JAPAN
Hand-checked tours, day trips and tickets.
The 15 most popular kyoto tours, each one read through and reviewed in full, with live prices, run times and the operator behind it.
A fast, guided day through Kyoto’s top temples and shrines by air-conditioned coach, with tickets included and multilingual help.
Most Popular“Very well organised tour that was enjoyed thoroughly. At-Chan and Den-Chan took good care of us and explained everything well.”
Kyoto in one day by bus: Fushimi Inari Torii gates, Kinkakuji, Arashiyama bamboo, and UNESCO stops with a pro guide.
“Our tour guide Den started and ended with the brightest smile. She gave us so much insight on the history of the temples and shrines we visited. I highly recommend this tour and hopefully you will get to experience the brightness that Den brought to our day!”
A 45-minute Kyoto tea ceremony at a traditional tea house in Sannenzaka, where you watch matcha made, brew your own, and sip in a garden.
“Friendly, beautiful, very informative. Our whole family, including kids 9 and 13 had a great time. Highly recommended.”
Walk Gion in 2 hours with an English guide, spot Geiko and Maiko, visit Kennin-ji and Chion-in, and get local food tips.
“Thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot. Thank you so much to Michael!”
Kyoto tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple: matcha workshop in a small group with an English instructor, 70 minutes for $29.
“The hosts for the tea ceremony made it such a wonderful and memorable experience. Thank you.”
A 45-minute Kyoto tea ceremony lesson with a licensed Urasenke tea master. Watch matcha made, then learn rules and make your own.
“Thank you for sharing g the tea ceremony with us. It was a lovely, informative and relaxing experience.”
Night walk through Gion and Pontocho with a local guide, geisha stories, kabuki history at Izumo-no-Okuni, plus Yasaka Shrine.
“An amazing and insightful tour that offered a wonderful glimpse into Geisha life and the Gion district. Michael was very knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about the history and traditions of the area. I highly recommend this tour.”
A 2-hour guided night walk through Kyoto’s Gion and Higashiyama: lantern lanes, shrines, and respectful geisha insights at a great price.
“Our tour guide Jannel was brilliant. She showed us around Kyoto’s historic centre with useful information, anecdotes and was really engaging. The sites covered gave a good insight into the history and culture of Kyoto. Would recommend the tour and Jannel :)”
A double-decker hop-on hop-off bus linking Kyoto Station, temples, and Gion with audio in 7 languages. Great value for 1–2 days.
“Good easy way to get perspective and locations to go back to”
A 100-minute guided night walk through Kyoto’s Gion geisha lanes, with etiquette tips and a shot at spotting geiko and maiko.
“A great eye-opener into the geisha culture and explore of the area. Would totally recommend this tour to learn more about the gieko and meiko in the region as well as other tid bits of information.”
Make ramen noodles from scratch at Ramen Factory Kyoto, customize broth and toppings, then enjoy your bowl. Halal and vegan options.
“China was fun and helpful guiding us through making ramen. It was a fun experience and a filling lunch.”
Cycle quiet Kyoto on an e-bike, from Kinkakuji to Zen gardens, with a small group, English guide, helmet, and water for $116.
“Our guide Yuta (pronounced Utah) was amazing. First off his English was the best of any Japanese guide we’ve experienced. Most interestingly, he went to a depth in explaining Japanese culture and tradition that we were not expecting; from historic facts and figures, to explaining the details of the tea ceremony, to educating us on…”
A 3.5-hour Kyoto night walk through Gion and Pontocho with 9+ dishes and 6 sake tastings, led by a small-group guide.
“J is a great tour guide! He is super knowledgeable about Kyoto, especially the Gieko districts and the local architecture. He provided great recommendations and conversation. He was the reason the tour was really fun! Thanks, J!”
A 3-hour guided hike that gets you to Fushimi Inari-Taisha via quiet trails, bamboo shade, and castle views, with a small-group guide.
“This was a great experience. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the hike and at no time felt it was too difficult. Our guide was very friendly and easy to talk to. He gave us great insight into the shrine and various facts along the route. Well worth it”
One guided day linking Nara deer, UNESCO Kinkaku-ji and Todai-ji, Arashiyama bamboo, and Fushimi Inari torii—option Kobe lunch.
“Some delays but that was not the guide´s fault. You always have those people who get lost or do not pay attention to the instructions. Maybe a smaller group is better if you dont want to deal with a bus full of passengers. The guide was great, answered to all our questions. Will definitely reccomment…”
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