Top Kyoto Prefecture Seasonal & Special Occasions

Get more out of time in Kyoto with this exciting cultural experience in Kyoto’s Kagai district. Visit the Gion Kagai Art Museum—with admission included so you don’t have to wait in ticket lines—and enjoy the special opportunity to watch “geiko” and “maiko” sing and dance during a live performance in the atmospheric banquet room.

Kyoto is home to a lively nightlife scene, but it can feel intimidating to hit the bars on your own. Ideal for solo travelers, this fun event at a stylish bar is a great way to make new friends from Japan and all around the world. Enjoy drinks from the open bar, break the ice playing fun games, and get insider tips on exploring Kyoto.

Step into the timeless atmosphere of Kyoto’s Gion district and discover the refined world of Japanese tea ceremony at THE TEA CEREMONY GION Orizuruya. Begin your journey by choosing a beautiful kimono, with our staff assisting you in dressing and, for female guests, offering hairstyling to complete the elegant look. In this intimate space, you’ll then experience the true essence of Japanese culture through chanoyu - the art of serving and enjoying matcha. Guided by our hosts, you’ll not only observe an authentic tea ceremony but also try making matcha yourself, savoring the flavor of a bowl of tea you’ve whisked with your own hands. Seasonal Kyoto sweets, elegant tearoom décor, and the quiet spirit of hospitality combine to create a moment of peace and mindfulness. Whether you are traveling solo or with someone special, we invite you to dress in a kimono, step into the tea room, and take home unforgettable memories filled with the spirit of Japanese hospitality.

Welcome to our spectacular Dance & Samurai Show, a visual and emotional entertainment experience that lights up the night in Kyoto's historic Gion district! With this ticket, you can dive straight into the climax of the performance—the main attraction: "Part 2: The Grand Dance Show," where the true beauty of Japanese culture comes to life. Watch in awe as actors in dazzling, luxurious costumes hit the stage, delivering dynamic dances and breathtaking Samurai sword action paired with modern stage production. This high-energy performance easily transcends language barriers to captivate audiences from all over the world. The excitement reaches its peak on the "Hanamichi" (the stage runway), where performers come incredibly close to the audience for a truly immersive and powerful experience. Join us in the heart of Gion for a special evening, and experience the energy and beauty of Japan in one action-packed hour!

This is not just a sake tasting — it’s a 3-hour experience that will completely change how you understand and choose sake in Japan. Led by a sake specialist, you’ll go beyond “sweet or dry” and learn how sake is actually made, why flavors differ, and how to identify your own preferences with confidence. Visit the historic Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, then enjoy a guided tasting of multiple styles of sake paired with traditional snacks — with clear, practical explanations you can use anywhere in Japan. By the end of the tour, you will know which type of sake you truly like and how to select it without hesitation - enjoy sake not just during your travels, but as part of your life.

Enjoy beautiful architecture and arts at Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art and whisky tasting at Yamazaki Whisky Museum. *This tour includes Yamazaki Whiskey Museum Viewing (no tour of the distillery/Free) ・3 glasses of whisky tasting (fees are not included in the tour price). **Runs on 8/22, 25-27, 29, 30, 9/2-3, 5-6, 13, 19-24, 26-27, 29-30, 10/1-3, 6-8, 10-12, 14-17, 23-25, 27 ・Gift is included. ・This tour includes walking up the steep hill and is not designed for wheelchair and stroller users. ・English Speaking Assistant from Kyoto Tourist Information Center. ・This is a non-licensed guide walking tour. ・Underage customers can join the tour as long they are accompanying by someone who is 20 years old and older. Underage drinking is prohibited by Japanse law. ・Please provide an email address after confirmation. You will receive a final information by email titled:【Tour Date】- Booking Confirmation & Important Notice - HIS【Reservation #】.

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.

See the heart of downtown Kyoto and experience the city’s nightlife in a bar hopping adventure through the Kawaramachi and Kiyamachi areas. Visit hidden bars and izakaya where you can try different food and drinks and connect with local people. See a different side of Kyoto in the evening as you explore authentic spots that would be difficult to find on your own.

