All Kyoto Tours &amp; Excursions in 2026

Kyoto Spring Evening (Cherry Blossom) Food Tour

Kyoto Osaka and Nara Tour

2 daysFree Cancellation

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.

Temple Space Natural Stone Bracelet and Incense Making Experience

1 hourFree Cancellation

$32$31

Find Inner Peace in the Heart of Kyoto Experience authentic Zen meditation at one of Kyoto’s five major Zen templesLearn the basics of zazen directly from a knowledgeable local guideStroll through a serene Zen rock garden while enjoying insightful commentarySavor a traditional Buddhist monk’s meal (Shojin Ryori), once served in Zen templesThis peaceful journey concludes near Chishaku-in Temple.Reserve your Zen experience today and reconnect with calm, culture, and tradition.

Kyoto Meditate, Explore Sacred Gardens Enjoy a Temple Lunch

Kyoto Meditate, Explore Sacred Gardens Enjoy a Temple Lunch

4 hoursFree Cancellation

$254$241

Visit Nara from Kyoto with a private vehicle and professional driver. This self-guided day trip lets you explore Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji, and Naramachi at your own pace without managing train transfers. Nara is one of the most comfortable and rewarding day trips from Kyoto, especially for families, couples, and small groups who prefer private transportation. Your driver picks you up at your Kyoto hotel and takes you directly to Nara, where you can explore the city’s temples, deer park, shrines, and old-town streets independently. This is a self-guided private car day trip. The driver provides transportation and basic logistical support, but does not guide inside attractions. A licensed guide option can be added separately in the future. The route is flexible. You can focus on major cultural landmarks such as Todaiji and Kasuga Taisha, spend more time around Nara Park, or include a slower walk through Naramachi. -

Nara Private Car Day Trip with Driver from Kyoto

Nara Private Car Day Trip with Driver from Kyoto

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Most visitors stop at the famous Senbon Torii, but this tour continues deep into the sacred trails of Mt. Inari. Starting from JR Inari Station, walk through thousands of vermilion torii gates, visit hidden shrines, and climb to the 233m summit of Inari-yama along a historic pilgrimage route still used by locals today. Along the way, explore Kumataka-sha, Shin-ike (Echo Pond), Yotsutsuji viewpoint, and the seven sacred sanctuaries connected to prayers for health, prosperity, safe childbirth, and sharp eyesight. Try the traditional omokaru-ishi fortune stone and learn the deeper meaning of kitsune, the fox messengers of Inari. Led by a local guide, this experience reveals the spiritual side of Fushimi Inari beyond the typical photo spots, combining culture, history, mountain scenery, and hidden paths most travelers never see.

Fushimi Inari Sacred Hike: Summit, 10,000 Torii & 7 Shrines

$60$57

Stand in Arashiyama's bamboo grove before Kyoto wakes up. By 9 a.m., the bamboo path fills with visitors. Start at 8 with us and walk through quiet green pathways lined with towering bamboo. Visit Nonomiya Shrine, a site from The Tale of Genji and home to Japan's only black-bark torii gate — an unpainted wooden torii standing since the Heian period. Continue to Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple founded in the 14th century, where the Sogenchi Garden reflects the morning sky. Your guide leads you to hidden photo spots while sharing stories about Kyoto culture and Zen aesthetics. Experience Arashiyama before the crowds arrive on this small-group walking tour. Highlights: ・Early morning walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove ・Visit Nonomiya Shrine — from The Tale of Genji, with Japan's only black-bark torii gate ・Explore UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Temple and Sogenchi Garden ・Photo stops guided by a local guide ・Small-group walking tour

Arashiyama Morning: Silent Bamboo, Photo Spots & Zen Garden

Arashiyama Morning: Silent Bamboo, Photo Spots & Zen Garden

2 hoursFree Cancellation

$35$33

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.

Private Architecture Day Trip from Kyoto to Hyogo

9 hoursFree Cancellation

$888$844

Kyoto Mitarashi Dango Making and Japanese Tea Experience

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Step into the timeless atmosphere of Kyoto and experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony inside a beautifully preserved 100-year-old machiya townhouse. Enjoy a relaxing **table-style tea ceremony**, offering a comfortable way to experience the elegance and traditions of Japanese tea culture. Learn about the meaning behind the ceremony, observe the graceful preparation of matcha, and savor authentic Japanese tea in a unique historic setting. Whether it’s your first tea ceremony or you’re looking for a deeper cultural experience, this intimate Kyoto experience offers a memorable glimpse into Japan’s traditional way of life. **Reserve your spot and experience the timeless beauty of Japanese tea culture in the heart of Kyoto!**

