All Kyoto Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026 - page 3

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

Go beyond the ancient castles and historic sites and immerse yourself in the culture of Japan's feudal era with this private kendo experience in Kyoto. Under the careful guidance of your teacher, learn how to handle a Japanese sword like a samurai in preparation for the main event: slicing a tatami mat with a sword.

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 an authentic tea ceremony, which is at the heart of Japanese culture and is a centuries old ritual, in Kyoto. You’ll be provided with a tea bowl, tea scoops and whisks, and instruction on how to make matcha. You’ll also try matcha and sweets, and you are encouraged to ask questions. Photos and short videos are permitted. Usually guests sit on the floor, but chairs and tables are also available if preferred.

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.

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.

Get a deeper experience of Kyoto food culture than would be possible on your own by joining this guided food tour. Stroll through the districts of Gion and Pontocho, stopping into small bars and restaurants to sample traditional drinks and food that have been carefully chosen to make up a full meal. The experience also includes the opportunity to try three different types of local sake too.

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.

If you’re looking for a unique souvenir to bring back from Japan, then this hands-on workshop fits the bill. Enjoy the special opportunity to learn how to design and make your own wooden chopsticks from scratch. Don’t worry if you’ve never tried anything like this before—it’s a beginner-friendly session with step-by-step guidance. Then, at the end, take home your beautifully wrapped chopsticks—perfect to keep or give as a thoughtful gift.

Discover the world of Kyoto’s geishas with a guided stroll through Gion—the district where aspiring maiko (apprentice geisha) and accomplished geiko (fully trained geisha) reside and practice their arts. As you walk, learn about the rich heritage and customs of these highly skilled artists and entertainers. Enjoy and exclusive visit to a private ochaya (teahouse)—a place typically off-limits to visitors, even locals. Inside, meet a maiko and a retired geiko. Enjoy an elegant performance, enjoy a rare chance to chat with them, and hear personal stories that offer an authentic glimpse into their lives and legacy. It’s an unforgettable look into a world few ever get to see.

Create your own pair of traditional Japanese chopsticks in this hands-on workshop in Kyoto. In this beginner-friendly experience, you will shape, sand, and finish your chopsticks while learning about their role in Japanese daily life and culture. The workshop includes Japanese hinoki (cypress) wood at no additional cost, known for its light weight and pleasant natural aroma. Guests may also choose to upgrade to other premium woods such as whitewood, cherry, walnut, or purpleheart for an additional fee, each offering a unique color and texture. Throughout the experience, your guide will explain the cultural background of chopsticks and Japanese craftsmanship in a simple and engaging way. No prior experience is needed, and all steps are carefully guided. At the end of the workshop, you will take home your handmade chopsticks as a meaningful and personal souvenir from Japan. This experience is perfect for travelers looking for a creative, cultural, and memorable activity in Kyoto.

Hi, my name is Masae. After traveling to 40+ countries, living oversea for 7+ years, I came back to my home to share the love of Matcha & rich Japanese cultural history with the world! The day starts in Uji, a little tea town with Japan's oldest bridge. Then, you will have a chance to visit local Matcha Farmers, invited to traditional Japanese style home to enjoy delicately crafted Bento Lunch, participate in Matcha tasting and tea tasting. You will not only learn all about Matcha but also smell, taste, and even take home some of those premium Matcha from farm previously owned by the Imperial Family.

Enjoy a world of quiet elegance at Nishiki Orizuruya. All plans include kimono rental (with free hair styling for women) and are guided in English. 1. Authentic Tea Ceremony: After a captivating demonstration, learn to whisk your own matcha using a traditional bamboo whisk. Your prepared tea is paired with exquisite, seasonal Wagashi (traditional sweets) sourced from a celebrated 100-year-old Kyoto confectionery shop. 2. Tea Ceremony & Calligraphy: Combine the meditative art of tea with the flow of brush and ink. After savoring your matcha and sweets, learn to write your favorite kanji using a brush and ink. A great chance to create a personal keepsake. 3. Tea Ceremony & Guided Nishiki Market Tour: Enjoy the complete tea ceremony experience, then set out on a culinary adventure. Explore the bustling stalls of "Kyoto’s Kitchen" (Nishiki Market), hidden local shrines, and ancient specialty shops to discover the deep roots of Kyoto's food culture.

