deeper than just the physical beauty that surrounds us. This experience is designed to go to the heart of that "something deeper". While occupying 3 temples of the Nanzen-ji Monastery, you will hear in-depth explanations and insights into the world of Japanese gardens that you would never learn about otherwise. The Japanese garden will be revealed to you as an expression of profound art. As you will undoubtly visit at least several temples and gardens while you are here, this experience will equip you with all the tools you need to help make your experience in Kyoto one that will form a lasting impression on your heart.

Uncover the little-known sake culture of Fushimi, Kyoto on a 90 min sake tasting and food pairing session with a certified Sake Sommelier.  Enjoy the samples of different types of sake, and learn about different varieties of sake with the personalized attention from your guide on this small-group activity.  This is a fun and educational experience to change your way of enjoying sake.    If you love sake but don't know what to select or want to know more about sake, join us and let's deep dive into the world of sake.  After this experience, you will know which type of sake you like, and you will be able to select your favorite sake from labels or restaurant menus even if they are all written in Japanese.

You’ll spend the night bar hopping through the historic Gion district with one of our hosts. This neighborhood has been entertaining locals for centuries, so you can imagine they’ve perfected the craft. There’s no more authentic way to experience Kyoto’s nightlife than by visiting a few traditional izakaya (bars)! With paper lanterns and quaint wooden houses to set the scene, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into another time (or maybe that’s the sake talking). 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.

During the Kyoto day walking tour, you will experience the beauty of Kyoto; its nature, religion, history, and culture. This tour covers everything you'll need to know when you visit Kyoto. ​If you are looking for a real local experience and perspective, why don’t you stroll this quiet and beautiful neighborhood with our local guide.

This local guided tour takes you to food adventure in the heart of Kyoto! Gain a thoroughly enjoyable introduction to Kyoto’s authentic food culture with a small-group guided tour for the city’s best eating spot, Nishiki Market. In addition, you will see different faces of this town while walking around the neighborhood and you will learn about not only foods but more about Kyoto such as religion, tradition and history. Your friendly guide will also give you a lot of tips about Kyoto, such as useful information to travel around, cultural clues which makes your stay more enjoyable. Let's enjoy one step deeper and get into the local.

Camellia Garden’s striking surroundings make ours one of the most beautiful locations to experience tea ceremony in Kyoto. The traditional Japanese house, which sits amongst stunning gardens, is now 100 years old. Once a private property, providing tea ceremonies is a way to preserve this important house and give visitors a taste of authentic Kyoto. Located close to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji and Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), we offer an accessible experience that offers an oasis of calm and complete privacy for guests. We look forward to welcoming you for a unique, personal and unforgettable experience.

Kyoto is the most famous tourist destination in Japan with plenty of wonderful sights to see. Here we offer a luxurious tour starting early in the morning that enables you to visit five of the most iconic tourist attractions in Kyoto comfortably and efficiently while avoiding the crowds.

Embark on a whimsical journey through Kyoto's hidden treasures with our 'Mystical Kyoto Quest' tour! Everythimg is incluided since food and trnasportation, Uncover secret shrines, wander enchanting bamboo forests, and sip tea in traditional tea houses. Follow our knowledgeable guides as they unveil fascinating tales of samurai legends and geisha mystique. Traverse winding alleyways, sample delectable street food, and discover hidden art studios. Immerse yourself in captivating cultural activities like calligraphy and kimono dressing. Experience the thrill of a rickshaw ride through historic neighborhoods and revel in the mesmerizing beauty of illuminated temples at night. Unveil the mysteries of Kyoto on this unforgettable adventure that promises laughter discovery, and unforgettable memories. Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of this ancient city

Meeting up at Gion Shijo station. I will walk through Gion traditional pass with you with local insight.

Begin your journey at either VIP Villa Namba in Osaka or Kyoto VIP Lounge, where excitement for the day's adventure builds. The tour starts with a visit to the Chionji Temple, a significant cultural and historical site known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional Japanese architecture. Next, head to Amanohashidate, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views, often called the "Bridge to Heaven." Enjoy a leisurely Amanohashidate Cruise, offering exceptional views of the sandbar and surrounding landscapes. Visit Kasamatsu Park, where a cable car ride provides breathtaking panoramic views of the bay and sandbar. For lunch, savor a traditional Amanohashidate set meal featuring local flavors. Afterward, explore the picturesque Miyama Kayabuki no Sato village, known for its well-preserved thatched-roof houses, offering a glimpse into Japan's rural past. Return to either the Kyoto VIP Lounge or VIP Villa Namba in Osaka, concluding a day filled with natural beauty and cultural exploration.

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.

Welcome to Kyoto, Japan! Let’s dive into and discover Kyoto's kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. Explore as many as 12 attractions in the city on this full day tour. We take you to the must-see sights and show you the hidden gems of each location. Let’s stroll the city on foot and by bus like a local. Transportation and the street in the area are very complicated. However, all our guides were born and raised in Japan, have lived for a long time close to the area, and are well-trained expert locals. So, we can take you to so many places, within a limited timeframe. Though the tour, you can learn about our history, culture, society, values, etiquette, how to take public transportations, and everyday life. 【Places to visit】 JR Saga-Arashiyama station at 8:50 Arashiyama, Randen Tram Line, Ryoan-ji Temple, Sushi-go-round(lunch, Ramen, Kara-Age, Beer), Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-zaka slope, Kiyomizu Temple, Sanneizaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Gion area, Gion shopping street

Autumn Special Offer!! Discover the beauty of Kyoto in Autumn and Join me on this E-bike cycle tour through Kyoto’s enchanting back streets to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Discover hidden gems and explore stunning temples along the way. Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich culture and ask me any questions you have for an authentic Kyoto experience. On this tour, we will cover a variety of topics including Buddhism, Shintoism, and Samurai. This tour will take roughly 4 hours and is a mixture of walking and cycling.

