Top Kyoto Holidays - page 2

There’s so much more to Kyoto than its temples, gardens, and shrines—and this evening focuses on the highlights of Gion and Pontocho at night. Find out hidden secrets about “geisha” culture, get top tips on local nightlife, and best of all—stop off at your guide’s favorite Japanese whiskey bar for tastings.

If you’re craving a night out in Kyoto but don’t know where to go, this private tour takes care of the details for you. Visit 3 restaurants and bars with a guide who can provide cultural insights and help translate. The tour is curated so you get an authentic sense of local culture—the spots you visit are not easily found online and are generally filled with locals.

This experience combines two sides of umeshu that are rarely explored together: crafting and nightlife. Rather than simply tasting “Japanese plum wine,” you begin by creating your own personalized umeshu at CHOYA UME STUDIO Kyoto Sanjo, guided by one of Japan’s most established umeshu producers. You’ll explore the differences between ume and Western plums, sample various ingredients, and design a blend that will mature at home. Then, instead of ending at the workshop, you step into Kyoto’s evening culture. In the lively Kiyamachi area, you’ll experience how umeshu is actually enjoyed by locals—served in different styles, paired with savory dishes, and shared in the relaxed atmosphere of an izakaya. This tour is not just a tasting session or a bar crawl. It connects tradition with modern enjoyment, offering both a handcrafted bottle for the future and a flavorful night out in Kyoto’s vibrant dining scene.

Discover the culture behind *izakaya*, the Japanese equivalent to tapas, during a half-day cooking class with dinner in Kyoto. Rather than just dining on popular home dishes, learn tips and tricks for getting the food right at home during a session with a master chef before preparing and eating your own izakaya-style creations. It’s the perfect chance to explore the country’s cuisine beyond the typical sushi and teriyaki offerings.

Sip sake near the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto during this afternoon tasting tour. You’ll learn about the different grades of sake, visit breweries and liquor stores, and discover why the area around the shrine is known for its production of high quality, sweet-tasting sake. More more than 30 types of sake are available for you to try, so you’ll be sure to leave the tour with a favorite in mind.

Would you like to experience restaurants and bars LOVED by locals? Hi I am Takeshi, your friendly personal guide who’s passionate about Kyoto’s Bar Hopping scene. On this tour I will guide you to authentic bars and restaurants so you can really experience Kyoto like a local. You will discover delicious food and drinks whilst meeting new people! This will be an experience you won’t forget. I will guide you Places you can’t easily Google!!!around locals area. By taking this tour, you will support the local businesses of Kyoto. Only guests over 20 years old, up to 4people in total can participate. This tour is private tour so you can enjoy with your friends! If you have any special requests for location, food, dates, etc., I will be happy to organize a tour to meet your needs. I am sincerely looking forward to joining you on a tour that will make you feel "I am really glad I came to Kyoto!"

For those new to the Japanese rice wine, sake can be something of a mystery. Unravel those mysteries on this tour to Kyoto's Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, which has been making sake since 1637. See how producers have made sake throughout the past few hundred years, and understand the techniques they use. Enjoy sampling some of the sake and then have lunch (included) in the restaurant.

Explore the heart of Fushimi, renowned for its rich sake culture, on this immersive 3.5-hour tour. Begin at Gokōnomiya Shrine, where you can taste legendary spring water used in sake production for over 1,200 years. Then, delve into the history of brewing at Gekkeikan, the oldest sake brewery in the area. Conclude your journey with a tasting of 17 distinct types of sake, experiencing the unique flavors and aromas crafted by local breweries. This tour is perfect for sake enthusiasts and those eager to learn about Japanese traditions. - Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes, from 9:45 AM to 1:15 PM - Limited to 8 participants for an intimate experience - Includes guided tours and tasting of 17 sake varieties - Ages 20 and older only, due to alcohol consumption regulations - Dates: November 18, 25; December 2, 9, 2025 (Tuesdays)

