Tours in Kyoto

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.

Please come and try Traditional Japanese Calligraphy! You can learn a new skill and get some great authentically Japanese Souvenirs to take home! You can experience calligraphy after sightseeing in Kyoto or before dinner, so you can use your time effectively. Check out the video below for an example of the class, and make a reservation ASAP! (*English Instruction Included) We also have activities for young children, so please bring them along! *Due to popular demand, we have increased the number of time slots for the experience! You can now choose from 3:00PM, 4:00PM, 5:00PM, and 6:00PM. Other times also possible. Please ask!* Souvenirs you will recieve for taking part in our class (included in the cost): 1. Your name written on calligraphy paper in kanji, hiragana, or katakana 2. A folding fan with your favorite word or name written on it 3. A postcard with your favorite word or name written on it & 4. A gift envelope OR 5. A photo frame *Please choose one.

[Highlights] ・Chance to Spot a Geisha ・Visit a 1,000-Year-Old Shrine ・See Edo-Period Townhouses ・Get Local Tips & Recommendations If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a real geisha.Gion is a district where Japan's traditional culture is still deeply preserved. With a local expert guide, you won’t just visit famous tourist spots but also explore hidden alleys. First, we will visit Hanamikoji Street, known as the heart of the geisha district. Here, you will learn about the strict training of geisha, their graceful dances, and the craftsmanship behind their beautiful kimonos and hairstyles, giving you a glimpse into Gion’s traditional culture. Next, we will walk through quiet backstreets with fewer tourists. These hidden paths lead to small shrines and historical spots. You will also see wooden townhouses from the Edo period. Your guide will share the stories behind these buildings, allowing you to appreciate Kyoto’s old-town charm and rich history.

This tour allows you to enjoy both World Heritage Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Fondly called the "White Heron Castle", Himeji Castle takes pride in its rich history of 400 years. Experience the beauty of Japanese architecture and the ingenuity from the age of samurai. For lunch, savor a buffet prepared with local ingredients. Afterwards, visit Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, one of the world's longest suspension bridges. From the Maiko Marine Promenade, take in the stunning scale of the bridge from up close, and behold the impressive sight of cars and boats passing by. Look forward to a satisfying tour brimming with history, modern architecture, the scenery of the sea, and gourmet cuisine.

This tour takes you beyond the typical Kyoto experience and into the heart of Mount Kurama, a sacred mountain rich with spiritual energy, ancient legends, and natural beauty. Unlike standard sightseeing tours, this journey blends culture, mythology, and nature in one unforgettable experience. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll visit Kurama-dera Temple, walk the mysterious Root Path through the forest, and reach the hidden Inner Sanctuary of the Demon King (Mao-den) — a site of unique spiritual belief found nowhere else in Japan. You won’t just see the sights — you’ll feel the power of the mountain, learn the stories of samurai and Tengu spirits, and connect with Japan’s deep spiritual heritage. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking more than just photos — it's a meaningful journey into the mystical soul of Kyoto.

1- Within 1 day in Kyoto, I can show you the best spots in Kyoto visitors enjoy that others would need at least two days to see. Kyoto is the old capital of Japan, so with this tour you will be able to enjoy the top temples and shrines in Kyoto. The tour includes visits to some of the top spots of Kyoto including: Kinkakoji temple, Nijo castle, Fushimi Inari shrine. Tour itinerary is planned to cover the top sightseeing spots of Kyoto and long enough to go around the cultural and historic places too. Itinerary is shown here, however, you can still customize it in arrangement with the guide. 09:00 Meet at your hotel in Kyoto 10:00 Kinkaku-ji temple 11:00 Nijo castle 12:30 Lunch 14:30 Fushimi Inari shrine 16:00 Gion area 17:00 Tour finish

Discover a side of Kyoto most tourists never see! Ride along quiet alleys, serene shrines, and hidden temples on an easy, eco-friendly e-bike. Your guide will craft a route tailored to your interests, whether it is photography, history, or local culture, and share fascinating stories at every stop. Explore more of Kyoto comfortably while enjoying scenic streets and off-the-beaten-path spots. This small-group, personalised tour offers countless photo opportunities, insider tips, and a truly authentic experience, perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike. Book now for a private, scenic, and unforgettable Kyoto adventure!

This tour is conducted by an English-speaking guide only. The Half-Day Plan will conclude and disband at Arashiyama. Customers should return on their own. We will take you to go unmissable sightseeing spots in Kyoto Let's explore together. Full Day Plan and Half Day Plan: Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most popular place in Kyoto nowadays. You can go through the one thousand Torii gates. Kiyomizu Temple is a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. This temple is one of the most and popular temples in the Kyoto city. You can enjoy the panoramic view of Kyoto city from the temple. Full Day Plan only: Bamboo grove in Arashiyama is beautiful place to walk. Let's walk gorgeous scenery. Kinkakuji is temple of the golden pavilion is one of the Buddhist temples in Kyoto and a must visit landmark in Kyoto. Bamboo grove in Arashiyama is beautiful place to walk. Let's walk gorgeous scenery.

