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15 Things To Do In Kyoto

Japan's classics.

The 15 most popular things to do in Kyoto. Temples and vermilion torii, tea ceremonies, the geisha lanes of Gion, and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama.

15 Things To Do In Kyoto

PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour

PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour - Starting at Kyoto Avanti: How The Day Runs Smoothly

1.PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour

Most Popular★ 5.0

Perfect Kyoto 1-day bus tour packs Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari into one day.

“If you’re traveling to Kyoto, don’t miss the chance to book with Nan at Panoramic Tours. She made the journey exciting, fun, and unforgettable. Her personal stories brought each stop to life. This tour is perfect for anyone wanting to experience Kyoto in a short time or get a wonderful introduction to the city.”

13,518 reviewsFrom $129.25by Japan Panoramic Tours

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Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour

Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour - Sanjusangen-do: 1001 Kannon statues in Japan’s longest wooden hall

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu - Ogawa Jihei VII garden views: the calm backdrop you pay for

Kyoto Geisha Walking Tour: Gion District & Hidden Gems

Kyoto Geisha Walking Tour: Gion District & Hidden Gems - Meeting by Hotel Alza Kyoto and finding the red parasols

4.Kyoto Geisha Walking Tour: Gion District & Hidden Gems

★ 4.7

2-hour Gion walk with a local guide: see geiko and maiko, learn Geisha culture, visit quiet temples, get Kyoto food and shop picks.

“Our guide Michael was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable, providing many historical facts and stories of life throughout history in the Gion District, taking us to a variety of historical places. We weren’t lucky enough to see any Geisha but would highly recommend this walking tour!”

3,273 reviews2 hoursFrom $25by WooW Travel 株式会社

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple - The 70-minute flow: purification, tearoom rules, and your matcha turn

5.Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

★ 4.9

70-minute Kyoto tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple. English guide, purification ritual, matcha how-to, and your own cup.

“Must-have activity in Kyoto to temporarily getaway from the hustle of tourist spots. Truly authentic and zen atmosphere to not only learn about tea ceremony but also Japanese life philosophy. Our guides are amazing!”

3,207 reviews1.2 hoursFrom $29by Tea Ceremony Juan

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Kyoto: Gion Magical Night Walking Tour with Geisha Trivia

Kyoto: Gion Magical Night Walking Tour with Geisha Trivia - Geisha rules and trivia: why the explanations change everything

6.Kyoto: Gion Magical Night Walking Tour with Geisha Trivia

★ 4.9

Walk Gion at night from Minamiza Theatre on a 100-minute small-group tour with geisha trivia, shrines and pagoda views, plus photo service.

“Learned a lot about Japanese culture and geisha! Not too much walking, even for an old guy like me. It was beautiful; and because we went at night time there were no crowds.”

2,393 reviews1.7 hoursFrom $24by TravelinGood

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Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience - Finding Tea Ceremony Koto Near Kinkakuji: Easy, but Show Up on Time

Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour – Stories of Geisha

Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - Stories of Geisha - Meeting at Ben’s Cookies Kyoto Shijo: where the tour starts clean and easy

8.Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour – Stories of Geisha

★ 4.7

Nighttime walk through Kyoto’s Gion and Pontocho, meeting geiko and maiko, with stories, shrines, and kabuki history for $20.

“Nami was our tour guide and she was absolutely amazing!! She was very knowledgeable and clearly fascinated by history. The tour was so interesting that the two hours went by incredibly fast. Really recommend this tour!”

2,187 reviews2 hoursFrom $20by Localized Walking & Food Tours

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Best of Kyoto: Gion, Geisha, Pagodas & Cobblestones

Best of Kyoto: Gion, Geisha, Pagodas & Cobblestones - Starting Points and How to Meet Your Guide Without Stress

9.Best of Kyoto: Gion, Geisha, Pagodas & Cobblestones

★ 4.9

Night walking tour through Gion and Higashiyama with shrines, cobblestones, a lit pagoda, and respectful geisha culture in small groups.

“Tour was fantastic! Karim, our tour guide, was incredible. He was prompt, friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer any questions we had throughout the evening. He was very dedicated to a thorough explanation of the culture of Gion, and his discussion of the Geishas was very respectful and holistic. Couldn't imagine a better person to…”

2,058 reviews2 hoursFrom $24by Kyoto Fun

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Kyoto: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

Kyoto: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket - Price and Time: Getting Value from 1 vs 2 Days

10.Kyoto: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

★ 3.9

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.

“It’s great for first timers; especially if you are not familiar with the city’s transportation system. This was the perfect opportunity to adventure out to top tourist spots and not get lost in the maze of the train stations. We were able to transfer from the West-line (mostly temples) to the East-line after shopping at…”

2,034 reviews1 - 2 daysFrom $27by Myojo bus Co.

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Night Walk in Gion: Kyoto’s Geisha District

Night Walk in Gion: Kyoto's Geisha District - Meeting at Gion Omoide Museum and Izutsu Yatsuhashi: the walk starts with context

11.Night Walk in Gion: Kyoto’s Geisha District

★ 4.5

Night walk in Kyoto’s Gion with an English guide, etiquette tips, and a real chance to see geiko and maiko. 100 minutes, $21.

“Chaco was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable. I will never get to see nor know about the geisha area on my own. We saw 3 geikos walking and a couple in a taxi. I wish we could take pictures of them! It was something I only see in pictures and movies before. Great tour!”

2,003 reviews1.7 hoursFrom $21by WaRaiDo Guide Networks

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Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto

Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto - Choosing flavors, toppings, and dietary needs (Halal, vegetarian, vegan)

Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour

Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour - Stop 1: Kinkakuji Temple Without Feeling Trapped

13.Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour

★ 5.0

Ride e-bikes through Kyoto temples and quiet backstreets with an English guide, helmets, and a slow, local morning feel.

“Loved, loved this tour. Might be the highlight of our entire trip. Michael was great! Loved the locations we stopped at, very informative. Not rushed. Beautiful fall day! Also other travelers were super fun and nice. Great way to see temples and shrines not as easy to walk to.”

1,843 reviewsFrom $116.00by NORU

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Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings)

Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings) - Starting in Gion Shirakawa: Easy Meeting, Real Atmosphere

14.Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings)

★ 5.0

Kyoto night food and sake in Gion. Small-group walk through backstreets, 9+ dishes, and 6 sake tastings for a full meal experience.

“Wonderful food, hospitality and informative guide. We loved our guide and felt like we having dinner with a good friend at the end of the night. More than enough food and drinks are included, you will not leave hungry!”

1,762 reviewsFrom $163.49by MagicalTrip Inc.

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Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available) - Tofuji to Fushimi Inari-Taisha: the hidden trail approach

15.Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

★ 5.0

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 with EMI. She met us at the designated place, took us the opposite direction of the trip (starting at the end and finishing at the beginning) we avoided all the busy crowds that were building by the time our tour ended. Definitely gRead more”

1,750 reviewsFrom $63.14by MagicalTrip Inc.

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