All Activities in Kyoto

Kyoto Photography Masterclass - Private Photography Lesson (opens in a new tab)

17 3 h

We offer expert guidance from a professional photographer with local knowledge who will lead you to the best locations, angles, and lighting for stunning photos. During the tour, you’ll receive personalised education on camera settings, composition, and other techniques to enhance your skills. As locals, we know the top spots and hidden gems in Kyoto, ensuring you capture magical images. Our private tours allow you to go at your own pace, tailored to your skill level. Maximise your time and photographic opportunities, improve your skills, and explore new locations with expert guidance, making this activity unique and enriching.

Free cancellation

Bento Box Cooking Class (opens in a new tab)

194 3 h

It’s hard to get more traditional than the Japanese bento box. In a way, it’s the perfect meal: it might include an egg roll, rice, pickled vegetables, breaded chicken and even nourishing miso soup, each in its own section of the bento box. The word is derived from an old Japanese word for convenience, and convenient this boxed meal certainly is. In this 3-hour cooking class in the center of Kyoto, learn the art of cooking up a bento box meal. Master chefs demonstrate and then turn the kitchen over to you. In the end, eat what you cook.

Free cancellation

Half Day Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience in Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

5 h

The kimonos we provide are from the personal collection of a certified kimono dresser. All of the kimonos are made from high-quality fabrics and feature elegant, traditional designs that align with Japanese aesthetics. After the kimono dresser helps you put on the kimono, you are free to explore and take photos outside. The nearest attractions to us are Daitoku-ji Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple. After your sightseeing, you will return to our tea room to participate in an authentic tea ceremony. This will be an unforgettable experience that immerses you in Japanese traditional culture. Guests who come to wear kimono at 9:00, please come back at 12:45. Guests who come to wear kimono at 10:00, please come back at 13:45.

Kyoto Pickup Osaka Private Car Day Trip with Driver (opens in a new tab)

8 h

Osaka is a natural contrast to Kyoto: energetic, food-focused, modern, and easy to enjoy in a single private day trip. Your driver picks you up at your Kyoto hotel and takes you to Osaka for a flexible day of sightseeing, shopping, food, and city views. This is a self-guided private vehicle experience. The driver handles transportation between areas, but does not guide inside attractions. You can follow the suggested route or adjust the day based on your group’s interests. The route can focus on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, Shinsekai, Umeda, Nakanoshima, or shopping and food districts. Why travelers choose this Private Kyoto hotel pickup and drop-off Avoid train transfers between Kyoto and Osaka Flexible route for food, shopping, landmarks, or city views Good for families, couples, and small groups Driver handles movement between Osaka areas Comfortable way to visit multiple districts in one day

Free cancellation

Kyoto and Nara Private Tour With English Guide and Hotel pickup (opens in a new tab)

60 8 h – 10 h

Discover Japan Like a Local! Join me for an unforgettable journey through Kyoto and Nara’s most iconic and hidden spots. Whether it’s walking beneath the endless red torii gates of Fushimi Inari, meeting the friendly deer at Nara Park, exploring the golden beauty of Kinkaku-ji, or stepping back in time in the Gion District, I’ll guide you with local insights, fun stories, and a deep passion for Japanese culture. I’ve been a guide for over 4 years, and I love helping travelers make real connections with the places they visit. This isn’t just a tour — it’s a personal, immersive experience filled with discovery, culture, and beautiful memories. Come walk, learn, and explore with me. Let’s make your Japan adventure truly special!

Free cancellation

Private Customized Kyoto Tour with Expert Guide For Family (opens in a new tab)

10 8 h

Experience Kyoto Your Way – Private, Family-Friendly & Unforgettable This isn’t a typical group tour with strangers and rigid schedules. This is your family’s private Kyoto adventure, crafted for travelers who want space, flexibility, and memories that truly belong to them. Walk hand in hand through Kyoto’s iconic spots and hidden gems — from the endless red gates of Fushimi Inari to the golden brilliance of Kinkaku-ji and the magical bamboo forests of Arashiyama. Children won’t just watch history; they’ll experience it — running through bamboo groves, tasting local sweets in old stone streets, and hearing captivating stories from a friendly local guide who knows Kyoto inside out. Perfect for families, couples, or small groups who prefer one‑group‑only experiences over crowded buses and tourist traps. With no strangers, no rush, and plenty of time for photos and fun, this tour lets you discover Kyoto exactly as you imagined — safe, personal, and unforgettable.

