Top Kyoto Cultural Tours

Discover the Zen gardens, colorful temples, and ancient shrines of Kyoto on this small-group walking tour that’s limited to just 12 participants. Experience the elegant architecture and religious monuments of this historic Japanese city, once the imperial capital, as you join a guide on visits to the Gion Geisha district, Tofukuji Temple, and more.

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular travel destinations and with over 50 million annual visitors, it can get busy. This tour makes an early start so you can avoid the crowds and cram much more into your day. Stroll around the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before the tour groups arrive, visit Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion) right as it opens, and walk through the torii gates of Fushimi Inari (Shrine) before the midday heat.

Get an excellent introduction to the cuisine of Kyoto on this small-group guided tour of the city's best food spots. Start at the deliciously vast 400-year-old Nishiki Market, nicknamed 'Kyoto's Kitchen,' where over 130 food shops and stalls beckon your taste buds. Stroll through the market with the guide, learning about the history of food in the city and taste many dishes unique to Kyoto, including pickled vegetables, fried fish cakes, Japanese pike conger eel, mochi and Japanese omelet. After the market, visit a shrine dedicated to the god of education.

Cycle past a mix of Kyoto’s most-famous sights and its lesser-known secrets during this half-day ‘Hidden Kyoto’ bike tour. Take a 4.9-mile (8-kilometer) ride that starts by winding past iconic Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkakuji, Koto-in, and Kitano Tenmagu. You’ll continue ‘off the beaten path,’ discovering intimate Zen gardens and charming backstreets known only to locals.

If you have only one day in Kyoto and want to see all the top 10 must-see spots of Kyoto, this tour is the best for you. A professional local guide shows you the best, comfortable and convenient way to the spots. And you can enjoy walking along with the beautiful sceneries, paths, and back alleys only the local people know. We use the taxies three times to save your time and energy. This tour is a mixture of public transport and taxis. Thanks to taxis and a friendly local professional guide, you can visit the 10 most famous attractions such as the Fushimi Inari shrine (thousands of Torii gate), Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu temple (with huge balcony), bamboo forest, Geisha district, and so on. If you check the spots you can visit on this tour, you can notice that all must-see points in Kyoto are included!! Please enjoy the top ten spots with the beautiful stories of your guide.

Discover Kyoto’s magical Gion district, which is known for being the city’s Geisha area. Don't worry about language barriers, as a guide is there to help you translate and explain the difference between maiko, geiko, and other Japanese words. The unmarked narrow streets of Gion can make it easy to get lost at night, but this is not a problem with a guide to navigate and lead the way. Upgrade to a longer, private tour for a closer look at Geisha culture.

Immerse yourself in the cultural and architectural splendor of Kyoto on this private tour, ideal for first-time visitors. Choose from two different routes, both of which cover major Kyoto attractions including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple, and explore the city with a personal guide. On the northwest-bound route, you’ll visit the Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Food Market, and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama Park. Alternatively, the southeast course covers the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, and the Gion area. Receive undivided attention from your guide on this private tour. 

Take in the highlights of Kyoto in one day with a guide who shares insights into the city’s history and culture. Stroll through the picturesque Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and visit three important temples and shrines: Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji temple—known for its Zen garden, and Fushimi Inari shrine—known for rows of bright orange torii gates. You’ll also walk into the Gion district where you might see a geisha.

Get an insiders' eye perspective on Kyoto on this walking tour that combines a food tour with anthropological insight. Wander through the city's streets and understand the nighttime entertainment scene, from geiko (geisha) to hostesses. Afterward, sample regional specialties accompanied by included drinks at standing bars/restaurants.

If you’re visiting Japan for the first time, receive a cultural introduction to the country during a tea ceremony in traditional kimonos. During the ceremony, learn about Japanese history and sample matcha green tea, a local specialty. Plus, wearing a traditional kimono means you leave the experience with fantastic photographs to commemorate your time in Kyoto.

Gain a better understanding of sake during this tour that explores the Fushimi Sake District of Kyoto. Visit Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, one of the largest sake breweries in Fushimi, and end your visit with a sake-tasting session. Not only will your guide be able to explain the basics of sake and introduce you to new kinds you may have never tried, but your tastings will also be paired with Japanese snacks that enhance the tasting experience. 

