Tours in Kyoto

A Master Cutler and your chef guide will invite you to sharpen your own santoku knife, which you can take home as a cherished memento at the conclusion of the workshop. Our goal is for you to not only acquire knowledge but also to carry a tangible embodiment of your time in Japan, creating lasting memories for years to come. We aim to demystify this craft and showcase the wide range of knives and tools used by both professional chefs and enthusiasts. With over a dozen different types of knives utilized in kitchens across Japan, we provide a comprehensive explanation of this unique assortment of tools.

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is located on the outskirts of Arashiyama. There are 1200 unique and whimsical Buddhist statues there, so it is becoming a popular spot recently. Also, since the nearby Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the most famous tourist locations in Kyoto/Japan, we decided to make a Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Bamboo Forest tour from Kyoto Station. It's very difficult to visit by yourself on public transport, but our tour provides a nice car for you & your family/friends to use. We will pass by Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, Nijo Castle, the Nishijin area on the way. You can enjoy sightseeing by car when you go to the Arashiyama area! We will walk through Oku Saga Area after Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, so you can feel a distinctive Japanese atmosphere there with various hidden gems before reaching the Bamboo forest. After enjoying the forest, we will finish the tour on the main street of Arashiyama. There you can enjoy Togetsu bridge, Monkey park, Boating and other temples.

She wears a maiko's white makeup, a maiko wig, and a long maiko kimono. Then, after taking pictures in the Japanese-style room, you will have 10 minutes of free time to take pictures with your smartphone.

The Kyoto Arashiyama Sanzen In Temple Day Tour offers a distinctive blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and spiritual exploration. Participants are treated to the breathtaking scenery of Arashiyama, including its famous bamboo groves and serene riverbanks. The tour provides access to Sanzen In Temple, a historic and lesser-known temple in the area, where visitors can engage in traditional Buddhist practices and gain insights into Japanese spirituality. Led by knowledgeable guides, the experience offers valuable local insights and opportunities for customization, ensuring a memorable and enriching journey through the cultural and natural wonders of Kyoto's Arashiyama district.

There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. Also, Kyoto is getting very crowded due to a lot of foreigners visiting there. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. Those include not only major places but less known but very authentic temples and gardens. For instance if you are interested in visiting zen/stone gardens, rather than visiting the crowded Ryoanji, I will take you to several sub temples of Daitokuji that has variety of amazing gardens. Plus the aburimochi shop behind it is a true hidden gem of Kyoto which started in year 1000. You can experience the origin of all the Kyoto sweets there! I have lived in the US, UK, and India for approximately 20 years, and I’ve also traveled to about 30 countries. Living abroad for such a long time made me realize Japan’s value and sparked my interest in working as a translator/guide for foreigners.

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.

Go on a tour of Tondaya, a 140-year-old traditional Kyoto townhouse. Immerse yourself in an evening of Japanese culture with a maiko performance in a traditional Kyoto townhouse. Watch the dance and musical performance before playing customary party games. Explore a Japanese national cultural heritage site and be welcomed into the performance space. Have conversations about the wonders of Kyoto before watching the maiko begin their dance with music. Finish your experience by taking photos with the maiko with the 140-year-old merchant townhouse as a stunning backdrop.

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.

Our cooking lessons are held in an authentic Japanese style house. You will experience the feeling of being invited over for lunch by a friend in Japanese culture. This is a great opportunity for all tourists coming to Japan. Our group lessons have a maximum of 6 people. Our instructors are all very friendly and want you to have a memorable time with us. Even if you came alone, you would have a great time. After finishing lunch, all the participants will go and explore a local supermarket with our instructors. Together we will help you find all the ingredients we used in the lesson. We will introduce you to some of basic Japanese seasonings and some great tips on preparing some Japanese dishes. You will get all the recipes of the dishes we prepare together. You will be able to make some great Japanese dishes for your family and friends back home. We look forward to meeting all of you soon!

Embark on a spiritual journey through the hidden gems of Kyoto's countrysides and taste the best green tea in the green tea fields on a private tour like no other! Starting with a gorgeous ancient temple drawn on Japanese 10-yen coins, Byodo-in Phoenix Hall, you will take a step back in time and visit the beautiful countryside of Japan, where you'll be surrounded by rich nature and cultural heritage without distractions! Admire the breathtaking views of the green tea plantations of Kyoto as you leisurely drive and walk through the countryside. Try the most authentic Maccha (powdered green tea), or unique fruit matcha lattes at a cute cafe run by local farmers around there. You'll be guided by a local guide with deep knowledge of Buddhism and the cultures of Japan in an air-conditioned vehicle. Dive into the green tea fields to the sky!

To truly experience a city, you must deep dive into its culture, and there's no better cultural tradition to explore in Kyoto than through geishas and their traditions. On this private tour, get a cultural awakening as you learn more about geishas and the traditions and why this is such a unique part of the city's character. Learn from its history to the present influence that still lingers in Kyoto as you visit the Minamiza Theatre, Maruyama park and more. Thanks to this cultural experience, you'll be able to see Kyoto from a different perspective - the way the locals live it every day! Withlocals Treasures of Kyoto 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 products and preventing over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

On this half-day private tour, we will visit picture-postcard places of Kyoto in Higashiyama area and enjoy walking through quiet alleys. To start with, we will visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of Kyoto's most famous landmarks, and visit the photogenic places nearby that look like they have appeared in films! After strolling the scenic and hidden paths in Higashiyama area, we will stop by the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, Kenninji Temple, to adore their beutiful gardens. Finally, we will take a walk the picturesque streets of Gion, where "Memoirs of a Geisha" was set in, to end our tour. If you are interested in Japanese culture and history of Kyoto, this tour will be a great introduction!

