All Activities in Kyoto

Kyoto Food Tour of 10 Tastings with Wagyu, Mochi & More Secrets (opens in a new tab)

116 3 h 30 min

Kyoto is known to have about 2000 temples and shrines but did you know that Kyoto has about 12000 restaurants among which 110 are Michelin Stars. In Kyoto there is a time to pray and then there is a time to eat. With Secret Food Tours and your host,we will focus on the second part. Our local guides will teach you the traditions and social functions of Japanese food and how it is important to the Japanese. They will share with you their knowledge about the local food with some unique flavours and textures. Eating in Kyoto is more than providing substance for the body, it also includes an appreciation for custom and tradition for how the food is sourced, prepared, and enjoyed by the local Japanese people. By booking our Kyoto Karasuma to Gion Food Tour, our food experts will take you on a journey with delicious and mouth-watering local delicacies. As with all our tours, there is a secret dish, which you will only find out about on the day of the tour.

Sashiko Studio Stitching in Kyoto’s Art District (opens in a new tab)

7 1 h 30 min

History and Evolution of Sashiko Sashiko, meaning “little stabs,” dates to the Edo period (1603–1868). It began as a practical way to reinforce and insulate clothing, used by farmers and fishermen to mend garments for harsh winters. Over time, it evolved into an art form, with regions developing unique patterns rich in cultural and symbolic meaning. The Workshop Experience In this hands-on session, you’ll learn basic Sashiko stitches while creating a keychain inspired by a traditional hapi coat. The workshop starts with a brief history, followed by demonstrations and guided practice. Held in a historic Kyoto building in an active artist district, you’ll stitch surrounded by local creativity. Take aways You’ll leave with a handmade momento, practical Sashiko skills, and a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. The studio also offers curated Sashiko goods and kits, with cash-purchase discounts.

Kyoto Daruma Art Experience – Paint Your Identity (opens in a new tab)

45 1 h 30 min

Create your own original Daruma and turn it into a personal piece of art. In this immersive Kyoto experience, you’ll paint freely, explore your creativity, and connect with a traditional Japanese symbol in a completely new way. Highlights: Modern art meets traditional Japanese culture Unlimited creativity no rules, just expression Authentic Kyoto machiya atmosphere Relaxing, mindful, and fun activity Take home: A bold, one of a kind Daruma A reflection of your identity and wishes A story you can carry beyond Kyoto

Kyoto: Higashi Honganji Temple & Garden Walk from Kyoto Station (opens in a new tab)

2 1 h – 2 h

This tour offers a rare chance to explore Higashi Honganji—an immense temple complex just a short walk from Kyoto Station. Discover its vast halls and corridors while learning the essentials of Jodo Shinshu and the craftsmanship behind one of Kyoto’s largest wooden buildings. Choose to add Shosei-en Garden, a peaceful strolling garden with ponds and teahouses, or Kyoto Tower’s observation deck for panoramic city views and a new perspective on the temple area. It’s an easy, culture-rich walk that fits perfectly before or after travel connections.

Free cancellation

Premium Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji & Zen Garden Escape (opens in a new tab)

6 3 h

Skip the 40-person bus tours and escape the Arashiyama crowds. Capped strictly at 10 guests, this premium 3-hour walking tour delivers an intimate, unscripted exploration of western Kyoto with an expert storyteller speaking clear, easy-to-understand English—a true rarity among guides in Japan. All entry fees are 100% included. We navigate the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and explore the breathtaking 14th-century Zen garden at Tenryu-ji Temple. While the massive crowds head back to the train station, we ascend to our secret weapon: Okochi Sanso Villa. Because it requires a premium entry fee, the masses completely skip it. Wander its pristine, peaceful mountain gardens, enjoy a panoramic overlook of Kyoto, and relax with a refreshing tea break from the villa's private pavilion. Spaces are strictly limited to 10 guests per slot—secure your premium afternoon today.

Kintsugi in Kyoto The Art of Golden Repair (opens in a new tab)

1 2 h 30 min

Beauty in the Break Kintsugi is the practice of highlighting scars rather than hiding them. In this workshop, you take a shattered piece of pottery and use gold to turn the cracks into its most striking feature. It is a slow, tactile process that demands your full attention. You will be working in a space dedicated to traditional Japanese crafts. This is a hands on encounter with a craft that has defined Kyoto’s aesthetic for centuries. A Working Kyoto Studio The studio is a functional workspace for traditional Kyoto wood and lacquer crafts. A master artisan leads the session, providing direct, step by step instruction on each stage of the repair. Workstations are equipped with the professional tools and materials used by the resident artisans. What You’ll Take Away Walk away with a finished piece and the skills to see damage in a completely different light. Your finished piece will bear visible scars, transformed into marks of value rather than damage.

