Top Kyoto Prefecture Arts & Design

Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and with this tour, you can discover its highlights. To save time waiting in ticket lines, admission is included, and a guide accompanies you as you walk around the grounds. Along the way, hear stories about shogun and emperor rivalry, discover the castle’s most photogenic places, and learn about its history.

Gion, Kyoto's famed geisha district, is packed full of tourists during the day making it difficult to get a sense of the area's culture. Avoid the biggest groups and immerse yourself in Japanese heritage on this small-group walking tour that leads you through the elegant streets after dark, while geisha and maiko make their way to their appointments.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Kyoto and Nara, where history, culture, and stunning landscapes await! Start your day at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the oldest temple in Kyoto, built in 778. Explore its impressive wooden stage and enjoy panoramic views of cherry blossoms or autumn foliage. Don’t forget to sip from the sacred Otowa Waterfall, believed to bring blessings of love and luck. Wander through the charming streets of Gion, with its traditional wooden houses and the allure of geisha culture. Stroll along Sanneizaka and Ninenzaka, filled with quaint shops and cafes. Next, visit Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates. Hike through the gates for stunning photos. Finally, meet the friendly deer in Nara Park and visit Tōdai-ji Temple to see the Great Buddha. This captivating itinerary combines iconic landmarks and rich cultural experiences. Book your adventure today and create unforgettable memories!

Traditional Japanese crafts are tricky for outsiders to try their hand at. This class at the Kyoto Shibori Museum guides you through the technique of how to dye a silk scarf using the kyo-arashi shibori method. You can customize your scarf to your own color preferences and leave with an elegant scarf to serve as a souvenir of your trip to Kyoto. While your fabric is drying, you are free to browse the museum displays and try on a shibori kimono.

Secure your exclusive timed-entry ticket to step beyond observation and become the artist. This isn't just a viewing—it's an invitation to control a living vortex. Your movements directly dictate the swirling lights, shifting colors, and evolving soundscape within this immersive digital universe. Each interaction creates a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, ensuring no two visits are ever the same. By booking, you guarantee entry to this transformative nocturnal experience at the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, where nature and technology spectacularly collide.

Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of Japan’s most popular and beautiful shrines. Thousands of people visit it every day to see the 1,000 magnificent torii gates. But most do not get the full story behind the pretty pictures they take. Join me on this self-guided audio tour as we delve into the history behind the Shinto rituals and beliefs linked to this amazing shrine. We’ll take an easy stroll among the tranquil forest scenery. You'll be one of a few who will discover the real power of this shrine that has been influencing people's lives over 1,300 years. The landmarks include: • The unique fox statues dotted across the shrine • An unmatched vista of the thousand bright red torii gates • The Heavy-Light Stone where you can make a wish Let’s take a stroll and found out why this ancient shrine has lessons that can still be learned today.

What sets this tour apart is its quiet depth, cultural insight, and immersive pace—an experience that goes beyond sightseeing. Unlike standard garden visits, this guided 90-minute tour invites you into the philosophy of Murin-an, a hidden gem of Kyoto’s modern garden heritage. With a knowledgeable local guide, you'll explore flowing water paths, learn how this landscape broke away from traditional Japanese garden design, and discover how it was lovingly restored to its original 100-year-old form by dedicated modern gardeners. Along the way, you’ll slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with the space in the way it was meant to be experienced: through stillness, movement, and presence. The experience concludes with a peaceful café break inside the garden itself—matcha in hand, beauty before you. This is not a rushed tour—it’s a refined cultural pause, ideal for travelers who seek meaning, serenity, and a deeper connection to Kyoto’s living history.