Why Choose Our Experience: ★ Train in an authentic dojo with a master who has over 20 years of experience ★ Enjoy a more personal experience with small groups—only 6 participants per class (Disclaimer: There may be more than 6 participants if there are only a small number of parties) ★ Witness a powerful two-katana performance by the master—something you won’t see anywhere else

Take a tour of the Kyoto bamboo forest by rickshaw, and on foot, to explore every part of it. First you’ll be pulled by your guide through the green bamboo on a path reserved for rickshaws. Then pass by Nonomiya Shrine and stop for photos at a little park. The last leg is on foot, where you’ll walk to an impressive part of the forest. Early morning is best to avoid the crowds.

Make the most of your time in Kyoto by combining two classic experiences: wearing a kimono and taking part in an authentic tea ceremony. Led by a professional tea master, learn about the tools and traditions behind preparing Japanese green tea. To enhance the experience, kimono rental is included, offering an atmospheric way to appreciate this centuries-old tradition. Tickets must be exchanged at the starting point before entry.

Create your own one-of-a-kind ring from vintage coins in this hands-on workshop in Kyoto. This unique experience allows you to transform real coins into a wearable piece of jewelry, combining craftsmanship with history. You can choose from a selection of Japanese vintage coins as well as coins from around the world. Each coin carries its own story, design, and origin, allowing you to create a ring that is both meaningful and personal. In this beginner-friendly workshop, you will shape and finish your ring step by step with guidance, making it easy for anyone to join without prior experience. This experience is especially popular for couples, friends, and solo travelers who want to create something memorable together. Your handmade ring becomes not only a stylish accessory, but also a lasting memory from your time in Japan. At the end of the workshop, you will take home your custom-made ring as a unique and personal souvenir.

Take a tour of Kyoto's famous Gion district and learn all about the mysterious geisha traditions of the area. Get an insider’s perspective on facts about geisha culture that tourists usually miss, and pass by shops, shrines, and beautiful temples. To elevate your experience, the tour also includes a geisha show with an apprentice geisha, where you can watch a dance performance and ask questions.

Experience the magic of Kyoto at night like a true local! While Pontocho and Gion are famous for their beautiful lantern-lit streets, finding welcoming, authentic restaurants without a local guide can be very difficult. This casual walking and local eats tour removes the language barrier and takes you straight to the best hidden spots. 1. Hidden Izakayas & Bars: Skip the tourist traps. We will take you to two authentic local Izakayas and one secret bar tucked away in the narrow alleys of Kyoto. 2. Authentic Kyoto Cuisine: Taste local specialties you won't easily find elsewhere, such as "Obanzai" (Kyoto home-style cooking), "Yuba" (delicate tofu skin), and classic comfort foods, all explained by your guide. 3. Premium Kyoto Sake: Kyoto is famous for its pure water and incredible sake. Enjoy fantastic sake pairings with your meals. 4. Magical Night Stroll: Safely explore the historic, atmospheric streets of Pontocho and Gion with an local expert!

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 private tours are all for yours! Discover the best of Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara with an ultimate VIP service with inclusion of hotel pickup and drop off. Visit iconic sites such as the Golden Pavilion, Fushimi Inari’s Tori Gates, Arashiyama Bamboo, and Deer Park with its Great Buddha. Flexible itineraries are available from Kyoto, Osaka, or Nara depending on your preference. ・Going with our itinerary or your plan is your choice! We're very flexible. ・Save time and check out lots of Kyoto highlights in a day ・A private tour ensures a more personalized experience ・Help you out exploring hidden gems area for fun ・Professional level photographers just for you (Note: Guests are responsible for own and guide's meals and the admission fees at each site. Luxury vehicles might vary depends on availability but guarantee with comfortable space and utilities.)

Learn about the rituals of an authentic Japanese tea ceremony by visiting a traditional teahouse. Instead of sharing the activity with strangers, partake in a private ceremony just for your party. Learn about the history of matcha from your instructor before witnessing the tea rituals. Try your hand at some of the rituals yourself, too.

Set in the cultural heart of Kyoto, this workshop offers a calm and reflective atmosphere, allowing you to slow down and fully engage in the creative process. Whether you are interested in art, culture, or simply trying something new, kintsugi provides a meaningful and memorable experience. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with your own repaired piece, a unique work of art and a lasting reminder of your time in Kyoto, symbolizing resilience, beauty, and renewal.

Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of Kyoto with an authentic tea ceremony experience. Held in the tatami room of a 41-year-old traditional sushi restaurant, this activity offers a tranquil setting infused with the essence of Kyoto. The calming aroma of tatami, the soft natural light, and the peaceful atmosphere create the perfect backdrop for a deep dive into traditional Japanese culture.