The 7 Best 2-Hour Experiences in Kyoto

1.2-Hour Geisha Culture & History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,186 reviews · from $23Our pick

Walk through Gion with a local guide, learning about geisha and maiko traditions as you visit Hanamikoji, Yasaka Shrine, old townhouses, Pontocho and more. Guides have included Soyo, Uta, Dan and Naoya, though your guide may differ. The two-hour route includes quiet lanes and photo stops; spotting a geisha is possible, not promised.

“Naoya was great! Super informative. Also very patient. We ended up getting on the wrong bus and was a little late. His patience really decreased our stress levels. Also we stopped to get pictures of us along the way, showed us some interesting places. We were lucky to see a Geisha right at the end.”

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2.Ninja 2-hour Hands-on Lesson by Japanese master in Kyoto -Medium

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · from $95

At NINJA DOJO and STORE in central Kyoto, an English-speaking Japanese Sensei leads a two-hour beginner lesson for groups of up to six. Put on rented ninja clothing, try meditation and movement techniques, then practice with training weapons such as a sword, kunai, shuriken, and blowgun. The class begins at 10:00 am and returns to the dojo.

“We all had a blast (two 21 year olds and two 50-somethings)! We learned quite a bit and loved being instructed on the technical aspects. We laughed a lot and enjoyed our instructor’s teaching style, patience and humor. Highly recommend if you want to bring out your inner ninja!”

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3.2-Hour Maiko Makeover and Photo Studio Shoot

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 122 reviews · from $152

At Yumeyakata Gojo Shop, a makeup artist leads you a one-minute walk to the studio, where you choose a kimono, receive maiko makeup and a wig, then pose for portraits. Staff include former maiko instructors. The two-hour experience includes five digital images; men’s kimono and hakama options are available as add-ons.

“The metamorphosis was a great experience itself: make up, kimono choice and dressing up in full Maiko gear. All in friendly atmosphere. And then the photoshoot with kind and professional photographer. I received ready photos earlier than expected and the result was phenomenal. What's important is that the photo session takes place in a professional studio (AC) and not anywhere outside, which is a bonus given temperature/humidity outside (2nd half of April) and a full make-up/heavy kimono on. I would deffinitely repeat the experience and I highly recommend.Read more”

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4.Kyoto 2 Hours Genuine Kendo / Samurai Experience In Japan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 57 reviews · from $118

Meet your instructor at Hanazono Station for a two-hour introduction to kendo. Learn etiquette, basic rules, footwork and sword techniques, then try the equipment and practice against a partner. Kendo gear, a towel and bottled water are included. Instruction is in English, with Takahiro Hayashi among the named instructors.

“This was the first activity we did and it set the tone for the whole rest of the week! Our instructor was Hayashi and he was very fun, and helped us take photos and videos to share.”

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5.2 Hour Night Walking Tour Throughout Gion with snack

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 13 reviews · from $32

Spend two hours walking around Gion with local guide Simon, from Yasaka Shrine and Hanamikoji Street to Kiyamachi and the Kamo River. Hear about geiko and maiko, get restaurant recommendations, and enjoy a traditional Japanese snack and a geisha chocolate. The walk starts and ends at the Disney Store near Shijo-Kawaramachi.

“One of the best walking tours we have ever experienced. The tour was extremely insightful, interesting and Simon shared knowledge and places we would have never known otherwise. The highlight of our Kyoto trip thus far. Could not recommend more.”

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6.2-Hour Oriental Body and Head Massage in Kyoto Japan

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $182

Take a 120-minute body and head massage in a private salon about three minutes from Kyoto Station’s Hachijoguchi Exit. Choose shiatsu, which uses no oil and requires no clothing change, or aroma oil massage, available to women only. You can ask about focusing on particular areas or including both body and head work. Nanami is named as a therapist, but her availability is not guaranteed.

“Head and body massage was excellent. Perfect amount of pressure and so relaxing. My daughter and I enjoyed this massage our last day before flying home and what a way to relax all our muscles before the long flight home. Highly recommend”

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7.Nijo Castle & Gardens 2-Hour Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3 reviews · 2 hours · from $54

Spend two hours at Nijo Castle with an English-speaking guide. The route covers the castle grounds and Honmaru-goten Palace, with time for its architecture, gardens, and history. Guides Seana and Megumi have led this tour, and one memorable detail to look for is a floating-peacock panel in Ninomaru Palace. Confirm before booking whether the palace interior is part of your visit.

“Very interesting and fun tour with my guide Seana. Plenty of time to focus more in detail to some of the spots within the castle or Ninomaru palace. It was fun to find together with Seana the "floating peacock" panel in Ohiroma Ni-no-ma (second room) within Ninomaru palace that is not visible from the beaten track. As she speaks Japanese we could ask the staff to assist us in our "discovery"! Seana shared in depth stories too about the castle giving it a personal touch from the guide's point of view. It was interesting and I enjoyed the tour very much, highly recommend! Only one remark, GtG should include an…”

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