Tours in Kyoto

Discover the captivating allure of Kyoto with our meticulously curated guided tour, designed to immerse you in the rich cultural tapestry of Japan's ancient capital. Led by knowledgeable local guides, this unforgettable journey promises to unveil Kyoto's hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Why Choose Our Tour: Expert Guidance: Led by experienced local guides fluent in English and knowledgeable about Kyoto's history and culture. Small Group Experience: Enjoy a personalized tour experience with small group sizes, ensuring intimate access to attractions and personalized attention from your guide.

Experience the essence of Kyoto with our 90-minute guided tour of Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Arcade, and Nishiki Market. Start at Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, a revered Shinto site dedicated to Tenjin, the deity of learning and business prosperity. Explore its historical significance and tranquil atmosphere. Next, immerse yourself in the vibrant Teramachi Kyogoku Shopping Arcade, a lively retail hub blending traditional charm with modern flair. Discover a diverse range of shops offering everything from unique crafts to contemporary fashion. Finish your tour at Nishiki Market, known as "Kyoto’s Kitchen" for over 400 years. This bustling market features stalls selling fresh seafood, local produce, Kyoto pickles, and more. Enjoy the rich culinary heritage and lively ambiance that make Nishiki Market a highlight of Kyoto’s food culture. Join us for a memorable blend of tradition, shopping, and gastronomy.

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.

Tour itinerary is planned based on hiring a car/van for 8 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. Pick up & drop off at Kobe port/Osaka port is extra ¥20,000 With just one day in Kyoto, this private tour offers an immersive journey through the city's iconic landmarks, 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.

Experience Your Dream Tour of Kyoto with a Local Guide! Embark on a personalized journey through Kyoto, tailored just for you. Choose between a half-day (4-hour) or full-day (8-hour) private tour and customize your experience to match your interests, whether it's savoring Japanese cuisine, diving into local culture, uncovering historical sites, shopping, or any unique passion you may have. You decide the pace and style of your adventure—from a relaxed walking tour using Tokyo's world-class public transportation to a more seamless experience with a private vehicle. We will offer some inspiring ideas for exploring places during your custom-designed tour. *Please download WhatsApp or let us know your email address, so our guide can contact you! *Many stores and restaurants in Japan only accept cash payments, so be sure to have some Japanese yen cash on hand.

Travel seamlessly from Kyoto to Kansai International Airport with a private transfer designed for your comfort. Up to 8 passengers can relax in spacious vehicles, including the modern 3rd Generation Alphard or the roomy Toyota Hiace, equipped with ample luggage space and plush seating. Enjoy a personalized meet-and-greet service upon arrival, ensuring a smooth transition from airport to hotel while dodging the public transport hassle. This experience is perfect for families, groups, and travelers seeking convenience in their journey to Kyoto's temples and historic sites. - Private transfer service for up to 8 passengers - 90 minutes of free waiting time after landing - Easy meet-and-greet service with a personalized sign - Child seats available for family travelers

Book your private Departure transfer from Kyoto city hotels to Osaka Kansai Int Airport (KIX). Don't go through all the hassle of waiting in a long taxi or shared shuttles queues and use our private, door to door airport transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at a scheduled time and you will travel comfortably to your destination. • Meeting with a Nameplate • We track your Flight • Door-to-door Service • No Hidden Charges • Clean cars & Professional drivers

Step into the elegance of old Kyoto with our Kyoto Gion Photoshoot, where you’ll not only explore the historic streets of Gion but also immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture. This experience includes a kimono rental and basic hair styling, allowing you to fully embrace the timeless beauty of Kyoto’s geisha district. Our professional photographers will guide you through the most scenic spots, from the charming wooden tea houses of Hanamikoji Street to hidden alleyways that feel like stepping back in time. We ensure a relaxed and enjoyable session, capturing stunning portraits that blend your elegance with Kyoto’s enchanting atmosphere. What You’ll Get: 30 high-resolution edited photos delivered within 24 hr (might delay in peak season) All unedited photos for your personal use on the same day A carefully selected kimono rental with basic hair styling for an authentic look A seamless experience with an English-speaking photographer who knows the best locations and angles

