All Kyoto Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the city’s most photogenic nature spots, and with this tour you can explore its highlights with ease. Don’t worry about following a map, as a guide leads the way, as you explore trails and mountain scenery. Along the way, look out for wild monkeys, discover lesser-known paths, and access spectacular panoramic views of Kyoto.

Experience the serene beauty of Kyoto after sunset on a guided night E-bike tour. Navigate through tranquil alleys, illuminated temples, and hidden streets that showcase the city’s enchanting atmosphere at night. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore iconic sites such as Gion, Kiyomizu slope, Toyokuni Shrine, and Maruyama Park while enjoying the comfort of an electric bike and the insights of a knowledgeable guide. Perfect for those looking to uncover Kyoto’s quiet charm away from the daytime crowds. - Explore Kyoto's historic sites illuminated at night - Guided tour lasting approximately 2.0 to 2.5 hours - Suitable for all skill levels with electric bikes provided - Daily availability with a meeting point at Kyoto Tourist Lounge Gion

Discover the elegance of kumihimo, a traditional Japanese braiding art with centuries of history. This hands-on course invites you to experience the techniques that have been carefully passed down since the Edo period, while learning about the cultural significance and heritage of this craft. During the session, you’ll not only practice the braiding process yourself but also see authentic restoration materials and hear stories that reveal the artistry behind kumihimo. At the end, you can transform your finished braid into a keychain or bracelet — a personal piece of Japanese craftsmanship to take home as a meaningful keepsake. Relax with complimentary matcha tea while your completed creation is prepared for take-home. Reflect on your journey into Japan's most treasured textile tradition in our peaceful setting.

Experience a one‑of‑a‑kind night at Drum Tao Theater Kyoto in Kyoto Avanti, where a world‑acclaimed performance group presents a powerful non‑verbal show celebrated in 31 countries. This activity stands out for its immersive ultra‑close‑range theater, allowing you to feel the performers’ energy, rhythm, and presence up close. After the show, enjoy exclusive access to hands‑on cultural moments, including wearing a happi coat, taking a photo with the performers, and trying the drum yourself. This is perfect for culture lovers, adventure seekers, families with teens, and travelers looking for a memorable, high‑impact Japanese performing arts experience.

Learn about Japan’s cultural heritage and traditions at this traditional music show in Kyoto. This experience goes beyond a normal concert, as instead of just watching, you have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on experience by trying the instruments yourself. With a variety of instruments to choose from, you can select the ones that interest you most, and no prior experience is needed thanks to expert guidance throughout.

Discover the best of Kyoto with the SKY HOP BUS Kyoto Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus, the easiest and most flexible way to explore Japan's ancient capital. Travel aboard a comfortable open-top double-decker bus and enjoy panoramic city views while visiting Kyoto's top attractions at your own pace. Hop on and off at conveniently located stops near Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion, Heian Shrine, Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, Kyoto Tower, Kyoto Railway Museum, and more. With 1-day or 2-day tickets, multilingual audio commentary, free onboard Wi-Fi, and easy access to Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic temples, traditional districts, shopping areas, and cultural attractions, this sightseeing bus is the perfect way to experience the city. Book your Kyoto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour today for a memorable sightseeing adventure.

In this 1-hour workshop, you will learn Kintsugi, the traditional Japanese art of repairing pottery. Using specialized tools and gold powder, you will fix broken ceramic pieces. Our English-speaking instructor will guide you step-by-step. No experience is needed. We use fast-drying materials perfect for travelers. Your piece dries instantly, so you can safely pack it and take it home the same day. Why Kintsugi? The Japanese "Mottainai" Culture Japan has many earthquakes, which often break cherished pottery. However, Japanese culture values "Mottainai"—the belief that it is a waste to throw away usable things. Instead of discarding broken ceramics, craftsmen invented Kintsugi. They glued the pieces together with natural tree sap and painted the cracks with gold. This method turns damage into a beautiful feature, allowing items to be used for years. Craft your own piece of Japanese history. Book your 1-hour Kintsugi experience today!

✨ Experience Kyoto, Not Just See It! ✨ Kyoto’s most popular sights are spread across the city, and visiting them independently can require several train and bus transfers. This tour connects Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Arashiyama by tour vehicle, giving you more time to enjoy Kyoto and less time worrying about routes. ✦ Flexible Drop-Off Options Depart from Kyoto AVANTI near Kyoto Station, then finish at Kyoto Station or Nippombashi Station in Osaka, depending on your selected option. This flexibility makes the tour easy to combine with sightseeing or onward travel. ✦ Generous FREE TIME at Every Stop Enjoy free time to take photos, explore historic streets, visit cafés, browse shops or simply enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace. ✦ Travel with an English- or Chinese-Speaking Guide Your guide supports the group with meeting arrangements and useful information, making the tour easy to join—especially for first-time visitors to Japan or Kyoto.

