All Kyoto Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

The refined setting of a Japanese tea ceremony can feel intimidating to travelers. This immersive small-group Kyoto experience unravels some of the mystery. With the help of an expert, don a beautiful kimono and have your hair styled, then participate in a traditional tea ceremony in an elegant tea room; learn how to prepare matcha; and, if you like, create your own piece of calligraphy.

Discover the traditional Japanese art of kintsugi in this hands-on workshop in Kyoto. Kintsugi is the practice of repairing broken pottery using lacquer and gold, embracing imperfections and giving new life to damaged pieces. In this beginner-friendly experience, you will learn the basic techniques of kintsugi while creating your own unique piece. All steps are carefully guided, making it easy to join even without prior experience. A standard pottery piece is included, and guests can also upgrade to a wide selection of unique plates and bowls for an additional fee. The variety allows you to choose a piece that matches your personal style, making your final creation even more special. During the workshop, your guide will also introduce the philosophy behind kintsugi, including the idea of finding beauty in imperfection, making the experience both creative and meaningful. At the end of the session, you will take home your repaired piece as a one-of-a-kind souvenir from Japan.

Let's have a special experience taking the Sagano Romantic Train and Hozugawa River Boat Ride with English guide! - Enjoy the beautiful scenery from the Sagano Romantic Train and - Hozugawa River Boat Ride. - Experience the thrilling Hozugawa River Boat Ride. - Travel with an experienced guide with deep knowledge about Kyoto.

Choose your kimono and get dressed with simple hairstyling (1–1.5 hrs) Join a 1-hour tea ceremony: learn tea culture, enjoy matcha & sweets Keep the kimono until 6:00 PM to explore and stroll nearby A memorable way to enjoy Japanese tradition.

Don’t return home from Japan with any old eating implement. Instead, shun standardized souvenirs for your own personalized chopsticks during a craft workshop in Kyoto. Select your material from more than 12 types of wood from the forested Arashiyama, with 3 types included free of charge, and master the art of whittling your chopsticks down to perfect points.

Create your own one-of-a-kind ring from vintage coins in this hands-on workshop in Kyoto. This unique experience allows you to transform real coins into a wearable piece of jewelry, combining craftsmanship with history. You can choose from a selection of Japanese vintage coins as well as coins from around the world. Each coin carries its own story, design, and origin, allowing you to create a ring that is both meaningful and personal. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you will shape and finish your ring step by step with guidance, making it easy for anyone to join without prior experience. This experience is especially popular for couples, friends, and solo travelers who want to create something memorable together. Your handmade ring becomes not only a stylish accessory, but also a lasting memory from your time in Japan. At the end of the workshop, you will take home your custom-made ring as a unique and personal souvenir.

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.

The subway system and local bus network can be very confusing for tourists visiting Kyoto, so save yourself the risk of getting lost and opt for this worry-free private tour instead. Door-to-door hotel transfers are included, and a guide takes you to a selection of key sights, such as Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, or Nishiki Market.

The streets of Kyoto's Gion geisha district are always packed full of tourists during the day. Avoid the daytime crowds and enjoy a more authentic experience of the culture-rich district on this small-group nighttime walking tour. Go beyond the typical tourist sights to uncover the deep history and veiled traditions as you explore geisha secrets, historic sites, and the “real Japan” most visitors never find. In addition to Gion, you'll also visit other well-preserved historic parts of Kyoto.

Make the most of your time in Kyoto by combining two classic experiences: wearing a kimono and taking part in an authentic tea ceremony. Led by a professional tea master, learn about the tools and traditions behind preparing Japanese green tea. To enhance the experience, kimono rental is included, offering an atmospheric way to appreciate this centuries-old tradition. Tickets must be exchanged at the starting point before entry.

Enjoy a world of quiet elegance at Nishiki Orizuruya. All plans include kimono rental (with free hair styling for women) and are guided in English. 1. Authentic Tea Ceremony: After a captivating demonstration, learn to whisk your own matcha using a traditional bamboo whisk. Your prepared tea is paired with exquisite, seasonal Wagashi (traditional sweets) sourced from a celebrated 100-year-old Kyoto confectionery shop. 2. Tea Ceremony & Calligraphy: Combine the meditative art of tea with the flow of brush and ink. After savoring your matcha and sweets, learn to write your favorite kanji using a brush and ink. A great chance to create a personal keepsake. 3. Tea Ceremony & Guided Nishiki Market Tour: Enjoy the complete tea ceremony experience, then set out on a culinary adventure. Explore the bustling stalls of "Kyoto’s Kitchen" (Nishiki Market), hidden local shrines, and ancient specialty shops to discover the deep roots of Kyoto's food culture.