Traditional Tea Ceremony in a 100 Year Old Kyoto Machiya Tour to

4 hoursFree Cancellation

$270$257

Traditional Japanese Home Cooking Class in Kyoto

2 hoursFree Cancellation

$142$135

・Fusion of Traditional Maiko Performance & NY Jazz A magical night where the graceful dance of a Maiko and the melodious sounds of the Koto resonate with authentic New York Jazz. ・Exclusive Meet-and-Greet & Photo Session with the Maiko & Artists Spend special, intimate time chatting and taking commemorative photos with the Maiko and musicians in a historic setting after Part 1. ・Atmospheric Historic Architecture (Chionsha - Zashiki Hall) Performances take place in the historic Zashiki hall, built in 1915 (Taisho era) using premium Toga wood as a luxury guest residence for Emperor Taisho's enthronement ceremony, alongside a traditional tea room built in 1937 (Showa era). ・Cutting-Edge Authentic NY Jazz Performance An authentic, dynamic live performance by TRIO HIGHWIRE, bringing the top-tier music of the New York jazz scene. ・A Special Evening Enjoyed with Japanese Cuisine Enjoy a peaceful evening with seasonal Japanese dining and music served right at your seat.

Kyoto Machiya Jazz Night Maiko and NY Jazz Collaboration

Kyoto Machiya Jazz Night Maiko and NY Jazz Collaboration

$272$258

Most geisha dance experiences in Kyoto are over in a flash: two short dances, about 10 minutes, and you are back on the street. Here you can take your time: two dances, then a workshop where the dancer explains what you just saw, and a final dance to enjoy with new eyes. Not a show by geisha: this is Nihon Buyo, the star among the arts geisha learn, performed by the Senju troupe under Grand Master Senju Einojo. The show moves from a glass tea room onto a Zen rock garden stage and ends with Tora Tora, a geisha party game, and photos with the dancer. One drink included. Complete the day with 80g of A5 Yamagata Heifer Wagyu sirloin, the Queen of Wagyu, grilled on a teppan: lunch before the show or an early dinner after it. Seating: groups of 3-6 get their own table; 1-6 guests can book counter seats facing the stage. Hosted at ZEN, the flagship of Arc, a Tripadvisor Best of the Best Wagyu group rated 4.9 on Google (3,500+ reviews).

Kyoto Wagyu Dining and Geisha Performance

Kyoto Wagyu Dining and Geisha Performance

1 hourFree Cancellation

$52$49

Discover Kyoto with a local guide born and raised in this incredible city! Explore must-see attractions like Fushimi Inari Shrine, Gion, and Ninenzaka, alongside hidden gems I personally recommend. Having grown up in Kyoto and studied history at university, I bring the city’s history, traditions, and culture to life. With four years of guiding experience and over 1,000 groups welcomed, I’m proud to have received wonderful feedback, welcomed returning guests, and met travelers referred by previous customers. This private 8-hour tour combines the places I believe every visitor should see with authentic local experiences. The itinerary is flexible, with options including peaceful Zen gardens, the Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Market, and local food experiences, depending on your interests. My goal is to go beyond ordinary sightseeing and help you discover Kyoto through the eyes of a local, creating unforgettable memories along the way.

Omakase 8 Hour Tour with a Kyoto Local Guide

Omakase 8 Hour Tour with a Kyoto Local Guide

8 hoursFree Cancellation

$582$553

・Taste 8 carefully selected, hard-to-find sakes from breweries across Japan. ・Enjoy sake at an intimate 8-seat counter overlooking a Kyoto City-designated scenic garden. ・Experience a special tasting with close-up views of a garden normally closed to the public. ・Discover how Japanese food pairings change the aroma, sweetness, acidity, and flavor of sake. ・Finish with a blind tasting challenge and put your senses to the test. ・Designed to be enjoyable for both sake beginners and experienced sake lovers.

Kyoto and Japanese Sake Tasting in Heritage Garden

Kyoto and Japanese Sake Tasting in Heritage Garden

1 hour 10 minutesFree Cancellation

$57$54

Kyoto: Kurama to Kibune Hike (Private)

$97$92

*Beating the Crowds: Explore the world-famous Torii gates during the peaceful twilight hours when the daytime tour groups vanish. *Atmosphere & Aesthetics: Experience the ethereal, lantern-lit ambiance of the shrine as the sun sets over Kyoto. *Hidden Gems & Lore: Venture beyond the standard photography spots to uncover secret mountain trails, fox lore (Kitsune), and deep Shinto spirituality. *Expert Local Storytelling: An intimate, small-group walking experience led by a passionate guide who brings centuries of history and culture to life.

