Top Kyoto Outdoor Activities

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.

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.

Nara is one of Japan's most-visited destinations, which means it gets crowded during the day. Dodge the biggest crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience of the ancient Japanese capital on this early-morning, small-group tour. Admire landmarks including Kofuku-ji Temple and Nara Park, home to free-roaming deer, while learning about the long history of this sacred place.

Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is famous for its Bamboo Grove, but it’s more than just a place to take a great photo. Learn about Arashiyama’s history, temples, and culture from your guide on this small-group walking tour. Visit hidden and less-crowded gems such Tenryuji Temple, Okochi Sanso Garden, and the Monkey Forest. A combined Fushimi Inari option is also available for a fuller experience.

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.

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 night in one of Kyoto’s most famous locations—the bamboo 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.

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.

How This Experience Differs from Ordinary “Maiko Shows” •Not a staged tourist performance This is not a simplified show created for large crowds. It is an intimate cultural immersion that reflects the real rhythm and refinement of an authentic ozashiki evening. •Created by someone deeply connected to the hanamachi Years of trusted relationships in Kyoto’s most exclusive flower districts allow the creators to reproduce details that outsiders would not know. •Authentic interaction, not photo-op entertainment Guests are invited into the conversational, playful, and highly nuanced atmosphere of genuine ozashiki hospitality—something impossible to imitate without deep cultural knowledge. •Respect for traditional forms The dance, etiquette, and presentation follow the standards used in real teahouse settings, preserving their integrity. •Small, invitation-only format Unlike commercial venues, this program is intentionally limited in capacity to maintain the intimacy

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.

Take control of your Kyoto sightseeing and visit only the sights you wish to see on this private walking or driving tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this private tour lets you customize a half-day or full-day itinerary, with a guide to provide commentary and insights. Opt to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or stray from the beaten path to see an alternative side of Kyoto. Entrance fees extra.

Journey into the "Otherworldly" landscapes of Kyoto’s hidden tea country. This private tour takes you to Wazuka, the magical village supplying the finest Uji Matcha Highlights: Magical Views Year-Round: Marvel at the famous "Green tea fields reaching to the sky." The manicured, geometric evergreen waves are breathtakingly photogenic in every season—stunningly serene and vivid even in winter! Authentic Tea: Visit local farmer-supplied cafes to taste Japan’s No.1 awarded tea and rich matcha desserts. Enjoy shopping for premium tea at 1/2 to 1/3 of city prices Time Travel: Explore the iconic Byodoin Phoenix Hall, 1,000-year-old architecture survived centuries of war to represent the "Buddhist Pure Land (Paradise)" on Earth. Discover how monks, samurai, and even ninjas shaped tea culture while visiting hidden gems left from ancient monks Ride in Style: Wide area pickup options from 2 big cities, comfortable van for groups or an open-air convertible Mini Cooper for solo travelers

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.

Explore Kyoto’s highlights, and cover more ground with less effort on this small-group guided bike tour. Visit the UNESCO-listed Zen temple of Kennin-ji to explore its Japanese rock garden. Then, pedal over to Nanzen-ji Temple where you can learn about the old days of Kyoto. Learn about the history and significance of each point of interest from your guide. You'll also stop at a traditional Japanese teahouse for a delicious lunch.

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.

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.

Experience the elegance of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto Rent a kimono and explore the city in style after your tea ceremony Enjoy hair styling and accessories like a fan and umbrella Take photos in a Japanese garden and a dedicated photo room Benefit from luggage storage and return your kimono at a different location

This bike tour is the perfect way to explore Kyoto. Cycle down narrow backstreets that are inaccessible by bus tours, and cover ground at a faster pace than a walking tour. The itinerary showcases Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, the traditional geisha district of Gion, Tofukuji Temple, Takase Canal, and plenty more scenic surprises along the way.

Combine natural beauty and close encounters with wildlife on this action-packed afternoon tour to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Iwatayama Monkey Park. To save tired legs, and help you get around with ease, bike and helmet rental is included. The trip showcases spectacular views of Kyoto from Iwatayama Mountain, the natural beauty of the bamboo forest, Sogenchi Pond Garden, and the chance to look out for Japanese macaque monkeys.

Visit inspiring forest mountain vistas, charming temples and shrines. Capture Instagram-worthy moments in the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Forest. Immerse yourself in captivating stories shared by our friendly and well-informed guide. Flexible booking – even last-minute reservations are welcomed! Select from a variety of start times that suit your schedule. Experience the warmth of a small group adventure, with no more than 9 explorers.

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.

Get a more comprehensive understanding of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove as you expore the surrounding area on an electric bike tour. Cover more ground than you ever could by walking as you visit stunning temples and areas away from the main tourist hubs. The tour includes everything you need, including a bike, helmet, temple fees, and snacks.

Visit the world-famous Torii Red Gates at Fushimi-Inari Shrine with a knowledgeable and approved English-speaking tour guide. Cycle along the quiet streets of Kyoto down to the magnificent Shinto complex of Fushimi-Inari that is as old as the ancient city itself. Afterwards, have a wander around the shops and stalls that line the surround the shrine and try some of the local specialities. Along the way, the tour also stops at Sanjusangen-do temple where you are sure to find inner peace walking through the millenia-old corridors leading to the incredible sight of a thousand Buddha statues. Get back on the bikes for the ride back to Kyoto station along the serene Kamo river with its nature and wildlife. Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Kyoto due to its numerous alleys and side-streets with less traffic. Enjoy this leisurely cycling tour going at your own pace and a special experience at two sacred sites while skipping the crowds and enjoying the scenery by bicycle.