See the best of Kyoto while gaining insights into the city and its residents on this private Kyoto tour led by a knowledgeable guide. Stop by iconic places like the Yasaka Shrine, Kenninji Temple, and more. In between moving from one Kyoto landmark to another, take a moment to refuel at Nishiki Market. Here, you can snack on seafood, savory bites, and even sweet treats, suitable for people with different dietary restrictions.

Photographers should bring extra batteries because snapping shots of the striking vermilion torii-lined pathways of Fushimi Inari Shrine will be a highlight of this tour.

For a comprehensive and convenient exploration of Kyoto's historical depths, it doesn't get any better than this tour, complete with hotel transfers and local transportation. The guide is eager to customize the day based on your interests, ensuring an inclusive and personalized experience for all, including solo travelers.

Total Time: 7 hours
Language(s) offered: English

Kyoto, known for its exquisite kaiseki dining, also hosts a wealth of lesser-known gems serving mouthwatering Japanese fare. Take this tour to eat your way through Kyoto after hours.

Follow the aroma of fresh food through Nishiki Market and izakayas in Pontocho and Kiyamachi, sampling over seven dishes typical of Kyoto, accompanied by a choice of three drinks like beer and sake to wash down the food.

This tour is an excellent introduction to Obanzai (food native to Kyoto). It's particularly appealing to those with an adventurous food palate, eager to explore a fusion of culture and gastronomy in one of Japan's most famed cities.

Although the options for vegans and vegetarians may be more restricted, the tour is thoughtfully arranged to satisfy all participants.

Total Time: 3 hours 30mins
Language(s) offered: Japanese & English

Aimlessly strolling on foot through the beautiful alleyways in Kyoto is enjoyable, but it gets tiring fast. A refreshing alternative is this bike tour, which covers five key locations. Spanning approximately 44km, this cycling trip showcases some seriously breathtaking scenery.

Your ride begins with a cycle through the stillness of the Bamboo Forest before leading to Fushimi Inari Shrine's iconic red gates. By afternoon, the route takes you to the historic district of Gion, where lucky tourgoers might catch a glimpse of elegant geishas and maikos in its shadowy alleyways. Next, the ride continues to the majestic Kiyomizu-Dera Temple and concludes at the resplendent Kinkakuji Temple, wrapped in gold.

The tour includes a light meal and water to keep you energized for the complete ride.

Total Time: 7- 8 hours
Language(s) offered: English

When seen on a map, Kyoto appears smaller than it is, with the main attractions scattered across different parts of the city. An efficient solution for exploring these sites is by taking this guided tour, complete with pre-arranged transportation. Your tour commences at Kyoto Station, where a welcoming guide will accompany you on a brief train ride to reach your first stop.

Begin with paying homage to the rice gods at Fushimi Inari-Taisha followed by a ride on a coach bus to see Kiyomizu-dera. After savoring a meal of tempura, the tour continues to the majestic Kinkaku-ji Temple. Conclude your day with a relaxing bus trip to the lush Arashiyama area.

While those who like to take their time at each site may find the schedule a bit fast-paced, this tour is especially ideal for visitors from Osaka or those with limited time in Kyoto. It's an efficient way to see the city's major attractions in one single day.

Total Time: Full-Day
Language(s) offered: English

Have you already ticked off the well-trodden attractions of Kyoto, or are you seeking a journey that combines popular sights with lesser-known treasures? This E-Bike tour will provide an ideal getaway to see a different side of Kyoto.

Far from the crowded tourist spots, this 4.9-mile (8km) cycling path meanders through hushed neighborhoods, peaceful waterways, and past significant cultural landmarks.

Total Time: 3 hours 45 mins
Language(s) offered: English

For those looking to explore Kyoto's wonders while avoiding the hassle of public transportation and without overspending, opt for this perfect 1-day bus tour.

Visit Kiyomizu-Dera Temple to enjoy expansive city views, the photogenic Sagano Bamboo Forest, and the jaw-dropping Rokuon-ji Temple. Also featured is a visit to the famed Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. But the unique highlight of the tour is the opportunity to eat a Japanese buffet featuring seasonal ingredients, all while enjoying the breathtaking backdrop of Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge.

Total Time: Full-day
Language(s) offered: Chinese, English, Spanish, Russian, French, Italian, Bahasa, Indonesia, Thai

An uncomplicated way to get to know a new place is on a private walking tour with a local licensed guide. In Kyoto, this city of ten thousand shrines, every traveler arrives with a list of places they want to visit. Whether it's your second visit to Kyoto and you wish to explore overlooked spots, or you desire a break from temples and want to spend a day in rural towns like Kurama or see highlights along the Kibune River, this tour easily adapts to your interests.

Select 3-4 locations from a list of 33 sites in Kyoto and craft your bespoke itinerary. This guarantees a tour tailored to your preferences, only including the spots you're eager to see. Meet your guide and start on foot before taking trains, buses, and taxis between destinations.

This type of tour is particularly well-suited for those who value in-depth, personal engagement and insights from a local perspective.

Total Time: 6 hours
Language(s) offered: Japanese, English

Exploring Japan often means extensive walking, with visitors racking up 30,000-40,000 steps daily. While this is great for burning off calories, it can limit the number of sites you visit.

