Tours in Kyoto

Tired of the crowds and cookie-cutter tours? This private tour is crafted for travelers seeking Kyoto’s quieter, spiritual side—the one guidebooks often miss. We begin in Arashiyama at peaceful temples that are still considered must-visits, yet remain pleasantly uncrowded. From there, we drive into Kyoto’s northern countryside, away from the tourist map, into the deep green of forests and old villages. You'll walk shaded paths, breathe in the scent of moss and trees, and visit sacred places known for their silence more than their fame. One stop includes a tranquil garden where time seems to pause. Another, a centuries-old shrine tucked deep in the mountains, doesn’t appear on maps—and its name is deliberately kept secret. Some say it feels like entering another world. Others fall silent, moved by the stillness. This isn’t just a sightseeing trip. It’s a meditative journey into Kyoto’s sacred quiet. Special launch offer: 40% off for early guests.

Join us and experience Kyoto at its most peaceful, creating unforgettable memories before the city awakens! Guided by a knowledgeable local, you’ll journey through two of Kyoto’s most iconic areas: Gion, the historic district famed as the home of the geisha, and Higashiyama, where charming streets lead to the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

Ready for a bike ride like no other? Hop in; you are about to discover Kyoto on a bike tour with a local guide. On this Kyoto bike tour, cycle through picturesque streets and scenic roads as you check out the main spots around town. Pass by the Philosopher's path, and Gion Area, and make stops along the way to hear fascinating stories about Kyoto. Your local guide is a bike pro and will make this private tour an easy-going ride for you. So, if you are looking for a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to move around Kyoto, this bike tour ticks all the boxes! Withlocals City Bike 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.

Enjoy a comfortable journey from Kyoto to Takayama, featuring a short stop at Kanazawa and a stop at the charming mountain village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. ・Seamless bus transportation from Kyoto to Takayama with a stop at Shirakawa-go ・Explore beautiful Shirakawa-go. ・Enjoy scenic views and cultural heritage while riding comfortably ・Convenient and stress-free travel experience

This is your private vacation photography session in Kyoto. Kyoto is one of the most popular destination of the vacation trip. The unique culture, delicious food, and fabulous scenery will be waiting for you. You would feel like to capture each the best moments in your trip in Kyoto with your partner or family. Then you can join this photography service. We are all local photographers. So we will not only take beautiful photography of you, but also give you why Kyoto is the best, some history and culture, and tips that help you enjoy Kyoto more.

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.

Why spend your precious time waiting in long shuttle or taxi lines. Avoid the language barrier and currency exchange. Travel in style from your Hotel in Kyoto City Center to Osaka Kansai International Airport KIX by our private vehicle and reach your final destination relaxed and refreshed.

Experience Zen meditation at a hidden temple in Kyoto. While Zen is globally renowned and recognised, there are few places in Japan where you can have the best Zen experience with English tour guide support. This temple is not open to the general public, and you can enjoy hidden atmosphere of the temple and authentic zen experience, Enjoy a private Zen experience, fostering a connection with the monk. Meet at the temple, where you'll learn briefly about Japanese culture and Zen. Following that, a monk will personally lecture on the principles and techniques of Zazen (seated meditation), and you'll have the opportunity to practice. Unify your mind, confront yourself, and detach from ego and worldly concerns. After zen experience, you will get the opportunity to enjoy watching beautiful traditional garden, which will make you forget hustle and bustle of the daily life. Capture photographs with the monk and within the temple, creating lasting memories for a lifetime.

・Staff-Guided Workshop: Learn sake history and styles, after that, taste 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. ・Ideal For: Culture lovers, small groups or couples, and Japanese sake enthusiasts. ・Key Info - Duration: 30 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.

