All Activities in Kyoto

Gion Tour & Maiko or Geisha Dinner with Licensed Guide (opens in a new tab)

7 4 h

Immerse yourself in the charm of traditional Japanese culture with this exclusive 4-hour tour. Explore Gion on a 90-minute guided walk with a licensed guide and learn about the district’s rich history, customs, and traditions. After sightseeing, your guide will accompany you to enjoy a beautifully presented Kaiseki meal and spend time with a Geisha or Maiko in an authentic Kyoto setting. Unlike other tours with shows made specifically for overseas visitors, this tour lets you experience what it’s really like to dine with a Geisha or Maiko. There are no flashy shows or fast dances—just the wabi-sabi of real Kyoto. You can ask questions, speak with the Geisha/Maiko, and join in classic ozashiki asobi (traditional Geisha games). Important Notes: 1: Per local custom, guests are asked to purchase one drink for the Maiko or Geisha. 2: Only one Maiko or Geisha will be arranged for your experience; selection is not available. 3: Please note that music is pre-recorded and not performed live.

Nara Day Trip from Kyoto by Private Car with Licensed Guide (opens in a new tab)

4 8 h

Do you really like temples and gardens? If so, Nara is the place for you! Close to Osaka and Kyoto, this quiet area is full of beauty...and deer! Why so many deer in Nara? Deer are messengers from the heavens, so they have free reign over the city of Nara that is filled with religious importance. Come and learn about Japan’s temples and religious history in Nara! Once your reservation is made, a guide will contact you to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots from ‘Tour Details’ to visit. Don't know where to go? Ask the guide to send you their recommendations. We hope to guide you soon! * Maximum 7 participants per tour. * If you have a child or children in your group, please let us know the number and their age.

Free cancellation

PRIVATE Kyoto Market Tour & Cooking Class in Aki's Beautiful Home (opens in a new tab)

16 4 h

- Explore Kyoto's Demachiyanagi Shopping Street with Aki and shop for fresh seasonal ingredients at a neighborhood market loved by locals. - Cook authentic Japanese home-style dishes from scratch in Aki's beautiful home while learning family recipes and everyday cooking techniques. - Enjoy a private cultural experience with personalized instruction, English recipes to take home, and insights into Japanese food, traditions, and daily life.

Nara & Uji Private Day Tour from Kyoto by Private Vehicle (opens in a new tab)

5 10 h

Discover Nara and Uji on a private 10-hour tour from Kyoto. Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, Byodo-in Temple, Uji’s historic tea district, Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Higashimuki Shopping Street. Higashimuki is a great lunch stop for local food and shopping. ✓ Licensed Operator Operated by a licensed passenger transportation company in Japan using commercial vehicles. ✓ 100% Private Your vehicle is reserved exclusively for your group. ✓ 3 Service Options • English-speaking guide + vehicle (includes sightseeing guidance) • English-speaking driver + vehicle (no guide service) • Transportation only + vehicle (no guide; driver language is not guaranteed) ✓ Flexible Itinerary Adjust stops and sightseeing time within the booked duration. ✓ Transportation Costs Included Kyoto City pickup/drop-off, fuel, tolls and parking are included. Prices vary by service option. Please select your preferred option when booking.

Free cancellation

Zen Meditation for Life in Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

13 4 h 30 min

Kyoto has been the principal home of Zen since its introduction to Japan from China at the beginning of the 13th century. Kyoto is therefore rightly famous for its Zen-influenced gardens, etc. However, the heart of Zen is the practice of meditation, for meditation is the very meaning of the word “Zen.” Given this, it is ironic there are few opportunities for short-term visitors to Kyoto to have more than a brief introduction to Zen meditation while visiting Zen temples. Thus, this workshop is unique in providing an extended, in-depth introduction to both the theory and practice of meditation (zazen) under the guidance of American-born, Sōtō Zen Buddhist priest and scholar Rev. Dr. Brian Victoria. Rev. Victoria will introduce you to both the theory and practice of Zen meditation, employing traditional meditation cushions (or chairs if needed) in a private meditation hall. By workshop completion, participants will become confident in their ability to continue meditating on their own.

Free cancellation

Private Kyoto with Exceptional Guide Tailored to Your Needs (opens in a new tab)

6 4 h – 8 h

Experience Your Dream Tour of Kyoto with a Local Guide! Embark on a personalized journey through Kyoto, tailored just for you. Choose between a half-day (4-hour) or full-day (8-hour) private tour and customize your experience to match your interests, whether it's savoring Japanese cuisine, diving into local culture, uncovering historical sites, shopping, or any unique passion you may have. You decide the pace and style of your adventure—from a relaxed walking tour using Tokyo's world-class public transportation to a more seamless experience with a private vehicle. We will offer some inspiring ideas for exploring places during your custom-designed tour. *Please download WhatsApp or let us know your email address, so our guide can contact you! *Many stores and restaurants in Japan only accept cash payments, so be sure to have some Japanese yen cash on hand.