Discover the serene beauty of Daigo-ji Temple, a hidden gem in Kyoto's Yamashina area. This tour takes you away from the crowds to explore one of Japan's oldest temples, founded over 1,000 years ago. Admire the stunning five-story pagoda, the oldest wooden structure in Kyoto, and wander through tranquil gardens designed by samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Experience the rich history and artistry of this sacred site, where spirituality and Japanese aesthetics meet in perfect harmony. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape into Kyoto's cultural heritage. - Visit the historic Daigo-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site - Explore the majestic five-story pagoda, a symbol of resilience - Stroll through elegant gardens reflecting Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics - Ideal for travelers looking for a quieter Kyoto experience

Learn traditional Japanese calligraphy during a hands-on workshop led by an experienced instructor. Discover special techniques, such as how to correctly use a brush, and receive insider tips you wouldn’t get from a book. All materials are provided, including brushes, ink, and washi paper, which saves you time sourcing your own equipment. Then, at the end of the session, you can take home your finished calligraphy—a perfect keepsake to remember your time in Japan.

TouringBee's Fushimi Inari Shrine Audio Guide is a convenient map app designed for self-guided sightseeing tours of the renowned sacred mountain. You won't lose your way and you'll gain a wealth of knowledge about traditional Japanese beliefs. You'll undoubtedly traverse 10 thousand vibrant vermilion torii gates, ascend the three peaks of Mount Inari, and explore the most captivating local shrines with audioguide on your smartphone. The audio guide will instruct you on how to seek fortune telling, make offerings, and request assistance from local spirits. It will also highlight the best spots for photography and where to purchase spring water coffee. With this audio guide, you can relish the walk at your own leisure, without the need to keep up with a tour group. The audio guide can always be heard distinctly through your headphones. Feel free to pause for a break at a café whenever you wish. You can always deviate down a scenic path and return to the route later.

Experience the best of Japanese art and culture with a private tour from Kyoto to the MIHO MUSEUM and Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Centre. Explore stunning artworks, traditional ceramics, and breathtaking landscapes in one unforgettable journey. We will provide a private car with a driver, in addition to a nationally licensed guide. Enjoy the art and traditional crafts on this exceptional tour.

Photos courtesy of: - “Red Pumpkin” Yayoi Kusama,2006 Naoshima Miyanoura Port Square * No Reproduction Explore the art island of Naoshima with this hassle-free, luxury day tour accompanied by an English-speaking attendant. In a single day, you will have the opportunity to explore Naoshima’s premier highlights, including the Benesse House Museum, the Naoshima New Museum of Art, and the iconic Red Pumpkin, without worrying about a single logistical detail. The tour price includes all transportation, museum entrance fees and full English support from our attendant throughout the trip. Sit back and relax in our luxury vehicle as we escort you between attractions across the island. - Complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks on board of our luxury bus - Entrance fees for Naoshima museums included - Round-trip Shinkansen (bullet train) tickets between Kyoto and Himeji - Round-trip luxury bus transportation between Himeji and Naoshima

You can enjoy the garden and green tea in front of you while sitting on the tatami floor and the tatami mats of the Family Mitsui House Museum. Although it is in the city, it is a rich mansion where you can hear the voice of birds and the murmur of the river. This ticket is an advantageous plan that combines the admission fee and the matcha green tea. Please enjoy with the garden that changes its expression from season to season.

Discover the art of ‘shibori’ during this 30 to 60-minute scarf-making class in Kyoto. Learn about Japanese culture from your knowledgable guide and become versed in one of the country’s many art forms. Use traditional tools and fabrics to make your scarf, then take this memorable handmade souvenir home with you to show your friends and family.

Fans of matcha will appreciate this hands-on workshop on Japanese tea, which combines instructive lessons in traditional matcha preparation with a bonafide tea ceremony experience. Listen to enriching background on the little-known history behind the sacred ritual, once favored by monks and samurais. Learn how to brew top-quality matcha from an organic farm, and enjoy your tea with cakes from a famous Kyoto confectionary—all in a traditional townhouse.

