Tours in Kyoto

Autumn Special Offer!! Discover the beauty of Kyoto in Autumn and Join me 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 5-6 hours and is a mixture of walking and cycling.

Discover Amanohashidate and Ine Village with untouched natural beauty, waterborne charm, and an array of activities to enjoy. A visit to Chion-ji Temple offers an opportunity to explore a temple dedicated to Manjushri, the deity of wisdom. Avoid the stress of transportation, navigation, and language barriers.Unforgettable day full of enchantment and serene exploration at Ine Village. Experience a truly unique side of Japan's cultural tapestry.

This is not just another city tour; this is the best of Kyoto from a unique perspective! Get to know Kyoto on a city tour that gives you the perfect overview, with city highlights, hidden gems, storytelling, and a local treat - this tour has it all! Forget about big touristy groups and the crowds; it's time to see Kyoto at its best but from the eyes of a local. Check out main landmarks like Gion Area, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka-Jinja Shrine and uncover hidden gems and city secrets with the help of a knowledgeable local guide. And the cherry on top, a local treat is included. Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems Private City 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 produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups.

As a whisky enthusiast, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a tasting of carefully selected 10 Japanese whiskies. Alongside that, Nems Café offers its signature pizzas and assorted appetizers. If your companions are not whisky drinkers, They can enjoy only meal. They do not need to book this experience. However, Please note that companies are required to place at least one order per person onsite. During the experience, you’ll learn about the history and culture of Japanese whisky, as well as the backstory of each whisky, through informative papar descriptions. It’s a delightful moment to create your own tasting notes while exploring the unique flavors. Finally, we reveal the retail prices of each whisky. you can find out value one. We can provide information on nearby liquor stores. Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to taste the 10 distinct Japanese whiskies! This tour does not include an instructor, but there is friendly store staffs!

- Our knowledgeable local guide will lead you to a hidden gem, a serene Japanese temple, and a picturesque garden that often eludes tourists' radars. We'll provide insights on appreciating Japanese garden aesthetics, drawing intriguing comparisons between Eastern and Western beauty. The morning ambiance is truly invigorating, allowing for a leisurely stroll through this enchanting area, with delightful stops at traditional shops along the way. - We'll explore some of Arashiyama's renowned landmarks, including the iconic bamboo grove and the scenic Okawauchi Sanso garden, where we can relish a serene garden walk. - Our next destination is the UNESCO World Heritage site, Tenryu-ji Temple, where we'll immerse ourselves in the tranquility and elegance of Zen. Inside the temple grounds, you'll discover a restaurant serving authentic Syo-jin cuisine, originally crafted for Buddhist monks, providing an opportunity to savor authentic Kyoto dishes.

On this tour, we’ll take you to hidden gems usually off-limits to foreign tourists. These authentic local restaurants often avoid accepting foreign customers due to potential communication issues, such as misunderstandings about food allergies. However, these are the very places where the true flavors of Japan come alive—where only locals dine, and where the cuisine is truly exceptional. We created this tour because we believe these unique culinary experiences shouldn’t be kept a secret. Join us and taste the genuine local dishes that make Kyoto’s food scene unforgettable. Wagyu is highly valued and expensive both abroad and in Japan. Wagyu beef prepared outside Japan lacks the quality, taste, aroma, and appearance found here. Sushi and ramen aren’t the only favorites of the Japanese; Wagyu is a dish every Japanese person dreams of eating. If you’re in Japan and love meat, you shouldn’t miss this heavenly local beef.

We extend a warm welcome to you! To begin, let us enjoy a cup of welcome tea and engage in conversation. We understand that the journey from your hotel to the studio may have been long, so please take this opportunity to relax. After then, we have a little understanding of the tea in Japan and other areas through our explanation about the specific parts of the idea and manners of the Japanese tea ceremony, we should start to see the tea master's tea ceremony demonstration. Then, you also model her and experience the most essential part of the tea ceremony procedure, which involves internalizing the key concepts of the tea ceremony and preparing Matcha. Once prepared, your tea will be tasted by others, creating a harmonious and pure tea space. We hope you will enjoy this unique and cultural experience.

You can make traditional Japanese Washi paper from raw materials. Enjoy making a piece of washi paper and designing it using dried, pressed seasonal local flowers and leaves. After drying the paper, you can craft it into a set of postcards, or table-mat, or wraparound lampshade, or tapestry panel. You can proceed with it under the guidance of the instructor, in a relaxing atmosphere. While the paper is dried, you will be able to watch a short video of the traditional paper-making method which has been continued for over one thousand years. Handmade Japanese Washi paper will be the perfect souvenir or gift from Japan!

