All Kyoto Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

Explore the cinematic beauty of Kyoto( You can customize where you want )on a unique photography tour designed for enthusiasts and casual photographers alike. Walk through local hidden gems such as the Keage Incline and the retro brick aqueduct at Nanzen-ji Temple, capturing stunning moments with high-end professional equipment. This tour offers the chance to have your portraits taken with the Fujifilm GFX100 RF for digital sharpness and the medium format film camera. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to shoot with analog cameras and learn photography tips from a local expert. - Experience a guided photography tour featuring hidden local spots - Capture high-quality portraits with cutting-edge digital and vintage film cameras - Learn photography techniques and take your own photos with provided cameras - Ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers seeking unique memories of Kyoto

A one-of-a-kind experience in Kyoto. A traditional Kyoto townhouse where you can enjoy hands-on crafting experiences with an active Buddhist monk. There are two types of experience courses: incense making and natural stone bracelet making. In the incense making experience, you can blend your favorite scents from over 10 varieties to create your own original fragrance. In the natural stone bracelet making experience, you can arrange over 30 types of natural stones to design your own original bracelet. After each experience, you can relax with green tea while listening to Buddhist chanting.

Step beyond the usual tourist performance and experience a more intimate side of Gion. This private evening takes place in a small local bar near Gion Shirakawa, a relaxed space frequented by Kyoto residents, including local professionals and monks. A maiko joins you for approximately two hours, giving you time not only to take photographs, but also to talk, ask questions, enjoy drinks, and take part in traditional games such as Tosenkyo. With your guide helping you understand the customs and etiquette of Kyoto’s nightlife, the experience feels personal rather than staged. The value of this tour lies in access: not simply seeing a maiko, but spending an evening in a setting that reflects how Kyoto locals actually enjoy the night.

History of kanji and the art behind it Kanji originated in ancient China as pictographic and ideographic symbols used to record meaning rather than sound. Over centuries, these characters traveled to Japan, where they were adapted into the Japanese writing system and became deeply intertwined with literature, religion, administration, and daily life. Beyond their practical use, kanji developed into an art form through calligraphy. The Workshop Experience Participants begin by putting on a traditional half jacket (hanten), symbolically entering the role of a learner of form. Each person then selects a single kanji to focus on. The session centers on writing that one character repeatedly, making adjustments and refinements with each attempt. The character gradually becomes a path of practice rather than just a symbol. The workshop concludes with each participant writing their chosen kanji on a formal board as a final piece (shikishi board).

Experience Kyoto in a beautiful kimono with Rental Kimono Okamoto Arashiyama Store! This booking includes our ¥3,980 kimono rental plan (excluding tax), featuring a complete kimono set and professional dressing. Our Men's Kimono Plan is also available for ¥3,980 (excluding tax). Choose your favorite kimono from a wide variety of colors and designs. You can upgrade your plan at the store by paying the difference. Hair styling is available from ¥550 to complete your look. Our experienced staff will assist you with kimono selection and dressing. No preparation is needed—just come empty-handed! Explore the beautiful Arashiyama area in your kimono. Visit the famous Bamboo Grove, stroll across Togetsukyo Bridge, and enjoy Kyoto's charming streets and seasonal scenery. Perfect for couples, friends, families, and solo travelers. Create unforgettable memories with Rental Kimono Okamoto!

Experience the unique "Sōsen Aogi," a fan-making plan at the long-established Shimizu Shoten in Kyoto, which is celebrating its 78th anniversary. The "Sōsen Aogi" is a new type of origami fan that does not use fan ribs, making it extremely popular. This mini-sized fan can easily fit into a pocket. Our company is one of the few that manufacture this unique shape of fan, which is available exclusively through us and Rekiseisha in Hiroshima, meaning there are only two companies in Japan offering it. After enjoying the freedom to add your owndecorations like foil stamping , you will finish the fan with your own hands and take home your creation. Additionally, you'll start with a workshop tour. Our company is the only one where you can observe the entire fan-making process, including layering paper, cutting, folding, and finishing.