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Kyoto's autumn season with our exclusive private tour, guided by a local expert who will provide you with insider knowledge and personal insights. Begin your adventure with a visit to the tranquil and picturesque Nanzenji Temple, a place of peace and reflection amidst the changing leaves. Experience the subtle charm of Tenjuan Garden, a hidden gem offering a serene escape from the bustling city. Continue to the captivating streets leading to the iconic Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), where historical elegance and autumnal colors create an unforgettable scene. Conclude your tour with a scenic walk along the approach to Ginkakuji, filled with traditional shops and tea houses, perfectly capturing Kyoto’s blend of culture and natural beauty. This private tour is designed to provide a unique and immersive experience of Kyoto’s fall splendor, combining tranquility and inspiration with the convenience of public transport.

How This Experience Differs from Ordinary “Maiko Shows” •Not a staged tourist performance This is not a simplified show created for large crowds. It is an intimate cultural immersion that reflects the real rhythm and refinement of an authentic ozashiki evening. •Created by someone deeply connected to the hanamachi Years of trusted relationships in Kyoto’s most exclusive flower districts allow the creators to reproduce details that outsiders would not know. •Authentic interaction, not photo-op entertainment Guests are invited into the conversational, playful, and highly nuanced atmosphere of genuine ozashiki hospitality—something impossible to imitate without deep cultural knowledge. •Respect for traditional forms The dance, etiquette, and presentation follow the standards used in real teahouse settings, preserving their integrity. •Small, invitation-only format Unlike commercial venues, this program is intentionally limited in capacity to maintain the intimacy

Immerse yourself in the Japanese culinary tradition of Kaiseki Ryouri during this evening food tour in Kyoto. Follow your guide through the Kamogawa and Gion areas, eating your way through a 10-course meal with included beverages and dessert.

Many travelers to Kyoto make a visit to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest without exploring the surrounding area. This small-group walking tour ensures you don't make the same mistake. Go beyond the bamboo and discover such serene spots as the private Okochi Sanso garden, where matcha is served in a former tea house; Tenryu-ji temple; Arashiyama shopping street; Togetsukyo Bridge; and Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama.

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.

Escape the summer heat of Kyoto with a seasonal dining experience in the scenic mountain village of Kibune. Dine at a traditional restaurant on a “kawadoko” platform set above a flowing river, surrounded by forest and fresh mountain air. This non-private experience includes a round-trip shuttle from Kyoto Station and offers both lunch and dinner options. Relax in an atmospheric riverside setting and enjoy Kyoto-style cuisine made with seasonal ingredients—a true highlight of Kyoto’s summer culture. Operated by Club Tourism, a leading Japanese travel company with over 70 years of experience, this high-quality tour offers a safe and reliable travel experience in Japan.

This is a special activity where you can wear a silk kimono and experience traditional Japanese dance. Choose your favorite from about 800 kimonos; after dressing, simple hair styling and sandals (zori) are provided. Afterward, you can explore Kyoto in your kimono. The rental shop also has two Shiba Inu dogs, popular worldwide, so you can meet these adorable dogs. Once dressed, you'll head to the dance venue to enjoy Japanese green tea and seasonal sweets while learning about Nihon Buyo (Japanese classical dance). Wearing a beautiful kimono, sipping tea, and tasting sweets creates a special moment to experience Japanese culture. After the introduction, you’ll learn basic postures, graceful walking, fan usage, and simple choreography. Songs often reflect Japanese culture, allowing you to connect with tradition while dancing. You can also record videos to capture wonderful memories.

In the heart of Kyoto, experience our exclusive Wedding & Engagement Ring Making Workshop, offering couples the chance to create unique symbols of their love with expert artisans' help. This intimate workshop lets you forge jewelry as a testament to your love story, ensuring each piece is as special as your relationship. With personalized guidance, high-quality materials, and a cozy setting, every step celebrates your union. Features include custom engraving and a photo session to commemorate the creation. Suitable for all skill levels, this experience promises not just beautiful rings but lasting memories to share for generations. Join us to craft your everlasting symbols of love.

