JAPAN
Japan's classics.
The 15 most popular kyoto tours in Japan. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Perfect Kyoto 1-day bus tour packs Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari into one day.
“Very intensive tour, but you get to see many highlights in 1 day, in every location we had quite short time, I recommend to take notes and come back on a different day if you see a place you like, our guide Hiroko was very nice and had great sence of humor, she taught us…”
Kyoto in one packed day: Fushimi Inari torii gates, Kiyomizudera, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama bamboo, and more with an English guide and included entry tickets.
“Our tour guide Den started and ended with the brightest smile. She gave us so much insight on the history of the temples and shrines we visited. I highly recommend this tour and hopefully you will get to experience the brightness that Den brought to our day!”
A 45-minute Kyoto tea ceremony in a quiet Sannenzaka tea house, with a matcha lesson, sweets, garden views, and a keepsake photo.
“It was amazing! I really enjoyed it. Must do in Kyoto I’m so happy we did this as a couple. I love history and the history behind the training of a tea master was so interesting”
2-hour Gion walk with a local guide: see geiko and maiko, learn Geisha culture, visit quiet temples, get Kyoto food and shop picks.
“Michael gave us very helpful information about the sites. Best tour.”
70-minute Kyoto tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple. English guide, purification ritual, matcha how-to, and your own cup.
“This was an incredibly delicate and deep experience. I wish I could have stayed there all day. My heartfelt thanks to the three talented and knowledgeable women who conducted the ceremony!”
Walk Gion at night from Minamiza Theatre on a 100-minute small-group tour with geisha trivia, shrines and pagoda views, plus photo service.
“Really fun tour - our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. We were lucky enough to see a Geisha during our tour. It was a great way to see the highlights of the area.”
Calm Kyoto matcha lesson with a licensed Urasenke tea master. Make tea, taste two matcha styles, then optional kimono photos.
“Good, insightful, and traditional. Loved wearing my kimono.”
Nighttime walk through Kyoto’s Gion and Pontocho, meeting geiko and maiko, with stories, shrines, and kabuki history for $20.
“Our tour guide Akari was fantastic. She was friendly and very knowledgeable on the local history and culture. We were lucky enough to see a Maikoya.”
Night walking tour through Gion and Higashiyama with shrines, cobblestones, a lit pagoda, and respectful geisha culture in small groups.
“Karim was such a pleasure to walk and chat with! Such a pro, excellent balance of interesting information along with just a relaxed chat about life! The Gion district was so quiet and peaceful, it really was such a lovely time to see the area without all the day tourists. It was so nice to…”
Hop-on hop-off bus through Kyoto’s top temples and neighborhoods with open-top views, 7-language audio, and flexible 1- or 2-day rides.
“Great way to see the area and get a feel for the land.”
Night walk in Kyoto’s Gion with an English guide, etiquette tips, and a real chance to see geiko and maiko. 100 minutes, $21.
“Amazing tour ! with local english speaker. would highly recommend it!”
Make ramen noodles from scratch at Ramen Factory Kyoto, customize flavors and toppings, then eat your handmade lunch. Halal, veg, vegan.
“This class was so fun and informative! Mahiro was really knowledgeable and engaging and taught us how to make an awesome ramen bowl! This will absolutely be a highlight of our trip!!”
Ride e-bikes through Kyoto temples and quiet backstreets with an English guide, helmets, and a slow, local morning feel.
“We did the Hidden Kyoto Bike Tour with Yuta, and it was one of the highlights of our time in Kyoto. It’s a great way to orient yourself early in your trip and to experience Kyoto beyond the usual tourist spots. Yuta gave excellent, engaging explanations—covering Shinto vs. Buddhist traditions, the history of Maiko and…”
Kyoto night food and sake in Gion. Small-group walk through backstreets, 9+ dishes, and 6 sake tastings for a full meal experience.
“J is a great tour guide! He is super knowledgeable about Kyoto, especially the Gieko districts and the local architecture. He provided great recommendations and conversation. He was the reason the tour was really fun! Thanks, J!”
Skip the crowds on a 3-hour Fushimi Inari hidden hike. Bamboo trails, a secret shrine, and Fushimi-Momoyama castle views for $63.
“Great tour very interesting and beautiful area. We missed all the crowds until the end. Josh was very informative.”
