All Kyoto Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

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.

Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy an immersive cultural experience with this small-group washi papermaking class in Kyoto. Enjoy designing paper using seasonal pressed flowers and leaves. Make a set of postcards, a table-mat, wraparound lampshade, or tapestry panel. Learn a new skill, and bring home a unique handmade souvenir.

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.

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.

Create your own pair of traditional Japanese chopsticks in this hands-on workshop in Kyoto. In this beginner-friendly experience, you will shape, sand, and finish your chopsticks while learning about their role in Japanese daily life and culture. The workshop includes Japanese hinoki (cypress) wood at no additional cost, known for its light weight and pleasant natural aroma. Guests may also choose to upgrade to other premium woods such as whitewood, cherry, walnut, or purpleheart for an additional fee, each offering a unique color and texture. Throughout the experience, your guide will explain the cultural background of chopsticks and Japanese craftsmanship in a simple and engaging way. No prior experience is needed, and all steps are carefully guided. At the end of the workshop, you will take home your handmade chopsticks as a meaningful and personal souvenir from Japan. This experience is perfect for travelers looking for a creative, cultural, and memorable activity in Kyoto.

This small-group tour is a great shortcut to discovering some of the best food and drink spots in Gion and Pontocho. Skip potential language barriers and explore Kyoto on foot with a guide to navigate as well as translate for you. Along the way, visit atmospheric places—such as a cosy "izakaya" and sample around 10 dishes, including crispy tempura, fresh sashimi, and classic Japanese fried chicken.

If you’re interested in learning more about geisha culture, this small-group walking tour in Kyoto is an excellent choice. Explore the historic Gion district with a guide to provide cultural context and tips on where you might spot a geisha. Along the way, hear stories about samurai culture, Zen meditation, and stop by key landmarks such as Yasaka Shrine. As a bonus, the tour also includes a local sake tasting.

Discover the flavors of Kyoto on a guided tour through Nishiki Market, the city's famous culinary destination known as the "Kitchen of Kyoto." Explore over 100 local shops with a knowledgeable guide, sample authentic Kyoto specialties, and learn about the history, culture, and traditions behind the city's unique cuisine. Visit Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine before strolling through the vibrant market, where you'll discover local favorites, seasonal ingredients, and hidden gems that many visitors overlook. Your guide will also share insider recommendations to help you make the most of your time in Kyoto. ● Explore Kyoto's famous Nishiki Market with a local guide ● Sample authentic Kyoto specialties and seasonal delicacies ● Learn about Kyoto's food culture and culinary traditions ● Visit Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine and discover local hidden gems

GEAR Theatre Kyoto – The Wordless Show Where 350,000+ Guests Have Laughed and Cried Make your autumn trip to Kyoto even more memorable with GEAR, a 90-minute theater experience where the story unfolds without a single word. No Japanese required. Step inside an intimate 72-seat theater and discover a moving story brought to life through breakdancing, mime, juggling, and magic. Projection mapping and LED costumes add to the spectacle, while the characters’ expressions and interactions draw you into moments of laughter, surprise, and emotion. Whether you’re visiting Kyoto as a couple, with friends, or with family, GEAR adds a live performance to your autumn sightseeing plans. Enjoy an indoor experience that brings you close to the action, whatever the weather. Approx. 90 minutes | No Japanese required | Intimate 72-seat theater Check available dates and showtimes to make GEAR part of your autumn Kyoto itinerary.

Swap crowded group experiences for this intimate alternative of a private tea ceremony just for your personal group. Held in a hidden townhouse, the experience includes a short film about matcha, followed by a step-by-step tea ceremony and the chance to make your own cup. As a private experience, it’s family-friendly, and children are welcome.

Cover a lot of ground while getting an intimate perspective of Kyoto on this fun bicycle tour. Avoid the risk of getting lost in this busy city with maze-like lanes when you tour with a guide and a small group of no more than six. Learn about Kyoto’s history and culture as you cycle past geisha houses, Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples, and through the old parts of town.

Kyoto's two greatest power centers sit minutes apart, yet most travelers visit one without ever understanding how they shaped each other. This private tour tells the complete story — from the Shogun's calculated display of dominance in 1603 to the dramatic moment power was surrendered back to the Emperor in 1867. ✨Stand inside Ninomaru Palace on the famous nightingale floors, engineered to catch assassins ✨Discover how Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace defined 265 years of Japanese history ✨Enjoy an unhurried private experience with a Kyoto local as your guide ✨Walk the imperial gardens where the shogunate finally came to an end

Spend some time getting acquainted with the cultural highlights of two historically important and beautiful districts of Kyoto on this private guided walking tour in Arashiyama and Sagano. As the tour is just for your personal group, you can customize the itinerary and pick 2–3 places to visit. Potential stops include Tenryu-ji Temple, Jojakko-ji Temple, and Togetsukyo Bridge.

With this Kyoto tour, you can discover the geisha district of Gion, without the worry of getting lost. Instead, have a guide to lead the way and explain fascinating insights about geisha culture and traditions. If you’re lucky, you may even have a chance to spot a geisha during your walk. Upgrade to the kimono option to rent a kimono to walk around in during your tour.