Sample Menu ◇ Shojin Cuisine (Japanese Buddhist Vegetarian Dishes) ・Sesame Tofu (Goma Dofu) ・Spinach with Sesame Sauce (Spinach Goma-ae) ・Simmered Daikon Radish with Seasonal Vegetables ・Kinpira Vegetables (Sweet Soy–Glazed Vegetables) ・Tofu Shiratama Dumplings – Japanese Dessert ◇ Temari Sushi ・Colorful bite-sized sushi balls Menu items may change depending on seasonal ingredients.

Your guided tour unveils the beauty of Hieizan Temple, Kyu-Chikurin-in, and Hiyoshitaisha Shrine, each a testament to Japan's rich heritage. Ascend Mount Hiei with a scenic cable car ride to Hieizan Temple, perched majestically amidst lush landscapes-Marvel at the intricate architecture and serene gardens steeped in centuries-old rituals. Savor a delightful seasonal lunch, a culinary interlude showcasing the region's flavors. This gastronomic experience complements the cultural richness, creating a harmonious blend of traditions. Continue your exploration at Kyu-Chikurin-in, a historic retreat nestled in verdant hills. Its beautiful trails and traditional Japanese garden offer a serene escape, inviting contemplation. Visit Hiyoshitaisha Shrine, a sacred sanctuary resonating with Shiga's cultural tapestry. Wander through torii gates and embrace the spiritual energy guided by stories shared by your expert guide.

Authentic Samurai Armor — Real iron armor used for movies and TV dramas. Authentic Tea Ceremony — Guided by a professional Kyoto tea instructor. Choose Your Experience — Tea Ceremony or hands-on Matcha Making. 300-Year-Old Kyoto Sweets — Traditional sweets from historic Sasaya Iori. Professional Photos — Includes 5 professionally taken photos per person.

As an architect and design writer, I have always been captivated by Japanese design—the way imperfection is refined into perfection, how simplicity and subtlety carry profound meaning, and how every detail is intentional. Far from the fleeting spectacle of social media, this tour is designed for depth and reflection. I will guide you beyond surface-level facts, revealing the essence of Japanese aesthetics and design thinking that often goes unnoticed. Through well-known sights, we will explore the soul of the country, layer by layer, engaging in discussion and interpretation along the way. [ Consideration ] If you’re not particularly interested in design, this tour may not be the right fit for you. [ Notice ] This tour is completely private, meaning it will be only the travelers in your booking—no one else will join.

Explore Three of Kyoto's Most Iconic World Heritage Sites in a Day! Kyoto is a beautiful city, but it can be crowded and navigating the logistics can be hectic. Join this comprehensive bus tour to visit three must-see temples in Kyoto: Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Enjoy a complimentary multilingual audio guide available in English, Chinese, and Korean. Operated by one of the most reputable companies in the area, this bus tour is perfect for groups, families, and individuals looking to make the most of their limited time in Kyoto.

Discover the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship and contemporary architecture on this private day trip from Kyoto to Hyogo. Travel in comfort by private vehicle as you begin at the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum, where traditional Japanese woodworking is showcased through masterfully preserved tools, detailed exhibits, and immersive displays that highlight the foundations of Japanese architectural excellence. In the afternoon, continue to Honpukuji (Water Temple), one of Tadao Ando’s most iconic works. Walk through its serene concrete pathways and descend into the lotus-covered Water Basin to experience the temple’s dramatic interplay of light, space, and reflection. This tour offers an inspiring journey through craftsmanship, design, and spiritual architecture—perfect for architecture lovers seeking a refined and meaningful day trip from Kyoto.

