Top Kyoto How to Get Around - page 7

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. Visit Nijo Castle, its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Nijo-jo Castle has witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

Please note that on March 31st only, the Hozugawa River Boat ride will not be available. The tour will focus on the Sagano Romantic Train and free time in Arashiyama. Accordingly, a refund of 5,000 yen per person will be issued. 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

As two of Kyoto's most-popular and most-photographed spots, Fushimi Inari shrine and the Arashiyama bamboo forest are typically heaving with tourists during the day. Avoid the crowds with this early-morning small-group tour that also takes you to the temple of Tenryu-ji Temple and Togetsu-kyo Bridge.

Kyoto's Gion district is famed for its geisha heritage, but it is packed with tourists during the day. This small-group tour starts early, before the crowds arrive, and takes you off the beaten path to see places that most visitors overlook. As you stroll through Gion's history-rich streets, your guide fills you in on the lives of Japan's geisha.

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.

Leave the selfie stick at home and let a professional capture your memories in Kyoto during this private photoshoot. Your photographer will send over professionally edited photos by the next day, ready to share with family and friends. Choose your preferred timing and locations, or ask your photographer for suggestions if you don’t know where to start.

Located along the Sea of Japan in northern Kyoto Prefecture, Amanohashidate and Ine are two breathtaking destinations that blend natural beauty with traditional charm. Far from the bustling cities, they offer a peaceful and picturesque escape. Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s top three scenic views, is a 3.6 km pine-covered sandbar across Miyazu Bay. From Kasamatsu Park, it looks like a “bridge to heaven” or a flying dragon when viewed upside down. Just 30 minutes away lies Ine, a peaceful fishing village known for its 230 funaya—boathouses with boat garages below and homes above. Take a boat ride to see them up close and enjoy fresh seafood. Together, Amanohashidate and Ine offer a perfect mix of grandeur and tranquility in northern Kyoto.

This private car tour allows you to create your ideal day in Kyoto by choosing from three flexible options: a Kyoto 1-Day Highlights Tour, a Kyoto & Nara cultural journey, or a Kyoto & Osaka adventure. Every itinerary is fully customizable to match your interests and pace. If there are places you'd like to add—or locations you've already visited—we will adjust the route to design the perfect day for you. Travel comfortably by private car with a friendly local guide who brings history, culture, and local stories to life. Whether you want to explore the bamboo forest of Arashiyama, admire the Golden Pavilion, meet Nara’s sacred deer, or enjoy Osaka’s lively streets, you can experience Japan’s most iconic sights at your own rhythm, without rushing or following a set schedule. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors, families, and couples who want a smooth, personalized, and unforgettable sightseeing experience. Discover Kyoto—and beyond—in the most flexible and enjoyable way.

This bus tour is an efficient way to see Kyoto’s highlights in a single day. Instead of spending hours researching and planning, enjoy a well-planned itinerary with stops at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and Nijo Castle. You can also choose between packages that include attraction tickets or exclude them, giving you added flexibility.

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture during a private tour and dining experience with a geisha, once reserved for the elite. Begin with a guided stroll through the historic district, followed by an exclusive dinner or party featuring a geisha dance performance. Enjoy one-on-one conversations with a geiko or a maiko, gaining personal insights and stories that are never shared with the public—a rare experience difficult to find anywhere else.

Get more out of your time in Kyoto by joining a private walking tour with a scholarly guide who is an expert in Japanese culture and history. This customizable tour usually includes the city’s main highlights: Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji (the Golden and Silver Temples), Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the Bamboo Forest Trail. Learn more than you would touring independently.

Exploring a new city with a local provides a far richer experience than you'd get alone. This private tour of Nara, departing from Kyoto, allows you to see the city through a local's eyes. You'll be paired with a guide who shares your interests and spend the day discovering Nara's top attractions, as well as a few hidden spots you'd never find otherwise.

This is a perfect pick for nature lovers, and those interested in Japanese spirituality. Put away the guidebook and follow the lead of a landscape designer with over 15 years’ experience. It’s a great way to discover secret local spots that you wouldn’t discover otherwise, and to understand more about the meaning behind zen gardens.

Hi I'm Kosuke Let me show you around my home town. Feel free to contact me and let me know dates and places of your interest. Please book me two days at least if you really want to enjoy Kyoto! Thank you very much

Gion is perhaps the most famous district of Kyoto, known for geishas, tea houses, and beautifully preserved traditional architecture. Explore its streets with a private guide who can customize the tour to your interests. Choose an early morning tour to see the area with less crowds, or go at night to see it transform as the streetlights turn on.

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.

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.

This tour is best for first-time visitors to Kyoto. You will visit popular must-see tourist attractions such as Golden Pavilion, bamboo groves, and Tenryuji Temple with its wonderful World Heritage garden. We will also take you to hidden jem, meaning the temple of heaven, which is a relatively quiet and beautiful temple. You can enjoy popular sightseeing spots in a comfortable and efficient manner by cab. The tour ends in the Arashiyama area.　 After the tour, the guide will give you directions to other must-see places such as movie studios, Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion, etc. If you are new to Kyoto, please join this tour and get an outline of Kyoto sightseeing.

Discover Kyoto's geisha culture with our immersive dinner tour. Enjoy a sumptuous meal while being entertained by a skilled geisha or maiko, who will perform traditional dances, play musical instruments, and engage in elegant conversation. Our knowledgeable guide will provide fascinating insights into the life and customs of geisha, explaining their historical significance and the intricate artistry involved in their training and performances. You'll also learn about the beautiful city of Kyoto, its history, and cultural heritage. Please note that this group tour requires a minimum of 4 participants. If the number stays below 4 close to the tour date, it may not proceed. Also, depending on the availability of Geiko and Maiko, we may not be able to arrange their attendance. If so, we will notify you in advance. If you would like to make a private reservation, please contact us

Exploring the narrow alleyways of Kyoto’s geisha district—Gion—can be daunting for first-time visitors. Eliminate the worry of getting lost by going on a guided tour. Discover hidden places that locals love, hear about Kyoto’s ancient past, and visit other key landmarks beyond Gion too, such as Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Kennin-ji Temple.

First-time visitors to Kyoto, this is the tour for you. Spend a day discovering some of the city’s best places with a driver to take you around and speed up your sightseeing. Places to check off along the way include Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion, and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, with the ability to customize your route if you wish.

Swap shared walking tours for a VIP experience of a private and customizable Kyoto itinerary, complete with private transportation. Instead of following a fixed schedule, your day is tailored to your interests after completing a short questionnaire. Travel comfortably by taxi as you explore a carefully planned route, with potential stops including Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Tenryu-ji Temple.

Even though you could spend weeks checking off Kyoto’s sights, there’s still plenty to see beyond the city limits. This private day trip helps you make the most of your time in Arashiyama and Nara by providing a private vehicle and eliminating the hassle of public transportation. Not only that—you’ll have plenty of time to spend with the famous deer of Nara Park.

No more selfies or pestering strangers for photos of yourself and loved ones, enjoy the services of a professional vacation photographer in Kyoto to capture your travels in a contemporary and candid style. Specialising in delivering quality photography with photographers all over the world, we guarantee you amazing photos to remember your travels. All images shown were taken by our photographers.