All Kyoto Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

Discover Uji like a local on this private, government-licensed guided food and tea tour. Explore the historic streets of Uji, Japan's most celebrated green tea town, where you'll visit the World Heritage Byodo-in Temple and stroll the lively Omotesando arcade lined with centuries-old tea shops. Sample premium matcha and regional tea specialties, from freshly whisked ceremonial-grade matcha to matcha sweets and tea-infused dishes. With a knowledgeable licensed guide sharing the stories behind Uji's thousand-year tea culture and every dish you taste, this is the perfect introduction to one of Japan's great culinary and cultural destinations. Ideal for first-time visitors and tea lovers alike.

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.

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.

Gion is known for its geisha culture and traditions, and this walking tour takes you to explore the hidden alleyways and places that most visitors miss. Learn insider stories about geisha life, with the chance to spot geisha along the way. The walk also takes in quiet backstreets, a 1,000-year-old shrine, and some of Kyoto’s most photogenic locations.

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.

Explore many of Nara's top landmarks in just one day on this deluxe, full-day coach tour. Heading out from Kyoto, pass by Fushimi Castle and Heijo Palace, before arriving in Nara. Visit Todai-ji Temple—one of the world’s largest wooden buildings—then meet the 1,400 deer that inhabit Nara Park. A stop at Kasuga Taisha Shrine is followed by a Japanese-style lunch (if selected). Finally, visit the Uji area of Kyoto, where you'll make and sample traditional matcha tea.

Enrich yourself with the fascinating history of Kyoto’s numerous UNESCO-listed temples and shrines, without the hassle of research or planning multiple stops, during this full-day tour from Osaka or Kyoto. Explore the seemingly endless "torii" gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, visit Kiyomizu-dera temple, explore Kinkaku-ji temple, and stroll the bamboo-lined paths of Arashiyama.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Language barriers can make it difficult to find the best places to eat in Kyoto, but this guided food tour removes the guesswork. Set in the atmospheric Gion district, a local guide leads you to a curated selection of eateries to sample seasonal Kyoto specialties. To keep things simple, food tastings are included, along with a complimentary drink at two different venues.

Embark on a half-day tour of Nara’s rich heritage. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and interact with the sacred wild deer of Nara Park, believed to be divine messengers for over 1,200 years. Your tour starts with Kofuku-ji Temple, known for its five-story pagoda, then continues to Todai-ji Temple, where you’ll see the awe-inspiring Great Buddha statue. Your guide will share stories about these historic sites and Japanese Buddhism. Next, enjoy panoramic views from Nigetsu-do Temple, and walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its lanterns and deer. After exploring Nara Park, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. End the tour with a visit to a traditional old town, contrasting modern Tokyo, and see a merchant’s house to experience Nara’s past. This tour offers a unique mix of culture, nature, and history in Nara.

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.

Planning a day trip to Nara can take time, so let a private guide do the hard work instead. This flexible private tour can start in Kyoto, Osaka, or Nara, with optional private car transportation upgrades. Just pick 3–4 attractions from a list of recommended sights before your tour, then enjoy a personalized tour of your top picks, with a guide to share local history and stories.

Discover the beauty of Kyoto on a day tour that includes a visit to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the serene Tenryu-ji Temple, and the enchanting Bamboo Path. Enjoy breathtaking canyon views aboard the Sagano Romantic Train before experiencing a tranquil Hozugawa River Cruise. This tour provides a perfect blend of culture and nature, allowing you to explore hidden gems and popular sites with an expert guide. Choose your pick-up from Osaka or Kyoto, and enjoy a seamless journey through Japan’s historical heart. - Explore the UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Temple and its beautiful gardens - Ride the Sagano Romantic Train for stunning canyon vistas - Drift along the Hozugawa River on traditional wooden boats - Guided tour in multiple languages with pick-up options from Osaka or Kyoto

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. Marvel at Kinkaku-ji, the golden temple known as the Golden Pavilion, which showcases the beauty of this timeless city. Visit Nijo Castle, celebrated for its palace buildings, which are among the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan's feudal era. The castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

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.

Delve into Uji's captivating culture and history on this exclusive walking tour. Visit the UNESCO-listed Byodoin Temple, renowned for its architectural beauty and historical allure. Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Taihoan, the birthplace of Japan's green tea, where you'll learn the intricacies of this revered practice. Enjoy scenic strolls across picturesque suspension bridges and explore sacred sites like Uji Shrine and Ujigami Shrine. Conclude your journey with a taste of Uji's famed green tea and local delicacies, making this tour a perfect blend of culture, tradition, and scenic beauty.

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.

The greatest feature of this activity is that it is a fully private experience combining a guided walk around the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ujigami Shrine with an authentic matcha experience. Led by a former maiko, the experience goes beyond the taste of matcha to introduce the essence of Japanese culture through movement, space, and ma. The subtle sense of pause and harmony, explained in a clear and approachable way. After tasting several varieties of matcha, you will also prepare your own bowl of matcha in a traditional tearoom. By seeing, listening, tasting, and practicing, you can experience Japanese tea culture in a truly immersive way. As this is a completely private experience, it allows families and couples to enjoy a calm and intimate time without concern for other participants.

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.