Explore the local neighborhood street market (Demachiyanagi Shoutengai) with your host Aki and discover everything from basic Japanese ingredients to high-quality, regional produce. You'll walk through the market together and pick out a few vegetables and ingredients that you will later use in your cooking class. Back home, you will join Aki for a hands-on cooking experience in her beautiful kitchen and learn to make authentic dishes from scratch! Aki will provide you with recipes in English and guide you through the cooking process as she tells you all you'd like to know about Japanese food and culture. Your home-style meal may include dishes such as the traditional Chikuzenni (a main of braised chicken and vegetables that originated from Kyushu), seasonal vegetable sides such as marinated spinach with sesame or burdock root, and miso soup. The cooking portion of your experience should last about an hour before you sit down to enjoy the meal.

Now you can experience the mysterious world when you visit the KYOTO SAMURAI NINJA MUSEUM . Residents and visitors alike can delight in the Ninja realm. You will learn about Ninja in Japan’s history and what kind of weapons and tools were used as they carried out covert missions. Your transformation into Ninja begins with the trained staff that will help you to choose and dress in traditional attire for your experience. . With an authentic background for your photos, you will appear to have stepped out of Japanese folklore. Photographs are wonderful souvenirs of your Ninja experience and so much fun to share with family and friends. Your trip to Kyoto will not be complete unless you visit the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum where you will discover the traditions of Japan and enjoy the fresh seasonal delicacies served at the cultural center. ！Children under 3 can not join the ninja experience, they can enter the venue.！

You’ll explore Kyoto with the guidance of a local Host, experiencing a taste of what makes it so unmissable. Walk through its enchanting, historic streets and marvel at the traditional wooden architecture. Discover iconic attractions like the Golden Pavilion, or immerse yourself in the lush greenery of Arashiyama bamboo grove. 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 who will suggest a personalized itinerary to your personality and interests.

This tour is best for first-time visitors to Kyoto. You will visit popular must-see tourist attractions such as Golden Pavilion, bamboo groves, and Tenryuji Temple with its wonderful World Heritage garden. We will also take you to hidden jem, meaning the temple of heaven, which is a relatively quiet and beautiful temple. You can enjoy popular sightseeing spots in a comfortable and efficient manner by cab. The tour ends in the Arashiyama area.　 After the tour, the guide will give you directions to other must-see places such as movie studios, Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion, etc. If you are new to Kyoto, please join this tour and get an outline of Kyoto sightseeing.

Experience the essence of Japan in one unforgettable day! Discover sacred Shirahige Shrine’s floating torii, ride Japan’s fastest ropeway to breathtaking Lake Biwa views, explore the hidden Zen beauty of Sanzen-in Temple, and visit the floating Ukimido Hall at sunrise. Indulge in local sweets at La Collina, a fairytale village designed by famed architect Terunobu Fujimori. Perfect for families, friends, and culture lovers seeking stunning scenery, tradition, and local flavors — this tour is a journey through Japan’s heart and soul.

- Start this historical sights tour by learning about Gion & Geisha and Zen culture in Japan in UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple, Kennin-ji in Gion district. Get ready to feel the world of Zen in traditional Zen temple with Japanese Rock garden called Karesansui. After seeing the Kennin-ji temple, get ready to cycle again for a nice ride to the Nanzen-ji temple where your guide will give you some insights about Zen and the old days of Kyoto! - Breeze through beautiful local streets in historical city and enjoy a delicious lunch at a Japanese tea house! - Enjoy the local Kyoto oasis that is Kamogawa river with a relaxing cycle along it’s riverbanks to finish the tour off! 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!

Private photo shoot. Choose your favorite location and leave the photos to me! 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! 50 photos selected by me and edited. Digitally sent by Google Drive.

