Top Kyoto Outdoor Activities

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.

Cycle past a mix of Kyoto’s most famous sights and its lesser-known secrets during this half-day ‘Hidden Kyoto’ bike tour. Take a 4.9-mile (8-kilometer) ride that starts by winding past iconic Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkakuji, Koto-in, and Kitano Tenmagu. Continue exploring off the beaten path, discovering intimate Zen gardens and charming backstreets known only to locals.

When you explore Kyoto by bike, you cover far more ground than a walking tour and escape the crowds of tourists faster. Visit the city’s major sites, like Arashiyama bamboo forest, as well as more off-the-beaten path gems. Cycle through stunning streets and learn about the city’s history. You’ll get everything you need to get started: a bike and helmet.

Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is famous for its Bamboo Grove, but it’s more than just a place to take a great photo. Ranked in the top 1% worldwide by TripAdvisor for 2026, this walking tour lets you learn about Arashiyama’s history, temples, and culture from your guide. It also whisks you away to hidden gems that are far less crowded, including Tenryuji Temple, Okochi Sanso Garden, and the Monkey Forest.

Fans of samurai and ninja history—this one’s for you. Enjoy an immersive tour in Kyoto where a guide takes you around the Samurai and Ninja Museum. See preserved artifacts up close and enjoy hands-on experiences during your visit, such as wearing samurai armor, throwing a ninja star, and posing with replica swords.

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.

Make the most of limited time in Kyoto and speed up your sightseeing with this guided e-bike adventure. Rather than walking around the city, a guide takes you on a scenic adventure that visits hidden backstreets, temples such as Tofuku-j Temple, and the magnificent Fushi Inari-taisha Shrine. Along the way, as well as hearing about Japanese history and culture, you can learn about Buddhism, Shintoism, and samurai warriors.

Even if your visit to Japan doesn’t coincide with the official sumo season, you can still watch wrestlers show off their skills during a sumo show experience in Kyoto. Not only will you watch the retired athletes perform classic moves in a traditional ring, but you’ll enjoy unlimited food and drinks, and you can even challenge a wrestler to a match.

Explore Kyoto’s eerie side on a unique ghost tour through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, which is crowded by day but super-spooky at night. This isn’t your typical haunted house experience—expect chilling urban legends, local ghost stories, and atmospheric streets after dark. Includes a drink to start and a brief solo walk in the dark for spine-tingling immersion. A small group ensures an intimate, creepy, and unforgettable night in one of Kyoto’s most famous locations—the bamboo forest.

Take in Japan's coastal landscapes and explore beyond Kyoto or Osaka with ease on this day-long group tour. You won't have to navigate Japan's busy public transportation system or arrange taxis between the sights, including Amanohashidate and the charming fishing town of Ine. Add context to what you see with insights from your guide.

Immerse yourself in samurai history and culture with this small-group samurai experience at a traditional samurai house in Kyoto. Under the guidance of an expert sword instructor, learn the philosophies of Bushido, the "Way of the Warrior;" handle a real martial arts sword; and take part in a Zen meditation session.

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.

Find out what's it's like to be a ninja. This small-group beginners class in a Kyoto dojo introduces you to the basics of ninja training. You'll learn how to breathe, walk, and meditate like a ninja, practice throwing ninja weapons, and learn how to use ninja swords. It's a unique Japanese experience for all ages.

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.

This is not just a sake tasting — it’s a 3-hour experience that will completely change how you understand and choose sake in Japan. Led by a sake specialist, you’ll go beyond “sweet or dry” and learn how sake is actually made, why flavors differ, and how to identify your own preferences with confidence. Visit the historic Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, then enjoy a guided tasting of multiple styles of sake paired with traditional snacks — with clear, practical explanations you can use anywhere in Japan. By the end of the tour, you will know which type of sake you truly like and how to select it without hesitation - enjoy sake not just during your travels, but as part of your life.

Learn traditional samurai fighting techniques against the scenic backdrop of Myokaku-ji Temple in Kyoto. Instead of a nondescript classroom, get striking souvenir photos and videos taken of yourself dressed in a samurai costume on temple grounds. The session is limited to six participants so you receive more personalized attention from your instructor.

Getting from Kyoto to Osaka International Airport is a breeze with this handy private transfer. Your driver will track your flight’s status so they'll pick you up from your Kyoto hotel at the best time, and they'll choose the best travel route to get you there. Avoid the hassle of navigating buses or trains with luggage and simplify your departure.

Kyoto offers countless attractions, but navigating public transportation can be time-consuming. Skip the language barriers and the train confusion with this hassle-free private car tour. Travel comfortably in a private vehicle and follow a carefully crafted itinerary tailored to your interests, with possible stops including Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

This is not a checklist sightseeing ride. It is a local Kyoto e-bike experience through Higashiyama temples and hidden alleys, guided by someone who rides these streets every day. We start with bike fitting and a clear safety briefing, then ride from the Imperial Palace area along the Kamo River and into Higashiyama. At Nashinoki Shrine, you collect fresh spring water like locals do—your reusable bottle is a gift and becomes your drinking water for the ride. At Shimogamo Shrine, we do the famous water omikuji (included): dip the paper in water and the message appears, a clever tradition and a fun test of luck. We then visit the quiet Honenin area, continue to iconic Nanzenji, and finish at Heian Shrine. We avoid busy main roads when possible and adjust the route to match crowds and conditions, keeping the ride smooth, safe, and memorable. If you want Kyoto that feels lived-in and authentic, this ride is for you.

This is the ultimate ninja experience for the whole family. You’ll have a lot of fun, and increase your knowledge about ninjas too. You won’t have to worry about what to wear, as ninja outfit rental is included. Highlights include throwing ninja stars (shuriken), and using a ninja blowgun. At the end of your experience, a visit to the Samurai and Ninja Museum is included.

Experience a warm cultural welcome to Japan with an authentic tea ceremony in traditional kimonos in Kyoto. Dress in a classic kimono, sip authentic matcha green tea, sample Japanese sweets and learn the customs and history behind this cherished ritual. It’s a perfect way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

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.

With this car tour, you don’t have to worry about delays waiting for other passengers, as the trip is completely private and just for your personal group. Enjoy the ultimate VIP service with hotel pickup and drop-off included, and an exciting itinerary planned out for you with stops such as Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the atmospheric geisha district of Gion.