*Enjoy masterpieces of Water Lilies series by Claude Monet at Asahi Group Museum of Art. *Suntory Yamazaki Distillery Tour is only available by lottery base! *You will join "Whisky Distillery Tour 【lottery】Yamazaki distillery MONOZUKURI tour & tasting(Paid/Japanese) Audio guide". *Shopping and 3 product tasting (not included in the tour price) are available at Yamazaki Whiskey Museum. *Gift is included. *This is a non-licesed assisted walking tour with walking up a very steep hill. *You will receive a final information by email. Please provide an email address after being confirmed. **Tour dates: 5/7, 19** **5/7, 19 English Distillery tour in person with schedule below** 10:20 Meet at Hankyu Oyamazaki Station 10:50 Arrive at Suntory Yamazaki Distillery 11:20 Distillery Tour by in English 12:40 Product tasting and shopping 14:00 Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art 15:30 Finish Tour at Hankyu Oyamazaki Station

Visit Higashiyama, Kyoto’s breathtaking historical district, in a traditional kimono. Walk along its cobblestoned slopes to discover Kiyomizu-dera, a striking temple complex built abreast a waterfall, then stroll beside geisha in the Gion district before finishing the tour in beautiful Yasaka Shrine — all the while learning about the history of this great area. ◆ Tour the most popular area in Kyoto with a nationally certified interpreter-guide ◆ Trek up to Kiyomizu-dera, a temple with over 1,250 years of history, best known for its overhanging stage overlooking the city ◆ Enjoy a truly serene moment in Kennin-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto, founded by Eisai, the founder of Zen Buddhism ◆ Explore the brilliant vermillion red buildings of Yasaka Shrine ◆ Walk the streets of Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district ◆ Look around at the traditional shops, cafés and galleries that dot the Higashiyama district

Take a tour of Kyoto's famous Gion district and learn all about the mysterious geisha traditions of the area. Get an insider’s perspective on facts about geisha culture that tourists usually miss, and pass by shops, shrines, and beautiful temples. To elevate your experience, the tour also includes a geisha show with an apprentice geisha, where you can watch a dance performance and ask questions.

This is a perfect pick for nature lovers, and those interested in Japanese spirituality. Put away the guidebook and follow the lead of a landscape designer with over 15 years’ experience. It’s a great way to discover secret local spots that you wouldn’t discover otherwise, and to understand more about the meaning behind zen gardens.

#### 1. This Arashiyama sightseeing tour takes you around Arashiyama's famous sites. Your first destination is Tenryuji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its expansive gardens. Next, you'll stroll through the bamboo forest path. You'll walk along a path lined with towering bamboo swaying. #### 2. Try your hand at Kyoto's traditional handicraft, "Hand-painted Yuzen." In this experience, you'll learn about its history and techniques while creating your own unique piece using vibrant colors. The experience involves choosing your own design and decorating a handkerchief, mask, school tote bag, T-shirt, or other items using eight colors of dye, using this traditional Kyoto craft. The experience lasts approximately one hour.

Experience the rare opportunity to step inside a traditional Kyoto machiya, a wooden Japanese townhouse, and immerse yourself in the uniquely Japanese culture of the tea ceremony. In a small group of no more than six people, learn the basic concepts and ideas of tea ceremony, as well as the required etiquette. Watch a demonstration of the way of tea, then make your own. Your instructor guides you in how to drink it and also serve you a traditional Japanese cake.

Experience Kyoto’s “Aoi Matsuri” with JTB Step into the world of an imperial scroll – Special Viewing Seats for the Aoi Matsuri Procession Enjoy the Aoi Matsuri procession departing from the Kyoto Imperial Palace from JTB’s exclusive special viewing seats inside the historic Kyoto Gyoen, in front of Kenreimon Gate. Witness participants dressed in elegant Heian-era costumes—a living imperial scroll unfolding before your eyes. With the CleVo audio guide, a JTB-exclusive guide provides live commentary on the history and highlights of Aoi Matsuri, making it easy to enjoy for both first-timers and long-time fans. Plan Highlights - Special viewing seats in front of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the starting point of the procession - Live commentary by a JTB-exclusive guide

On this self-guided tour, discover how Kyoto’s architecture reflects Japan’s transformation from a feudal society to a modern nation. Led by historian Gavin James Campbell, the tour explores the blend of traditional and contemporary design throughout Kyoto’s streets. You’ll learn about the city’s transition and see buildings influenced by Western styles like Queen Anne and Art Deco. As you explore Pontocho District, you'll gain insight into the architectural trends and cultural shifts that shaped modern Kyoto.