Tours in Kyoto

This tour from Kyoto to Mt. Kurama and Kifune Shrine offers a perfect blend of nature, spirituality, and cultural exploration. The hike provides stunning views and serene surroundings, while the shrines offer deep spiritual significance and cultural insights, making it a memorable and enriching experience. This tour is led by a National Licensed Guide Interpreter. This itinerary is just a sample. We'd be more than happy to arrange the tour based on your requests. Please let us know your interests!

In Japan, tea ceremony is more than just drinking tea—it’s about experiencing the essence of beauty. While we often associate beauty with outward appearances, in the tea ceremony, we appreciate the inner beauty of nature, which leads us to the concept of "Wabi-sabi." Wabi-sabi is a traditional Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness, influenced by Zen Buddhism. Words like "matcha" and "tea ceremony" are frequently heard in Kyoto, where many tourists come to experience authentic tea culture. Our knowledgeable guides will lead you through Kyoto, sharing the philosophy and traditions of the tea ceremony, while letting you truly feel the essence of "Wabi-sabi." This unique experience will leave a lasting impression you won’t forget!

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.

We are located in the heart of Kyoto, just a 12-minute walk from Kyoto Station and a 2-minute walk from Nishi Honganji Temple. Our facility is a beautifully renovated traditional Japanese house that dates back 130 years. We have transformed it into a classroom where we provide an authentic Japanese cultural experience for overseas visitors to Japan, aiming to offer a genuine taste of Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. Inside the historic house, you will find a majority of antique furniture and artifacts that are over 110 years old. With this setting, along with traditional Japanese music, we strive to create an immersive cultural experience that takes you back to Kyoto as it was 130 years ago. Our teachers are all local to Kyoto and possess a deep understanding of Japanese culture. They are passionate about sharing their knowledge and providing you with an enriching experience.

Meet Emika at her home for a regional culinary experience that will start with a freshly made cup of traditional matcha green tea prepared by Emika or her father. You will then sit down together around a dining table to share a traditional Obanzai meal over fun conversation. Your Japanese meal may include dishes such as oshi (pressed) sushi or nigiri sushi (hand-formed), miso soup, rice, traditional Obanzai side dishes, and a sweet that goes well with matcha. 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 enjoy an authentic Japanese meal with a lovely local!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through some of Japan's most breathtaking and culturally rich destinations! Start your day with a convenient meetup in either Osaka or Kyoto, and let our expert guide lead you on a seamless adventure. Witness the iconic beauty of Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s "Three Scenic Views," marvel at the panoramic vistas from Kasamatsu Park, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the historic Chionji Temple. Indulge in a delicious, freshly prepared lunch with options for vegetarians, before stepping back in time at the picturesque Kayabuki no Sato, a charming thatched-roof village straight out of the Edo period. With comfortable transportation and carefully planned stops, this tour offers the perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delight. Book now to secure your spot on this captivating day trip and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Get away from the crowded tourist sites and indulge on a private tour of some of Kyoto's most enchanting spaces. In a town whose history spans over 1,300 years, there are far more than just the "Top 10" that are worth visiting! Quiet Zen gardens, high ranking shrines, a local traditional lunch, a folk art museum and 1,001 Golden Buddha statues. This experience will introduce you to a world far away from the busy tourist sites, where you will spend peaceful moments getting to know the true nature of Kyoto. Note: Depending on our pace, all of the sites on this route may not be able to be visited. If the situation arises where we have to eliminate one or more of the sites the guest will determine what is eliminated.

Discover Kyoto in a 3-hour guided journey through historic Gion streets, culminating in a Kappo cuisine feast at a chosen restaurant. The flexible menu caters to preferences, ensuring a personalized dining experience. Beyond food and sightseeing, the tour explores Kyoto's culinary heritage and timeless streets, offering an intimate glimpse into Japan's rich past. Indulge in authentic Kyoto Kaiseki cuisine with delicate flavors and traditional techniques. Sit at the counter, engage with the chef, and enjoy freshly prepared dishes while discussing Japanese cuisine. The customizable dinner course allows for a personalized dining experience. Explore Gion Shirakawa with a knowledgeable guide, immersing yourself in Kyoto's ambiance, enriched with historical and cultural anecdotes. An unforgettable evening unfolds where every dish and corner of Gion narrates Japan's cultural richness.

