Tours in Kyoto

A Discreet Kyoto Retreat — Trusted by Dignitaries and Cultural Figures Step inside Sakura Experience Japanese Culture, a serene home near Nijo Castle where privacy meets artistry. Trusted by dignitaries, cultural figures, and visiting museum curators, our wide tea room now hosts ikebana and calligraphy classes, surrounded by Kyoto craftsmanship. Feel the texture of custom-made tea bowls commissioned from Kiyomizu and Raku potters, savor premium matcha sourced directly from tea gardens in Uji City, and enjoy seasonal confections created by one of Kyoto’s historic wagashi houses. In our authentic tea rooms, Koma and Hiroma, certified masters invite you to experience the quiet elegance of Japan’s traditions in an intimate, respectful setting.

Explore Nara with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide! Your guide will help you efficiently enjoy a full-day walking tour of Nara and introduce both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient Japanese city. Nara's proximity to Kyoto, and its rich collection of traditional sites, make it an ideal destination for a day trip from either of its larger neighbors. Your private guide can help you efficiently enjoy a full-day walking tour of this ancient Japanese city. You can start your day at your hotel in Kyoto. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize Nara day tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

- 7+ mouth-watering Kyoto-style Japanese food tastings, enough for a full dinner meal, served from locally-owned restaurants (Menu may vary every time based on the fresh ingredients at the market). - 3 drinks as we taste local style dinner. You may also choose your drinks (Beer, sake & other drinks). Non-alcoholic beverages are also available. - Explore Kyoto, visiting popular spots as well as hidden gems. Enjoy the unique scenes of Nishiki Market, Pontocho, and Kiyamachi. *please let us know if there is any food restrictions about a week before the tour date. Vegetarian & vegan options are limited for this tour.

On this cultural experience, you will have a full experience of wearing traditional Japanese kimono and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. You will learn all you need to know about the tea ceremony from a friendly English-speaking tea master in relaxed manner. Your memorable moments will be captured by our professional photographer and you will receive 3 photos as a memento of your experience. Highlights: ■ Interactive cultural experience including the demonstration of the tea ceremony and wearing Kimono in a traditional house ■ Learn the history and culture of traditional Japanese tea ceremony ■ Enjoy making your own Matcha green tea ■ You will receive 3 photos as a memento of your experience Itinerary: ■10:00/14:00 Meet at the venue (@Nishiki Orizuruya). ■10:15/14:15 Change your clothes to Kimono and enter the tea room. Watch the tea ceremony demonstration in English. ■You will make your own Match green tea and have it with Japanese sweets. ■11:45/15:45 Finish the experience

This private tour is not for the casual observer—it’s an immersive exploration of architecture, philosophy, design, and the psychology of local life. If these subjects don’t intrigue you, this tour is not for you. Away from the fleeting highlights of TikTok—which I personally dislike—this private tour is designed for the opposite: depth. Rather than simply announcing Googled facts like many guides, I aim to unveil the essence of Japan that curious travelers are truly seeking. The soul of the country is revealed through well-known sights, with discussions and debates as we peel back Japan layer by layer. - Duration: 6-to-7 hours of immersive exploration from 1 pm to ~7 pm (flexible start time upon request) - All entrance fees are covered - Customizable itinerary Guarantee: Your satisfaction is guaranteed, and a full refund is available after the tour if you feel it didn’t meet your expectations.

-Newly opened Tea Experience with Kimono at Gion, operated by Orizuruya, trusted with 90+ Excellent Tripadvisor reviews -Experience multiple key aspects of Japanese culture in one session -Participate in a traditional tea ceremony in an authentic setting -Wear a beautiful kimono to enrich your cultural journey -Small group experience limited to 10 people for personalized attention This immersive cultural experience in Kyoto allows you to enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, complete with kimono dressing and optional calligraphy lessons. Perfect for culture enthusiasts and families seeking a deeper connection with Japan’s heritage. Guests will select a beautiful kimono, receive complimentary hairstyling, and learn the graceful art of preparing matcha. The experience also includes pairing matcha with exquisite sweets from a century-old confectionery, creating a memorable and authentic Japanese cultural journey.

Samurai and Kyoto have always been associated throughout history. From the early Heian period to the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate the samurai and ninja always roamed the streets of Kyoto. Now they are back! The samurai and ninja museum brings back the history and helps you to have a glimpse of these heroes’ glorious lives. What is more, you can have a hands on experience including wearing a real samurai armor, taking a katana lesson, doing a shuriken (ninja star) throw and using a ninja fukiya all in one place, all included in the tour. ！This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers！

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.

Discover the magic of Kyoto with the SKY HOP BUS KYOTO, the ultimate Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing experience! Explore this historic city at your own pace as you ride our comfortable open-top double-decker bus, offering stunning panoramic views of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. With convenient stops near world-famous attractions like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama, and Gion, you can effortlessly hop on and off to immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich culture, breathtaking temples, and charming streets. Enjoy multilingual audio commentary, providing fascinating insights into the city's history and traditions, and stay connected with onboard WIFI. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, SKY HOP BUS KYOTO is the easiest, most flexible, and most scenic way to explore Kyoto. Book your ticket now and experience the beauty of Japan’s ancient capital in a whole new way!