Learn all about the history and techniques of sake production—and taste a range of different sake styles—on this small-group Kyoto tour. Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum for an immersive introduction to sake. Then, follow your guide to an atmospheric local bar where you can sample a range of different sake varieties. Learn all about sake—from its history and brewing processes to distinguishing its different tastes.

In this class, you will experience making home-style ramen and homemade gyoza from scratch using simple ingredients in a home environment. Not only will you get to enjoy a fun cultural experience during your Japan trip, but with the skills you learn, you can actually try and cook these dishes once you return home. My guests often tell me that they're surprised how simple it is to make and how delicious the food turns out. After my class, you will hopefully have the confidence to cook some delicious Japanese food for your loved ones at home.

Experience the magic of Kyoto at night like a true local! While Pontocho and Gion are famous for their beautiful lantern-lit streets, finding welcoming, authentic restaurants without a local guide can be very difficult. This casual walking and local eats tour removes the language barrier and takes you straight to the best hidden spots. 1. Hidden Izakayas & Bars: Skip the tourist traps. We will take you to two authentic local Izakayas and one secret bar tucked away in the narrow alleys of Kyoto. 2. Authentic Kyoto Cuisine: Taste local specialties you won't easily find elsewhere, such as "Obanzai" (Kyoto home-style cooking), "Yuba" (delicate tofu skin), and classic comfort foods, all explained by your guide. 3. Premium Kyoto Sake: Kyoto is famous for its pure water and incredible sake. Enjoy fantastic sake pairings with your meals. 4. Magical Night Stroll: Safely explore the historic, atmospheric streets of Pontocho and Gion with an local expert!

Kyoto’s beautiful area of Arashiyama is known for its bamboo groves, but instead of being stuck in crowds—this small-group activity offers a completely different experience. Enjoy a hands-on lesson in a bamboo craftsman’s house and learn how to make your own bamboo souvenir—such as an LED lantern, sake bottle, teacup, or even a smartphone holder.

As Kyoto’s original small-group sushi-making experience since 2018, this workshop emphasizes depth, personal guidance, and authentic technique. Limited to just 8 guests, the class offers a relaxed, interactive pace with ample time for questions, hands-on practice, and individual feedback from a Japanese instructor. Guests build a strong foundation in sushi-making — from properly seasoning rice to shaping nigiri and rolling maki — using premium fresh fish and carefully selected local ingredients. The experience takes place in a beautifully restored historic townhouse near Kiyomizu-dera and Gion, providing a calm, refined setting in which to fully engage with the craft and enjoy the sushi you create.

Enjoy whisky tasting at Yamazaki Whisky Museum and enjoy production tour and tasting at Suntory Kyoto Brewery. ・Yamazaki Whisky Museum is only available by lottery base! Please do not miss on this special chance! *This tour includes Yamazaki Whiskey Museum Viewing (no viewing of production process/Free) ・Taste 3 glasses of whiskey (fees are not included in the tour price.) ・Enjoy shopping at gift shop. ・Tour is available on 8/24, 31, 9/7, 9-10, 12-14, 16-17, 28, 10/5, 13, 26 ・Gift is included. ・1 person to operate. ・English Speaking Assistant from Kyoto Tourist Information Center. ・This is a **non-professionally guided walking tour**. ・**All participants must be 20+ years old.** You will receive a final information email from KTIC titled:【Tour Date】- Booking Confirmation & Important Notice - HIS【Reservation #】.

Experience making hand made rings by hammering the texture using the japanese traditional style called "Tankin". You Will choose your favorite material, thickness, shape and texture. Then, using special hammers and tools by customizing your own ring. lt will takes around 60 minutes for the whole prosess. Staff will carefully explain the prosess and will help you taking commemorative photo. Highly recommended for a good quality gift and souvenir. Embrace your creativity and enjoy our unique experience in japan.