Your group only — a relaxed, private evening enjoying Japanese food, sake, and the local bar-hopping culture. Pub crawls — or "nomi aruki" in Japan — are a great way to see a lively side of Kyoto most tourists miss. Kenji, a certified international sake sommelier, will take you to two or three specially selected bars with food and drinks tailored to your preferences. He spent many years at a sake brewery in Hyogo, tasting over 1,000 sakes from Japan and around the world. Explore Japan’s sake, craft beer, and food culture in the city — with Kenji, a knowledgeable local guide. Even if you don't drink alcohol, you're welcome to enjoy Kyoto's cuisine, but all guests must be at least 20 years old. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when you make your reservation. Group size: 2–4 people

Explore the hidden gems of Kyoto on this engaging walking tour of the mystical Shimogamo Shrine and the iconic Kamogawa Delta, complete with a personalized Manga-style souvenir. Along the way, we’ll capture fun, cinematic photos of your journey. Using these shots, we provide a unique twist: a custom-made Manga page featuring you as the main character. It’s the perfect, one-of-a-kind memento to remember your Kyoto adventure—no drawing or artistic skills required from you! Highlights: World Heritage Discovery: A guided stroll through the lush grounds of Shimogamo Shrine and the historic Tadasu-no-Mori forest. Scenic & Iconic Locations: Visit the Kamogawa Delta, a picturesque spot famous for its appearance in numerous Japanese animations. Professional Direction: Enjoy a fun atmosphere as your guide helps you find the best photo spots and poses. A One-of-a-Kind Gift: Receive a physical Manga-style print of your tour highlights—the ultimate personalized Kyoto souvenir.

The biggest attraction is that you can make IKEBANA works using rare antique vessels. You'll discover traditional Japanese culture and learn techniques that can easily be repeated at home. You can watch IKEBANA performance taking place in a Japandi-style alcove. You'll get a hands-on training from a licensed instructor. You can learn “moribana”and“nageire” techniques. We'll work together to create a total of 5 to 6 ikebana works. You can go up to the roof and see the Daimoji and view of Kyoto. You can also learn how to make petit bouquet too. You can deeply learn the sense of the seasons and the spirit of hospitality that we Japanese cherish.

Discover Kyoto's rich history, stunning temples, and scenic landscapes on this immersive bike tour. Starting at the iconic Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, home to centuries-old traditions, we will ride through charming backstreets to the magnificent Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) , where it’s gold-leaf exterior shimmers over a tranquil pond. Pedal through Kyoto’s peaceful neighborhoods and hidden gems before arriving at Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO WOLRD HERITAGE SITE with a stunning Zen garden. From there , we will cycle to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest , where towering bamboo stalks create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. This guided tour is perfect for those looking to experience Kyoto's beauty in a fun ,active and eco-friendly way. Join us for an unforgettable ride through japan's cultural heart! highlights: ✅ Ride through Kyoto’s hidden backstreets and scenic routes ✅ Enjoy a guided tour with local insights and historical stories

Capture the essence of Kyoto with a private photoshoot set in the enchanting Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama. Whether donning a traditional kimono or your preferred casual attire, this unique experience allows you to shine amidst Japan's most picturesque landscapes. The session is led by Amare, a skilled Kyoto-based photographer renowned for crafting natural and cinematic images that reflect your story. As you stroll through scenic paths lined with bamboo, temples, and traditional streets, this opportunity is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families desiring lasting memories. Within just three days, receive 50 beautifully edited photos to cherish forever.

Kyoto's crown jewel, Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, epitomizes the city’s rich heritage. Built in the 14th century by the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, this dazzling temple signifies the end of a turbulent era and highlights Kyoto’s cultural elegance. On this tour, visitors—whether history lovers, nature enthusiasts, or families—will experience the enchantment of Kinkaku-ji up close. Admire the temple's golden facade and its stunning reflection in the surrounding pond, while uncovering its historical and architectural significance. With insights from your knowledgeable guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Kinkaku-ji’s role in Japanese culture. Explore this iconic site and immerse yourself in the splendor of Kyoto’s golden heritage, creating a memorable journey through Japan's cultural past.

Perfect for those seeking a genuine Kyoto experience—or for returning visitors looking to escape the usual crowds—this tour offers a deeper, more intimate connection to the city’s rich culture and history.