This is a quiet cultural walking tour, not a lively festival experience. Byobu are traditional Japanese folding screens displayed inside private homes only during the Gion Festival. We walk around the Karasuma and Shijo area, where residents generously open their private homes to share these seasonal artworks. As these are private spaces, photography may not be allowed, and the focus is on respectful observation rather than spectacle. Yusuke (your guide) will explain basic manners and etiquette for visiting private Japanese homes, allowing you to view the screens comfortably and with confidence. This is a calm, slow-paced cultural walk for guests interested in art, history, and seasonal traditions. Photos shown represent the general atmosphere of the Gion Festival area. The folding screens are privately owned artworks and may not always be visible or photographed during the tour. This experience is best suited for adults with an interest in Japanese culture and art.

Step into the secret alleys of Kyoto and experience Japanese-style bars where locals gather to enjoy food and drinks. Before the tour begins, your expert guide will have a short consultation with you to understand your preferences, then take you to the bars that best match your taste. Wander through the charming backstreets of the Kawaramachi area, lined with tiny bars, traditional confectionery stands, and local food markets. For those interested, there will be chances to sample local bites as you stroll through the neighborhood. At each bar, your guide will introduce you to delicious pairings of sake and Kyoto-style side dishes. Every venue has its own unique homemade specialties — some of which you won’t find on any tourist menu. You’ll also visit a small hidden shrine and hear fascinating stories about its history. Exploring Kyoto on your own is wonderful, but with this tour, you’ll discover a whole new, authentic side of the city.

Strap in for an electrifying tour through Fushimi’s sake paradise! Start at Gekkeikan, where tradition meets innovation. Dive into the Gekkeikan Museum to uncover the secrets of sake-making with interactive exhibits and ancient tools, then savor their top-notch sakes and snag some quirky souvenirs. Next, visit Kizakura, famous for its smooth, crowd-pleasing brews. Meet their playful "kappa" mascot and taste their smooth, approachable sakes while soaking up their fun, historical vibes. The grand finale is Fushimizu Sake Brewery Alley—a tasting extravaganza featuring 18 different sakes! From bold to light, this spot has it all, promising a wild ride of flavors and unforgettable sips. Prepare for a thrilling sake adventure that’s packed with flavor and fun. Can you handle the ultimate sake challenge?

【Comments from the planner】 I’m a professional guide — not a bartender — but I love whisky so much that I ended up creating this tour anyway. I’ve tasted whiskies from all over the world, yet Japanese whisky is still my favorite. I’m not big on heavily peated, smoky whiskies, so the smooth, delicate, and beautifully aromatic style of many Japanese whiskies really speaks to me. Of course, Japan also produces wonderfully smoky expressions, which shows just how wide and fascinating the range truly is. In recent years, micro-distilleries have been popping up all across Japan, adding even more depth to the whisky scene. Japanese whisky is now famous worldwide, but I believe there are still plenty of incredible bottles that can only be enjoyed here in Japan. The more you learn, the deeper and more fun the world of Japanese whisky becomes — and I’d love to explore it with you. This tour is basically my personal passion project, and I’m the only one on the team who guides it. Kenji

This private walking tour explores the romantic and cultural heritage of Kyoto. Begin at a historic shrine where lantern-lit paths reflect centuries of devotion. Walk through Gion where refined traditions and classical architecture create an intimate atmosphere. Discover the origins of Kabuki theatre tied to Japan’s artistic legacy. Continue along the Kamo River where calm waters frame timeless city views. Conclude near a historic theatre that preserves one of Japan’s oldest performing arts. This experience blends culture, history, and refined ambiance. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Discover the rich history and exquisite flavors of Japanese sake on this full-day tour from Kyoto to Kobe’s Nada Gogo, Japan’s largest sake-producing region. Perfect for sake enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike, this tour combines visits to traditional breweries with the charm of Kobe’s local scenery and culinary delights. This tour is great for any types of travelers , such as adventure seekers, etc.

