Top Kyoto Prefecture Outdoor Activities

Discover the beauty of Kyoto on a day tour that includes a visit to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the serene Tenryu-ji Temple, and the enchanting Bamboo Path. Enjoy breathtaking canyon views aboard the Sagano Romantic Train before experiencing a tranquil Hozugawa River Cruise. This tour provides a perfect blend of culture and nature, allowing you to explore hidden gems and popular sites with an expert guide. Choose your pick-up from Osaka or Kyoto, and enjoy a seamless journey through Japan’s historical heart. - Explore the UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Temple and its beautiful gardens - Ride the Sagano Romantic Train for stunning canyon vistas - Drift along the Hozugawa River on traditional wooden boats - Guided tour in multiple languages with pick-up options from Osaka or Kyoto

Even if your visit to Japan doesn’t coincide with the official sumo season, you can still watch wrestlers show off their skills during a sumo show experience in Kyoto. Not only will you watch the retired athletes perform classic moves in a traditional ring, but you’ll enjoy unlimited food and drinks, and you can even challenge a wrestler to a match.

Explore Kyoto’s eerie side on a unique ghost tour through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which is crowded by day but super-spooky at night. This isn’t your typical haunted house experience—expect chilling urban legends, local ghost stories, and atmospheric streets after dark. Includes a drink to start and a brief solo walk in the dark for spine-tingling immersion. A small group ensures an intimate night in one of Kyoto’s most famous locations—the bamboo forest.

Fans of samurai and ninja history—this one’s for you. Enjoy an immersive tour in Kyoto where a guide takes you around the Samurai and Ninja Museum. See preserved artifacts up close and enjoy hands-on experiences during your visit, such as wearing samurai armor, throwing a ninja star, and posing with replica swords.

Getting around Kyoto's landmarks typically means long walks along busy streets but this small-group e-bike tour takes you off the beaten path and around the city like a local. Ride along peaceful backstreets to Higashiyama's temples and lesser-known local spots while your guide introduces you to the rhythms of everyday city life and reveals a quieter, more authentic side of Kyoto.

Immerse yourself in samurai history and culture with this small-group samurai experience at a traditional samurai house in Kyoto. Under the guidance of an expert sword instructor, learn the philosophies of Bushido, the "Way of the Warrior;" handle a real martial arts sword; and take part in a Zen meditation session.

Cycle past a mix of Kyoto’s most famous sights and its lesser-known secrets during this half-day ‘Hidden Kyoto’ bike tour. Take a 4.9-mile (8-kilometer) ride that starts by winding past iconic Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkakuji, Koto-in, and Kitano Tenmagu. Continue exploring off the beaten path, discovering intimate Zen gardens and charming backstreets known only to locals.

Escape the crowds and discover one of Kyoto's most scenic adventures with the Hozugawa River Boat Ride Experience. Cruise through the breathtaking Hozugawa Gorge aboard a traditional wooden boat, guided by experienced local boatmen who skillfully navigate gentle rapids and calm stretches of crystal-clear water. Surrounded by lush forests, dramatic rock formations, and ever-changing seasonal scenery—from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn foliage—this unforgettable journey offers a unique perspective of Kyoto's natural beauty. Whether you're seeking a peaceful escape, spectacular photography opportunities, or an authentic cultural experience, this river cruise is perfect for couples, families, and nature lovers alike. Enjoy a relaxing yet exciting ride that has been cherished for generations and experience one of Kyoto's most iconic outdoor attractions. Book now and create lasting memories on one of Japan's most beautiful river journeys.

Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is famous for its Bamboo Grove, but it’s more than just a place to take a great photo. Learn about Arashiyama’s history, temples, and culture from your guide on this small-group walking tour. Visit hidden and less-crowded gems such Tenryuji Temple, Okochi Sanso Garden, and the Monkey Forest. A combined Fushimi Inari option is also available for a fuller experience.

Arashiyama’s bamboo forest is one of Kyoto’s most visited attractions so it can get pretty busy. Avoid the crowds by taking an early morning bicycle tour. Enjoy the forest and temples at their most serene, and take photos without strangers getting in the way. Get active while on vacation and visit some other Arashiyama highlights throughout the morning.

Hi, my name is Masae. After traveling to 40+ countries, living oversea for 7+ years, I came back to my home to share the love of Matcha & rich Japanese cultural history with the world! The day starts in Uji, a little tea town with Japan's oldest bridge. Then, you will have a chance to visit local Matcha Farmers, invited to traditional Japanese style home to enjoy delicately crafted Bento Lunch, participate in Matcha tasting and tea tasting. You will not only learn all about Matcha but also smell, taste, and even take home some of those premium Matcha from farm previously owned by the Imperial Family.

We recommend rafting on the Hozugawa River. - The nearest station(Umahori st) to our rafting base is just 25 minutes from Kyoto Station. -The nearest station is a 3-minute walk from our meeting place. - All you need to bring is clothes you don't mind getting wet and a towel. - Free photo data taken on the day. - An English-speaking guide will accompany you. - Ages 8 and up are welcome. - Rapids that adults will love. - Swimming spots available. - Jump from 3-meter-high rocks. - Rafting experience in beautiful natural surroundings. - There are clean changing rooms and clean restrooms. - Your valuables and luggage will be stored at our facility during the rafting trip. - The famous trolley train runs along the Hozugawa River. You might spot the famous Sagano Romantic Train (Trolley Train) passing by as you paddle through the canyon. - Nearby, the famous tourist spot, Arashiyama. It's close to Arashiyama, so it's a great place to visit the bamboo forest before or after rafting.