Experience Kyoto your way on a private, fully customizable full-day tour designed around your interests. You’ll have an English-speaking guide at every stop, with comfort-first logistics including hotel pick-up/drop-off, air-conditioned private transportation, and smart routing to help you avoid peak crowds. Choose your pace and focus-temples, shopping, food markets, culture, or photography-while we manage transfers smoothly. Your itinerary may include iconic highlights such as Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), and the lively Nishiki Market, with the flexibility to swap or extend stops based on what you want most. Highlights of this experience: • Private tour for an exclusive, personal day with your group • Tailor-made itinerary to match your interests, timing, and mobility • Professional driver + smooth navigation through busy Kyoto areas • Hotel pick-up and drop-off with customizable stops throughout the day

Heian Shrine may look a thousand years old, but it was built in 1895. In 1869, the Emperor moved to Tokyo, and Kyoto, the capital for over a thousand years, began to fade. The city refused to give up. Led by Tanabe Sakuro, a 21-year-old engineer, Japanese hands alone tunneled through mountains to bring Lake Biwa's water into Kyoto. The canal powered Japan's first commercial hydroelectric plant and first electric streetcar. Heian Shrine was built to mark 1,100 years since Kyoto's founding: a symbol of a city reborn. Tokyo's No.1 bike tour (most-reviewed in Tokyo on GetYourGuide, Viator, Tripadvisor, Klook and Google, as of October 2026) is now in Kyoto. Grand Opening price for tours in November 2026. From December, the regular price is 10,000 yen with a cross bike and 14,000 yen with an e-bike. The route was created with a Kyoto City Visitor's Host, a guide certified by the City of Kyoto. We are a member of the Kyoto City Tourism Association. Departures: 10:15 and 14:30.

160 Years of Tradition, with a Modern Twist ・Experience 160 years of kimono tradition at our shop, where classic craftsmanship meets modern style. ・Our friendly staff speak English, Chinese, Cantonese, and Japanese, so you don’t have to worry about language barriers. ・Choose from over 500 kimonos and yukatas, from timeless classics to trendy modern designs — we have something perfect for everyone. ・Our professional dressers will style your kimono with care, ensuring you look beautiful and feel comfortable. ・We provide photography guidance, helping you capture stunning moments and create unforgettable memories in Kyoto. ・Whether you’re exploring the streets, visiting shrines, or celebrating a special occasion, we make your kimono experience truly special. Optional professional photography is also available for those who want picture-perfect memories.

• Looking for something to do in Kyoto in the evening? Experience unforgettable live entertainment at DRUM TAO THEATER KYOTO. • Many visitors describe DRUM TAO as a memorable part of their Kyoto trip. • A uniquely Japanese stage production combining taiko drumming, traditional instruments, dynamic movement, costumes, lighting, and visual effects. • A non-verbal performance of approximately 50 minutes, making it easy for international visitors to enjoy. • HIBIKI is an energetic and interactive show with audience participation, while YUME offers an immersive journey through dream and fantasy. • During HIBIKI, selected guests may be invited on stage to play taiko with the performers. • Conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit. • Reserved seating included.

Spend what many travelers describe as their one perfect day in Kyoto on this carefully designed small-group experience. The day is thoughtfully paced to balance Kyoto’s most important sights with time to truly enjoy them, creating an experience that feels memorable rather than rushed. Led by a well-reviewed guide known for storytelling, clear insight, and easy-to-understand English, you’ll explore sacred sites, historic neighborhoods, and temple gardens while learning about the “real” Japan. Taxi transfers are used between key areas, with all transportation fully included. Walking portions are unhurried, with time for photos. Entrance fees to scheduled attractions and a relaxed lunch at a local spot are also included, so you can enjoy the day without worrying about any additional costs. The itinerary and order of visits may vary depending on timing, weather, crowd levels, and site availability, and the day may also include a brief additional cultural stop or neighborhood walk.

・Taste 8 carefully selected, hard-to-find sakes from breweries across Japan. ・Enjoy sake at an intimate 8-seat counter overlooking a Kyoto City-designated scenic garden. ・Experience a special tasting with close-up views of a garden normally closed to the public. ・Discover how Japanese food pairings change the aroma, sweetness, acidity, and flavor of sake. ・Finish with a blind tasting challenge and put your senses to the test. ・Designed to be enjoyable for both sake beginners and experienced sake lovers.

With thousands of temples and shrines, it can take a lot of research to organize a sightseeing itinerary in Kyoto. Save yourself the hassle, and let an expert do the planning for you instead, with this private guided tour. The itinerary features seven must-see sights—including Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Gion district—with a private guide to take care of navigating, so you don’t get lost. This tour uses both taxis and public transportation to save your time and energy.

The craftsman teaching the sharpening and handle attachment has trained at a knife shop with over 150 years of history. Because he has undergone all-round training in sharpening, handle attachment, and even engraving, he is able to offer both sharpening and handle attachment workshops. Also, while the knife blade tends to get the most attention, please don’t overlook the variety of handles made from different types of wood! Through the sharpening experience, we hope you will appreciate the sharpness of Japanese knives, and through the handle attachment experience, the beauty and variety of knife handles.

Explore Kyoto your way with a fully private and customizable tour led by a friendly English-speaking guide. Travel comfortably in a private vehicle while creating an itinerary that matches your interests, whether you want to visit famous landmarks like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, Gion, or discover hidden local gems. Enjoy flexible pacing, convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and personalized recommendations throughout the day. This tour is perfect for families, couples, friends, and first-time visitors who want a stress-free and memorable Kyoto experience tailored just for them.