Our experienced staff and drivers will support your travel, all of our professional drivers are Japanese citizens. With our van available for up to 9 passengers, you can travel with your friends, family, and co-workers. You don't need to worry about the amount of luggage, you won't need to walk between stations, or need to wait for a train or bus to come. You can contact your driver in advance. It's okay if your itinerary is changed on the day according to your situation. Our professional team will make your tour the best. We have experienced private tour over 300 times for Mt. Fuji, Tokyo city and Kyoto. Especially Kyoto, public transportation is very complicated and sometimes inconsistent to access multiple locations in one day. Huge benefit to choose private tour is you don't need to worry about your transportation, making plans, visiting tourist attractions efficiently.

Explore the history, spirituality, and scenic beauty of Wakayama with two self-guided tour options—each offering a distinct experience. Choose wisely: one includes the iconic Nachi Waterfall (14 hours), while the other focuses on Mount Koya’s sacred sites (10–12 hours). Option 1: Nachi Waterfall Tour (14 Hours) Wakayama Castle: Discover this historic fortress. Sandanbeki Cave or Kuroshio Fish Market: Choose dramatic coastal views or a vibrant seafood market. Nachi Falls & Nachi Taisha Shrine: See Japan’s tallest waterfall and visit the sacred shrine nearby. Option 2: Mount Koya Tour (Without Nachi Waterfall) (10–12 Hours) Wakayama Castle Mount Koya: A center of Shingon Buddhism. 176-Year-Old Market: Explore traditional local stalls. Kongobuji Temple & Museum Okunoin Cemetery: Japan’s largest sacred graveyard. Note: Nachi Falls is under restoration from Sept 15 to Jan 5. This is a self-guided tour.

This tour covers every part of the bamboo forest. By rickshaw and on foot! The first stop after cruising through the bustling main street is the bamboo forest. Enjoy the vivid green bamboo as your guide pulls you along the path reserved for rickshaws only, away from other visitors. Have your camera or mobile phone ready to take pictures. You don’t want to miss this. After passing by the Nonomiya Shrine you will enter the second part of the bamboo forest, which is designed like a little park. Here we can take great group pictures with the stunning green bamboo in the background. On the way to the third and last section of the bamboo forest, you will pass by a well-kept scene from the Edo period The third part of the bamboo forest can only be accessed on foot, so our guide will park the rickshaw within walking distance and then guide you to the most famous and impressive part of the bamboo forest. (To avoid the crowds here, we recommend starting the tour before noon)

“Join a local guide to explore Kyoto’s izakayas and experience the best of its nightlife. Kyoto is home to countless charming izakayas, and among them, your guide will carefully select and introduce spots from more local neighborhoods, allowing you to enjoy an authentic Kyoto night. You can also save time on research and planning, and with your guide’s support when ordering, you’ll have a stress-free and comfortable nightlife experience.”

Shrines, shadows, and old Kyoto charm—step into the quiet magic of the city after dark. Evening is when Kyoto truly begins to glow. As the lanterns flicker to life and the crowds fade away, Gion transforms into something timeless. This gentle walking tour is your chance to soak up the after-dark atmosphere of Kyoto’s most historic district—with a local guide who knows all the quiet corners. We begin at Yasaka Shrine, where golden lanterns sway softly and the scent of incense drifts on the night air. The bustle of the day fades, replaced by a sacred calm. If we’re lucky, we might spot a maiko or geiko on her way to an appointment. But this isn’t a celebrity chase—we’ll share proper etiquette for respectful encounters. Let's appreciate this world with the dignity it deserves. ✨ Highlights ⛩️ Yasaka Shrine in the evening glow The iconic Yasaka Pagoda Lantern-lit alleys of historic Gion Insight into geisha culture—with respect ️ Digital Kyoto guide with food & photo tips

Discover a side of Japan that few travelers experience. This samurai sword experience in Kyoto offers a unique blend of cultural tradition and martial arts practice. Wear authentic training gear, learn the basics of kendo, and handle safe, realistic swords in a setting inspired by real samurai training. Led by an experienced instructor who have , this hands-on activity is designed for all skill levels. It provides an exciting and respectful way to connect with Japanese history and samurai culture. A memorable experience that goes beyond sightseeing and brings tradition to life.

What comes to mind when you think of Zen? Before engaging in Zen meditation, a local guide will lead you to a garden where you can immerse yourself in the essence of Zen. "Zen" is an inherently esoteric Buddhist concept, even for the Japanese. While the word "Zen" may conjure thoughts of Zen meditation, this tour will initially guide you to a garden imbued with Zen principles. Amidst the tranquil setting of the Zen garden, a local guide will provide you with fundamental information on how to appreciate both the garden and the practice of Zen meditation." Visit Tofukuji Zen Temple, one of the five Great Zen Temples in Kyoto, and partake in a Zen meditation experience. We will then proceed to Tofukuji Temple, one of the five great Zen temples in Kyoto. Tofukuji boasts a rich history, serving as a residence and Zen practice site for monks since the 13th century. Following this exploration, we will make our way to a smaller temple within Tofuku-ji dedicated to zazen practice.