Free cancellation

From Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu Dera & Arashiyama Day Tour (opens in a new tab)

9 h – 10 h

✨ Experience Kyoto, Not Just See It! ✨ Kyoto’s most popular sights are spread across the city, and visiting them independently can require several train and bus transfers. This tour connects Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Arashiyama by tour vehicle, giving you more time to enjoy Kyoto and less time worrying about routes. ✦ Flexible Drop-Off Options Depart from Kyoto AVANTI near Kyoto Station, then finish at Kyoto Station or Nippombashi Station in Osaka, depending on your selected option. This flexibility makes the tour easy to combine with sightseeing or onward travel. ✦ Generous FREE TIME at Every Stop Enjoy free time to take photos, explore historic streets, visit cafés, browse shops or simply enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace. ✦ Travel with an English- or Chinese-Speaking Guide Your guide supports the group with meeting arrangements and useful information, making the tour easy to join—especially for first-time visitors to Japan or Kyoto.

Scenic Green Tea Fields of Hidden Kyoto & Local Tea Exp (Private) (opens in a new tab)

55 5 h 30 min

Journey into the "Otherworldly" landscapes of Kyoto’s hidden tea country. This private tour takes you to Wazuka, the magical village supplying the finest Uji Matcha Highlights: Magical Views Year-Round: Marvel at the famous "Green tea fields reaching to the sky." The manicured, geometric evergreen waves are breathtakingly photogenic in every season—stunningly serene and vivid even in winter! Authentic Tea: Visit local farmer-supplied cafes to taste Japan’s No.1 awarded tea and rich matcha desserts. Enjoy shopping for premium tea at 1/2 to 1/3 of city prices Time Travel: Explore the iconic Byodoin Phoenix Hall, 1,000-year-old architecture survived centuries of war to represent the "Buddhist Pure Land (Paradise)" on Earth. Discover how monks, samurai, and even ninjas shaped tea culture while visiting hidden gems left from ancient monks Ride in Style: Wide area pickup options from 2 big cities, comfortable van for groups or an open-air convertible Mini Cooper for solo travelers

Free cancellation

Kyoto: Zen Meditation at a Private Temple with a Monk (opens in a new tab)

131 1 h 30 min

Experience Zen meditation at a hidden temple in Kyoto. While Zen is globally renowned and recognised, there are few places in Japan where you can have the best Zen experience with English tour guide support. This temple is not open to the general public, and you can enjoy hidden atmosphere of the temple and authentic zen experience, Enjoy a private Zen experience, fostering a connection with the monk. Meet at the temple, where you'll learn briefly about Japanese culture and Zen. Following that, a monk will personally lecture on the principles and techniques of Zazen (seated meditation), and you'll have the opportunity to practice. Unify your mind, confront yourself, and detach from ego and worldly concerns. After zen experience, you will get the opportunity to enjoy watching beautiful traditional garden, which will make you forget hustle and bustle of the daily life. Capture photographs with the monk and within the temple, creating lasting memories for a lifetime.

Kyoto Private Photo bike Tour (opens in a new tab)

2 2 h 30 min – 3 h

East course This easygoing bike tour is all about capturing real family or couple moments in Kyoto. Of course for friend as well We use electric bikes, so it’s super easy and comfortable for everyone. The tour will be around 3 hours. not too long tour! We’ll ride along the peaceful Kamogawa riverside and Along the way, we’ll stop casually to take candid photos and enjoy the atmosphere together — like a friend showing you around. We can do quick coffee stop if you would like to have it. you’ll receive about 20 edited photos within a few days — memories you can truly keep.

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

Arashiyama Beyond the Crowds: Bamboo Grove & Hidden Paths (opens in a new tab)

4 3 h 15 min

Don’t walk, run to book your tour with Michael! He is truly one of the best tour guides that we have ever had and made our Kyoto experience so much more memorable. As a former teacher, he knows how to tell stories in a way that connect with both adults and children (we have two teenagers). Michael knows all of the hidden gems to visit - spots that are so cool but not crowded with other tourists. His stories are really interesting (not just what you read on Wikipedia) and he is willing to answer any and all questions honestly! You will not regret booking a tour with Michael! -Lauren

Free cancellation

Kyoto Gion Night Walk & Foodie Tour: 10+ Tastings in Small Group (opens in a new tab)

6 3 h 30 min

When the lanterns flicker on, Kyoto shows its most beautiful side. On this small-group evening food tour, a local guide leads you off the tourist trail through the historic Gion district and the narrow alleys of Ponto-chō — past wooden townhouses, teahouses, and the Kamo River. Along the way, you'll stop at two authentic izakaya — small local spots where mostly regulars go. Across 10+ tastings, you'll work your way through classic dishes like yakitori, seasonal specialties, and local flavors, paired with sake, beer, or soft drinks. Your guide shares stories about Kyoto's food culture, the geisha traditions of Gion, and modern life in the city. Perfect for first-time visitors and food lovers alike — relaxed, fun, and delicious. Guide available in English, French, and German.

Kyoto Instagram-Worthy Photo Walk with Professional Photographer (opens in a new tab)

27 1 h

Private photo shoot. Choose your favorite location and leave the photos to me! Professional photos by a photographer with over 8 years of living in Kyoto, who knows all the secret spots, hidden streets and with techniques to avoid crowds. Only photo shoot in Kyoto that includes: All photo data! 25 photos selected by me and edited. Digitally sent by Google Drive.

