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 well organised tour that was enjoyed thoroughly. At-Chan and Den-Chan took good care of us and explained everything well.”
Kyoto in one packed day: Fushimi Inari torii gates, Kiyomizudera, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama bamboo, and more with an English guide and included entry tickets.
“Ciel was great, we enjoyed every second of it, and we were wakuwaku of being taught a lot of new things of history and japan things”
A 45-minute Kyoto tea ceremony in a quiet Sannenzaka tea house, with a matcha lesson, sweets, garden views, and a keepsake photo.
“Literally perfect. Everybody was so sweet and the matcha was amazing”
2-hour Gion walk with a local guide: see geiko and maiko, learn Geisha culture, visit quiet temples, get Kyoto food and shop picks.
“Ikuro, our guide was very knowledgeable, and did the tour very interesting. Great man and very respectful. highly recommend!”
70-minute Kyoto tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple. English guide, purification ritual, matcha how-to, and your own cup.
“An informative overview of view of the history and culture surrounding matcha. Excellent presentation by both the tea master and the translator.”
Walk Gion at night from Minamiza Theatre on a 100-minute small-group tour with geisha trivia, shrines and pagoda views, plus photo service.
“The tour was excellent and the experience was something that I will never forget, the guide was very professional and knowledgeable of the area and I learned things I did not know before. I would and will definitely recommend this tour and guide to anyone that wants to go.”
Calm Kyoto matcha lesson with a licensed Urasenke tea master. Make tea, taste two matcha styles, then optional kimono photos.
“A very beautiful activity, an experience to try in Japan. The person who explains the tea preparation does it very well, both the preparation itself and all the related customs. If you want an even more authentic experience and a nice memory, for a small extra cost you can add the option to wear a…”
Nighttime walk through Kyoto’s Gion and Pontocho, meeting geiko and maiko, with stories, shrines, and kabuki history for $20.
“Namu was an excellent guide. Very friendly. Did not rush us. Knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions. A very educational experience. Highly recommended. 😊👌”
Night walking tour through Gion and Higashiyama with shrines, cobblestones, a lit pagoda, and respectful geisha culture in small groups.
“It was our first day in Kyoto so this was a great way to learn some history of the area. Kevin was a great guide and had lots of stories and information to share. Highly recommend this tour.”
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.
“Everything!!! Miyuki was so informative and helpful about any questions I had. I want her to be my personal tour guide next time I'm in Kyoto! We did both tours and enjoyed them both. Just the right amount of time and super safe driving.”
Night walk in Kyoto’s Gion with an English guide, etiquette tips, and a real chance to see geiko and maiko. 100 minutes, $21.
“Absolutely fantastic! We saw both Geiko and Maiko and were in absolute awe. The tour took us to uncrowded and picturesque locations. Small group tour as well, we saw other tours that had over 30 people. We took 3 kids and 1 in a pram and was fine. Absolutely would recommend.”
Make ramen noodles from scratch at Ramen Factory Kyoto, customize flavors and toppings, then eat your handmade lunch. Halal, veg, vegan.
“This was so much fun. These young people were wonderful and so very efficient. The end result was a great time and spectacular ramen.”
Ride e-bikes through Kyoto temples and quiet backstreets with an English guide, helmets, and a slow, local morning feel.
“Our guide Michael is a superb storyteller, literally the best in the past 12 tours or so I took this year. Bike ride was through a pretty and peaceful part of Kyoto, visiting Temples and a garden.”
Kyoto night food and sake in Gion. Small-group walk through backstreets, 9+ dishes, and 6 sake tastings for a full meal experience.
“Emma was a great guide, very informative, personable, learned a ton about Japanese food, cocktails and sake and Kyoto and everything we ate was delicious.”
Skip the crowds on a 3-hour Fushimi Inari hidden hike. Bamboo trails, a secret shrine, and Fushimi-Momoyama castle views for $63.
“It’s not an easy hike but so worth it for the beauty and calm approach to the shrine. You skip the crowds of people and get to experience it a different way.”
