1,496 results

Experience the Kyoto You Are Dreaming About. Let me take you through the hidden world of Gion and the “real Kyoto” locals want to keep to themselves, where lantern-lit alleys, quiet shrines, and preserved streets reveal Kyoto’s true energy. This highly rated small-group walking experience is designed to feel like exploring with a nice local friend who truly wants to share with you. Your guide is a native bilingual (Japanese-American), offering deep cultural insights explained in perfectly clear English—something many guests say is a huge relief after many other tours. Come with me through geisha districts, historic streets, and sacred spaces at a fun, unhurried pace, experiencing far beyond cattle-style, scripted tours. Small Group (Max 8) easy to hear, ask questions Duration: 3.5 hours (a little longer than other tours as it’s way more detailed) A light seasonal Kyoto snack is included—my small way of saying thank you for joining the tour.
No similar experiences found

Kyoto Bike Tour has you visit a whopping 5 top spot destinations of Kyoto all in one day on one epic adventure! Enjoy a stroll through the breathtaking Bamboo Forest, gaze at the glimmer of the gold as it reflects on the water at the Golden Pavilion, be inspired by one of the most iconic views of Kyoto from the mystical Kiyomizu Temple, weave through the traditional backstreets of one of Kyoto's geisha districts, take a spiritual walk through the magnificent red torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and so much more! This is a full city tour of approximately 44km of riding and requires a moderate level of fitness. Basic bicycle riding skills and a sense of adventure is a requirement. We will travel at a leisurely pace with enough time to take in the sites and for a relaxing lunch stop. *Upgrade to a premium e-bike for an additional fee. *Please notify of any dietary restrictions or food allergies *Must be 16 years or older to participate. *Not suitable for pregnant women
No similar experiences found

This is not just a sake tasting — it’s a 3-hour experience that will completely change how you understand and choose sake in Japan. Led by a sake specialist, you’ll go beyond “sweet or dry” and learn how sake is actually made, why flavors differ, and how to identify your own preferences with confidence. Visit the historic Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, then enjoy a guided tasting of multiple styles of sake paired with traditional snacks — with clear, practical explanations you can use anywhere in Japan. By the end of the tour, you will know which type of sake you truly like and how to select it without hesitation - enjoy sake not just during your travels, but as part of your life.
No similar experiences found

Join a tour by MagicalTrip, proud winner of the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award. Each experience is led by a MagicalTrip Certified Guide, professionally trained and carefully selected to ensure quality and authenticity. What does Zen truly mean? On this tour, a local guide introduces you to the essence of Zen before meditation begins. Start by visiting a serene Zen garden, where you’ll learn how Zen principles are expressed through garden design and how to appreciate them in a calm, mindful way. Next, visit Tofukuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples with a history dating back to the 13th century. After exploring the grounds, continue to a smaller temple within Tofukuji dedicated to zazen practice, where you will take part in an authentic Zen meditation experience.
No similar experiences found

Join ME Kyoto Walking Tours for an unforgettable journey through Kyoto’s most iconic and historic sites. Begin with a stroll through the atmospheric Gion district, where traditional teahouses and geisha culture come alive. Visit the serene Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, famous for its unique “power stone” and meaningful rituals. Admire the striking five-story pagoda of Hokanji Temple before wandering the charming stone-paved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Explore the breathtaking Kiyomizudera Temple with its famous wooden terrace overlooking the city, then finish your tour walking through the vibrant tunnels of thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. With small groups and expert guides, you’ll uncover the rich stories and hidden gems that make Kyoto truly magical.
No similar experiences found

This is not a checklist sightseeing ride. It is a local Kyoto e-bike experience through Higashiyama temples and hidden alleys, guided by someone who rides these streets every day. We start with bike fitting and a clear safety briefing, then ride from the Imperial Palace area along the Kamo River and into Higashiyama. At Nashinoki Shrine, you collect fresh spring water like locals do—your reusable bottle is a gift and becomes your drinking water for the ride. At Shimogamo Shrine, we do the famous water omikuji (included): dip the paper in water and the message appears, a clever tradition and a fun test of luck. We then visit the quiet Honenin area, continue to iconic Nanzenji, and finish at Heian Shrine. We avoid busy main roads when possible and adjust the route to match crowds and conditions, keeping the ride smooth, safe, and memorable. If you want Kyoto that feels lived-in and authentic, this ride is for you.
No similar experiences found

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!
No similar experiences found

