All Kyoto Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Nijo Castle and Garden 2 Hour Guided Experience in Kyoto

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Hands-On Coffee Ceremony with a Master near Nishiki Market

1 hour 10 minutesFree Cancellation

Highlights of Your Visit: Thatched-Roof Architecture Marvel at the iconic kayabuki roofs, made of natural materials such as straw and reeds, carefully maintained by the local community. Miyama Folk Museum (Except Monday) Learn about traditional tools, customs, and the history of the village at this charming local museum housed in an old thatched home. Local Experiences Try hands-on activities like traditional paper making, soba noodle workshops, or enjoy seasonal festivals that celebrate the local culture. Nature & Tranquility Surrounded by forests and rivers, Miyama offers peaceful walks and stunning views year-round—especially beautiful in spring cherry blossoms and snowy winter scenes.

Miyama “Kayabuki no Sato” – A Journey Back in Time

Miyama “Kayabuki no Sato” – A Journey Back in Time

7 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Kyoto Gion: Nerikiri Wagashi Making & Authentic Tea Ceremony Enjoy an elegant cultural experience in the heart of historic Gion. This exclusive 60-minute workshop is limited to just 6 guests and offers a peaceful, English-friendly atmosphere. Our unique chair-style setting allows you to enjoy an authentic tea ceremony without sitting on the floor, so you can relax and focus on the beauty of the ritual. Highlights: Nerikiri Wagashi Making: Create beautiful seasonal Nerikiri sweets using traditional tools. Our expert host will guide you in making your own edible art. Organic Matcha Tea Ceremony: Enjoy premium organic matcha in the elegant Ryurei chair style. Experience authentic Japanese tradition in total comfort. Instagram-Worthy Moments: Capture your beautiful creations in our traditional Japanese-style studio. We provide photo time, and your host is happy to help take the perfect shot. Book now for a comfortable, creative, and memorable journey into Japanese culture!

YUSAI Tea Ceremony & Wagashi Making Experience in Gion Kyoto

YUSAI Tea Ceremony & Wagashi Making Experience in Gion Kyoto

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Special Offer

Unlike a typical tea ceremony experience, we'll takes you on a fascinating journey through Japanese tea history, culture, and tradition. Discover the surprising connections between matcha, samurai, and shoguns through the remarkable story of the historic tea jar procession. Watch a traditional tea jar opening ritual and experience grinding tea leaves into matcha using a stone mill. Then, enjoy an authentic tea ceremony in a peaceful Kyoto machiya, where you will watch a traditional demonstration and prepare your own bowl of premium Uji matcha. Your host has over 10 years of tea ceremony experience and is both a certified Japanese Tea Instructor and a Kyoto City Certified Interpreter Guide. With a maximum of five guests and no other groups, this fully private experience offers a deeper, more personal introduction to Japanese tea culture. Feel free to ask questions and discover the stories behind every tradition.

Welcoming Private Tea Ceremony: Samurai Stories in a Hidden Alley

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

$97

$68

Enjoy a private 10-hour escape along Kobe's coast and into Akashi, with time for seaside walks, open views, photography, and local flavors rather than crowded indoor attractions. Start at Suma Seaside Park and Beach, where sandy shores and sea breezes set a relaxed pace. Continue to Maiko Park for striking views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge stretching toward Awaji Island. In Akashi, browse Uontana Shopping Street's seafood shops and food stalls, then choose a local restaurant to try Akashiyaki: soft octopus dumplings served with warm broth (lunch at your own expense). Finish with a gentle walk through Akashi Park and its historic castle ruins, surrounded by greenery and old stone walls. Default route: Suma Seaside Park & Beach → Maiko Park & bridge exterior → Uontana Shopping Street → Akashiyaki lunch → Akashi Park & Castle Ruins. Contact us at least 24 hours ahead for changes; stops may be adjusted for traffic, weather, and opening hours.