Kyoto Fushimi Inari Walking Tour

2 hours 20 minutesFree Cancellation

$37$35

Experience an authentic samurai experience in Kyoto, supervised by a national iaido champion and recipient of the Minister of Education (MEXT) Award. Learn the spirit of Bushido, dress in a traditional hakama, and watch a live demonstration by our master using a real Japanese sword. Choose from three Tachikiri symbols—Dragon, Daruma, or Yatagarasu—then write something you wish to leave behind on a wish tag. After practicing with an iaito, complete your experience with a symbolic final cut and take a meaningful step forward.

Samurai Cutting Experience in Kyoto Champion Supervised

Samurai Cutting Experience in Kyoto Champion Supervised

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

$97$92

This activity offers a rare opportunity to observe the production process of traditional Japanese paper goods such as goshuincho (temple stamp books) and watoji notebooks—items not typically seen by the public. With a guided tour, you'll gain insights into the work of experienced craftsmen and the precision involved in their handwork. Afterward, you’ll step into the craftsman’s shoes and make your own watoji notebook using your choice of yuzen washi paper from a wide selection. Whether you're visiting Kyoto for the first time or returning, this experience offers a unique glimpse into a different side of the city.

Handmade Japanese Bound Notebook Experience and Factory Tour

Handmade Japanese Bound Notebook Experience and Factory Tour

1 hourFree Cancellation

$71$68

As a passionate foodie fluent in Japanese, I love dining out and can guide you around the most local bars in downtown Kyoto, as well as explain the cultural background of the drinks. Japanese food can be intimidating. As a chef, I love talking about food and making it easy to understand for visitors. Note, reservations cannot be made at standing bars, so venues may change depending on availability.

2 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Kyoto Standing Bar Tour

$78$74

Skip the hassle of traveling by bullet train with heavy luggage and enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Kyoto to Tokyo. Instead of simply moving between cities, make the journey part of your adventure with a scenic stop in the Mt. Fuji area, including beautiful Oishi Park, one of the best places to admire Japan's iconic mountain. Relax in a spacious private vehicle as you take in breathtaking landscapes along the way, creating unforgettable memories before arriving at your hotel in Tokyo. This tour combines convenience, comfort, and sightseeing, making it the perfect choice for travelers who want to maximize their time in Japan.

Kyoto to Tokyo Private Transfer with Mt. Fuji and Oishi Park

Kyoto to Tokyo Private Transfer with Mt. Fuji and Oishi Park

12 hoursFree Cancellation

$1,790$1,701

Explore the hidden gems of Shiga with an expert-guided tour. Start at the iconic Hikone Castle, a national treasure offering stunning views of Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake. Stroll through the castle’s beautiful gardens and learn about its rich samurai history. Next, visit the ancient Enryaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled on Mount Hiei, where you can immerse yourself in centuries of Buddhist culture. Enjoy a peaceful walk along Lake Biwa’s shoreline or take a boat ride to discover its scenic beauty. Your guide will share local history and insights, providing an enriching experience of Shiga’s natural and cultural wonders. Public transportation will be used, with private vehicle options available upon request.

Shiga Private Custom Tour with Local Guide

Shiga Private Custom Tour with Local Guide

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Along the way, stop into carefully selected hidden Local restaurants where you’ll enjoy a full, curated meal featuring authentic Kyoto style dishes. Each stop has been handpicked for its quality, tradition, and local flavor places you’d likely never find on your own. To complete the experience, you’ll also sample three distinct types of local sake, gaining insight into Kyoto’s deep rooted brewing heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this evening offers an unforgettable blend of flavor, culture, and connection.

A Bite of Kyoto After Dark Walking Tour for Food Lovers By Guide

A Bite of Kyoto After Dark Walking Tour for Food Lovers By Guide

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

$215$204

This tour introduces two railway-related sites that reflect Kyoto’s modernization and transportation history. At the Kyoto Railway Museum, visitors can explore the development of Japan’s railway culture through historic steam locomotives, Shinkansen trains, and interactive exhibits. The museum also offers insight into everyday life and society in different periods of Japanese history. The tour also includes the experience of enjoying an “Ekiben,” a traditional Japanese railway lunch box, inside a train car. Ekiben has long been an important part of train travel culture in Japan and offers a unique way to experience local food and railway traditions together. At the Keage Incline, visitors can walk along a preserved railway slope that once supported Kyoto’s canal transportation system. This historic industrial site played an important role in the city’s modernization and infrastructure development, offering a different perspective on Kyoto beyond temples and shrines.