This full-day small-group tour makes it easy to see Kyoto’s key landmarks without the need for research or planning. Enjoy a relaxed experience with a guide who provides commentary in English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese. Visit exciting attractions including Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park Iwatayama, and Kinkakuji Temple, all with included admission and smooth navigation.

Kyoto is the perfect city to explore by bike, and this guided e-bike tour removes the need for route planning or map reading. With e-bike rental included and a guide leading the way, you can enjoy a carefully chosen route that reveals hidden gems and peaceful corners many visitors miss. Alongside quieter spots, you can also enjoy views of major landmarks, such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nanzen-ji Temple.

Uji, south of Kyoto, is famous for its matcha (powdered green tea) and other tea products, and is also home to many historic temples and shrines dating back over 1,000 years. This tour takes you on a leisurely tour of this fascinating city on a BROMPTON bicycle with a local navigator. ・The tour is a great way to visit places that are otherwise inaccessible by riding with a navigator who knows the local area inside out. ・Slow cycling is an easy way for people who are not confident about their physical fitness to take part. ・All equipment for riding is provided, so you don't need to bring anything. ・The tour is also a great way to enjoy local food at speciality shops. ・The tour course can be arranged according to your wishes. ・You can take photos with your stylish BROMPTON bike.

Find out what's it's like to be a ninja. This small-group beginners class in a Kyoto dojo introduces you to the basics of ninja training. You'll learn how to breathe, walk, and meditate like a ninja, practice throwing ninja weapons, and learn how to use ninja swords. It's a unique Japanese experience for all ages.

Kyoto offers countless attractions, but navigating public transportation can be time-consuming. Skip the language barriers and the train confusion with this hassle-free private car tour. Travel comfortably in a private vehicle and follow a carefully crafted itinerary tailored to your interests, with possible stops including Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

Make the most of limited time in Kyoto and speed up your sightseeing with this guided e-bike adventure. Rather than walking around the city, a guide takes you on a scenic adventure that visits hidden backstreets, temples such as Tofuku-j Temple, and the magnificent Fushi Inari-taisha Shrine. Along the way, as well as hearing about Japanese history and culture, you can learn about Buddhism, Shintoism, and samurai warriors.

Discover hidden hiking routes that you likely wouldn’t find alone on this guided tour near the spectacular Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine—a place known for its bright orange torii gates. Following a guide, venture off paved paths and onto secret forest trails to the famous attraction, passing a natural bamboo forest, and a small shrine that’s off the usual tourist trail. The trip also reveals scenic views of Fushimi-Momoyama Castle.

Visit inspiring forest mountain vistas, charming temples and shrines. Capture Instagram-worthy moments in the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Forest. Immerse yourself in captivating stories shared by our friendly and well-informed guide. Flexible booking – even last-minute reservations are welcomed! Select from a variety of start times that suit your schedule. Experience the warmth of a small group adventure, with no more than 9 explorers.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Hiroshima’s rich history and Miyajima’s breathtaking beauty. Take a scenic ferry ride to Miyajima Island, home to the stunning Itsukushima Shrine and its famous floating torii gate. Stroll through charming streets, savor local delicacies, and encounter the island’s friendly deer. Then visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where you’ll reflect on the past at the Atomic Bomb Dome and other significant monuments. With seamless transportation and expert guidance, this tour offers an immersive experience of Japan’s culture and heritage.

Combine natural beauty and close encounters with wildlife on this action-packed afternoon tour to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Iwatayama Monkey Park. To save tired legs, and help you get around with ease, bike and helmet rental is included. The trip showcases spectacular views of Kyoto from Iwatayama Mountain, the natural beauty of the bamboo forest, Sogenchi Pond Garden, and the chance to look out for Japanese macaque monkeys.

Journey into the "Otherworldly" landscapes of Kyoto’s hidden tea country. This private tour takes you to Wazuka, the magical village supplying the finest Uji Matcha Highlights: Magical Views Year-Round: Marvel at the famous "Green tea fields reaching to the sky." The manicured, geometric evergreen waves are breathtakingly photogenic in every season—stunningly serene and vivid even in winter! Authentic Tea: Visit local farmer-supplied cafes to taste Japan’s No.1 awarded tea and rich matcha desserts. Enjoy shopping for premium tea at 1/2 to 1/3 of city prices Time Travel: Explore the iconic Byodoin Phoenix Hall, 1,000-year-old architecture survived centuries of war to represent the "Buddhist Pure Land (Paradise)" on Earth. Discover how monks, samurai, and even ninjas shaped tea culture while visiting hidden gems left from ancient monks Ride in Style: Wide area pickup options from 2 big cities, comfortable van for groups or an open-air convertible Mini Cooper for solo travelers