Osaka/Kyoto: Kobe Coast & Akashi Market Private 10H Tour

Osaka/Kyoto: Kobe Coast & Akashi Market Private 10H Tour

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Visitors can immerse themselves in authentic Japanese culture, going around Wazuka with a rental bicycle while enjoying the serene beauty of this historic tea-producing region. Participants can join a hands-on tea picking experience, allowing them to learn about the traditional methods of harvesting tea leaves. This activity provides insight into the meticulous process behind the famous Japanese matcha tea production in the city of Wazuka, Kyoto. In addition to tea-related activities, this tour offers an engaging culinary workshop where participants can try their hand at preparing various Japanese dishes: ・Soba (buckwheat noodles)・Tempura (battered and deep-fried seafood or vegetables) This interactive cooking experience allows visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese cuisine and culinary traditions.

1 Day Matcha Farm Tour with Lunch and Bicycle Rental in 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!

Visit One Site You Like, Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari, etc.

Visit One Site You Like, Nishiki Market, Fushimi Inari, etc.

$65$62

Kyoto was the capital for over a thousand years, home to many artisans who crafted goods for its imperial palaces, temples and shrines. These crafts have been passed down through generations of family businesses, preserving traditional techniques for many years. On this tour you will be able to visit long-established stores, some of them which are not open to first-time customers, and explore their history and cultural significance. The tour includes a 1-hour hands-on experience in traditional paper printing called Karakami. Start your tour by visiting a paper shop where you will learn about the history and techniques of Karakami. Here you will create your own print postcard with a woodblock print that has been in use for many generations. After the experience explore long-established shops with products such as traditional lacquerware, calligraphy products, lanterns and even a pigment and paint shop that focuses on natural pigments used in Japanese-style paintings.

Kyoto Walking Series: 100 Years of Traditions

Kyoto Walking Series: 100 Years of Traditions

Discover the Arashiyama area of Kyoto on a local walking tour that unveils the secrets of this region. Guided by Yuma, an expert English-speaking guide, you'll wander through bamboo groves and visit hidden temples, all while avoiding the tourist traps. This engaging journey offers authentic insights into local culture, with practical tips on dining and etiquette that enrich your experience. Ideal for travelers seeking a genuine connection with Kyoto, this tour reveals the beauty and charm of Arashiyama like never before. - 3-hour guided walking tour in Arashiyama, Kyoto - Explore less crowded bamboo groves and hidden local spots - Get local dining tips and etiquette insights from your guide - Visit iconic sites like Togetsukyo Bridge and enjoy riverside walks

Bamboo Forest Kyoto Walking Sagakamenoocho Tour

Bamboo Forest Kyoto Walking Sagakamenoocho Tour

Arashiyama Cycling Adventure with Natural Open Air Hot Spring

$39$37

Special Offer

$123

$98

Discover the best of Kyoto on a full-day tour with round-trip train transfers from Osaka and a guided sightseeing tour by bus. Start your journey with a comfortable self-guided train ride to Kyoto, where you'll meet your professional guide before exploring the city's most iconic landmarks. Visit the peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, admire the dazzling Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), discover the historic Nijo Castle, and take in the panoramic views from Kiyomizu-dera Temple. End the day at Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates winding through the mountainside. If Nijo Castle is unavailable due to local circumstances, it will be replaced with a visit to the impressive Sanjūsangen-dō Temple. After the tour, return to Osaka by train at your own pace. Please note that the train journeys between Osaka and Kyoto are self-guided. The itinerary may vary slightly due to weather or traffic conditions.

Kyoto Bus Tour from Osaka by Train: Nijo & Bamboo grove

Kyoto Bus Tour from Osaka by Train: Nijo & Bamboo grove

12 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Discover the perfect blend of history and nature on a one-day tour of Kyoto. We begin with the magnificent Amanohashidate, one of Japan's "Three Scenic Views," renowned for its unique sandbar resembling a bridge to the heavens, lined with lush pine trees. The sandbar's shape is like a bridge slanting upward into the sky, hence the name "Amanohashidate." Next, we head to Ine Village, often referred to as the "Venice of Japan," where the unique waterfront funaya houses and tranquil natural scenery captivate visitors. In Ine, enjoy a boat ride under the clear blue sky, feed seagulls, and experience the authentic rural atmosphere.