Kyoto Railway Museum and Keage Incline Historical Walk

Kyoto Railway Museum and Keage Incline Historical Walk

6 hoursFree Cancellation

$330$313

Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

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Must-Dos in Kyoto

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What are people saying about Kyoto

chris_b, Nov 2026

Best Tour Guide We Had in Japan!

Kazz was hands down the best tour guide we had during our entire trip to Japan! He arrived at our hotel 15 minutes early and did an incredible job keeping us on track throughout a very ambitious day of sightseeing in Kyoto. We managed to see everything on our itinerary without ever feeling rushed. His knowledge of Japanese history and culture was fantastic, and he shared so many interesting facts and stories along the way. What really set him apart was his attention to detail. He even brought his own professional camera, took tons of beautiful photos of us throughout the day, and shared them afterward via Google Drive! Kazz was friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about making our day special. I would book with him again in a heartbeat and can’t recommend him highly enough!

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

Evan_M, Nov 2026

An excellent tour.

This was a well organised tour of the Peace Dome and park and Museum, followed by the ferry to Miyajima Island and visit to the shrine and view of the Otori gate. Tour Guide Akusa was very professional and efficient and communicated well to the group the travelling instructions and the commentary as we passed by the landmarks in the bus. There was also plenty of time to self-explore on the island and to get refreshments.

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

Eric_C, Nov 2026

A tour that everyone should experience

This was an excellent day. I didn't know anything about Miyajima Island - just saw it as an add-on to my intended trip to Hiroshima, but it was an interesting and enjoyable start to the day. The tour of Hiroshima though was moving and well laid out. Akie was an excellent guide. As a local she was very knowledgeable. But she was also engaging and personable and her personal story added to the day. A very moving trip - seeing what man's inhumanity to man can result in.

Kyoto Sumo Entertainment Show with Chicken Hot Pot and Geisha

Serina_T, Nov 2026

Don’t miss this fun and entertaining evening! You won’t regret including this in your itinerary!

What an incredibly fun and entertaining evening!! The show at Kyoto Sumo Club was fantastic and we had such a wonderful time. This show is not to be missed and definitely must be a part of your Kyoto visit! Admittedly, when I initially booked this, it was because of my husband’s interest in the show. I thought I’d go along, but wasn’t sure if I’d like it. How wrong I was! It was one of the most fun things we did during our trip to Japan. Once we arrived and checked in, we were informed that we had been upgraded and we were seated on the couches at the very front in front of the sumo wrestling ground. We had the best unobstructed view and felt like we were part of the action the the entire time. Starting with the food, it was delicious!! Drinks were also included and unlimited throughout the show. The service was excellent throughout the whole show, with speedy service after any order placed. The evening commenced with geishas dancing and it was lovely to see their performance and have an opportunity to see their gorgeous outfits and impressive makeup and hair! The sumo wrestling show was next, and it was wonderfully entertaining the entire time. The crowd was laughing non-stop as the wrestlers and host incorporated entertainment, fun and comedic comments into the show. The show allowed for learning about sumo wrestling, demonstration of various sumo moves, information about sumo traditions, and finally, a sumo wrestling match. Afterwards, audience members were able to come forward to seek a chance to take on the wrestlers as well, which was very fun and entertaining. The evening finished with photo opportunities with both the sumo wrestlers and the geishas, including a printed photos as your take-home souvenir, and photos on your chosen personal device/phone. Also included was a gift bag with some goodies for each person to take home. We could not recommend this enough. We had an absolute blast and the entire crowd was clearly feeling the same way. No matter what country you are from, this event will entertain you and you will not regret it. Highly recommend during a stay in Kyoto! The Kyoto Sumo Club is not to be missed!!

Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha

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.

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

Kathryn_G, Nov 2026

Beautiful Day in Kyoto and Nara

Our tour guide, Joy was a pleasure to work with as it was wonderful she made an exception to provide an assigned seat for my husband who’s physically challenged. She also pointed out an elevator to make it easier for him to access the torii gates. Joy was a fabulous guide as she created a “What’s Ap thread” for the group for communication purposes which was very helpful. People used it to communicate with her and at times she included her precise loxation. She also pointed out points of interest, gave us background and included restaurants too on the What’s Ap thread. She was veey knowledgeable very mindful and pointed; out landmarks with specific directions so people wouldn’t get lost. Our bus driver did an outstanding job on driving us and the bus was very clean. We enjoyed the tour and highly recommend it

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.

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.

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.