If you have only one day in Kyoto and want to see all the top 10 must-see spots of Kyoto, this tour is the best for you. A professional local guide shows you the best, comfortable and convenient way to the spots. And you can enjoy walking along with the beautiful sceneries, paths, and back alleys only the local people know. We use taxis 3-4 times to save you time and energy. This tour is a mixture of public transport and taxis. Thanks to taxis and a friendly local professional guide, you can visit the 10 most famous attractions such as the Fushimi Inari shrine (thousands of Torii gate), Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu temple (with huge balcony), bamboo forest, Geisha district, and so on. If you check the spots you can visit on this tour, you can notice that all must-see points in Kyoto are included!! Please enjoy the top ten spots with the beautiful stories of your guide.
No similar experiences found

Journey into the "Otherworldly" landscapes of Kyoto’s hidden tea country. This private tour takes you to Wazuka, the magical village supplying the finest Uji Matcha Highlights: Magical Views Year-Round: Marvel at the famous "Green tea fields reaching to the sky." The manicured, geometric evergreen waves are breathtakingly photogenic in every season—stunningly serene and vivid even in winter! Authentic Tea: Visit local farmer-supplied cafes to taste Japan’s No.1 awarded tea and rich matcha desserts. Enjoy shopping for premium tea at 1/2 to 1/3 of city prices Time Travel: Explore the iconic Byodoin Phoenix Hall, 1,000-year-old architecture survived centuries of war to represent the "Buddhist Pure Land (Paradise)" on Earth. Discover how monks, samurai, and even ninjas shaped tea culture while visiting hidden gems left from ancient monks Ride in Style: Wide area pickup options from 2 big cities, comfortable van for groups or an open-air convertible Mini Cooper for solo travelers
No similar experiences found

Walk beneath the glowing torii gates of Fushimi Inari and explore the timeless streets of Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, under the soft evening lights. Discover the world of geisha and maiko as your local guide shares hidden stories, takes stunning photos, and ensures a smooth and unforgettable Kyoto night tour experience!
No similar experiences found

Why Choose Our Experience: ★ Train in an authentic dojo with a master who has over 20 years of experience ★ Enjoy a more personal experience with small groups—only 6 participants per class (Disclaimer: There may be more than 6 participants if there are only a small number of parties) ★ Witness a powerful two-katana performance by the master—something you won’t see anywhere else
No similar experiences found

Enjoy a cultural experience at Nishiki Orizuruya, a traditional tea house in Kyoto. All plans include kimono rental (with free hair styling for women) and are guided in English. Tea Ceremony (90 min): Learn the art of Japanese tea in a peaceful tea room. Watch a demonstration, then prepare your own matcha using a bamboo whisk. Savor traditional sweets from a 100-year-old confectionery. Tea Ceremony & Calligraphy: Combine the tea ceremony with Japanese calligraphy. After enjoying matcha and sweets, learn to write your favorite kanji using a brush and ink. A great chance to create a personal keepsake. Tea Ceremony & Nishiki Tour(150 min): Join a tea ceremony, then explore Nishiki Market and the local area with an English-speaking guide. Discover Kyoto’s food culture, shrines, and historic shops.
No similar experiences found

Avoid the crowds and the heats! Join us an unforgettable evening walking tour of the Fushimi-Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites away from the daytime crowds immerse yourselves in the beautiful lantern light up. ⚠️ Sunset is around 6:00 PM. During the winter season, we also offer a daytime option. ⚠️ Prior to the tour, please ensure WhatsApp is available for easy communication. Our tour guide will use these platforms to contact you. ✅ This is an English Guided Walking Tour. Explore the rich history and cultural significance of the shrine with a knowledgeable and friendly guide. ✅ A Unique Experience of the Shrine: Enjoy a serene and less crowded experience as we visit the shrine during the quieter and cooler evening hours. ✅ Breathtaking Sights: Witness the stunning transformation of the shrine after dark, when the vermilion gates and the surrounding buildings are illuminated with a soft orange glow. *This tour will not hike the entire Fushimi-Inari mountain.
No similar experiences found

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.
No similar experiences found

This is not just a sake tasting. In just 90 minutes, this experience will teach you how to understand and choose sake with confidence in Japan. Led by a certified Sake Sommelier, you will learn how to identify your personal sake preferences — even when labels and restaurant menus are written only in Japanese. You will enjoy a guided tasting of different sake styles paired with food, with personalized attention in a small-group setting. By the end of the session, you’ll know which type of sake you truly like and how to order it anywhere in Japan.
No similar experiences found

Join a tour by MagicalTrip, proud winner of the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award. Each experience is led by a MagicalTrip Certified Guide, professionally trained and carefully selected to ensure quality and authenticity. Begin this historical cycling tour by exploring Gion and learning about geisha culture and Zen Buddhism at Kennin-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple. Experience the calm atmosphere of a traditional Zen temple and admire its karesansui rock garden. Afterward, cycle to Nanzen-ji Temple, where your guide will share stories about Zen philosophy and Kyoto’s past. Ride through charming local streets and enjoy a delicious lunch at a Japanese tea house. Conclude the tour with a relaxing cycle along the Kamogawa River, a beloved Kyoto oasis. This small-group experience is hosted by Magical Trip, a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence local tour operator offering authentic tours across Japan.
No similar experiences found