Exploring the narrow alleyways of Kyoto’s Geisha District—Gion can be daunting for a first-time visitor. Eliminate the worry of getting lost by going on a guided tour. It’s a great way to discover hidden places that locals love, and to hear about Kyoto’s ancient past. Highlights include learning about Geisha culture and rituals, and visiting Gion, Pontocho, and Miyagawacho.

Exploring the historic city of Kyoto with a local guide gives you an experience you won’t get by following a guidebook itinerary. Discover local neighborhoods, see iconic attractions, and get recommendations from a guide who creates a personalized route based on your interests and needs.

Spend some time getting acquainted with the food and culture of two historically important and beautiful districts of Kyoto on this guided walking tour. Stroll over the ninth-century Togetsukyo bridge and make stops to sample local snacks. After a visit to the 14th-century Tenryu-ji temple, head to a beautiful bamboo garden and indulge in some traditional Japanese sweets. This tour of Arashiyama and Sagano is a great way to get to know Kyoto.

Take control of your Kyoto sightseeing and visit only the sights you wish to see on this private walking tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour lets you customize a half-day or full-day itinerary. Opt to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or to stray from the beaten path to see an alternative side of Kyoto. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

This personalized full-day Kyoto tour with a local is ideal for first-time visitors to the "City of Temples". You won’t waste a moment visiting places that don’t interest you as this tour is fully customizable based on your interests. Choose the neighborhoods you’d like to visit, and see many of Kyoto’s top sites. Exploring the city with a guide means you won’t get lost, and you'll learn lots of local tips that you wouldn’t discover otherwise.

Active travelers will love the opportunity to explore the northern parts of Kyoto by bike. Your local guide will make sure you don’t get lost, and will show you to back alleys and hidden corners that you might miss otherwise, as well as some of the famous attractions that shouldn’t be missed. Cycle on comfortable bike, and enjoy an authentic Japanese lunch to refuel.

Short and highly selective information in the audio commentary for tourist attractions in around Kyoto Highlights of this Self-Guided Audio Tour • It allows you to go as per your own convenience of time, pace and locations; skip the content that doesn't interest you and listen longer with content that does interest you. • Not necessary to download any location tracking apps, Audio guide can be listen it on online (or) offline. •Available in multiple languages, you can choose the one which you’re more comfortable with. • It is one of the best option with lowest price when compared to hiring a tour guide. •If you have any questions about any attractions, No worries we will answer in your language instantly by message.

Japan’s former capital Kyoto is known for being Japan’s city of culture. By going on a private tour, you have a more personalized experience. Don't worry about getting lost as you explore the city with a guide. Save time waiting in line, as entry to Tofukiji Temple is included. Your guide takes you to multiple beautiful sites including the filming location of 'Memoirs of a Geisha'—Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion District.

A city like Kyoto, with over 1200 years of history, is bound to have its dark side. Learn all about it on this four-hour guided tour that takes in some of the ghostly, haunted, supernatural, or otherwise creepy parts of Kyoto. See and hear a different side to popular attractions like Gion and Kiyomizudera. Stop at places you might not otherwise find, like cemeteries and a haunted candy store. Prepare to be entertained, and a little creeped out.

Kyoto’s traditional neighborhoods and scenic parklands are ideal for exploring by bike. On this tour, save time by cycling around the city and visit five of Kyoto’s most popular attractions in one day. Enjoy stunning views of the Golden Pavilion and the Kiyomizu Temple; pose for photos by the red torri gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine; and hop off to stroll around the Bamboo Forest and explore the geisha district.

Most visitor to Kyoto go to Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine to snap a photo of the red torii gates then leave, This guided tour offers a much richer experience, with insights into the origin of the shrine and its connection to local culture.

Upon ascending Mt. Kuruma, you will find a wealth of magical temples, relaxing onsens and hiking paths through lush green cedar forests. Mt. Kurama is a very historical area, known for being the birthplace of reiki (a healing technique) and home to the tengu, Japanese folklore creatures said to be the protectors of the natural world. You will leisurely walk from Kurama to the quaint mountain village of Kibune, stopping to see various sights along the way. It is the perfect trip for those wishing to get out of the city and enjoy some easy hiking in the nature.

Departing at the end of a trip can be a stressful experience, so simplify the process with this handy private departure transfer from Kyoto city to Kansai International Airport. You’ll be met at your hotel and transported to the airport in good time for your onward flight. Vehicles of various sizes can accommodate groups of up to nine passengers.