Do you want to experience Japanese language lesson in English and use the tips at the worldly famous "Kitchen of Kyoto"? I am both an experienced interpreter and a qualified Japanese language teacher. I love speaking English and Japanese languages more than anybody in Japan. This tour is unique because I teach you Japanese (Absolute beginner level) in English for 1 hour and then show you around NIshiki Market. During the tour at the gorgeous market, you can immerse in the vitality of its breathtaking world of amazing local food, handcrafts, the shrine, etc., speaking tips of Japanese to the shop staff and other local people. Nishiki Market is a five-block sensory explosion that has been the beating heart of Kyoto’s food scene for over 400 years! This isn't just a place to shop; it's a vibrant, bustling tunnel of flavor where the air is thick with the aroma of toasted sesame, grilled seafood, and sweet soy glaze. I'm looking forward to meeting with people from all over the world!

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Shiga, designed perfect for private groups of 1 to 8 travelers. Your adventure begins with a hands-on cultural experience where you can create your own unique souvenir by painting a cute, traditional unglazed clay Tanuki (raccoon dog) statue. Next, step back in time at the famous Koga Ninja Village to dress up in authentic outfits, try your hand at throwing shuriken (ninja stars), and train like a real shadow warrior. After your legendary training, satisfy your appetite with a mouthwatering lunch featuring Shiga’s premium "Omi Beef," recognized as one of Japan's top three Wagyu brands. The journey continues with breathtaking sights as you admire a peaceful traditional garden and marvel at the iconic "floating" torii gate standing elegantly in the lake. To wrap up your perfect day, enjoy a relaxing shopping experience in an expansive, scenic open-air space surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful nature.

Step back in time to the age of the samurai on your own private journey through Nijo Castle. With no other guests to follow, this experience is entirely yours. Take your time, ask as many questions as you like, and explore with the people who matter to you. Your local guide, knowledgeable in Kyoto, samurai culture and Japanese history, will go beyond simply explaining the sights. Through stories of powerful shoguns, emperors and political intrigue, we’ll bring the castle to life and transport you back to the world of the samurai. [Highlights] ・100% private tour, exclusively for your family or group ・Explore at your own pace with your dedicated local guide ・Nijo Castle admission included ・Discover the fascinating Shogun vs. Emperor rivalry ・Walk through photogenic gardens and castle moats filled with colorful koi ・Hear the dramatic story of the rise and fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate

This is a VIP private tour from Kyoto to Hiroshima & back, offering a fully escorted, all-inclusive experience with a private guide, private vehicle, & Shinkansen Green Car tickets included for a seamless journey. All transport, Green Car Shinkansen, ferry, & entry fees included for a hassle-free experience. The itinerary can be adjusted to suit your preferences & pace. VIP Hiroshima Tour Itinerary (Customizable) Day begins – Meet your private guide & driver at your hotel in Kyoto Transfer – Private car to Kyoto Station & board Shinkansen Green Car to Hiroshima 09:00 – Arrive in Hiroshima & visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park & Peace Memorial Museum 13:00 – Transfer to Miyajimaguchi & ferry to Miyajima Island 14:00 – Explore Miyajima Island, including Itsukushima Shrine & the iconic floating torii gate 16:00 – Return to Hiroshima & board Shinkansen Green Car back to Kyoto End of day – Private car transfer back to your hotel in Kyoto & tour concludes

This is not just a tasting of famous labels. Your bartender tells the human story behind every glass: the three men who founded Japanese whisky and the young man's notebook from Scotland that links them, or the shochu-making families of southern Kyushu who now make some of Japan's most exciting craft whisky, ending with a surprise final pour. You sip at a red marble bar counter under a floating pine, in a hidden luxury lounge above Nishiki Market, Kyoto's famous food street.

Welcome to the World of Urushi Guided Tour of a 100+ Year-Old Lacquer Factory Experience urushi — Japan’s precious natural lacquer — at our historic refining factory, founded in 1909.The tour begins with a clear introduction to urushi and the urushi tree (excluding Fuki-Urushi Workshop). You’ll then watch skilled artisans refine raw sap (ki-urushi) into deep black and vivid vermilion urushi in the normally closed workshop, learning the delicate techniques and timeless craftsmanship.For more depth, join optional programs at “Und.” on the third floor: Visually rich talks on tree-planting, cultural preservation, and modern urushi use, followed by hands-on workshops — apply urushi to chopsticks or try traditional “Fuki-Urushi” (wipe-on) technique. Special guest sessions in kintsugi, urushi painting, woodworking, and natural/urushi dyeing are offered periodically.More than a tour — a rich journey blending tradition, sustainability, and contemporary craft.Feel authentic urushi at its source.