-Hike through a secret path into Fushimi Inari Shrine. Even though there is Fushi-inari station, we start the tour from Tofukuji station because we enter Fushi-inari shrine from back side of main entrance. -Journey into a secret bamboo forest We will discover a natural bamboo forest, and a small Inari shrine hidden from tourists. Fushimi Inari's main entrance is hard to navigate due to a lot of people, but by walking through the mountains, we will see Fushimi Inari from a new perspective, away from the crowd. -Return to civilization after a breathtaking view atop the mountains of Fushimi Inari From here on, we will explore tourist areas on the way to the top of the mountain. Tour routes may vary, but it will end somewhere around the main shrine. 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!

The itinerary is based on hiring a car or a van for 10 hours - Cash to the driver on the tour day: Up to 5 passengers: ¥110,000 ,if more than 5 please let me know in advance. 1- Within a day of your stay in Kyoto, I am going to show you the must-see spots of Nara and Arashimaya. 2- Understanding the culture and life in Japan from a foreign prospective. 3- Tour itenerary is planned to cover the top sightseeing spots of Nara and Arashiyama and long enough to go around the cultural and historic places too, however, I can customize it based on your will. Itenerary is shown here, however, you can still customize it in arrangement with the guide. 09:00 Meeting at your hotel in Kyoto 10:00 bamboo forest and Tenryu-ji temple garden 11:00 Hozu-gawa river and Togetsu bridge 13:00 move to Nara 14:30 Nara deers park 15:30 Todaiji temple 16:30 Kasuga Shrine 17:30 Back to Kyoto 19:00 Tour finish

You can experience a tea ceremony in the authentic tea room of a 130-year-old Kyoto townhouse! The art of tea ceremony is a wonderful way to experience traditional Japanese culture. Combining zen and Japanese tea, attending a tea ceremony is a must when visiting Japan, especially in Kyoto! -Enjoy beautiful Japanese sweets like cookie or candy from historic shop in Kyoto -Delicious matcha green tea from historic shop in Kyoto -Learn how to make tea -Learn tips to enjoy tea without tea utensils at home

A tailored private tour of the city's treasures is unique because it is customizable, allowing visitors to choose destinations and activities that suit their interests, providing a personalized experience led by an experienced guide who shares insights about Kyoto's rich culture and history.

Join our local guide for an unforgettable tour of Gion, the famous geisha district. Walk through historic streets and enjoy delicious food at an izakaya. You're sure to have a fantastic time! The tour starts at Yasaka Shrine, an important Gion landmark. The shrine, beautifully illuminated by lanterns at night, creates a magical atmosphere. Our guide will share fascinating insights about this site as we explore hidden scenic spots. Next, we'll head to an izakaya in Gion. Savor traditional Japanese dishes like karaage, tempura, and sashimi. Enjoy the cozy, authentic ambiance of this hidden gem while eating, drinking, and having a great time. Kyoto is famous for its sake, so try some with the guide's recommendations. After the izakaya, we'll visit a shrine frequented by geishas. Immerse yourself in the rich geisha culture as we walk through Gion's beautiful streets. The Gion Shirakawa area is one of the most picturesque spots in Japan, and visit another restaurant.

Tour itinerary is planned based on hiring a car/van for 9 hours in Kyoto. Transportation fee -Cash to the driver in tour day: Up to 5 : ¥100,000 ,if more than 5 please let me know in advance. With just one day in Kyoto, this private tour offers an immersive journey through the city's iconic landmarks & hidden gems, providing a glimpse into its rich history, culture, & natural beauty. As Japan’s former capital, Kyoto boasts some of the country’s most significant temples, shrines, & traditional streets. Despite limited time, you’ll experience highlights that usually take two days to explore. What Makes This Tour Unique: 1-In a single day, experience the essence of Kyoto's history, culture, & natural beauty. 2-Tailored exclusively for you, the itinerary is fully customizable to suit your preferences & pace. 3-Gain valuable insights into Japanese culture & everyday life from a unique foreign perspective, enriching your experience.

Learn how to make your own shibori scarf in Japan during a 30- to 60-minute class. Shibori art pieces, tools, and samples are displayed at the Kyoto Shibori Museum, which you can explore while your piece dries. In the museum shop, admire a variety of original items, souvenirs, and fabrics. Select a morning or afternoon time when booking.