This activity offers an immersive cultural experience that goes beyond sightseeing by allowing guests to actively participate in Japanese craftsmanship. Instead of simply viewing finished products, participants gain insider insight into how Japanese kitchen tools are designed for long-term use and everyday cooking. The hands-on format creates a deeper connection to the craft, making the experience both educational and memorable. Taking home a finished knife adds lasting value, as the skills and understanding gained during the workshop can be appreciated each time the knife is used. This experience is ideal for curious travelers, food lovers, creative visitors, and those interested in Japanese culture and design. It is also well suited for couples, solo travelers, and small groups looking for a unique, meaningful activity in Kyoto that combines learning, creativity, and tradition in a relaxed setting.

The red gates of Kyoto's Fushimi-Inari are beloved of travelers, but this to leads to overcrowding during the day. Avoid the big crowds with this small-group nighttime walking tour. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the shrine as evening falls and learn about its historical and cultural significance from your guide.

Gion is one of Kyoto's best-known districts, due to its historical charm and geisha heritage. But, for visitors, it can be tricky to get to grips with the etiquette of exploring Gion and to understand the role of the geisha in local culture. This small-group walking and dining tour sheds light on the world of the geisha and paints a vivid picture of the refined art forms they master, culminating with an intimate dining experience in the company of a maiko (apprentice geisha).

Go beyond the ancient castles and historic sites and immerse yourself in the culture of Japan's feudal era with this private kendo experience in Kyoto. Under the careful guidance of your teacher, learn how to handle a Japanese sword like a samurai in preparation for the main event: slicing a tatami mat with a sword.

Limited to **2 Groups per Day** We only provide **Local English-Speaking Guides** We have experience guiding Hollywood actors, including Lance Gross. 【Available exclusively】 2026 Autom Light-up Schedule Arashiyama 9/30 ~ 11/8 To-ji Temple 10/31 ~ 12/13 Katsuo-ji Temple 11/1 ~ 11/30 (only Sunday & Saturday) Kiyomizu Temple 11/21~11/30 Light-Up Tour Historic temples, serene bamboo groves, and majestic waterfalls transform into vibrant landscapes of glowing autumn foliage during this special seasonal night illumination tour. Merging heritage sites with modern lighting artistry, the journey features Arashiyama's bamboo path, To-ji’s five-story pagoda reflecting on pond waters, Katsuo-ji and Minoh Waterfall, and the panoramic night view from Kiyomizu-dera's famous wooden stage. Designed for international travelers, this journey offers a seamless way to experience the peak of Japanese autumn aesthetics after dark. We Are a Tour Guide Service Company

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.

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.

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.

If you’re interested in Japan’s ninja culture, then this is the experience for you. Rather than just watching ninja movies or visiting a museum, this hands-on experience allows you to forge a real ninja weapon. Safely learn how to heat, hammer, and shape your weapon, with guidance from skilled craftsmen. Then, engrave your weapon and have a memorable souvenir to take home.

Soak up the historical atmosphere of Kyoto on a small-group walking tour. Immerse yourself in the history of the former Japanese capital as your guide leads you to the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle. Learn more about these historic landmarks in a few hours than youever could on your own.

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.

Japan is known for its exceptional sushi, and Kyoto has no shortage of great restaurants—but this experience goes a step further by letting you make your own sushi from scratch. During the class, enjoy an introduction to sushi and Japanese food culture, then learn how to prepare around 10 pieces yourself, which you can enjoy at the end alongside a tasting of Japanese sake.

Sake—traditional rice wine—is Japan’s most famous drink, and Kyoto’s Fushimi District is renowned for its sake production, home to over 30 breweries. During this small-group experience, discover the wide varieties of sake and learn how to identify your preferences, led by a sake sommelier. Sample several different sakes, accompanied by tasty Japanese snacks, and leave with a cheat sheet to help you order your favorite sakes while in Japan.