Create authentic ocean-themed resin art inspired by the beautiful sea of Amanohashidate Perfect for beginners — detailed support provided from coloring to creating realistic wave effects Take home your own one-of-a-kind original artwork Create stunning, photo-worthy resin art with a dreamy ocean atmosphere Recommended for couples, friends, and families looking to make unforgettable travel memories An enjoyable indoor activity even on rainy days Small-group lessons allow you to relax and enjoy the experience at your own pace A popular handmade activity to make your Kyoto trip even more special Friendly instructors provide step-by-step support, so even those who are not confident in art can participate with ease

Experience a completely different side of Kyoto after dark. Start the night at Kyoto’s unique Muscle Bar, where you can enjoy drinks, energetic muscle performances, and interact with the performers, before heading to BABEL, one of Kyoto’s popular nightclubs. Rather than a typical sightseeing tour, this experience is designed to feel like a fun night out with a local friend. Our friendly English-speaking guide will help you enjoy each venue, meet new people, and experience Kyoto’s nightlife without worrying about where to go or how to get in. * Unique Muscle Bar performance experience * Experience Kyoto’s local nightlife and nightclub scene * Friendly and energetic English-speaking guide * Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and groups of friends * Discover a side of Kyoto most tourists never experience

Embark on an unforgettable day trip to discover the hidden charms of Okayama and Kurashiki, guided by a National Government Licensed English-speaking expert. You'll explore Okayama Korakuen, one of Japan's "Three Great Gardens," and wander through the picturesque Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. This tour offers flexibility with your choice of a plan including a unique "Kakushi Sushi" making and tasting experience for lunch, or a plan without lunch for more freedom. We also offer additional plans including round-trips from Okayama, or Osaka, as well as one-way journeys from Osaka to Hiroshima. Please explore these options to perfectly match your travel itinerary.

The temple where the event will be held is a beautiful temple located in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, surrounded by quiet mountains and in harmony with the natural landscape. The cherry blossoms are beautiful in spring and the autumn leaves are magnificent in fall. The temple has a long history, said to have been founded around the Edo period (1603-1867). It has long been a favorite place of the local people. You will surely feel the Japanese wabi and sabi!

Step beyond central Kyoto and discover Kameoka, a lesser-known gateway where traditional craft culture and Kyoto’s modern future meet. Starting from Kyoto Station or your Kyoto-city hotel, you’ll travel by public transport to Kameoka, then enjoy a 3-hour craft-focused experience (one curated program per day—requests welcome, final selection depends on availability). Afterward, a visit to Sanga Stadium by KYOCERA, just a short walk from JR Kameoka Station. The day continues with one of several optional scenic experiences—such as the Hozugawa River Boat Ride or the Sagano Romantic Train—before finishing in Arashiyama, where you can continue exploring at your own pace. Sanga Stadium is about a 3-minute walk from JR Kameoka Station and Kameoka is about 20 minutes by train from Kyoto Station. When traveling from Kameoka to Arashiyama, you can choose between two routes: Option A, the Hozugawa River Boat Ride, or Option B, the Sagano Romantic Train.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 8-hour tour from Maizuru Port covers two of northern Kyoto’s most iconic seaside sights. Begin at Amanohashidate to enjoy the sandbar area and a casual street-food walk in the Monju neighborhood, then ride up to Amanohashidate View Land for the classic panoramic viewpoint. In the afternoon, travel along the coast to Ine, famous for its unique “funaya” boat houses lining the calm bay, before returning to Maizuru Port. Lunch is not included in this tour.