Unlike typical Kyoto temple visits, this guided tour of Sanjūsangen-dō offers rare insight into one of Japan’s most mysterious and visually stunning sacred spaces. While photography is not allowed inside, our expert guide brings the hidden stories of the temple to life — from the purpose of its 1,001 golden Kannon statues to the meaning behind the number 33 and the origins of this awe-inspiring structure. This tour is designed for curious minds. You won’t just walk through the temple — you’ll understand it. With a compact 1.5-hour format, it’s the perfect addition to your Kyoto itinerary, whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler seeking something truly unique.

This is a very unique activity where you can actually learn how to make bamboo crafts. You can design and make your own bamboo craft such as LED lantern, smartphone holder, flower base, sake bottle, sake cup, tea cup…at your own ideas! No worries if you have no experience, we will instruct you in detail how to cut and use tools to make bamboo crafts. The workshop locates in a bamboo craftsman’s house with all the equipments needed.

This experience is a private concert held in a cozy home, unlike the traditional townhouses and temples of Kyoto. Exclusively for one group, it offers a warm and intimate atmosphere, just like being in a Japanese family's home. The program begins with a brief introduction to the koto and shamisen, followed by a live performance featuring a diverse repertoire. Afterward, you’ll have time for a Q&A session and photo-taking. Additionally, only those who reserve the experience can participate in a hands-on koto session, where you’ll try playing a simple piece and experience its charm firsthand. Perfect for adventurous travelers and families, this private experience promises a unique and unforgettable time.

You can enjoy a guided sightseeing tour only with your family and friends. This is a Kyoto tour using by public transportation. The destinations of the tour includes Karesansui Rock Garden, Arashiyama Bamboo Groves, Togetsu Bridge, Kinkakuji Temple and Tenryuji Temple. Enjoy the ancient temples , shrines and wonderful bamboo groves with historical explanations by professional guides. For details of the tour, you can look at the what to expect section and inclusions excursions section of this web page.

Why don't you try "Rokets dye craftsman experience" in Kyoto !! "Draw by yourself and dye by yourself" This is the only workshop where you can experience 100% of bucket dyeing. Enjoy a full-fledged dyeing experience easily The entire journey takes about 90-120 minutes and can be taken home on the day. If you have your own sketch Original works can also be produced.

Design and create your own ninja weapon in a unique casting workshop in Kyoto. Learn the art of metalworking and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Learn about the art of casting and create your own unique ninja weapon using tin. Design your weapon, make a mold, melt the tin, and cast it. Shape it with a hammer, smooth it with a file, and finish it with a rust-preventive solution and special oil coating. Your instructor, TAKE, is a skilled blacksmith who usually makes knives and blades. He’ll guide you through the process, making it easy for beginners to understand. Tin, which melts at 230°C, is a metal often used for crafting cups and plates in Japan. The studio is conveniently located just a 3-minute walk from Demachiyanagi Station, making it easy to access. Create a one-of-a-kind ninja weapon as a memorable souvenir from your time in Kyoto.

Step into a traditional machiya in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district for a fun, hands-on cooking experience! Learn to make two iconic dishes: Wagyu Rolled Sushi and Takoyaki, while discovering fascinating stories about Japanese food and culture. Finish your meal on a sweet note with creamy matcha ice cream. Perfect for foodies, cultural explorers, or anyone looking for a unique Kyoto experience!

1. With Mt. Arashiyama as the backdrop, take a walk through the Sagano Bamboo Grove accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter. 2. Enjoy the ever-popular Arashiyama which offers different scenery every season, be it the cherry blossoms of spring, the fresh greens of summer, the colored leaves of autumn, or the snowy scenescapes of winter. 3. Behold the beautiful garden in Tenryuji, a World Heritage Site considered as one of Kyoto's best Zen temples. 4. Revel in panoramic views of Kyoto City from Jojakko-ji Temple, renowned for its beautiful scenery of colorful leaves in autumn and green blankets of moss in summer. 5. Take in the scenery of Togetsukyo Bridge and Arashiyama from aboard a yakatabune.