The tea ceremony goes in a small group. The maximum number of people are 6 for each session.But during peak seasons, it will increase to a maximum of 8 people. Experience an authentic tea ceremony, which is near the Zen buddhist monastery Daitoku-ji Temple in Kyoto. Daitoku-ji had many famous priest graduates in the history and has a close relationship with tea ceremony culture which has given a major influence to Japanese culture. We are also not far from the World Cultural Heritage site, the Golden Pavilion Temple. (Kinkaku-ji)It's only four stops away by bus. You’ll be provided with a tea container, tea bowl, tea scoops and whisks, and instruction on how to make matcha. You’ll also enjoy two bowls of matcha and two kinds of Japanese sweets. Tea ceremony is a learned experience, and it leads to enlightenment, similar to Zen’s understanding of realizing the truth through self-discovery.

Discover the timeless beauty of **Kyoto** on this unforgettable day tour featuring the iconic **Sagano Scenic Railway**, a delicious **Japanese-style buffet lunch**, and plenty of free time to explore the enchanting **Arashiyama** district. Ride the famous scenic train through the picturesque Hozugawa Gorge, where you'll enjoy breathtaking seasonal landscapes, from cherry blossoms in spring to vibrant autumn foliage. After lunch, immerse yourself in the charm of **Arashiyama**, one of Kyoto's most beloved sightseeing destinations. Stroll across the historic **Togetsukyo Bridge**, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed **Tenryu-ji Temple**, wander through the world-famous **Arashiyama Bamboo Grove**, visit the tranquil **Nonomiya Shrine**, and admire the colorful **Kimono Forest**. Perfect for families, couples, solo travelers, and first-time visitors, this tour combines breathtaking scenery, cultural heritage, and the freedom to experience one of Kyoto's most iconic districts.

Discover some of the most well-known landmarks in Kyoto with this convenient small-group tour. No research is required as a comprehensive schedule is planned out for you, with stops at Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Also, the itinerary timings are planned carefully to help you avoid the tour bus crowds and have a more peaceful experience.

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.

While the car and the metro are convenient ways to tick off sights, exploring Kyoto on foot reveals the details that make this Japanese city so alluring. This walking tour covers top sights such as Tenryuji Temple, the Bamboo Grove, and Togetsukyo Bridge, and saves you from having to check your map app every five minutes.

A day trip to Hiroshima from Kyoto offers a powerful and memorable experience, blending the historical significance of the Peace Memorial Park with the natural and cultural beauty of Miyajima Island. This well-planned itinerary ensures you see the key highlights and return to Kyoto enriched with a deeper understanding of Japan’s history and culture. This tour is led by a National Licensed Guide Interpreter. This itinerary is just a sample. We'd be more than happy to arrange the tour based on your requests. Please let us know your interests! Pick up in Kyoto and drop off in Osaka is also available. Please write the message on a special request section if need.

- Guided by an Urasenke tea master - Easy-to-access café in central Kyoto - Compare different Japanese teas such as matcha, sencha, and hojicha - Learn the basics of Japanese tea culture in a relaxed way - Whisk your own bowl of matcha - Enjoy traditional wagashi sweets - Comfortable table-style experience, no floor sitting required This experience is designed for travelers who want to enjoy Japanese tea culture in a more relaxed and accessible way. In a comfortable café in central Kyoto, an Urasenke tea master will introduce you to the world of Japanese tea. You will learn how matcha, sencha, hojicha, and other teas differ in flavor, aroma, color, and preparation style, then taste and compare them for yourself. You will also learn how to whisk matcha yourself and enjoy it with traditional wagashi sweets. It is a comfortable way to experience the essence of Japanese tea culture during your time in Kyoto.

*Enjoy masterpieces of Water Lilies series by Claude Monet at Asahi Group Museum of Art. *Suntory Yamazaki Distillery Tour is only available by lottery base! *You will join "Whisky Distillery Tour 【lottery】Yamazaki distillery MONOZUKURI tour & tasting(Paid/Japanese) Audio guide". *Shopping and 3 product tasting (not included in the tour price) are available at Yamazaki Whiskey Museum. *Gift is included. *This is a non-licesed assisted walking tour with walking up a very steep hill. *You will receive a final information by email. Please provide an email address after being confirmed. **Tour dates: 10/23, 27, 11/1, 10, 11, 19, 25, 27, 29, 30, 12/1-2, 6, 23** **11/10, 19, 12/1 English Distillery tour in person with schedule below** 10:20 Meet at Hankyu Oyamazaki Station 10:50 Arrive at Suntory Yamazaki Distillery 11:30 Distillery Tour by in English 12:30 Product tasting and shopping 14:00 Asahi Group Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art 15:30 Finish Tour at Hankyu Oyamazaki Station

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 9/19-24, 26-27, 29-30, 10/1-3, 6-8, 10-12, 14-17, 23-25, 27, 11/1, 3-8, 11, 17-22, 25-30 ・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 #】.