Kyoto · KYOTO TOURS
Temples in the east, bamboo in the west, Nara and Uji a short train away. These 15 cover the city and the trips out of it, each with its price, its length and the detail worth knowing before you book.
Spend 8 to 9 hours visiting Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, Arashiyama’s bamboo path, Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari by air-conditioned coach. An English-speaking guide leads the day, with audio guidance in several languages. Admission is included at four temples, and you can add a Japanese buffet lunch.
“Our guide Harry was great. Very Knowledgeable and friendly. The places we visited were perfect for a 1 day visit to Kyoto.”
Travel by air-conditioned coach to Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangen-do, Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji and Fushimi Inari, with a brief pass by Nijo Castle. An English-speaking guide leads the day, with multilingual audio guidance available. Entry tickets are included for four sites, and you can add a Japanese buffet lunch.
“This tour checked all my boxes. It helped me see many destinations that were far apart from each other and provided some helpful context to the sites. Felt like we had enough time at each place too! Our guide, Nagomi, was energetic and friendly, making the tour a great experience overall.”
At Sakaguchian, a traditional tea house on Sannenzaka near Kiyomizu-Dera, an English-speaking instructor introduces the tea ceremony and its 500-year history. Watch a tea master prepare matcha, then make your own and enjoy a Japanese sweet while looking onto a garden designed by Ogawa Jihei VII. The 45-minute experience includes two cups of matcha and a photo.
“This was such a wonderful experience. I highly recommend - small groups, wonderful guide, the view on the gardens is just breathtaking and the matcha is good”
Spend two hours walking through Gion with an English-speaking local guide. See traditional teahouses, machiya townhouses, Hōkan-ji Pagoda, Kennin-ji Temple and Chion-in Temple, while learning about geiko and maiko culture. A sighting is possible, not guaranteed. The guide also shares Kyoto food and sightseeing recommendations.
“Thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot. Thank you so much to Michael!”
At Ju-An, inside Kyoto’s Jotokuji Temple, an English-speaking guide introduces the grounds and a tea master demonstrates the matcha ritual. You’ll learn how to drink the tea, hear why each step matters and prepare a cup yourself. The 70-minute small-group session costs $29 per person; hosts such as Kate and Taka have led sessions.
“Superb intro to a tea ceremony (the "real" ones take 4 hours) with great hosts, super informative, engaging, entertaining, and made us really feel at peace, with the environment created, really reflecting the Ju-An created by the host.”
Walk Gion with an English-speaking guide in a group of up to 10. The 100-minute route links Hanamikoji’s geisha district with shrines, quiet lanes and an illuminated Buddhist pagoda. Guides such as Shino, Hina and Masami share geisha traditions, local stories and shrine customs. A real geisha sighting is possible, but never promised.
“Sora was an excellent guide for our Kyoto tour. His explanations were incredibly detailed and made the experience truly memorable. Really a great experience to discover Kyoto !”
On tatami near Kinkakuji, an English-speaking Urasenke tea master demonstrates matcha preparation, explains the ceremony’s history and etiquette, then guides you as you make tea yourself. The 45-minute lesson includes two green teas and Japanese sweets. Choose a private, small-group or candlelight session; kimono hire is an extra.
“the activity was too good. our host is very knowledgeable, showed us all aspects of the art and tradition in details. would highly recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto.”
Spend two hours walking through Kyoto’s Gion and Pontocho districts with a local guide, in English or Spanish. Hear about geiko and maiko training, visit Yasaka Shrine, and pass teahouses and narrow lanes where you may spot performers heading to appointments. Guides vary, with names including Yuki, Nami, Yukari, Manuel, and Deborah.
“Seeing authentic locations, hearing the history, seeing a Maiko!!!!”
Take a two-hour guided walk through Gion and Higashiyama, from Yasaka Shrine and Ninenzaka to Hōkan-ji’s lit pagoda and Gion’s lanterned lanes. Guides such as Karim, Kevin, Ben, and Janelle share local history and explain geiko and maiko culture. You might spot a woman in traditional dress, but sightings are never guaranteed.
“Amazing. Kevin so knowledgeable and personable. A highlight of our Kyoto stay”
Ride an open-top double-decker bus between Kyoto Station, Nishiki Market, Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Gion, and other major stops. Your one- or two-day pass includes unlimited rides and prerecorded audio in seven languages. Staff such as Miyuki, Lauren, Casey, or Frederick have been praised for their help, but a particular person is not guaranteed.
“If the brochure can add a little description of the places of visit, it would made the trip more enjoyable. Also if admission fee is required too. Thanks. Maria Ng”
Walk nighttime Gion with an English-speaking local guide who explains geiko and maiko history, dress, training, rules, and daily life. The route starts by Gion Shijo Station and follows traditional streets beside a stream. Guides such as Mia, Mie, Chako, and Mai have led tours, and you may spot geiko or maiko on their way to appointments, though sightings are not guaranteed.
“Absolutely fantastic! We saw both Geiko and Maiko and were in absolute awe. The tour took us to uncrowded and picturesque locations. Small group tour as well, we saw other tours that had over 30 people. We took 3 kids and 1 in a pram and was fine. Absolutely would recommend.”
At Ramen Factory Kyoto, an instructor guides you through making noodles, preparing soup and toppings, and building a bowl to suit your taste. The 90-minute class ends with lunch, and vegetarian, vegan, and Halal preferences can be accommodated on request. Instructors have included Mahiro, Moeka, Haruka, and Fuku.
“It was loads of fun!! And super tasty! Was great to do smth all together and learn smth new! A fun way to eat Ramen”
Cycle about 7 to 8 kilometers through Kyoto on an e-bike, stopping at Kinkakuji, Daitokuji, Kitano Tenmangu and quieter temple gardens. An English-speaking guide leads a small group of up to eight, sharing stories about Zen, Shinto and local customs. Bikes, helmets and water are included. Guides may include Yuta, Michael, Sean or Henry.
“Fantastic experience. Our tour guide Yuta took us to some amazing places off the beaten track. I was worried having not cycled for over 10 years but I managed it. If you are looking for something a bit different I would thoroughly recommend this.”
Spend about three and a half hours walking through Gion and Pontocho, stopping for Kyoto dishes such as obanzai and for sake at a standing bar. A guide leads a group of no more than seven, adding local food and neighborhood context along the way. The tour is priced at $163.49 per person and starts and ends by the Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni.
“Hide was an excellent guide. He is very good with conversation and showing and recommending us spots for the rest of our trip in Kyoto”
Follow a certified local guide on a roughly 7km forest hike to Fushimi Inari-taisha, approaching its famous torii gates by quieter trails. Expect a bamboo grove, a small shrine, uphill sections and views toward Fushimi-Momoyama Castle. Groups are capped at seven, tour photos are included, and guides have included Naru, Yuko, Josh and Emi.
“Our family (including my husband and adult children) absolutely loved the Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour. The scenery was stunning from start to finish, and what made it especially memorable was approaching the iconic torii gates from the back. The trail was quiet, peaceful, and far from the crowds — we got to enjoy the gates nearly all to ourselves, which felt truly special. We also hiked through a beautiful, serene bamboo forest that was a highlight in itself. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and shared interesting history about the gates, even reading some of the inscriptions for us. It added a meaningful layer to the experience. Highly recommended if…”
Pick a hillside, a lane or a tea room.
