Outdoor Activities in Kyoto

Osaka & Nara: Highlights Private English Guided Tour From Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

1 9 h – 10 h

Explore the highlights of Osaka and Nara on this customizable private day tour. Enjoy the flexibility of creating your own itinerary while being guided by an English-speaking driver. Visit iconic sites such as Nara Park, where friendly deer roam, and Osaka’s vibrant districts filled with shopping and dining options. This tour is perfect for those wanting a personalized experience, whether it's temples, modern attractions, or local cuisine. Enjoy the convenience of vehicle transport from your Kyoto hotel for a hassle-free day of discovery. - Customize your itinerary for a personalized experience - Visit highlights like Nara Park and the bustling areas of Osaka - English-speaking driver ensures smooth communication and guidance - Convenient pick-up from your accommodation in Kyoto included

Free cancellation

Naoshima Island Bus Tour from Kyoto Osaka Hiroshima Okayama (opens in a new tab)

11 h

IMPORTANT NOTICE: OPTIONAL VISIT TO CHICHU ART MUSEUM ・Free time is available in the Benesse Area from 1:00 PM to 3:25 PM (includes Benesse House Museum, Valley Gallery, and time for lunch at your own expense). ・Chichu Art Museum tickets are NOT included in this tour. ・If you wish to visit during free time, please book online in advance via the official website. ・Recommended Entry Slot: 14:30 Escape to Naoshima, Japan’s world-renowned art island, on an all-in-one guided tour! Designed for seamless travel, this tour includes round-trip Shinkansen tickets for guests departing from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima, as well as a direct join option from Okayama. Once on the island, travel in total comfort aboard our chartered bus, allowing you to maximize your time. Marvel at Yayoi Kusama’s iconic Yellow and Red Pumpkins, visit world-class galleries like the Benesse House Museum and Valley Gallery, and stroll through the charming historic streets of the Honmura area.

Kyoto Customizable Tour with Guide and Luxury Vehicle (opens in a new tab)

8 10 h

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking • Service animals allowed • Stroller accessible • Surfaces are wheelchair accessible • Transportation is wheelchair accessible • Most travelers can participate • The total duration includes the transportation from one place to another • welcome to all • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Free cancellation

Experience Kyoto Gion at Night E-Bike Tour (opens in a new tab)

8 2 h

Experience the serene beauty of Kyoto after sunset on a guided night E-bike tour. Navigate through tranquil alleys, illuminated temples, and hidden streets that showcase the city’s enchanting atmosphere at night. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore iconic sites such as Gion, Kiyomizu slope, Toyokuni Shrine, and Maruyama Park while enjoying the comfort of an electric bike and the insights of a knowledgeable guide. Perfect for those looking to uncover Kyoto’s quiet charm away from the daytime crowds. - Explore Kyoto's historic sites illuminated at night - Guided tour lasting approximately 2.0 to 2.5 hours - Suitable for all skill levels with electric bikes provided - Daily availability with a meeting point at Kyoto Tourist Lounge Gion

Experience Kendo in Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

2 2 h

Tomoyoshi, the instructor, will give you a short lecture on how the ancient swordsmanship of Samurai developed into Kendo. He will share the heroic stories of ancient Samurai including his great-grandfather, Yoshishige Hayashi. He will also share the controversial influence of Bushido values on this nation and his family into extremism, especially during the period of WW2. He will end his story on how redemption came and led him to the current inner peace and the life of a pacifist. After the lecture, you will wear the full Kendo armor and learn the basic Kendo movements. In the end, you will get to do a Kendo match with each other. Upon completing the workshop, you will receive a beautifully designed “Certificate of Experience”. If the date you want isn't available, please contact us to inquire about availability.

Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto plus Lunch (opens in a new tab)

1,129 5 h – 6 h

Combine the fun and freedom of cycling with the discovery of a new city as we explore Kyoto's best known site alongside some of our own favourite secrets! Navigate the backstreets with a friendly, bilingual and experienced guide, explore local shrines and grand temples, quaint shopping arcades and riverside paths while learning about the sites you visit in a light, interesting and fun way. Cycle on high quality 'Trek' and 'Giant' hybrid bikes, sample an authentic and delicious lunch and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Japan's ancient capital. * Must be 13+ to participate as a rider

Kyoto Autumn Foliage Private Car Tour Temples and Gardens (opens in a new tab)