Winner of TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best 2025" (Top 3 in Japan). Don't just take a photo with a crowd—experience the true silence of Fushimi Inari. This 3-hour hidden hiking tour takes you off the beaten path to explore Kyoto's authentic nature. 1. Escape Overtourism : We start one station away from the crowded main entrance. Follow your local expert on a secret trail used only by locals, avoiding the massive tourist crowds. 2. Ghibli-like Scenery : Hike through mystical bamboo groves and discover beautiful, tiny shrines hidden deep in the forest. You will feel the authentic Japanese spirit. 3. Perfect Torii Gate Photos : Because we take a hidden route, you will have the chance to see and photograph the iconic thousand Torii gates in a much quieter, peaceful setting. 4. Healthy & Refreshing Burn off those travel calories! This hiking tour in fresh nature is the perfect way to refresh your body and mind. (Requires walking shoes. No strollers.)
No similar experiences found

Taiko is a traditional musical instrument that anyone can enjoy right away. The experience of practicing together, playing one song, and becoming one with others is one of the most valuable experiences in Japan. This studio's drums are made in the traditional way, by hollowing them out of a large single tree and they are very rare. You can enjoy real Japanese drums. The Taiko experience is not only an enjoyable musical experience, but it is also a full-body workout that relieves stress. The experience is suitable for all ages and levels of ability, so everyone can enjoy it. Since ancient times, Taiko has been deeply connected to the lives of the Japanese people. Through Taiko, you can learn about Japanese culture and history, as well as the spirituality of the Japanese people.
No similar experiences found

Ramen Factory is the only restaurant in the world where you are able to make original ramen by your hand and enjoy its deliciousness. You will do... -Making Noodles -Draining Noodles -Mixing the Soup -Roasting Chicken Vegetarian, Vegan, Muslim Friendly(No-pork, No-alcohol, Halal-chicken meat) courses are also available.
No similar experiences found

This half-day tour covers 5 of the most visited venues in Kyoto: Kiyomizu Temple, Ninenzaka Sannenzaka, Yasaka Shrine, Gion and Nishiki Market. The guests will find many unique shops and cafes which they might just walk pass by if they are not with guides. Hear many interesting stories of each place and useful travel tips from knowledgeable guide as they walk past the central area of Kyoto.
No similar experiences found

One hour original and unique training which cannot be found other place. You could learn some ninja techniques by hands-on training in English. Ninja training start with courtesy of the dojo and ninja meditation 'Kuji-kiri'. You could learn breath control of ninja like Yoga. Also basic walking of Japanese martial arts and Ninja walking.
No similar experiences found

Experience Japanese music with all your senses — watch, listen, and play! Enjoy an authentic live performance featuring shamisen, koto, taiko, and more in Kyoto. After the concert, try traditional Japanese instruments yourself with friendly guidance from professional performers. Perfect for beginners, families, couples, and travelers looking for a unique cultural experience in Japan. Guests can enjoy both the beauty of a professional Japanese music performance and the excitement of playing the instruments themselves. The experience takes place in an intimate indoor venue in Kyoto, creating a relaxed atmosphere where participants can interact with the performers, take memorable photos, and experience Japanese culture up close. Instruments may include: ・Shamisen ・Koto ・Taiko drums ・Shinobue flute …and more. Each performance may vary slightly depending on the day, making every visit unique.
No similar experiences found

[Highlights] ・UNESCO World Heritage Temple and Garden (Admission included) ・Photogenic Bamboo Grove ・Arashiyama Park Kameyama area ・Local souvenir shops and sweets shop to stroll around ・Chopsticks Studio Kyoto (Optional - Admission fee is not included) Capture unforgettable photos in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove as you explore one of Kyoto’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage areas. The tour begins at Tenryu-ji Temple, where you’ll experience serene gardens and centuries of Zen tradition before walking into the mystical Bamboo Grove. Your guide will share insights into why this enchanting forest holds global cultural significance. You’ll also pass by charming kawaii character shops and local stores—perfect for picking up matcha sweets, wagashi, or handcrafted bamboo-themed gifts. The tour then continues across Arashiyama’s famous bridge. The tour concludes at the entrance of Chopsticks Studio. You can also try chopsticks making as an option.
No similar experiences found

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto! Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!
No similar experiences found
Top tourism cities across our partners - tap any to compare experiences side-by-side
Refine your Kyoto search by category - skip-the-line tickets, walking tours, day trips, food experiences & more