Izakaya Style Cooking Class (opens in a new tab)

234 3 h

Japanese food is more than just sushi and teriyaki chicken. In fact, it’s a very diverse and delicious cuisine. Consider ‘Izakaya,’ a style of dining that is comparable to pub or bar food. Now you can learn how to cook traditional Izakaya-style dishes in Kyoto. This 3-hour class shows you how to make five or six Japanese dishes. And, best of all, when you pack up your knives and turn off the burners, you eat what you just cooked.

Free cancellation

1-Hour Japanese Archery Experience in Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

201 1 h

This experience is highly recommended for beginners. The costs of taking a Kyudo lesson are usually very high. In this class, all the necessary equipment for Kyudo is prepared for you. All you need is passion and comfortable clothes that allow you to move freely! Our teacher will assist you from A to Z. Let's dive into real Japanese cultural experiences with us.

Kyoto Nightlife Social Dining & Hidden Bars Tour- Gion & Pontocho (opens in a new tab)

658 3 h 30 min

Immerse yourself in Kyoto's authentic culinary nightlife through a warm, social dining experience! Explore Pontocho and Gion without feeling like an outsider, sharing iconic dishes and memorable moments. 1. A Social Evening Across 3 Venues • Stop 1: Savor traditional Obanzai dishes and local sake around a welcoming table in Pontocho • Stop 2: Feel the local pulse at an authentic standing bar (Tachinomi), clinking glasses with friendly local guide • Stop 3: Top off the night at a cozy Gion Karaoke Snack bar, enjoying retro Japanese hospitality, music, and laughter. 2. Enriching Local Insights: Uncover why Kyoto foods are so unique, how Gion's Maiko culture was born, and where locals truly spend their evenings. 3. Welcoming & Inclusive: Exclusively for ages 20+. Non-drinkers and vegans are warmly accommodated with food options. A safe, vibrant night out for all!

Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hiking Tour Hidden Temple (opens in a new tab)

37 3 h

Ran by @guidemejapan on instagram. Join us on our hiking adventure in Arashiyama! We'll take you on amazing trails that most people never get to see. We'll also start early morning, we’ll have the peaceful Bamboo Forest all to ourselves. Along the way, you’ll discover stunning views, hidden paths and the beauty of nature. If you are lucky, you might even encounter wild monkeys! Accident and Mountain Rescue Insurance 1) In emergencies (illness, injury) requiring immediate treatment or transport, costs will be borne by the participant (or family). We may request rescue services (e.g., helicopter) without prior consent. 2) Mountain rescues can be expensive. Participants must have mountain insurance covering rescue, search, and personal liability. Termination of Tour Participation Guides may end a participant’s tour if: 1) They are unfit to continue (illness, injury, etc.). 2) Weather or natural conditions make it unsafe. 3) They act recklessly, refuse cooperation, or disrupt the tour.

Kyoto: Japanese Vintage Coin Ring Making Class (opens in a new tab)

103 1 h

Turn a piece of history into a ring you'll wear forever. Unlike ordinary jewelry-making experiences, this workshop allows you to create a one-of-a-kind ring from authentic vintage coins from more than 50 countries around the world. Every coin has its own story, design, and character, meaning no two rings are ever exactly the same. With the guidance of your friendly instructors, you'll transform your chosen coin into a beautiful ring using professional tools and traditional techniques. You can personalize every detail by selecting your preferred ring size and choosing the finish that best matches your style. Whether you're looking for a meaningful souvenir, a unique date activity, or an unforgettable experience in Japan, this workshop offers the perfect combination of creativity, craftsmanship, and history. Book now and create a timeless keepsake that you can wear and treasure for years to come.

Experience Kimono in Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

9 1 h

Take a stroll through Kyoto in a traditional Kimono !! You can walk until five o'clock. Hair set free. We keep luggage for free. There are many famous sightseeing spots in the vicinity. We have various kimonos of design, so you can enjoy it with your favorite kimono. At our shop you can call a rickshaw before the shop. Walking around the city of Kyoto with a rickshaw is wonderful. If you are interested please contact us.