Join Midori in her cooking studio for a traditional Japanese cooking lesson. You can choose one of the five set menus she offers. Midori teaches you Japanese dishes with simple and easy recipes that can be easily reproduced at home. You will watch Midori prepare local dishes using seasonal and traditional ingredients. - Japanese cooking class in Kyoto with a local - Learn to cook traditional Japanese dishes from scratch - Discover Japanese ingredients and cooking styles - Get insight into Kyoto's best restaurants and shopping recommendations - A fun and relaxing, cultural and culinary experience

You can experience Japanese culture such as knife sharpening, obanzai cooking and calligraphy lecture at Furukawacho Shopping Arcade in Shirakawa area in Kyoto, Japan. The concept of Furukawacho Shopping Arcade is “Retro and Modern.” This shopping arcade is the kitchen of the locals and the base of their lives. The lanterns hung from the arcade roof creates a unique atmosphere. You will surely enjoy the nostalgic culture and local food culture experience of Kyoto, at Furukawacho Shopping Arcade. An English private staff attends to each group. ●Notes: We will contact you via email or messege within 3 business days after your application/payment. You may not be able to participate in the workshop of your choice, as this will depend on reservation availability. In this case, the prepaid fee will be refunded to the credit card you used for the payment. And also, this course accepts the people from 2 to 6 only. Please be aware of it before you make a reservation.

Step into the enchanting world of old Kyoto and immerse yourself in the magic of Gion and Shirakawa on this unforgettable evening walking tour. As twilight falls, lanterns flicker to life, casting a warm glow over cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old teahouses. The soft rustle of kimono-clad geisha passing by, the distant notes of a shamisen drifting through the air—this is Kyoto at its most mesmerizing. Wander through historic alleyways where time seems to stand still, discovering the hidden corners of Kyoto’s legendary geisha districts. Along the way, savor a few local delights— Each bite tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship.

As you journey through the scenic beauty of Amanohashidate, prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of its famous sandbar, often called the "Bridge to Heaven." Your first stop will be Amanohashidate View Land, where you'll take the cable car or chairlift up Mount Monju for panoramic vistas of the bay and the sandbar stretching across the water. From here, capture the stunning view of Amanohashidate, revered as one of Japan's top three scenic spots. Afterward, explore the historic Chionji Temple and the peaceful Ine Boathouses, where traditional fishing villages meet the serene waters, offering a glimpse into Japan's coastal heritage. Whether you're admiring the view or taking in the tranquil atmosphere, this private journey promises a memorable experience of nature, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Our cooking lessons are held in an authentic Japanese style house. You will experience the feeling of being invited over for a cup of tea 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. We'll introduce some great tips on preparing 3 popular Japanese desserts and You'll discover how to make some Japanese sweets that you might have seen in some Japanese Anime or Manga. You will get all the recipes of the desserts we prepare together. You will be able to make some great Japanese sweets for your family and friends back home. We guarantee they will be surprised!! Vegetarians are welcome, also Vegan friendly. Let me know in advance if you have any dietary restrictions. We look forward to meeting all of you soon!

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.

Looking for a unique cultural experience in Kyoto? Join a hands-on sake blending workshop and discover the art of Japanese sake! ・Staff-Guided Workshop: Learn sake history and styles, after that, taste and blend sake with step-by-step instruction from start to finish. ・Sake Tasting: Sample 12 selected sakes—daiginjo, nama, junmai, and aged—to explore a full range of flavors. ・Blending Experience: Choose 3–4 sakes from the tasting lineup, experiment with ratios, and craft your own signature flavor. ・NFT Keepsake: Receive a digital certificate recording your unique recipe. ・Ideal For: Culture lovers, small groups or couples, and Japanese sake enthusiasts. ・Key Info - Duration: 70 minutes - Minimum age: 20+ - Fitness Level: Minimal — participants stand and walk short distances (≤200 m total) - Accessibility: One small step in the access corridor leading to the experience room; wheelchair users may require assistance. Please let us know any mobility restrictions when booking.

Perfect for groups and individuals (from 145cm!) looking for a unique perspective on the city, this e-bike tour explores the highlights of south and east Kyoto. We meet bright and early for a short orientation before heading south to enjoy the majestic Fushimi Inari Shrine before the crowds arrive. From here we will catch the splendour of Tofukuji Temple before stopping for a morning coffee. The next part of our journey takes us up the Kamo river and over to the UNESCO listed Ginkakuji Temple. After Ginkakuji, we will roll slowly south down the iconic Path of Philosophy and into the grounds of Nanzenji Temple (complete with traditional gardens, ornate religious buildings and even a red brick aquaduct). After a sit down lunch (provided), the last leg of our journey takes us south along the Shirakawa Canal and through the streets of Gion before returning to base. * Must be 13+ to participate as a rider

We’ve selected only the must-visit spots in Kyoto for this season. In addition to historical and cultural sites, we’ve chosen places that offer food, nature, and cultural activities, ensuring a fun-filled day for both adults and children. With two guides, we can move efficiently without wasting time on parking. In addition to the following itinerary, we also offer optional activities such as: ・Kimono experience with photoshoot ・Hozu River rafting ・Pottery or wagashi (traditional sweets) making (*advanced reservation required) ・Samurai or ninja experience ・Sake tasting and café hopping.