This walking tour is for all levels of Japanese sake lovers! Tour allows you to explore Fushimi district which is nation’s second-leading sake producing area. Tour will start by taking a city bus and/or walking through the local streets of Fushimi district which will leads you to Saito Shuzo Sake Brewery for total of 90 minutes of brewery viewing, tasting and shopping at ”actual running” brewery. Shipping to hotels in Kyoto from the brewery is available with extra charge. Leaving the Saito Shuzo Sake Brewery, transferto Fushimi Yume Hyakushu by city bus and walking. At Fushimi Yume Hyakushu, you can try 17 different local sakes for 30 minutes. You may also shop for some sakes and gifts for yourself, family and friends. We are offering a special "Trial Tour" on the 1/14 at price of 10,000 yen! All guests are asked to fill out a survey at the end of the tour. Tours are available on following dates: 1/21, 28, 2/17, 18, 24, 3/11, 18, 25, 4/15, 16, 21, 22, 28, 5/13, 20, 27.

Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s preservation culture through a private experience beyond a simple “Japanese plum wine workshop.” While umeshu is often translated as Japanese plum wine, the Japanese ume fruit differs from Western plums—more aromatic, tart, and rooted in seasonal traditions. In collaboration with CHOYA UME STUDIO Kyoto Sanjo, you will craft your own umeshu (or non-alcoholic ume syrup), tasting different ume varieties, sugars, and base liqueurs to create a personalized blend. Unlike wine, umeshu is steeped and matured—an expression of patience central to Japanese food culture. What sets this tour apart is the pairing experience at Nishiki Market, “Kyoto’s Kitchen.” You will explore traditional pickling techniques—salted and lactic-fermented vegetables—and select flavors that best complement your handcrafted umeshu once it matures at home. More than a tasting, this experience offers insight into ume, Kyoto’s pickling heritage, and the art of preserving seasonality.

Join one of Japan's most famous festivals, the Gion Matsuri, and experience its spectacular procession with included viewing tickets. This tour offers both a half-day and a full-day option. For the Full-Day Plan After viewing the procession, you will explore the historic canal district of Omihachiman. Then, you will visit La Collina Omihachima to enjoy its unique architecture and beautiful green landscapes, complete with cafes and a bakery. The tour then concludes with some time for shopping at MITSUI OUTLET PARK SHIGA RYUO.

As a passionate foodie fluent in Japanese, I love dining out and can guide you around the most local bars in downtown Kyoto, as well as explain the cultural background of the drinks. Japanese food can be intimidating. As a chef, I love talking about food and making it easy to understand for visitors. Note, reservations cannot be made at standing bars, so venues may change depending on availability.

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.

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular travel destinations, and it can get very busy. Make an early start on a private tour, avoid the crowds, and fit more into your day. Stroll through the torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine before the tour groups arrive, see Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Pavilion) as it opens, and explore Arashiyama’s bamboo forest before the midday masses arrive.

Immerse yourself in the cultural and architectural splendor of Kyoto on this private tour, ideal for first-time visitors. Choose from two different routes, both of which cover major Kyoto attractions including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple, and explore the city with a personal guide. On the northwest-bound route, you’ll visit the Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Food Market, and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama Park. Alternatively, the southeast course covers the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, and the Gion area. Receive undivided attention from your guide on this private tour.

This private evening walking tour reveals Kyoto’s cultural nightlife through a heritage lens. Begin in a lively district where modern energy meets longstanding tradition. Walk along historic streets lined with intimate establishments rooted in local culture. Explore Pontocho where narrow alleys preserve the elegance of classical Kyoto. Learn how social life evolved from geisha traditions to modern gatherings. Observe the atmosphere rather than participate in consumption-focused activities. This experience highlights cultural continuity within a refined evening setting. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

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.

Immerse yourself in the captivating culture of Kyoto on a full-day sightseeing tour. See the tranquil Kiyomizu Temple, with views from its terraces; absorb the majesty of Kyoto Imperial Palace; admire the dazzling gold of Kinkaku-ji Temple, and more. Your guide tells you all about Kyoto’s long history, so you learn much more than you would wandering around alone.