JAPAN
Japan's classics.
The 14 most popular kyoto prefecture tours in Japan. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Experience Zen garden walking, guided zazen at Tofukuji, and Shojin ryori lunch near Kyoto’s quieter temple corners.
“The tour was amazing! Yutaka, our guide, was very patient and helpful. We learned a lot about Zen Buddhism and he guided us through the whole process. We recommend this tour to anyone who wants to learn more about Zen with a great guide.”
Hike to Kurama Temple from Kyoto via Kibune, then cool down with mountain hot springs. Train ride, shrines, views, 4 hours.
“Fabulous day in the mountains with great guide who explained everything in friendly manner. Great trip on the mountain train up the gorge. The walk was hard work, you need some experience, as the heat makes things harder, but beautiful setting, and very refreshed in the onsen afterwards. Beautiful valley with restaurants over the river…”
Ride an e-bike through Sonobe’s satoyama with an English guide, visit shrines and castle ruins, and enjoy lunch with soba making or local food.
“This was an unforgettable experience, and I would highly recommend it; especially for larger groups. We traveled with 16 people: 12 high school students, 2 adults, and my two children. This tour provided the exact experience of Japan that I wRead more”
A rare shot at Yamazaki distillery access plus Monet at Asahi Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art, led by an English-speaking host.
“We had a wonderful time on this tour. Our host was kind and accommodating. She made sure we understood everything going on around us ( we were relying on translation services to understand the directions and tour). AdditionalRead more”
Kyoto’s Oyamazaki art and whisky mix: Asahi art museum highlights (Monet included) plus Yamazaki Whisky Museum shopping and optional tastings.
“Yumiko was a great guide. She took time to explain some aspects of the museum and help to make sure we saw all the most import parts, expecially the Monet, Picasso and Chagall works of art. She then took us to the Suntory Whisky museRead more”
Japanese-guided e-bike through Kameoka and Arashiyama: hills, temples, Hirosawa Pond, bamboo, Tenryuji, and a Seven Lucky Gods stop.
“Yuki San did an incredible tour! We biked on the country area and the road less traveled. He explained the culture of Kameoka, its local history and went to visit 7 shrines/temples to get the blessings from their deities. He was also very goRead more”
Learn beginner-friendly Ikebana in Kyoto at Tondaya, then tour a 140-year-old machiya and display your arrangement for photos.
“I was hoping to learn about Ikebana and theory of this flower arranging, unfortunately there wasn’t any explanations or rules. We did an arrangement and then the teacher rearranged it not able to explain much.”
Kyoto custom perfume workshop in Shijo-Kawaramachi: work with an advisor to mix, blend, and name your own scent for $47.
“Great Experience! Nice staff and good Process!”
Ride an e-bike across Kyoto’s Amanohashidate sandbar, stop at revered shrines and temples, and get local tips in about 2.5 hours.
“Fantastic tour. Learned a lot about the area and saw beautiful areas i would not have seen otherwise. Highly recommend.”
Arashiyama Kyoto walking tour with optional Sagano Romantic Train, Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji, Togetsukyo Bridge, and a street-food stroll.
“Maru-san was amazing! He heard we are traveling to Osaka afterward, he sent us restaurant recommendations, provided sightseeing tips! He went above and beyond to help us!”
Make a Kyo-arashi shibori scarf in Kyoto’s Shibori Museum. Small class, tube-and-string technique, museum time, and shop browsing included.
“Good for a group or a couple of friends. Fun and informative, going through the museum upstairs.”
Cycle Kyoto Satoyama on an e-bike with English guide, hit a 108-bell temple, eat local lunch, make wagashi, then shop roadside stores.
“It was great to be on my first cycling tour.”
Private 6-hour Wazuka matcha farm tour with two visits, tea tastings, lunch set, workshop, and take-home premium matcha.
“This private Matcha farm tour was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Japan. Wazuka is a peaceful, scenic town with breathtaking views of rolling tea fields—and this experience gave us a deep appreciation for Japan’s rich tea-making histRead more”
Learn Kasamaki and Nuishime shibori to dye your own silk scarf in a small-group workshop at Kyoto Shibori Museum near Nijo Castle.