6 h

Experience the stunning autumn foliage of Kyoto with a private tour tailored to the season. Guided by an expert, you’ll visit renowned temples and gardens, handpicked to showcase the vibrant colors at their peak. In early November, explore serene sites like Enko-ji, transitioning to iconic spots such as Eikando and the bamboo grove in Arashiyama during mid-to-late November. Even in early December, witness the beauty of fallen leaves at temples like Komyo-ji. Enjoy insightful commentary on Kyoto’s rich culture and history while avoiding crowded areas for a more intimate experience. - Private 6-hour tour of Kyoto's autumn foliage highlights - Tailored itinerary based on seasonal changes for optimal views - Visit famous temples and tranquil gardens with expert guidance - Enjoy insights into Kyoto’s culture, history, and traditions

Free cancellation

Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option (opens in a new tab)

38 8 h

Planning a trip to Kyoto can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Which places are truly worth visiting? How do you get around? And how do you choose the right tour? Why travelers choose us: • Passionate local Japanese guides • Hidden local gems beyond the guidebooks • Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests • Comfortable private vehicle • Kyoto’s must-see highlights without stress • Friendly conversations, local stories, and personal recommendations We believe a private tour is not only about where you go—it’s about who you spend the day with. That’s why we focus on creating a fun, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere. We want you to feel like you are exploring Kyoto with a local friend, not just following a guide. Every guest is different, so every tour is different. We can adjust the itinerary based on your interests, the weather, crowds, and the season. For us, guiding is our passion. We’ll do our best to make your day in Japan unforgettable.

Free cancellation

Become a Samurai Movie Star in Kyoto by Filming with a Real Actor (opens in a new tab)

144 1 h 10 min

Myokaku-ji Temple, a historic main temple of the Nichiren sect once visited by the legendary warlord Oda Nobunaga, provides the majestic setting where GOAT Trip offers a truly unique samurai experience. Within its majestic grounds, learn authentic samurai sword fighting directly from an active samurai actor. Practice real sword techniques and be filmed by a professional actor, becoming the star of your own period drama. Even if you’re a bit shy or don’t usually like being in the spotlight, this experience welcomes you with a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of history while acting out a scene from a movie. Create unforgettable memories in Kyoto with this one-of-a-kind samurai experience.

Kyoto: Maiko Makeover and Photoshoot Experience (Women only) (opens in a new tab)

13 2 h 30 min

She wears a maiko's white makeup, a maiko wig, and a long maiko kimono. Then, after taking pictures in the Japanese-style room, you will have 10 minutes of free time to take pictures with your smartphone.

Kyoto Private Zen Meditation with Matcha & Garden (English) (opens in a new tab)

1 h 30 min

Step inside a working Zen temple in Kyoto for a private cultural experience rarely available to ordinary visitors. Meet your English-speaking guide and join the resident priest for an authentic zazen meditation session inside a traditional Zen hall. Learn proper posture, breathing, and meditation practice in a quiet setting designed for reflection and mindfulness. After meditation, move to a tatami room overlooking a centuries-old karesansui Zen garden. Enjoy freshly whisked matcha tea and a seasonal Japanese sweet while the priest explains Zen philosophy, temple culture, and the meaning behind the garden’s stone arrangements and rake patterns. Your guide translates throughout the experience, helping you connect naturally with the priest and better understand the traditions of Zen Buddhism. This intimate experience offers a peaceful side of Kyoto that most travelers never see.

Free cancellation

Kyoto Japanese Archery Kyudo & 800 Year Old Temple Tour (opens in a new tab)

19 1 h 30 min

Kyoto's Sembon Shakado provides a cultural visit and beginner-friendly introduction to kyudo (Japanese archery). Tour the 800-year-old National Treasure temple in English, including its main hall and treasure hall with nationally significant Buddhist statues. You will then use a real yumi (Japanese bow) and arrows under guidance from a Kyoshi (master-level) 6th-dan instructor with more than 50 years of teaching experience. English and Chinese guidance supports instruction focused on movement, awareness, and the process rather than requiring prior experience. The shared experience accommodates up to four travelers, making it easier to follow the archery practice in an authentic setting. No special attire is required, so you can come as you are.

Early Bird E-biking through East Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

145 6 h – 7 h

Perfect for groups and individuals (from 145cm!) looking for a unique perspective on the city, this e-bike tour explores the highlights of south and east Kyoto. We meet bright and early for a short orientation before heading south to enjoy the majestic Fushimi Inari Shrine before the crowds arrive. From here we will catch the splendour of Tofukuji Temple before stopping for a morning coffee. The next part of our journey takes us up the Kamo river and over to the UNESCO listed Ginkakuji Temple. After Ginkakuji, we will roll slowly south down the iconic Path of Philosophy and into the grounds of Nanzenji Temple (complete with traditional gardens, ornate religious buildings and even a red brick aquaduct). After a sit down lunch (provided), the last leg of our journey takes us south along the Shirakawa Canal and through the streets of Gion before returning to base. * Must be 13+ to participate as a rider