Joining this tour will give you an insight into Japanese history and sake. SAKE Master will tell you the secret of excellent SAKE. You will know the difference with your tongue. Let's have fresh SAKE! You can also enjoy a set of 17 kinds of drinks compared with the top image that is famous on SNS. Why not embark on a journey to find the best sake while walking the streets of Kyoto with a local guide? Enjoy a very scenic view. Let's go together. ・Discover Fushimi's rich sake culture with a local guide. ・Visit three diverse sake breweries for tastings. ・Explore the historic Fushimi sake district, one of Japan's top regions. ・Uncover centuries-old sake-making secrets. ・Gain insights into sake production at the Gekkeikan Brewery, established in 1637.

Eat your way through Kyoto's culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals: from savory to sweet and local drinks; this tour will leave every foodie satisfied! Enjoy tastings typical of the local cuisine and hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food like Gyozas and Japanese pepper ice cream. But that's not it! This tour is more than just food; it's a cultural experience! In between food stops, you'll also find city highlights making this experience a well-rounded tour that will satisfy every foodie. Withlocals The 10 Tastings Private Food 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. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard

Step into the exclusive world of Gion with this rare Maiko/Geisha experience. Enjoy an intimate encounter limited to just 10 guests, allowing for genuine conversation with a Maiko or Geisha and the teahouse owner. Witness a captivating traditional dance accompanied by authentic shamisen music, savor a bowl of ceremonial matcha, and capture unforgettable memories with a commemorative photo. Our beautifully designed teahouse, completed in Autumn 2024 with an architect's meticulous attention to detail, offers a unique glimpse into Kyoto's rich culture, usually inaccessible to travelers. This is your chance to truly connect with the heart of Gion.

Discover the best of Osaka and Nara in just one epic day with your Osaka and Nara Day Tour Starter Pack! Perfect for travelers who want to experience the highlights without the hassle, this private tour packs history, culture, nature, and mouthwatering street food into one smooth, unforgettable journey. Begin your adventure in Nara, where you’ll meet the charming bowing deer at Nara Deer Park and stand in awe before the towering Great Buddha inside Todaiji Temple. Then cruise in comfort to Osaka in your private vehicle—no confusing trains, no wasted time. In Osaka, soak in the historic grandeur of Osaka Castle, snap surreal photos at the lion-head altar of Namba Yasaka Shrine, and end your day under the neon lights of Dotonbori, with a delicious takoyaki-fueled food crawl. With a local guide to bring each spot to life and private transport to keep things efficient and relaxed, this tour is the perfect way to see more, stress less, and truly feel Japan in a day.

・This tour does not include lunch meal. ・This tour is conducted by an English-speaking guide only. ・Experience Hiroshima's powerful past and Miyajima's stunning natural and cultural wonders, all on a convenient 1-day bus tour. ・Enjoy free time at Omotesando Shopping Street, where you can purchase your own meal from local eateries. ・You'll have approximately 90 minutes to explore Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum ・Enjoy a special ferry route to Miyajima. ・Capture fantastic photo opportunities of the iconic 'floating' Great Torii Gate. ・Explore Hiroshima city on a comfortable, air-conditioned tour bus. ・For customers booking the Kyoto or Osaka tour options, your plan includes round-trip Shinkansen tickets and boarding assistance from our staff at Kyoto or Shin-Osaka Station. (Please note: staff will not accompany you on the train.)

You can enjoy Japanese tea ceremony in a Japanese old residence. You can enjoy delicious matcha and Japanese sweets in a historical atmosphere and you can try making matcha. 1)Explanation (history, effects of matcha, how to drink matcha) 2)While the tea ceremony, you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets. 3)Please try making matcha by yourself. 【Five recommended points】 1. We use organic matcha 2. Food allergy and vegan available 3.Kimono rental option available 4.Private session available（Please contact us before booking.） 5.Cocoa for children instead of matcha Chairs are provided. If you want to try kimono as an option, it costs 3500 to 4000yen. 【Special option for private tea ceremony experience 】 The guests can use Japanese traditional umbrella and imitation sword.(Only for taking pictures.) ■The maximum number of participants for group sessions is 6, but we can accommodate sessions with more than 6 participants.

Take a journey through time in Kyoto and Uji, where tradition harmoniously blends with modernity, and immerse yourself in the rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Explore the eight most famous scenic spots, Golden Pavilion & Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka & Yasaka Koshindo & Uji River & Uji Shrine & Byōdō-in Temple & Byodo-in Omotesando. Let's embark on a memorable journey with our friendly and professional guide.

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.