Amanohashidate Day Tour from Kyoto

9 hoursFree Cancellation

$70$67

Your service will offer a seamless combination of private transfer and a 5-hour charter between Kansai International Airport, Osaka Port, and Kyoto City. Perfect for arrivals, departures, or cruise passengers, this flexible door to door service allows you to explore Kyoto comfortably before your next flight, hotel check-in, or onward journey. Popular suggested stops include Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and local dining areas. Guests may also customize the itinerary based on their preferences and schedule. Ideal for Airport pickup with Kyoto sightseeing, Airport or port drop-off after your itinerary, and Cruise passengers visiting Kyoto. Enjoy a comfortable, efficient, and stress free private transfer experience with professional drivers and convenient WhatsApp communication throughout your trip.

Kyoto 5 Hour Private Charter with KIX Airport Transfer

Kyoto 5 Hour Private Charter with KIX Airport Transfer

5 hoursFree Cancellation

$184$175

This concert takes place in a one-of-a-kind venue, a former Japanese sento (public bathhouse) that has been carefully renovated. This unique setting, unlike any other in Kyoto, adds a distinctive atmosphere to the experience. The high ceilings and tiled walls, originally designed for a bathhouse, provide exceptional acoustics, enhancing the rich and delicate sounds of traditional Japanese instruments like the koto and shamisen. This is an intimate and immersive concert, offering visitors a truly memorable cultural experience in a historically significant and beautifully reimagined space.

Traditional Concert in Public bath near Kyoto Station

Traditional Concert in Public bath near Kyoto Station

1 hourFree Cancellation

In a wooden building over 100 years old, we offer a workshop where you can easily create your one-and-only chopsticks. Choose your preferred wood, shave it with a plane, smooth it with sandpaper, finish with oil, and complete the process by wrapping your chopsticks. While enjoying the scent and warmth of the wood, you can truly appreciate the charm of chopsticks, an everyday item in Japanese culture. This experience is suitable for both children and adults, combining the ease of hands-on activity with the joy of taking home a tangible memory. It’s a perfect way to enhance sightseeing or a stroll through Kyoto. Reservations are available, but walk-ins are also welcome. We look forward to welcoming you in a convenient and open space. ・You can choose your favorite wood from approximately 4 different types.(12 wood types available: 4 included / 8 with extra charge) ・Choose from a variety of natural woods and personalize your own chopsticks with optional name engraving.（Extra fee applies）

Make Custom Chopsticks in 100yo Kyoto Building

45 minutesFree Cancellation

Discover the unique and soothing sound of the handpan in a welcoming studio in Kyoto. This beginner-friendly experience is designed so that anyone can start playing from the very first session—no musical background needed. Guided by experienced instructors from TAMARU, one of Japan’s most active handpan studios, you will learn how to create clear tones, play simple rhythms, and explore easy melodies step by step. Each session is carefully structured to help you feel comfortable and confident while enjoying the process. You will also experience a live demonstration, feel the rich resonance of the instrument up close, and have the chance to try different handpans to find the sound you love most. More than just a lesson, this is an immersive musical experience where you can relax, express yourself, and connect with sound in a unique way—something you won’t easily find anywhere else.

Handpan Experience in Kyoto

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

“Your Story. Your Kanji. Your Kyoto Memory.” Discover the essence of Japanese culture through an immersive calligraphy workshop in Kyoto. This unique experience goes beyond writing kanji; it delves into the etiquette and physical balance that define the art. In a tranquil Zen atmosphere, you'll carefully craft your own calligraphy work, reflecting the spiritual richness of Japan. Leave with a one-of-a-kind piece that embodies your journey and memories within this historic city.

Private Japanese Zen Calligraphy Experience in Kyoto with Artist

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Make your proposal in Kyoto truly unforgettable with a private photoshoot by a professional photographer. Set in the romantic streets of Kyoto, this experience captures the magical moment when you ask the most important question. From the historic alleys of Gion to the iconic Yasaka Pagoda area, your photographer will discreetly capture the proposal and then guide you through a relaxed photo session in beautiful locations nearby. Whether you are planning a surprise proposal or celebrating your engagement, this experience allows you to focus on the moment while a professional photographer preserves every emotion and reaction. After the proposal, enjoy a natural and romantic photoshoot around Kyoto’s charming streets. Within a few days, you will receive professionally edited high-resolution photos that beautifully capture this once-in-a-lifetime memory.