This tour offers an exquisite blend of Kyoto's breathtaking landscapes and cultural immersion. With an optional ride on the renowned Sagano Romantic Train, you can witness Kyoto's vibrant maple season scenery. Explore significant sites like the mystical Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the serene Tenryu Temple, and enjoy a delightful street food stroll, sampling Kyoto's unique culinary offerings. The picturesque views at Togetsukyo Bridge and the tranquil Arashiyama Park complete this unforgettable experience.

In the birthplace of maiko, Gion, stroll through the traditional streets of Kyoto while learning about the maiko culture from a local guide. After gathering at Gion Shijo Station, the tour will involve walking through the beautiful traditional machiya architecture and streets of Gion, the birthplace of maiko. A local guide will provide explanations about the origins and history of maiko while exploring the area. The guide will offer insights into the secrets and charms of maiko that even first-time Japanese visitors might not experience without guidance.

It’s hard to get more traditional than the Japanese bento box. In a way, it’s the perfect meal: it might include an egg roll, rice, pickled vegetables, breaded chicken and even nourishing miso soup, each in its own section of the bento box. The word is derived from an old Japanese word for convenience, and convenient this boxed meal certainly is. In this 3-hour cooking class in the center of Kyoto, learn the art of cooking up a bento box meal. Master chefs demonstrate and then turn the kitchen over to you. In the end, eat what you cook.

To know the origin of Japan, learning about the history of Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace is a must for all visitors to Kyoto. Nijo Castle, which is registered as UNESCO World Heritage site, is the eyewitness venue as the advent of modern Japan after the long Samurai age ruled by Shogun while Imperial Palace is the holy place once lived by the Emperor when Kyoto was the capital city of Japan, and is still occasionally visited by the current Emperor even today. During the compact 2.5-hour-tour, you will discover the Genesis of the ancient capital for over 1100 years in a small group with well-experienced guide with vast knowledge and humor.

Delve into Kyoto's cherished hanami tradition with a local guide, exploring hidden sakura spots beyond typical tourist paths. Begin at the tranquil Maruyama Park, famous for its cherry blossoms, where you'll experience hanami in a serene setting, away from the crowds. Next, venture to Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a less-visited gem where cherry trees bloom in quiet elegance, offering a calm retreat from city life. The adventure continues at Daimaru's depachika, an underground food paradise. Here, choose a delightful obento, adorned with sakura-themed delicacies, under your guide's expert eye. Conclude with a hanami picnic at a secluded spot, perhaps within the garden or another hidden gem nearby. Under the cherry blossom canopy, savor your meal, enriched with stories and cultural insights from your host. This experience offers an authentic immersion into Kyoto’s springtime allure, providing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the hanami culture in Japan's ancient capital.

(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.

This tour is recommended for those traveling to Kyoto for the first time. Visit popular sightseeing spots efficiently, all before noon! This tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter. Visit the World Heritage Site of Nijo Castle. The impressive, elaborate carvings and decors in the Ninomaru Palace are a must-see. Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, with its beautiful golden Shariden (a building in which Buddha's ashes are enshrined), and see its elegantly beautiful garden. See the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which was used as the Emperor's residence until about 150 years ago.

Samurai are most renowned for their military might and prowess while embracing a strong sense of honor, grace, and poise. Experience the artistic side of the samurai through this Kenbu experience. Kenbu, literally meaning 'sword dance', is a Japanese traditional performing art that uses a katana and folding fan to convey the culture and spiritual nature of the samurai via swordplay, dance, and poetry. In this experience, learn and practice aspects of the etiquette of samurai classes, try on traditional samurai costume, and enjoy a show performed by expert Kenbu masters. Take an opportunity to hold a katana and experience the literal weight of being a samurai. Guests will also get to take a commemorative photo of their experience.

Samurai and Kyoto have always been associated throughout history. From the early Heian period to the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate the samurai and ninja always roamed the streets of Kyoto. Now they are back! The samurai and ninja museum brings back the history and helps you to have a glimpse of these heroes’ glorious lives. What is more, you can have a hands on experience including wearing a real samurai armor, taking a katana lesson, doing a shuriken (ninja star) throw and using a ninja fukiya all in one place, all included in the tour.

Upon ascending Mt. Kuruma, you will find a wealth of magical temples, relaxing onsens and hiking paths through lush green cedar forests. Mt. Kurama is a very historical area, known for being the birthplace of reiki (a healing technique) and home to the tengu, Japanese folklore creatures said to be the protectors of the natural world. You will leisurely walk from Kurama to the quaint mountain village of Kibune, stopping to see various sights along the way. It is the perfect trip for those wishing to get out of the city and enjoy some easy hiking in the nature.

Our Shamisen Dojo offers a unique experience perfect for beginners and travelers alike. Here’s what makes our activities stand out: [Cultural Exchange] Located in Kyoto’s historic Nishijin district, our dojo provides a chance to explore Japanese culture through the traditional Shamisen, connecting visitors with local heritage. [Freedom to Create Sound] Embracing the motto "Every sound you make is beautiful," we encourage participants to enjoy making music without strict rules, making it ideal for first-time players. [Special Events & Collaborations] Our dojo hosts events like "Shami Sessions," where participants can play alongside other instruments, creating a memorable experience that goes beyond traditional music. Join us for a hands-on encounter with Japanese music, and make it an unforgettable part of your journey!