Our local concierges will guide you to high-end Wagyu restaurants that are difficult to find and to book as foreign visitors, and which are considered the best in town. You will be able to taste a wide variety of Wagyu dishes of the highest quality and order a la carte on the spot according to your taste. Your local attendant will help you navigate the menu and make recommendations on what you should eat based on your preferences, seasonal ingredients or restaurant’s specialties that cannot be missed. Receive a detailed and personalized service in this small-group tour, where one-person reservations are also welcome! Since a concierge will accompany you, it will be possible to visit restaurants that cannot be booked alone. If you want a special Kyoto experience that goes beyond simply tasting the food, this tour is for you!

I can carry a maximum of 6 passengers in my car. I will take you to any places that you want to visit. I can take you to as many places as possible. You can change the itinerary as you like at any time.

Visit Japanese gardens and make your own mini Japanese garden, together with Ayumi Ikushima, the guide and author of "Important People and Japanese Gardens”, as well as a certified garden designer. Explore gardens created in the early Muromachi and Edo periods. Learn about Japanese garden philosophy, understand the art of garden designs and what they represent. Explore the Konchi-in Garden, also known as the Crane and Turtle Garden. Here you will learn the basics of garden philosophy. Followed by a visit to Tenjuan Garden, a garden that is a miniature landscape of nature. Learn new ways to appreciate gardens, such as how to take photographs. In the East Garden, with its beautiful white sand and moss, appreciate a well-designed karesansui. Discover how Zen Buddhism developed and how it has influenced Japanese culture. After learning more about Japanese gardens create your own miniature Japanese garden decoration. Put your new knowledge of Japanese gardens to use by creating your own!

Discover the enchanting beauty and ancient traditions of Kyoto on this walking day tour. With your guide, you'll visit iconic landmarks, savor delicious traditional Japanese cuisine, and participate in an authentic matcha tea ceremony. For an even more immersive experience, why not rent a traditional kimono - chosen from a curated selection of high-quality garments favored by locals, not the typical tourist fare. Make unforgettable memories in Japan’s most beloved city with us!

"Planning your trip with TikTok, Instagram, and Google?" Then we can present you something you would not easily find in those social media by e-bike. BUT! We don't sell just an e-bike tour. We have informed guides living in Kyoto. They are full of knowledge and hidden gems that you might like. Yes, they are the entertainment of our e-bike tour, and they will make sure that you will have 100% experience in Arashiyama. We use electric bicycles, so you can easily go up the slopes without breaking a sweat! In fact, most of the former participants are the first timers of a bicycle tour. You will be able to create special memories by experiencing Kyoto's rich culture and history. This tour is a wonderful journey that combines nature and history. ※Your guide will message you via Viator before the tour. Please check it in advance. ※Some guides can speak German, Dutch, Bangladeshi, Hindu, and Urdu. If you have a language preference, please contact us before making a reservation.

I can take you to famous sightseeing spots smoothly and efficiently in my car with air-conditioned comfort. My tours are convenient for tourists with limited time. In addition, I can take you to other places where you want to visit. You can customize your tour as you like at any time.

Our tour is unique because we not only walk through the streets of Kyoto, we relive them! Mix the story of samurai, monks, ninjas and princes in a dynamic story, full of legends and curiosities, accompanied by interactive activities that will make you feel part of the Japanese past.

After guiding countless travelers around Kyoto, I kept hearing the same thing: the famous spots feel a bit too touristy. If you’ve ever felt the same, then welcome — this tour was made for you. Just a quick five-minute train ride from Kawaramachi, Saiin Station is where the real Kyoto begins — tiny izakayas, hidden corners, locals raising a glass. No fancy signs, just good drinks, great snacks, and new friends. If you haven’t tried standing-bar life in Japan, you’re in the right spot. No feeds, no maps — just tonight’s story.

Discover the best of Arashiyama in just four hours with this efficient, private tour led by an English-speaking guide. Walk through the Bamboo Forest Street, explore the peaceful Okochi Sanso Villa, visit Tenryu-ji Temple—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and meet wild monkeys at Iwatayama Monkey Park. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for a seamless Kyoto experience.

Fans of Naruto and Boruto, don’t miss Shinobi-zato at Nijigen no Mori Theme Park! Enjoy a comfortable bus transfer and park entry with missions and attractions inspired by the iconic manga and anime! Have your chance to be a ninja in the Hidden Leaf Village! Enjoy physical and mental trials during your ninja training in Nijigen no Mori Relax on an air-conditioned bus ride from Kyoto or Arima Onsen to Awaji Island Have a nostalgiac adventure through familiar settings from Naruto and Boruto!

