All Kyoto Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

Embark on a journey through time in Kyoto and Nara, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. In Nara Park, encounter the free-roaming deer that charmingly bow to you in hopes of a treat. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple, 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.

If your time in Kyoto is limited and you want to see lots of its famous sights in a day, then this private guided tour is an excellent choice. Explore the city with a private guide to take care of navigating. Along the way, tick off 10 top attractions including the beautiful temple of Kiyomizu-dera, the geisha district of Gion, lush bamboo groves, and plenty more scenic surprises.

Discover Kyoto’s picturesque Arashiyama district without doing any research or itinerary planning, thanks to this efficient small-group walking tour. Meet your guide at Tully's Coffee near Randen Arashiyama Station before exploring the famous Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple, Nonomiya Shrine, and Monkey Park Iwatayama to see the macaques. Admission is included, saving time waiting in line. This tour lasts about 3 to 4 hours, offering a compact yet immersive experience.

Whether you’re only in Kyoto for the morning or want to avoid the crowds of tourists, this early morning tour of the city lets you experience the city at its most tranquil. After your sightseeing session, you will still have much of the afternoon and onwards to explore thanks to your early start. As a bonus, learn how to use the city’s public transit from your guide. Entrance fee for Kinkakuji Temple is extra.

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.

This Marvelous Matcha Kyoto Green Tea Tour is the perfect way to discover the different varieties of matcha, see how to craft the perfect cup, and best of all—taste it. Visit the world-renowned district of Uji, which is known for producing outstanding quality green tea. The tour helps you discover hidden local tea shops that would be hard to find alone, and you have a guide to help translate. When you’ve worked up an appetite, a delicious set lunch is provided.

Enjoy a comfortable and convenient private transfer from the KIX airport to your accommodation in Osaka or Kyoto. Relax in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and get assistance with your luggage. • Your Time is Secure: We start your 60 mins free waiting time as per your selected time slot. • Choose Your Direction: Select a pickup from KIX to Osaka or Kyoto, or Osaka or Kyoto to KIX. • Transparent Coverage: Service to Osaka or Kyoto city center is included. For other zones outside the city center, a small extra fee applies.

This guided tour helps you discover Kyoto’s dispersed temples, shrines, and cultural attractions in one day. Save time researching and planning your trip, by having the itinerary organized for you. Travel in an air-conditioned coach for a hassle-free day. Highlights include Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sagano Bamboo Forest, and Kinkaku-ji Temple—admission tickets are included for all.

Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, stepping into Katsuoji Temple. The beautiful vistas, the sound of sutra chanting, and the aroma of incense create a soothing atmosphere that appeals to the senses. The temple offers panoramic views, an abundance of daruma dolls, a mist-covered bridge over koi fish ponds, and a striking vermilion pagoda. Marvel at the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji that shows you the best of the timeless Japanese city, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Explore the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House, and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature, history, and culture with our friendly and professional guide.

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.

Make the most of your time in Kyoto and explore the surrounding area without the hassle of renting a car or figuring out public transportation. This day-long itinerary checks off local sights including Amanohashidate and Ine, offering stunning waterfront views. Tailor the day to your interests with the option to go for a boat ride or rent a bike in Ine.

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.

If you love matcha or are looking for an authentic Kyoto tea tour, this unique matcha experience in Uji and Wazuka is for you. Escape the city and relax in nature in Wazuka, the heart of Uji tea and matcha. Walk through scenic tea farms and enjoy a hands-on Japanese tea experience in a traditional house—comfortable even in rain or hot weather. Led by an award-winning female local entrepreneur, this sustainable cultural tour directly supports local tea farmers and the community. Discover Wazuka, a hidden tea paradise surrounded by rolling green hills. This peaceful village offers a true off-the-beaten-path Kyoto experience, where premium matcha has been produced for over 800 years. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, families, and tea lovers seeking an authentic Japan cultural experience. Book your Kyoto matcha tour today!

With this small-group walking tour, you can focus on just one area of Kyoto—the geisha district of Gion. Enjoy a deep dive of this culturally-rich neighborhood, including fascinating insights about the world of geisha that you’d miss if exploring alone. Along the way, stroll past hidden tea shops, hear stories about samurai, and get lots of great tips for your Kyoto adventures.

Experience the traditional Japanese art of Kintsugi in a quiet workshop near Gion and Kawaramachi in Kyoto. In this hands-on experience, you will repair cracked or chipped ceramic pieces using lacquer and gold powder, transforming broken pottery into something beautiful and unique. With guidance from an experienced instructor, you will carefully work on bowls or plates while learning the basic techniques of Kintsugi. Rather than hiding imperfections, this traditional method celebrates them as part of an object’s history and character. During the workshop, you will also learn about the history of Kintsugi and the Japanese philosophy that values imperfection and mindfulness. Your finished piece will become a one-of-a-kind souvenir and a meaningful reminder of your time in Kyoto, offering a calm and authentic introduction to Japanese culture.

Instead of buying souvenir chopsticks from a shop, this hands-on experience lets you make your own from scratch. Learn specialist techniques, including how to use a traditional Japanese "kanna" hand plane, how to smooth the surface, and how to finish the wood with natural oil. Crafted from beautiful Japanese wood, the chopsticks make a meaningful souvenir to keep for years to come.

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.

Rather than drinking matcha in a restaurant, this traditional tea ceremony lets you watch a tea master prepare it from scratch. Held in a beautiful teahouse overlooking a famous garden, the setting offers peaceful views as you take part. The session includes two cups of matcha and traditional Japanese sweets, all served through a series of graceful rituals. Note that children 6 and under are not permitted to join this experience.

Kyoto is famous for its “geisha” culture, and this experience offers a rare chance to watch a real “maiko” (apprentice “geisha”) perform up close. Sightings like this are increasingly uncommon, making it an experience many travelers miss. During the show, watch two short traditional dances, followed by a question-and-answer session, and play a classic Japanese game too.

Japan is known for its world-class kitchenware, and with this hands-on experience, you can learn how to forge your own knife. Don’t worry about bringing anything with you, as all materials are provided to make the class as hassle-free as possible. Also, the group size is kept small so you can get plenty of help throughout.

Amanohashidate and Ine Bay are hidden gems for travelers looking for unique tourist attractions. These picturesque destinations offer a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities and immerse yourself in the picturesque view. Explore Amanohashidate, one of Japan's "Three Most Scenic Views." Amanohashidate, which translates to “bridge in heaven,”  resembling a pathway that connects heaven and earth. Amanohashidate features nearly 8,000 pine-covered sandbar that connect the two sides of Miyazu Bay,  and look like a dragon flying up to heaven. Ine Funaya, the “Venice of Japan,” is celebrated as one of the most picturesque villages in the country. Nestled on a narrow strip between land and sea, this charming fishing village, with its traditional boat houses, showcases the essence of traditional Japanese coastal life. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

Gion, Kyoto's famed geisha district, is packed full of tourists during the day making it difficult to get a sense of the area's culture. Avoid the biggest groups and immerse yourself in Japanese heritage on this small-group walking tour that leads you through the elegant streets after dark, while geisha and maiko make their way to their appointments.

What makes this workshop special is the material itself: you'll work with real vintage Japanese coins, each one decades old and full of history. Unlike typical souvenir shopping, you'll create something with your own hands using traditional metalworking techniques — and the ring you take home is truly one of a kind. Classes are kept small, so whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned craft lover, you'll get personal guidance every step of the way. Located in the heart of Kyoto, it's an easy add to any itinerary and one of the few experiences where your souvenir tells the story of both Japan and your trip.