Kyoto Surprise Proposal Photoshoot with Professional Photographer

This tour is not just about seeing famous sights. It’s a journey into two very different expressions of Japanese beauty and philosophy. You’ll start at the breathtaking Kinkaku-ji, where gold leaf shimmers across a still pond, and finish at Ginkaku-ji, where moss gardens and Zen design invite quiet reflection. Along the way, your knowledgeable English-speaking guide will share rich stories, historical context, and hidden details that bring each temple to life. With efficient travel between sites, no crowds to navigate alone, and plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere, this experience makes the most of your time in Kyoto. Gold and Silver. Grandeur and simplicity. In one morning, explore both sides of Kyoto’s soul.

Kyoto: Discover Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji in One Tour

$149$142

This 6hr walking tour includes a 5 hour guided tour with 1hr foot spa & massage experience at Arashi-yu near Fushimi Inari. Before your experience, you will go on a walking tour with our licensed guide! Your guide will drop you off at foot spa near Fushini Inari temple at the end of you tour. You will indulge yourself with a foot spa in hot water after the tour followed with foot massage by the foot therapist. You will feel refreshed after a long day of sightseeing! You will enjoy 15 minutes foot bath with your selection of foot bath water (flower, green tea, Maccha, and salt) with drink and Japanese sweets followed by a 35 minutes foot massage. Please let your guide know what sites you would like to see after you make your reservation. It takes about 2 hours to see one site including travel time. Note:　Pregnant women should refrain from the foot acupressure massage. The foot acupressure will changed for those that are pregnant.

Kyoto Customized Tour & Foot Spa with Licensed Guide

Kyoto Customized Tour & Foot Spa with Licensed Guide

6 hoursFree Cancellation

Discover Kyoto like never before by wearing an authentic Japanese kimono from one of the city's most trusted rental studios. With hundreds of beautifully crafted kimonos, yukatas, and hakama to choose from, you'll find the perfect style for every season and occasion. Professional staff ensure a comfortable, authentic fit with expert kimono dressing and traditional obi tying, allowing you to fully enjoy your cultural experience without any hassle. Optional hairstyling is available to complete your traditional Japanese look. Located in central Kyoto, the rental shop provides easy access to famous attractions including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion, Yasaka Shrine, and historic streets, making it easy to capture stunning photos in Japan's most picturesque city. Perfect for sightseeing, cultural experiences, anniversaries, family trips, and social media photography, this kimono experience is one of Kyoto's most unforgettable activities.

Kyoto Traditional Kimono Rental Experience with Styling

Kyoto Traditional Kimono Rental Experience with Styling

$50$48

Kyoto Osaka and Nara Tour

2 daysFree Cancellation

This tour offers a deeper cultural journey from Kyoto to Imbe, a lesser-known pottery town where Bizen ware is still part of everyday life. As you explore the area, you will experience a living craft culture shaped by history, nature, and continuous production. Bizen pottery is known for its unglazed technique, using only clay, fire, and natural ash. Traditional wood-firing lasts up to two weeks, with artisans working in shifts to manage flames in climbing kilns fueled by red pine. Imbe is also the hometown of MLB MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (2025). Through conversations with locals, you may discover how closely he is connected to and loved by the community. Optional pottery experience allows you to create your own piece using an electric wheel, with selected works fired in a traditional kiln and delivered months later—extending the memory of your journey beyond the day itself.

Day Trip Bizen Pottery Tour in Imbe from Kyoto or Osaka

8 hoursFree Cancellation

$583$554

Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha

...

58 59 60

...

Must-Dos in Kyoto

1 / 2

What are people saying about Kyoto

Jonathan_T, Nov 2026

Great tour. Thank you, Yuki!

Yuki was a fantastic guide that showed us through the Gion area respectfully and knowledgeably. We got to see numerous geikos and maikos as well as sites that ate precious to them. Great to do on a first night in case you're looking for a local perspective on the city as well as recommendations on how to fill your remaining days.

Hiroshima & Miyajima 1-Day Tour from Osaka, Kyoto or Hiroshima

Lillie_G, Nov 2026

A memorable day in Hiroshima

A well organized trip from the beginning to the end. A very impressive assistance at train station connecting points. The tour guide and the driver are very friendly and helpful. Although it was a long day but the pace was well set. For us, it’s a better decision to join the tour that eliminated the stress to do it on our own especially in a busy tourist season.

