Top Kyoto Prefecture Arts & Design - page 2

#### 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.

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

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

What sets this tour apart is its quiet depth and focus on meaning—an unhurried exploration of Kyoto’s Zen spirit through two remarkable temples. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit Tofuku-ji’s bold modern gardens, cross the iconic Tsutenkyo Bridge, and then step into the hidden serenity of Komyo-in, a lesser-known subtemple with a meditative moss-and-stone garden. Along the way, you’ll learn how Zen design expresses stillness, impermanence, and harmony—not just through beauty, but through space, silence, and intention. This is more than sightseeing; it’s a mindful experience of Kyoto at its most contemplative.

This Marvelous Matcha Kyoto Green Tea Tour is the perfect way to discover the different varieties of matcha, see how to craft the perfect cup, and best of all—taste it. Visit the world-renowned district of Uji, which is known for producing outstanding quality green tea. The tour helps you discover hidden local tea shops that would be hard to find alone, and you have a guide to help translate. When you’ve worked up an appetite, a delicious set lunch is provided.

Create authentic ocean-themed resin art inspired by the beautiful sea of Amanohashidate Perfect for beginners — detailed support provided from coloring to creating realistic wave effects Take home your own one-of-a-kind original artwork Create stunning, photo-worthy resin art with a dreamy ocean atmosphere Recommended for couples, friends, and families looking to make unforgettable travel memories An enjoyable indoor activity even on rainy days Small-group lessons allow you to relax and enjoy the experience at your own pace A popular handmade activity to make your Kyoto trip even more special Friendly instructors provide step-by-step support, so even those who are not confident in art can participate with ease

This is a quiet cultural walking tour, not a lively festival experience. Byobu are traditional Japanese folding screens displayed inside private homes only during the Gion Festival. We walk around the Karasuma and Shijo area, where residents generously open their private homes to share these seasonal artworks. As these are private spaces, photography may not be allowed, and the focus is on respectful observation rather than spectacle. Yusuke (your guide) will explain basic manners and etiquette for visiting private Japanese homes, allowing you to view the screens comfortably and with confidence. This is a calm, slow-paced cultural walk for guests interested in art, history, and seasonal traditions. Photos shown represent the general atmosphere of the Gion Festival area. The folding screens are privately owned artworks and may not always be visible or photographed during the tour. This experience is best suited for adults with an interest in Japanese culture and art.

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.

Visit Japanese gardens and make your own mini Japanese garden, together with Ayumi Ikushima, the guide and author of "Important People and Japanese Gardens”, as well as a certified garden designer. Explore gardens created in the early Muromachi and Edo periods. Learn about Japanese garden philosophy, understand the art of garden designs and what they represent. Explore the Konchi-in Garden, also known as the Crane and Turtle Garden. Here you will learn the basics of garden philosophy. Followed by a visit to Tenjuan Garden, a garden that is a miniature landscape of nature. Learn new ways to appreciate gardens, such as how to take photographs. In the East Garden, with its beautiful white sand and moss, appreciate a well-designed karesansui. Discover how Zen Buddhism developed and how it has influenced Japanese culture. After learning more about Japanese gardens create your own miniature Japanese garden decoration. Put your new knowledge of Japanese gardens to use by creating your own!

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.

This walking tour starts at Miyagawa-cho, then takes you through Hanami-kouji Street and Gion Shirakawa, where you can fully enjoy the charming streets of Gion and Higashiyama area. The traditional machiya-lined streets feel like stepping back in time, and there are photo-worthy spots everywhere you look. Feel free to ask your guide for help with any photos! Along the way, you’ll also pass famous temples and shrines like Kyoto Ebisu Shrine and Kennin-ji (we won’t go inside, but we’ll walk through the area). While it's not guaranteed, if you're lucky, you might even cross paths with a maiko or geiko! This is the perfect tour to soak in the old-world charm of Kyoto.

Join a tour by MagicalTrip, proud winner of the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award. Each experience is led by a MagicalTrip Certified Guide, professionally trained and carefully selected to ensure quality and authenticity. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Kyoto's Geisha culture during this unique lunch experience. Savor an exquisite kaiseki meal while enjoying a live performance by a Geisha (Maiko or Geiko). Engage in traditional games, ask questions through an interpreter, and capture memorable photos with the Geisha. This intimate two-hour tour offers a delightful blend of authentic cuisine and cultural insights, making it perfect for those interested in Japan's rich traditions. - Enjoy a full-course Kyoto Kaiseki lunch in a traditional setting - Experience live Geisha performances, including dance and conversation - Participate in classic Geisha games and take memorable photos - Small group size ensures personalized attention and interaction

Big group tours typically take you to crowded spots and follow a tight itinerary but this private tour of Kyoto promises a personalized, more flexible experience. In the company of just your chosen travel companions (up to 10 max) ride around the ancient Japanese city in a private vehicle and discover the hidden gems, from secret temples to local stores, that most tourists miss.

Get away from the crowded tourist sites and indulge on a private tour of some of Kyoto's most enchanting spaces. In a town whose history spans over 1,300 years, there are far more than just the "Top 10" that are worth visiting! Quiet Zen gardens, high ranking shrines, a local traditional lunch, a folk art museum and 1,001 Golden Buddha statues. This experience will introduce you to a world far away from the busy tourist sites, where you will spend peaceful moments getting to know the true nature of Kyoto. Note: Depending on our pace, all of the sites on this route may not be able to be visited. If the situation arises where we have to eliminate one or more of the sites the guest will determine what is eliminated.

Immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Japanese culture with this exclusive 4-hour tour. Explore Gion on a 90-minute guided walk with a licensed guide and learn about the district’s rich history, customs, and traditions. After sightseeing, your guide will accompany you to enjoy a beautifully presented Kaiseki meal and spend time with a Geisha or Maiko in an authentic Kyoto setting. Unlike other tours with shows made specifically for overseas visitors, this tour lets you experience what it’s really like to dine with a Geisha or Maiko. There are no flashy shows or fast dances—just the wabi-sabi of real Kyoto. You can ask questions, speak with the Geisha/Maiko, and join in classic ozashiki asobi (traditional Geisha games). Important Notes: 1: Per local custom, guests are asked to purchase one drink for the Maiko or Geisha. 2: Only one Maiko or Geisha will be arranged for your experience; selection is not available. 3: Please note that music is pre-recorded and not performed live.

Discover an artistic and elegant side of Kyoto on this cultural walking tour combining sacred heritage, traditional craftsmanship, and the charm of the city’s oldest geisha district. Begin at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, a historic sanctuary dedicated to the deity of learning. Its serene grounds and refined architecture introduce Kyoto’s deep cultural traditions. Next, enjoy a hands-on Nishijin weaving experience at a local studio. Learn the basics of this centuries-old textile art while creating your own small woven accessory to take home. Guided by skilled artisans, you will gain insight into the precision and beauty behind Kyoto’s renowned fabrics. The tour concludes with a gentle walk through Kamishichiken, Kyoto’s oldest geisha district. This quiet neighborhood preserves traditional wooden facades and a graceful atmosphere, offering a memorable and authentic Kyoto experience beyond the usual tourist paths.

Steep yourself in the arts of kasamaki and nuishime shibori during this 60- to 90-minute cloth-wrapping class in Kyoto. Try your hand at this intriguing Japanese art, with the help of an expert local craftsman. Learn tricks to do these techniques at home and bring a memento home with you. You’ll also get to see many prime samples of classic kasamaki and nuishime shibori dyeing displayed and in the museum shop.

Experience the ultimate contrast of Kyoto on this premium 4-hour private morning tour. Seamlessly blending Japan's ancient spiritual roots with its cutting-edge future, this guided journey offers a stress-free exploration of two iconic landmarks. Begin at the world-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. Beat the heavy daytime crowds and walk through the magical Senbon Torii (thousands of vermilion gates) in the serene morning air. Your expert local guide will decode ancient Shinto myths and the secrets of the sacred fox deities. Next, time-travel to the futuristic world of teamLab Biovortex Kyoto. Immerse your senses in this spectacular, interactive digital art museum where light and colors respond to your presence. Enjoy flawless transit navigation and insightful photography assistance throughout, making this the perfect half-day experience for families and couples.

Discover the beauty of Japanese flowers and experience the art of Ikebana. Visit a long-established flower shop in Kyoto which has been in business for 140 years. Learn about Japanese flowers, their beauty and the history of flower names. Get advice on how to choose the right flowers for your own special flower combination. After discovering Japanese flowers, you will attend a workshop on Japanese flower arrangement. Learn the basics of Ikebana and how to design your own Ikebana that you envision. Get creative and create your own original flower arrangement with the help of our guide and certified Ikebana teacher!

Many seekers have sat beneath serene trees seeking enlightenment—only to be bitten by a hidden snake instead. I know, I’ve been there. Everyone says, “Learn more about yourself.” But what does that really mean? When most people look inward, they often find... nothing. In a shallow world, depth has become a luxury—like gold hidden in a case. This tour invites you to open that case and rediscover what’s within through Japanese Shintoism & Buddhism. [ Warning ] If spirituality, religions, or self-improvement don’t interest you, this tour isn’t for you. [ Notice ] This tour is completely private, meaning it will be only the travelers in your booking—no one else will join, and the guide will accompany your group exclusively.

As an architect and design writer, I have always been captivated by Japanese design—the way imperfection is refined into perfection, how simplicity and subtlety carry profound meaning, and how every detail is intentional. Far from the fleeting spectacle of social media, this tour is designed for depth and reflection. I will guide you beyond surface-level facts, revealing the essence of Japanese aesthetics and design thinking that often goes unnoticed. Through well-known sights, we will explore the soul of the country, layer by layer, engaging in discussion and interpretation along the way. [ Warning ] If design does not intrigue you, this tour is not for you. [ Notice ] This tour is completely private, meaning it will be only the travelers in your booking—no one else will join.

Unlike typical photo sessions, you'll receive expert direction, local knowledge, and access to secret angles that create magazine-quality images. Rain or shine, we adapt to create beautiful memories. Perfect For: Couples and honeymooners Families creating lifetime memories Solo travelers wanting professional photos Kimono experiences (rental not included, but highly recommended!)

Step into a living vision of paradise at Jōruri-ji, the only surviving Pure Land garden in Japan with its original 11th-century layout. Expert guide will escort you seamlessly from the station into a serene world of ancient architecture, lotus-filled ponds, and sacred Buddhist symbolism—off the beaten path and untouched by crowds. Whether you're a garden lover, a spiritual seeker, or a culture enthusiast, this immersive journey offers a rare chance to experience Japan's timeless beauty and wisdom up close. Don’t just visit a temple—enter a thousand-year-old prayer brought to life.

Our 1/KYOTO tours give you the opportunity to meet and spend a truly meaningful day with people who drive innovation in the historic city. We aim to transform your travel experience from ordinary sightseeing to meaningful encounters. During this tour, engage in a dialogue with Mr. Daisuke Kiyomizu, an innovative ceramic artist who pushes the boundaries of Kiyomizu ware (Kyoto-style ceramics), at his members-only studio gallery. Furthermore, you’ll be able explore a Kiyomizu ware workshop and witness live pottery demonstrations with exclusive access to areas not usually open to the public. For each part of the journey, a professional interpreter will guide you. A private taxi will also be available for transport from your accommodation.