Embark your adventure through your food tour in Kyoto and Nara Kyoto is a historical city you will get the chance to visit some of the historical places like Kinkakuji Temple and get to see the greatness of the place and you will visit one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto Gion District and get to take pictures with Geshia Girls Nara, you will enjoy the nature of this city watching the deer walking around you and have the joy of eating them do not let this tour miss you. Book Now!

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.

We will guide you to a true Kyoto night which even Japanese people would have rarely experienced. You might have heard of, or be knowledgeable about Maiko. You might have seen them walk around when you are in Kyoto(they are likely to be ordinary women in a dress-up service). Have you ever share a table and talk over dinner? Actually, even if you are a Japanese, it is not easy to have the opportunity. Long-term relationship of trust is highly valued with such restaurants in Kyoto as Maiko dinner is available and you need an introduction letter for them. We have built a trust with the Kyoto Maiko world and realized this service. Enjoy your own precious night with real Maiko and authentic Japanese cuisine. Maximum people number of a booking is limited to 6. If you are a group bigger than that, please make a booking separately.

Let's discover the city of Nara. We will take you to vist Todai ji Temple including Great Buddha hall, Nara park and also Kasuga Taisha Shrine. - Explore Nara city from Kyoto. - Enjoy to see frendly and charming deer. - Visit the famous Kasuga Taisha Shrine. - Travel with comfortable air conditioned bus. - Minimum number of 15 people for the tour to operate. Let's enjoy sightseeing in traditional areas including Todaiji temple, Nara park and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Todaiji temple Great Buddha is one of most famous and historical landmarks in Nara. Its around 15 meters in height. Todaiji temple claims the largest wooden structure in the world. You can enjoy to see frendly and charming deer in Nara park. Kasuga Taisha Shrine is the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara. We can visit general worship of main sanctuary. (Special Worship of Main Sanctuary, Kasugataisha Museum, and Botanical Garden are NOT included.)

During this kimono rental or yukata rental experience, you can rent and get dressed in a kimono or yukata (during the summer) in the Gion District of Kyoto. Then have the chance to walk around the city and see the sights in this traditional attire.

The craftsman teaching the sharpening and handle attachment has trained at a knife shop with over 150 years of history. Because he has undergone all-round training in sharpening, handle attachment, and even engraving, he is able to offer both sharpening and handle attachment workshops. Also, while the knife blade tends to get the most attention, please don’t overlook the variety of handles made from different types of wood! Through the sharpening experience, we hope you will appreciate the sharpness of Japanese knives, and through the handle attachment experience, the beauty and variety of knife handles.

Pub crawls – or “nomi aruki,” as we call them in Japan – are an excellent way to see a side of Kyoto that tourists usually miss. Your guide, Kenji, spent many years working at a sake brewery in Hyogo. His duties included the pleasure of tasting over 1,000 sakes from breweries in Japan – and around the world. Kenji will take you to two or three special bars with delicious food and drinks tailored to your individual preferences. Explore Kyoto's sake, craft beer, and food culture with Kenji, a certified international sake sommelier, right in the heart of Kyoto! Even if you don't consume alcohol, you're welcome to enjoy Kyoto's delicious cuisine with us, but all guests on the tour need to be at least 20 years old. It's very important that we know about any dietary restrictions you might have. Please let us know when you make your reservation. Group size: 2 - 4 people

Sail through the ethereal glow of Kinkakuji's glistening gold, wander amidst the crimson torii labyrinth of Fushimi Inari, and stand awestruck in the ocean of deities at Sanjusangendo. Plunge into the majestic aura of Todaiji and bask in the gentle grace of the deer that roam its park, each moment a symphony of culture and serenity. We have an expert driver that provides pick-up & drop-off service on your chosen location. Our professional tour guide shares you the culture, stories and tales.

Become truly immersed in traditional Japanese culture as you and your party members will enjoy the entire 300-year old historic property to yourselves. We serve organic matcha locally sourced from Kyoto, Uji in a traditional tea room. Enter into this space separate from the rush of life and truly experience the serenity of tea ceremony. Adorn an authentic silk wedding Kimono or wield a Samurai Katana to commemorate your visit to Kyoto! You are welcome to take photos during your visit. You can even bring the experience home with you as we offer a large array of Matcha Chawan (Matcha Tea Bowl) and authentic silk Kimono for purchase. An experience like no other being the only Samurai house in Kyoto with such offerings. We are able to offer this traditional space and still be very conveniently located only an 8 minute walk from Kyoto station, making this experience a seamless addition to your time in Kyoto.