From Kyoto / Osaka: Kyoto Must-see Spots & Nara Park One Day Tour

Grace_W, Nov 2026

Great guide and excellent sites!

Amy did an excellent job of ensuring we knew how to get to the meeting place, informing us of what the itinerary was (with picture book), providing relevant and interesting historical info before each site, and keeping us all aware of meeting places and times. All of the stops were amazing and we had just the right amount of time at each. She also took fabulous photos for us at each stop. We also bought customized bookmarks she does herself. All the sites are well worth seeing and Amy does a fabulous job!

PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour

Peter_M, Oct 2026

Excellent tour - highly recommended.

Excellent tour visiting all the 'must see' sites around Kyoto including beautiful World Heritage listed temples and shrines. Our guide, At-Chan, was fantastic- providing information on all the sites and teaching us a few Japnese words and a bit about Japanese culture. The driver, Ibuki, was friendly and fun. I would like to have spent more time at some sites but not possible in 1 day. I recommend doing this tour when you first get to Kyoto so you can go back and spend more time at sites you like.

Full Day Tour of Kyoto with Private Transportation

Tony_B, Oct 2026

Had a wonderful time!...

Had a wonderful time! Christine was energetic throughout despite the long tour hours. She was an exceptional guide who could clearly articulate historical nuances about distant relics while also pointing us to a good coffee shop. She offered a flexible, well-designed itinerary; we also never felt rushed. Would certainly recommend this tour…

Kyoto Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot and Geisha

Andrew_J, Oct 2026

Compelling Sport and Lighthearted

So so much fun! The wrestlers are amazing athletes and very talented entertainers, great comedy and a fun atmosphere for everyone. The whole place erupted countless times during the show. It's informative but not too serious. I would recommend to everyone. Suitable for all ages. I'm not typically interested in sports but I could watch this over and over. The drinks and food are on demand and arrive with 60 seconds of ordering.

Authentic Knife Making Experience at a Blacksmith in Kyoto

Rom_S, Oct 2026

The first part was...

The first part was forging the knife out of a piece of metal using a hammer, which demanded considerable strength. Then, we sharpened the knife to its final form and made the edge. You can choose one of a number of shapes to make the knife into. The knife came out looking great, and the experience was a lot of fun. The staff was very professional and helpful, managing the experience, giving advice and fixing our mistakes :) Overall, highly recommended!

10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour

Paul_M, Oct 2026

Great tour

Akemi was a wonderful guide. She reached out before the tour to ensure we saw everything we wanted to see, plus suggest some more. She is an enthusiastic booster for her city and is full of good information. She has a fun personality. Importantly, she checked in a few times prior to the tour to make sure our meeting went smoothly.

Hiroshima & Miyajima Tour From Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka

Hailey_W, Oct 2026

Hiroshima and Miyazima Island

Mitzuke (if this is her correct name) guided us on wonderful tour of the Hiroshima atomic dome, memorial area and museum. Before heading to Miyazima Island. The fact that she came from Hiroshima and her family experienced the atom bomb dropping on the 6th of August 1945, makes her the most ideal tour guide for such a melancholy but essential cultural, historic trip. She was so kind, full of knowledge and super friendly. Everyone on the tour enjoyed her stories and her beautiful character. I hope to meet you again one day. Thanks again Viator for organising another fantastic tour that is as always amazing value for money <3.

Kyoto: Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 Eateries

Robert_G, Oct 2026

Kyoto Great Food

Our tour guide Paris was impressive, offering rich insights into Kyoto’s history and guiding us to several excellent restaurants. The meals were abundant and delicious; we arrived hungry but left full. We enjoyed the conversations with Paris and the two other couples on the tour, making it a memorable experience. I would strongly recommend this food tour.

Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto

Stacey_K, Sep 2026

Fun, interactive cooking class!

Fun interactive cooking class where you actually cook your own meal! This was a super fun course where we learned a lot about Japanese ramen’s history as well as the ingredients that make it delicious. The instructor, Elsa, was informative as well as adorable in getting to know each of us during our session.