Free cancellation

Kimono Rental in Gion Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

2 1 h

RikaWafuku is used by over 230,000 customers per year.RikaWafuku Gion is conveniently located just a two-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station, providing easy access to tourist sites in Kyoto city.They have a selection of over 400 kimonos for rental, from popular cute lace kimonos to simple, sophisticated kimonos and classic retro kimonos.You can rent it empty-handed, so you can easily try it out.In addition, it is ideal for short sightseeing trips, as it takes about 45 to 70 minutes to depart.Children's kimonos are also available, so it can be used by families, couples, and friends.

Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch (opens in a new tab)

601 4 h 30 min

Join a tour by MagicalTrip, proud winner of the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award. Each experience is led by a MagicalTrip Certified Guide, professionally trained and carefully selected to ensure quality and authenticity. What does Zen truly mean? On this tour, a local guide introduces you to the essence of Zen before meditation begins. Start by visiting a serene Zen garden, where you’ll learn how Zen principles are expressed through garden design and how to appreciate them in a calm, mindful way. Next, visit Tofukuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples with a history dating back to the 13th century. After exploring the grounds, continue to a smaller temple within Tofukuji dedicated to zazen practice, where you will take part in an authentic Zen meditation experience.

Kyoto Station to Kyoto City Private Transfer (opens in a new tab)

2 20 min – 1 h

Travel between Kyoto Station and Kyoto City with a private, door-to-door transfer service. Your professional driver will meet you at the agreed pickup point and provide a smooth one-way transfer in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle. This service is ideal for travelers with luggage, families, and small groups who prefer comfort and reliability. Please provide your pickup location, drop-off location, preferred time, passenger count, and luggage details after booking. This is a private transportation service with a driver only. Licensed tour guiding and guided commentary are not included.

Free cancellation

Kyoto 1day 100% silk of traditional. Kimono Rental Experience (opens in a new tab)

8 1 day

The plan price includes everything needed to wear the suit, so come empty-handed! Chinese and English services are available. Overseas tourists who rent kimonos for the first time don’t have to worry at all. The store is less than a minute’s walk from the popular tourist attractions Gion Hanamachi and Chaya District! The location is ideal and surrounded by excellent photo spots. Wear a kimono to create wonderful memories of your trip!‍♀️✨ The store has prepared a variety of kimonos that will make girls look cute! The styles range from retro, cute, classic, modern to Taisho Roman style. The fabric is carefully selected original pure silk kimono. Come and make yourself a kimono beauty different from others!✨ You are the heroine of this ancient capital, so don’t worry and leave all styling design to “Moeko Momoka”!

Kyoto Half Day Highlights Tour (opens in a new tab)

72 3 h 30 min

Join ME Kyoto Walking Tours for an unforgettable journey through Kyoto’s most iconic and historic sites. Begin with a stroll through the atmospheric Gion district, where traditional teahouses and geisha culture come alive. Visit the serene Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, famous for its unique “power stone” and meaningful rituals. Admire the striking five-story pagoda of Hokanji Temple before wandering the charming stone-paved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka. Explore the breathtaking Kiyomizudera Temple with its famous wooden terrace overlooking the city, then finish your tour walking through the vibrant tunnels of thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha. With small groups and expert guides, you’ll uncover the rich stories and hidden gems that make Kyoto truly magical.

Kyoto Night Local FoodTour (opens in a new tab)

9 3 h 30 min

After guiding many travelers in Kyoto, I often hear the same thing: “Famous spots feel too touristy.” If you agree, this 3.5-hour night food tour is for you. Located just five minutes from the city center, Saiin is where authentic nightlife begins. We visit three local favorites: a nostalgic gyoza shop tucked inside a traditional wooden building, a refined bar for local sake and seasonal dishes, and a lively spot offering a wide range of Japanese spirits, including craft beer and whisky from across the country. With no flashy signs or tourist traps, you can simply enjoy delicious food and real conversations. Your guide handles all ordering and translations, letting you relax and blend in with the locals. Step off the beaten path and see where Kyoto residents actually spend their nights. Join us for an evening of hidden gems and genuine hospitality.

Private tourFree cancellation

Kyoto Gion Night Tour: Discover Geisha District and Hidden Gems (opens in a new tab)

18 1 h 30 min

Experience the magic of Kyoto at night on our Gion Night Tour! Stroll through historic streets lit by traditional lanterns, discover hidden gems, and admire stunning night views. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, encounter iconic temples, and maybe even spot a geisha or maiko. Perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable Kyoto evening filled with history, culture, and scenic beauty!

Kimono and Yukata Experience in Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

76 1 h – 9 h

During this kimono rental or yukata rental experience, you can rent and get dressed in a kimono or yukata (during the summer) in the Gion District of Kyoto. Then have the chance to walk around the city and see the sights in this traditional attire.