Free cancellation

A candlelit tea ceremony in a 100-year-old Kyoto townhouse. (opens in a new tab)

22 45 min

Candlelight, not electric light. We turn the lamps off because in the dark you notice more — the sound of the water, the smell of the tea, the weight of the bowl. A 100-year-old townhouse, kept for most of its life by a traditional textile merchant in Kyoto. You sit in the rooms they used. Three rooms, moving from the bright front of the house into a tearoom lit only by candles, with the garden through the window. Seven guests at most, on the floor or in a chair — whichever you prefer, no explanation needed. Bowls chosen for the day and the season, some over two hundred years old, some by potters working today. Every piece is selected by our founder, a designer and antiques dealer, and your host will tell you what you're holding. Matcha grown in Uji, blended to the preference of a tea school's grand master, prepared by a host trained in one of Japan's historic schools of tea. Forty-five minutes. It is unhurried, with no etiquette you can get wrong.

Kyoto Fushimi Inari Night Walking Tour (opens in a new tab)

14 1 h

Ran by @guidemejapan on instagram. On this tour, we’ll visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kyoto’s most famous spot known for its 10,000 stunning torii gates. To avoid the crowds and the midday heat, we'll explore the shrine in the evening. This tour is perfect if you’re looking for a quick activity before or after dinner, a leisurely stroll, or some tips from our guide for the rest of your Japan trip. It’s a short and informative tour at a great price! We will meet at the exit of JR Inari Station. After exiting, turn left, and you will see a Daily Yamazaki convenience store. Our meeting point will be in front of the Daily Yamazaki store.

KYOTO: Private Tea Ceremony in Hidden Townhouse (Kid-Friendly) (opens in a new tab)

30 45 min

⭕️ WOM – Way of Matcha ⭕️ Way of Matcha offers a private tea ceremony experience in a real, lived-in Kyoto machiya, not a tourist facility but a quiet home where everyday life continues. Because the space is completely private, families with children are very welcome. With no other guests, even small children can join comfortably and safely, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience at your own pace, just like being invited into a local Kyoto home. You will learn about matcha step by step: watch a short film about tea fields, grind tea leaves with a traditional stone mill, and observe a calm, authentic tea ceremony. You will also whisk your own matcha using real tea utensils and enjoy it fresh. This experience offers a peaceful, personal moment in Kyoto — warm, authentic, and free from crowds.

Free cancellation

Kyoto : Mochi Pounding Experience & Tea Ceremony (opens in a new tab)

1 h 30 min

Kyoto’s Only Night-Exclusive Cultural Experience Enjoy authentic Japanese culture at night, away from daytime crowds. Experience Japan in a calm, intimate setting with a small group. Traditional Mochi Pounding Experience Use real glutinous rice with an authentic mortar and pestle to make mochi the traditional way. Hands-On Tea Ceremony Experience Learn by using real tea utensils such as the chasen, chashaku, natsume, and kensui while preparing matcha. Enjoy Freshly Made Mochi Taste the warm mochi you made yourself, served immediately. Cultural & Historical Storytelling Learn the history and cultural background of mochi, tea ceremony, swords, and archery in a clear and engaging way. Commemorative Group Photo Finish with a memorable group photo around the mortar to capture your Kyoto experience.

Kyoto Cultural IKEBANA Experience@節華 (opens in a new tab)

20 40 min

During the IKEBANA workshop, you'll create your own masterpiece, guided by our instructors. Your artwork will be displayed in a tokonoma (alcove) in a traditional Japanese room and you can take a photo. We also offer a service to deliver your artwork to your hotel,so you can enjoy own IKEBANA experience during your stay. After you checkout,we will pick it up Our style is based on classical IKEBANA forms and focuses on bringing out the beauty of the flowers and branches while respecting their natural state. To achieve this, you will experience the Japanese aesthetic of "wabi-sabi" in a session with our instructor, awakening your primal senses.

Bike Kyoto's Grand Loop: Full-Day Kyoto Bike Tour (E-bike option) (opens in a new tab)

590 7 h – 8 h

Experience the Grand Loop. See more of Kyoto. The Kyoto Grand Loop is a 44 km cycling adventure linking five iconic sights: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Gion, Kiyomizu-dera and Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Between them, ride riverside paths and backstreets through traditional neighborhoods and quieter corners of Kyoto. Skip packed buses and trains. Your bike is your transportation for the day, letting you experience the city at street level with an expert local guide and a small shared group. A light lunch is included. Quality Cannondale city bikes are included. Premium Specialized e-bikes are available for an additional fee. This is a substantial ride with hills and varied terrain. Guests should be comfortable cycling for several hours. Minimum age: 16. *Please notify us of dietary restrictions or food allergies. *Not suitable for pregnant women. *E-bike upgrade requires advance notice. Five iconic sights. One Grand Loop. One unforgettable day.

Free cancellation