Gion, Kyoto’s renowned historic district, offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich past with its preserved architecture and timeless beauty. This private walking tour invites you to explore Gion’s enchanting streets, where you might be fortunate enough to spot a geisha gracefully moving through Hanami Street. What Makes This Tour Unique: Immersive Experience: Discover Gion’s historic and cultural essence through an exclusive private tour that highlights Kyoto's traditional charm. Tailored Exploration: Enjoy a customizable walking tour that adapts to your interests, providing a personalized journey. Cultural Insight: Gain a unique understanding of Japanese culture and daily life from a foreign perspective. Book now to experience the timeless elegance of Gion and the enchanting allure of Kyoto’s historic district

Strap in for an electrifying tour through Fushimi’s sake paradise! Start at Gekkeikan, where tradition meets innovation. Dive into the Gekkeikan Museum to uncover the secrets of sake-making with interactive exhibits and ancient tools, then savor their top-notch sakes and snag some quirky souvenirs. Next, visit Kizakura, famous for its smooth, crowd-pleasing brews. Meet their playful "kappa" mascot and taste their smooth, approachable sakes while soaking up their fun, historical vibes. The grand finale is Fushimizu Sake Brewery Alley—a tasting extravaganza featuring 18 different sakes! From bold to light, this spot has it all, promising a wild ride of flavors and unforgettable sips. Prepare for a thrilling sake adventure that’s packed with flavor and fun. Can you handle the ultimate sake challenge?

Don’t miss the chance to meet and learn about Maiko during your visit to Kyoto. What makes Maiko so special is their dedication to a traditional lifestyle that continues even today. From their exquisite kimono and elegant hairstyles to their unique daily routines, Maiko represents a living tradition. You’ll enjoy : --Watching a Maiko’s tea ceremony --Q&A Session --Photo Opportunity --Dance Performance -- Interactive Game with Maiko The food comes from one of Kyoto's long established restaurants. It is really traditional dishes. Dashi, soup stock is used a lot for KYOTO cuisine. To order delivery is also common and traditional style in Kyoto. We call it " Shidashi". You’ll experience Kyoto’s rich culture with both your eyes and your taste buds during this program.

This is the most popular and easiest tour to enjoy by bicycle. The tour starts and ends at Kyoto Station, is short in distance, and is reasonably priced. The mostly flat roads make cycling comfortable for everyone from children to the elderly. In addition to spots such as "Gion" and "Kyoto Gyoen" where you can enjoy Kyoto's unique atmosphere, you can also stop at high-impact temples and shrines such as "Higashi Honganji" and "Heian Jingu" depending on time and your preference. If you are lucky, you may even meet a maiko! Feel the breeze and aroma of Kyoto along the river as you tour the back alleys of the city, which you will not find in any guidebooks. You will surely discover a new Kyoto.　 The tour includes 1) Guide fee (With English speaking guide / 1 guide for 1 group) 2) guide for 1 group) 3) Admission fees 4) Rental bike 5) Accident insurance

Discover the beauty of Japanese flowers and experience the art of Ikebana. Visit a long-established flower shop in Kyoto which has been in business for 140 years. Learn about Japanese flowers, their beauty and the history of flower names. Get advice on how to choose the right flowers for your own special flower combination. After discovering Japanese flowers, you will attend a workshop on Japanese flower arrangement. Learn the basics of Ikebana and how to design your own Ikebana that you envision. Get creative and create your own original flower arrangement with the help of our guide and certified Ikebana teacher!

Higashiyama, Kyoto, approach to Kiyomizu Temple There is a Maiko transformation studio four seasons that renovated a townhouse, There are Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodai-ji Temple, Sanenzaka (Sanenzaka), Nene no Michi, and Yasaka Pagoda. You can transform yourself into a maiko in the streets of Kyoto where you can feel the ancient capital, and you can do indoor photography and walk around the neighborhood. We are committed to all things authentic, we do not allow compromise on beauty and customer service, we bring out the beauty of each customer to the maximum and transform, we take pictures of those memories beautifully and bring back pictures that will remain forever. Please experience the beauty of a real maiko in the four seasons.