Your local host Masayo, a professional chef who attended one of the most famous culinary schools in Japan and has been teaching cooking for over two decades, will welcome you into her beautiful cafe with a warm smile and a cup of freshly brewed Japanese tea. Hear about your menu for the day as you enter her cafe kitchen for your hands-on Japanese cooking class! Your homemade Japanese feast may include traditional meat dishes such as chicken meatballs with teriyaki sauce, ginger karaage, or ginger pork, Japanese egg rolls, an organic vegetable salad, miso soup, rice and dessert. Masayo harvests almost all her vegetables from a close friend's an organic farm in Kyoto. She takes prides in using the freshest, highest quality ingredients from seaweed to bonito sourced from local producers. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to experience traditional Japanese food, culture and way of life with a professional cook in her cafe!

Step into the heart of Kyoto’s cultural soul with this night walking tour through the Gion district. Famous for its wooden townhouses, lantern-lit alleys, and centuries-old charm, Gion is the perfect place to explore Japan’s culture beyond the surface. Over two hours, we’ll visit shrines, historic streets, and hidden corners that reveal Kyoto’s past as Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years. Along the way, you’ll learn about Japanese customs and traditions that still shape daily life today. You’ll also gain insights into the world of geisha and maiko—their differences, how their careers begin, and the roles they play in Kyoto. Spotting one is a special bonus, but even without that, understanding their traditions gives you a deeper perspective on Japanese society. This tour is about more than sights—it’s about walking through history, connecting Kyoto’s streets to Japan’s story, and leaving with insights you won’t find in guidebooks.

There is many places and hidden places you will not know if you traveled alone. There is old buildings, alley with izakayas and many more.

Toei Kyoto Studio Park, also known as Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, is a unique and immersive theme park located in Kyoto, Japan. It offers visitors the chance to step back in time and experience the Edo period through a combination of historical film sets, live performances, and interactive activities. The park is designed to look like a traditional Japanese town, with meticulously recreated streets, buildings, and residences that are frequently used as filming locations for period dramas and samurai films. Visitors can watch thrilling samurai sword fighting and ninja action shows, participate in ninja training, and even dress up in period costumes such as samurai, ninja, geisha, or Edo-period townspeople. The park also features museums dedicated to Japanese cinema and anime, where guests can learn about the history of Japanese filmmaking and see memorabilia from famous movies and TV shows.

In order to closely feel the local atmosphere of Kyoto, this tour will use public transportation so that you can experience the everyday life of Kyoto locals, unlike other tour groups hastily hopping from one location to another on chartered buses. During the 7-hour tour, your guide will show you around the city covering four major must-see locations. There are two different courses: one northwest-bound and the other southeast-bound. If you participate in both tours, you can efficiently cover eight locations at a relaxing pace. For both courses, you can chose from private option, non-private option and non-private option with apprentice guide (reduced rate). Even if you chose non-private option, we guarantee that the total number of guests will be less than 9 people.

Experience the magic of Kyoto at night on our Gion Night Tour! Stroll through historic streets lit by traditional lanterns, discover hidden gems, and admire stunning night views. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, encounter iconic temples, and maybe even spot a geisha or maiko. Perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable Kyoto evening filled with history, culture, and scenic beauty!

I live in Kyoto—a city I truly love. Kyoto reminds me of something I had forgotten. In the rush of everyday life, I often find myself pressed for time. There are a few places I visit from time to time. A quiet garden surrounded by trees, and a five-hundred-year-old temple steeped in history and tradition welcome me. There are hardly any people around. The flowing water, the falling petals, the moss-covered gardens—all these simple beauties make me pause and notice what I’ve overlooked. Quiet Kyoto touches the soul. This is the Kyoto I want to share with my guests—not just the famous landmarks, but the hidden sanctuaries where the heart can breathe. All you have to do is put yourself on the side of nature. I'm sure you will feel the heart of Kyoto through these encounters.

・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.