Kyoto Bamboo Forest & Golden Pavilion E-Bike Tour (opens in a new tab)

65 5 h – 6 h

Discover Kyoto's rich history, stunning temples, and scenic landscapes on this immersive bike tour. Starting at the iconic Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, home to centuries-old traditions, we will ride through charming backstreets to the magnificent Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) , where it’s gold-leaf exterior shimmers over a tranquil pond. Pedal through Kyoto’s peaceful neighborhoods and hidden gems before arriving at Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO WOLRD HERITAGE SITE with a stunning Zen garden. From there , we will cycle to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest , where towering bamboo stalks create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere. This guided tour is perfect for those looking to experience Kyoto's beauty in a fun ,active and eco-friendly way. Join us for an unforgettable ride through japan's cultural heart! highlights: ✅ Ride through Kyoto’s hidden backstreets and scenic routes ✅ Enjoy a guided tour with local insights and historical stories

Kyoto: Kimono, Tea Ceremony with Japanese Garden and Studio (opens in a new tab)

5 8 h

Experience the elegance of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto Free studio photoshoot with the kimono by our professional camera Rent a kimono and explore the city in style after your tea ceremony Enjoy hair styling and accessories like a fan and umbrella Benefit from luggage storage and return your kimono at a different location

Arashiyama Walking Tour with Optional Sagano Romantic Train Ride (opens in a new tab)

11 4 h

This tour offers an exquisite blend of Kyoto's breathtaking landscapes and cultural immersion. With an optional ride on the renowned Sagano Romantic Train, you can witness Kyoto's vibrant maple season scenery. Explore significant sites like the mystical Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the serene Tenryu Temple, and enjoy a delightful street food stroll, sampling Kyoto's unique culinary offerings. The picturesque views at Togetsukyo Bridge and the tranquil Arashiyama Park complete this unforgettable experience.

Free cancellation

Private Kyoto Tour: Explore the Most Iconic Sights (opens in a new tab)

17 8 h – 10 h

Forget the Ordinary — This Is Your Journey! Tailored to your interests, your Kyoto adventure takes you to iconic sights like the Golden Temple, Kiyomizu-dera, the Bamboo Forest, and Fushimi Inari Taisha… and that’s just the beginning. The best part? You call the shots! Want to add more places? I’m all ears. Have questions? I've got the answers. Together, we'll create unforgettable memories — your way. Personalized Service, Your Language Our guides come from all over the world — Japan, the US, and Spanish-speaking countries. Tours are typically conducted in English, but if you’d like a guide who speaks your native language, we can arrange it for an additional fee. Convenience Without Hidden Costs We don’t charge for a car — we’ll use taxis as needed for comfort and efficiency. This way, you only pay for the actual transportation used. Explore the Hidden Beauty of Kyoto — A Tour Like No Other! Let’s make your adventure in Japan truly one of a kind.

Free cancellation

Kyoto: Arashiyama Early Access Bamboo & Temple Tour (opens in a new tab)

6 3 h

Experience the essential beauty of Arashiyama on this perfectly condensed walking tour. In just a few hours, your expert local guide will lead you to the district's three absolute must-see sights. Begin with the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, capturing its stunning views against the backdrop of mountains. Then, find tranquility as you explore the magnificent World Heritage garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. Finally, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the world-famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating stories and historical context, bringing Kyoto's rich culture and natural wonders to life. This engaging itinerary is the perfect way to efficiently discover the unique charm and unforgettable scenery of Arashiyama.

Free cancellation

Kyoto 6h Private Tour Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu, Gion & Hidden Gems (opens in a new tab)

21 5 h 30 min

If you have only a half day and want to optimize your experience in Kyoto, this tour is the best for you. 7 must-see spots in east and south of Kyoto, including one hidden gem!! A professional local guide shows you the most comfortable and convenient way to the spots. You can enjoy walking along with the beautiful sceneries, paths, and back alleys that only the local people know. Please enjoy the top 7 spots with the beautiful stories of your guide. *This tour uses both taxis and public transportation to save your time and energy. *We also welcome Japanese who are studying English and want to visit top 7 must-see points in Kyoto.

Private tourFree cancellation

Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike (Private) (opens in a new tab)

44 3 h

Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most visited landmarks, and most visitors follow the crowded paths of the main shrine. On this private hike, you’ll step away from the crowds and immerse yourself in the sacred silence of Mount Inari. • Explore quiet trails beyond the crowds of Fushimi Inari • Learn about Shinto beliefs and Fushimi Inari from your guide • Enjoy complimentary DSLR photographs shared after the tour

Free cancellation