Join our ultimate food tour around a vibrant, off-the-beaten-path shopping street in Kyoto's Fushimi neighborhood, and discover the city's hidden gems through some of Japan's most iconic dishes. This is Kyoto how you've never seen it before. Avoid the crowds, experience local Japanese favorites and hot spots, and discover a new area that most travelers miss! Accompanied by our expert food guide, you’ll enjoy a variety of food. While specific stops may vary slightly, you'd typically try: - Japan's beloved Taiyaki (sweet or savory) - Crispy Fried Chicken Karaage (with up to four flavor options) - Rich, savory Kare Pan (Japanese curry bread) - Izakaya-style meats and regional delicacies - Matcha sweets + option to make your own matcha or green tea with an expert instructor! (not available for tours starting after 5:15pm) As you explore, get to know all about the cultural stories behind each dish and learn the ins and outs. Enjoy the historic streets, eateries, and other sights around!

Kyoto once flourished as the capital of Japan for over a thousand years until Tokyo became the capital and the emperor moved there in 1868. There are plenty of places worth visiting such as Arashiyama, which used to be the aristocrats’ summer resort, a magnificent temple with a stunning garden, the alleys where geisha girls in kimono stroll, and the celebrated shrine with a tunnel of a thousand vermillion torii gates. We will show you the sights that represent Kyoto for a whole day.

Would you like to experience restaurants and bars LOVED by locals? Hi I am Takeshi, your friendly personal guide who’s passionate about Kyoto’s Bar Hopping scene. On this tour I will guide you to authentic bars and restaurants so you can really experience Kyoto like a local. You will discover delicious food and drinks whilst meeting new people! This will be an experience you won’t forget. I will guide you Places you can’t easily Google!!!around not noisy area. By taking this tour, you will support the local businesses of Kyoto Only guests over 20 years old, up to 4people in total can participate. This tour is private tour so you can enjoy with your friends! If you have any special requests for location, food, dates, etc., I will be happy to organize a tour to meet your needs. I am sincerely looking forward to joining you on a tour that will make you feel "I am really glad I came to Kyoto!"

I will explain and demonstrate how to make each design step by step. This class is for suitable for someone who wants to have a unique experience, and also someone who wants to seriously learn the techniques and improve their skills for future use.

Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, stepping into Katsuoji Temple. The beautiful vistas, the sound of sutra chanting, and the aroma of incense create a soothing atmosphere that appeals to the senses. The temple offers panoramic views, an abundance of daruma dolls, a mist-covered bridge over koi fish ponds, and a striking vermilion pagoda. Marvel at the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji that shows you the best of the timeless Japanese city, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Explore the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House, and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature, history, and culture with our friendly and professional guide.

This is a fully private sound bath session. Sound Baths are a form of relaxation and therapy that uses sound to release stress and tension, helping you regain inner peace away from the noise of daily life. It’s also a deeply meditative form of music, created by rich and intricate sounds, and can be described as a "Zen experience while lying down." The instrument we use is the "Singing Ring," a special harmonic instrument meticulously crafted one by one by the hands of Japanese artisans. It will guide you into a world of deep relaxation and peace that you won’t find in a typical sound bath. The session lasts 60 minutes. It's a simple experience where you just lie down and let the sound wash over you, but this session is globally unique and truly special—something you can only experience here. Enjoy this exclusive moment to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese sound in a tranquil space without other guests.

During this experience you will learn to make sushi of your choice or traditional Obanzai style dishes such as cooked and marinated mushrooms, pickled or slow-cooked seasonal vegetables and tofu dishes prepared the traditional way over an informative conversation with your host Emika in her cozy kitchen. Emika will also teach you to prepare traditional, homemade miso soup from scratch. The cooking portion of your experience may last about an hour before you enjoy the meal you prepared together. Emika's family owns an organic vegetable field where she harvests most of the vegetables that she uses in her cooking. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer variety of daikon radishes grown on their farm! Join Emika and learn all about traditional Japanese cooking techniques, from chopping to marination, from a lovely local!