Kyoto has been the principal home of Zen since its introduction to Japan from China at the beginning of the 13th century. Kyoto is therefore rightly famous for its Zen-influenced gardens, etc. However, the heart of Zen is the practice of meditation, for meditation is the very meaning of the word “Zen.” Given this, it is ironic there are few opportunities for short-term visitors to Kyoto to have more than a brief introduction to Zen meditation while visiting Zen temples. Thus, this workshop is unique in providing an extended, in-depth introduction to both the theory and practice of meditation (zazen) under the guidance of American-born, Sōtō Zen Buddhist priest and scholar Rev. Dr. Brian Victoria. Rev. Victoria will introduce you to both the theory and practice of Zen meditation, employing traditional meditation cushions (or chairs if needed) in a private meditation hall. By workshop completion, participants will become confident in their ability to continue meditating on their own.

Bring home memories and fabulous photos you can cherish for a lifetime! Visit the best parts of Gion and Higashiyama! Details: ■ 60-minute photo tour ■ A private & exclusive booking ■ Get 70 professionally taken and edited shots (in JPEG) ■ Use of some props ■ Guided to your location ■ I'll guide you in a variety of poses and capture wonderful candid moments too After: ■ Images professionally edited and sent via Google Drive 1-2 days after the shoot Extras: ■ All RAW files available for 8000 yen IG account: thekyotoprophotographer

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.

Experience Kyoto like never before with our private, customized tours that offer a flexible itinerary, personalized attention from a local expert driver-guide, stress-free travel with extra time for traffic delays, comfortable private transport, deep cultural insights, comprehensive exploration, and convenient start and end locations to fit your schedule perfectly.

Discover the magic of Kyoto’s nightlife on this small-group tour through Gion and Pontocho, guided by a local expert. Gain unique insights into Kyoto’s rich geisha culture while exploring hidden gems and savoring traditional dishes. Start at Yasaka Shrine, beautifully illuminated at night, as your guide shares fascinating stories about its history and cultural significance. Next, enjoy a cozy izakaya experience in Gion with delicious dishes like karaage, tempura, and sashimi, perfectly paired with Kyoto’s famous sake. Stroll through the scenic Gion Shirakawa area and visit a shrine frequented by geishas, immersing yourself in the traditions of Kyoto’s iconic district. End the night in Pontocho, where you’ll taste more local flavors at a hidden dining spot, which has a different vibes. With over 10 unique dishes, cultural stories, and a glimpse into local life, this tour offers an unforgettable evening in Kyoto!

This is highlight of Premiere Japanese Whiskey. Special tasting of "Hibiki 17years", "Yamazaki 12years", "Taketsuru" on the Japanese whiskey bar. You can also try to make "high-ball (Whiskey with soda)" with "Suntory Kaku" Some of them are become very difficult to get, but quality is extremely special and this is simble of Sweet, Mellow, Deep flavor of Japanese whiskey. You can also enjoy talking with local there

Would you like to experience calligraphy right near Kyoto Station? Please come and try Traditional Japanese Calligraphy! You can learn a new skill and get some great authentically Japanese Souvenirs to take home! Make a reservation ASAP! (*English Instruction Included) [Content of Experience] ①The staff will give you a lecture on how to use a brush and how to apply ink. ②Let's write basic characters (Kanji "One", "A", "Forever", "Kyoto") 　→You can make a scroll of the Kanji characters you write and take it home with you. ③Let's write your own name in Kanji characters (approximately) 　Our staff will assist you with possible kanji characters and their meanings. 　Example) Brian → “武礼安” (武 =Martial → military commander/bravery, courtesy →礼=politeness/gratitude, 安= peace) 　Liz → "梨図 Pear Painting" (梨=Pear, 図= painting) [Starting time] You can choose your starting time. -6:00 pm -6:30 pm -7:00 pm -7:30 pm It takes about 30min.

This activity is very popular these days. It is a light and solid string because it is winding a thin twisted paper with thread. Let's knit this string and make accessories and ornaments. For example, straps of strawberries, floral hair ornaments, cute earrings and mini baskets.Once you start making it, you will concentrate on it, so you can finally relax with Matcha and sweets.