In this tour, I will capture the best moments of your trip in Kyoto. The tour route is Hanami-koji⇒Yasuikonpira Shrine⇒Ishibekoji⇒Maruyama park. The main reason why you should choose this tour is that I'm not only good at taking beautiful photos of you, but also I'm very familiar to these area so I will take you to the hidden and secret spots that are less crowd, and do photo session there. I'm very good at taking photos of solo-portrait, couple, honeymoon and family. I will take photos of you one by one, group by group. So I would like you to wait for minutes while I take photos for another group. I will suggest spots, poses, and angles. But you can also tell me your preference. After tour, I will send the photos by data via Email on the SAME DAY or NEXT DAY of the tour. In addition, I will also tell you about local culture, good spots for food and fun, and some tips that help you enjoy Japan more. I will really do my best to capture the beautiful moment of you into the photography.

This studio is located one minute away from Shimogamo Shrine, a World Heritage Site. There are many restaurants around the studio. You can easily get there by bus from Kyoto Station. This experience allows you to give shape to your free ideas. The experience of making rugs using specialized machines is very valuable and fun. Professional staff will teach you carefully, so even beginners can feel at ease. You can make a one-of-a-kind rug as a memento of Kyoto. This experience is also recommended for families with children and couples.

Private photo shoot. Choose your favorite location and leave the photos to me, memories for life! Professional photos by a photographer with over 8 years of living in Kyoto, who knows all the secret spots, hidden streets and with techniques to avoid crowds. Only photo shoot in Kyoto that includes: All photo data! All photo data edited! 3 professional retouched photos of choice! Digitally sent by Google Drive.

Enjoy a walking tour of Pontocho and Gion Shirakawa, two of Kyoto’s most charming and historic areas. Travel back in time to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes in this rustic neighborhood. You will experience 5 food and drink stops, with something for everyone. Start off in a retro “Showa-era” restaurant to try seasonal and regional, tasty dishes. Next try several types of yakitori in a classic Pontocho eatery. Then, head on to a traditional Noodle shop with decades of history, for handmade noodle dishes. Have fun beyond the temples and Kyoto tourist experiences. Ask your guide about the history and culture surrounding the food of Kyoto! This fun and friendly tour is the perfect way to spend your evening. There are too many great restaurant choices, and a few that are certainly too touristy, so let us help you make the best choices. Create delicious memories with us!

Discover Kyoto's impressive ramen scene on our Insider Kyoto Ramen Tour! Explore both classic and modern ramen and get a better understanding about the wonderful world of ramen with our expert guide. You'll visit two ramen shops for two wildly different bowls of ramen. One bowl will represent classic Kyoto ramen and the other, more modern ramen. Each bowl is smaller than normal (about 1/2 the size of a full bowl). At the beginning of the tour, you'll sit down with the guide to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Alongside this, you'll discuss Kyoto ramen origins and the ramen route on the tour - the shops you'll be visiting!

You can see and learn shibori (the oldest dyeing method in Japan) in-person and will have deeper appreciation of Japanese hand crafts.

Take in the best of traditional Japanese performing arts all on one stage, followed by an authentic dining experience. Accompanied by an informative guide at Gion Corner, you’ll see maiko dancers, the art of flower arranging, gagaku court music, puppet theater and more. Then enjoy a tea ceremony by candlelight and a Japanese-style dinner. Pickup taxi from selected Kyoto hotels is included. Enjoy personal attention on this small-group tour.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Japan with our exclusive Kyoto and Nara tour. This meticulously crafted experience invites you to immerse yourself in the rich culture and storied history of these two ancient cities, where the past seamlessly blends with the tranquil beauty of nature. Visit Todai-ji, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, a testament to the enduring legacy of Japanese Buddhism. Stroll through Nara Park, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by gentle deer, believed to be messengers of the gods, offering a unique and peaceful connection with nature. Discover the grandeur of Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, shimmering against a backdrop of lush greenery and reflecting its splendor in the calm waters below. This tour offers a rare opportunity to experience the essence of Japan, from its profound cultural traditions to its serene and tranquil landscapes. Join us and create memories that will last a lifetime.

There are many things I want to do in Japan. But you also want to enjoy your stay in Kyoto. This tour is for you! This is a tour to fully enjoy Kyoto and Kiyomizu Temple in a short time! The tour starts at a kimono rental store located in a traditional alley in Kyoto. After putting on a kimono, let's start the tour to experience the wonderful Kyoto that you can only experience here! The destination of the tour is Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which is introduced in guidebooks as a must-see spot and known for its mysterious atmosphere! Then there is ""Sanjusangendo,"" where you can feel the power of the 1,000 Buddhist statues lined up, and ""Kyoto Tower,"" which overlooks the ancient capital of Kyoto! You will be able to take mysterious and beautiful pictures while feeling the history! This tour packs a lot of Kyoto's attractions into a short time, so you can enjoy Kyoto to the fullest!

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.

Eastern Kyoto is the most tourist-dense area, and is also known as hell. However, that is only the famous spots. Just 500m away, there are quiet, historical paths. Unlike the "commercial" Kyoto where 99% of the people gather, the real history of Kyoto remains there. The only tool to access it is an E-Bike. Of course, we will visit the famous spots. But the real value of this tour is to experience with all five senses the beautiful roads that many foreigners don't know about, but really want to see. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off by car, so you can ride only the most enjoyable roads.

Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Kyoto on an afternoon guided tour through the former capitol’s vibrant shrines and temples. Admire Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine, the head shrine of the god Inari. Stroll Sanjusangendo Hall with its 1,001 Kannon statues and the Kiyomizu Temple where you’ll enjoy sweeping city views from the large terrace. All entry fees are included.