This private excursion in a car is an ideal solution for travelers looking to see Kyoto's cultural landmarks without elbowing their way through public transport or group tours. What sets this tour apart is the ability to customize your itinerary: choose the sites that intrigue you most and spend time there as you wish.

With the luxury of a private vehicle and the expertise of an English-speaking driver, you'll gain valuable insights into each site. The tour includes convenient door-to-door service, with hotel pick-up and drop-off in Kyoto.

Total Time: 10 hours
Language(s) offered: Japanese, English

Enveloped by towering mountains, Kyoto's unreal scenery booms year-round. Witness the snow-covered pagodas in winter, the fiery hues of Japanese maple trees in autumn, and the magic of pastel pink sakura in spring. Among these, Mt. Kurama stands out as an ideal spot to enjoy Kyoto's landscapes, regardless of the season.

Join this hiking tour to explore Mt. Kurama, known as the birthplace of Reiki healing and the realm of mythical tengu spirits. This hiking trail takes you through ethereal temples, steaming hot onsens, and under the shelter of thick cedar canopies. It's a perfect escape for families, friend groups, or couples seeking an idyllic break, away from crowds of Kyoto's busier areas.

Conducted by an expert local guide in hiking, the tour includes the convenience of hotel pick-up.

Total Time: 8 hours
Language(s) offered: English

Traverse Higashiyama, one of Kyoto's most prominent areas, in a unique and traditional way: aboard a rickshaw. Pick between a 30-minute or 60-minute ride to scour the district's heritage, where classic architecture and stone pathways paint a picture of old-world Kyoto.

The 30-minute Light Tour takes you through popular spots like Hōkan-ji Temple and Maruyama Park, while the longer ride expands to include Miyagawasuji, Yasaka Shrine, Gion Shinbashi, and Kenninji.

Total Time: 2 hours
Language(s) offered: Japanese, Basic English

Kyoto is a fantastic base for exploring the Kansai area, with trains presenting an easy way to hop from one city to another. However, a multi-city itinerary demands several days and lacks the convenience, privacy, and adaptability that come with personal transportation.

So, instead of deep diving into endless travel forums and creating spreadsheets for transportation, take a private tour of the highlights of the prefecture.

Relax in the comfort of a private car for a 10-hour journey across Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Awaji Island. The tour is highly customizable – you decide the places you visit. Imagine spending your morning feeding deers in Nara, taking in vermillion sunsets at the majestic Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto, and ending the evening with a drink in Osaka's buzzing Dotonbori.

Total Time: 10 hours
Language(s) offered: Chinese, English, Japanese

For tea lovers, leaving the Kansai area without stopping by Uji would be a crime! Sitting south of Kyoto, this little city draws tea lovers from all around the world.

Take this tour of Uji's Green Tea culture for an instructive session on preparing and tasting traditional Japanese tea. It includes a well-selected set lunch, providing an opportunity to appreciate regional flavors. Tea aficionados will also have the chance to buy premium matcha and green tea—they are incredible souvenirs for friends and family back home.
The tour begins with a convenient meetup at Uji Station and ends with a visit to the iconic Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Total Time: 3 hours
Language(s) offered: English

Have you ever imagined yourself as a samurai warrior? In Kyoto, you can transform this fantasy into a reality— at least for half a day!

Embrace the life of a samurai at Kyoto's Samurai School by learning Kembu, their disciplined sword-dancing art form. Donning traditional samurai attire and armed with a sword, you'll master the techniques of drawing and sheathing your weapon, along with practicing precise striking methods.

The experience concludes with a photo session, a performance of Kembu choreography on stage, and a certificate of achievement. Choose between a basic session for an overview or an extended program, which includes advanced samurai movements and the art of wielding a folding fan.

Total Time: 1 hour 30 mins
Language(s) offered: Japanese, English

Steeped in history, Gion draws tourists armed with cameras to catch a snapshot of the elusive geiko and maiko. Unless you're up at the crack of dawn, the area buzzes with activity from both locals and visitors.

But, after the sun goes down when the day trippers have left Kyoto and the residents are in the comfort of their homes, Gion's cobblestoned streets shine in a renewed, mysterious light.
Join a night walk led by knowledgeable local guides for an exploration of Gion that goes beyond the surface. Stroll through the backstreets of Gion while learning about Geishas, the area's etiquette, and the lifestyles of its citizens. Also, there's a virtual tour option available for remote participation.

Total Time: 1 hour 40 mins
Language(s) offered: English

Kyoto harbors many stories, even the paranormal kind, which remain largely unknown to tourists. As night falls, these hidden tales behind the closed doors of machiyas seep out into the darkness of the night.

For Bravehearts with a sense of morbid curiosity, a ghost-hunting tour in Arashiyama's Bamboo Forest presents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore Kyoto's enigmatic side. Within this forest, where towering bamboo stalks create ghostly shadows in the moonlight, participants will discover chilling stories and local legends that have been shared for generations."

For the daring and the curious, a ghost-hunting excursion in the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama presents a rare encounter with Kyoto's mysterious side. Amidst the towering bamboo, which casts eerie shadows under the moonlight, participants will hear scary stories and local legends passed down for generations.

Total Time: 2 hours
Language(s) offered: German, Japanese, English, Italian

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning admirer, these curated Kyoto tours are your gateway to discovering Kyoto’s new facets. Create unforgettable memories and stories of your own in this beautiful, historic, and ever-surprising city.