Free cancellation

Kyoto Private & Personalized Half-Day Walking Tour with a Local (opens in a new tab)

32 3 h – 4 h

Discover Kyoto in a way that’s truly personal. This isn’t a rigid sightseeing tour—it’s a private, customized experience designed entirely around you, guided by a local who knows the city inside out. Stroll historic streets, explore hidden shops, admire beautiful shrines, and hear stories and insights that bring Kyoto’s culture to life. Your host will shape the route to match your interests, whether you’re drawn to history, food, tradition, or off-the-beaten-path gems. After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire about your interests. Your host will then reach out to suggest a flexible, authentic itinerary that feels like exploring Kyoto with a knowledgeable friend eager to share its secrets.

Free cancellation

Kyoto, Nara, Osaka & Kobe: Private Tours with Intercity Transfers (opens in a new tab)

23 4 days

Discover both the famous and hidden gems of Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe on private tours which including premium vehicles, professional drivers and guides, with curated itineraries tailored from one to four days. Single-day tours focus on one or a combination of up to two destinations depending on the travelers tour plan. The one-day option allows for pickup in one city and drop-off in another, with private airport transfer also available. Multi-day tours includes private airport transfers, offer more premium experiences to explore each destination and discover the countryside charms. Selected itineraries may feature farm visits, Wagyu ranch experiences, or Kyoto’s picturesque coastline, where these activities are expressly included in the booked destination options. Note: the sample itineraries are the typical highlights we offer to the respective destinations, while the final itinerary is collectively decided together with travelers and confirmed before the tour date (s).

Free cancellation

Treasures of Kyoto: Geishas & Traditions Private Tour (opens in a new tab)

36 2 h 30 min

To truly experience a city, you must deep dive into its culture, and there's no better cultural tradition to explore in Kyoto than through geishas and their traditions. On this private tour, get a cultural awakening as you learn more about geishas and the traditions and why this is such a unique part of the city's character. Learn from its history to the present influence that still lingers in Kyoto as you visit the Minamiza Theatre, Maruyama park and more. Thanks to this cultural experience, you'll be able to see Kyoto from a different perspective - the way the locals live it every day! Withlocals Treasures of Kyoto Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local products and preventing over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Free cancellation

Kyoto night walk tour (Gion district) (opens in a new tab)

99 1 h 30 min

Meeting up in front of the Minamiza Kabuki theatre. I will walk through the Gion traditional pass with you, with local insight.

Free cancellation

Private Pewter Sake Cup Experience with a Kyoto Artisan (opens in a new tab)

33 2 h 30 min

This workshop is led by the owner of Craft Gallery SALUK, a skilled pewtersmith, who will guide you as you create your own pewter sake cup. Pewter has been part of Japanese culture since the 8th century, first used by nobles and temples. From the 17th century it spread among common people, especially for sake and tea utensils. Even today, many say sake tastes smoother from a pewter cup. By making your own, you connect with this tradition firsthand. Workshops are limited to 4 guests, offering a relaxed atmosphere. Solo travelers, couples, and small groups are all welcome. No experience is needed; clear guidance helps beginners enjoy the process. You’ll also see inside the pewter workshop—normally closed to the public—and gain a deeper appreciation for the craft. Your cup will come in a paulownia wood box, making it a meaningful keepsake or gift. Join us and make a lasting memory with your handcrafted pewter sake cup.

Free cancellation

Private Osaka Tour from Kyoto with National licensed guide (opens in a new tab)

4 8 h

Experience the best of Osaka on a private, customizable full-day walking tour. Your local guide will meet you at your hotel and lead you through a mix of historic and modern sites, ensuring you see and do exactly what you want in Japan’s second-largest city. This tour is led by National Licensed Guide Interpreter. You can enjoy immersive cultural experiences, insider knowledge, and memorable encounters with local traditions

Free cancellation

Kyoto Highlights & Hidden Gems in Nature (Private Van Eng-Guide) (opens in a new tab)

27 6 h

Explore the historic Kyoto more deeply with a local Japanese guide, comfortably in a Japanese minivan! Round trip Kyoto city from east to south! •Avoid crowds, find off-the-beaten spots to relax, meditate and get spiritual in sacred areas with no other tourists •Visit bamboo forest, Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari "Red Gates" Shrine in best timings with the least tourists •Drive to deeper mountain area of Kyoto for breath-taking scenes like movies of Kifune Shrine, where hard to get without a car The tour is led by a experienced local Japanese Guide with expert knowledge of Japanese religions and history, who will enhance your experience and support your trip with fluent English guide Book this tour now for an unforgettable experience and have a transcendent trip in alter world, Kyoto!

Free cancellation

Samurai Experience and Kenbu Show in Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

5 1 h 30 min

Samurai are most renowned for their military might and prowess while embracing a strong sense of honor, grace, and poise. Experience the artistic side of the samurai through this Kenbu experience. Kenbu, literally meaning 'sword dance', is a Japanese traditional performing art that uses a katana and folding fan to convey the culture and spiritual nature of the samurai via swordplay, dance, and poetry. In this experience, learn and practice aspects of the etiquette of samurai classes, try on traditional samurai costume, and enjoy a show performed by expert Kenbu masters. Take an opportunity to hold a katana and experience the literal weight of being a samurai. Guests will also get to take a commemorative photo of their experience.

PRIVATE Kyoto Home Cooking Class in Aki's Traditional Wooden Home (opens in a new tab)

13 3 h

Join your host Aki for a hands-on cooking lesson in her beautiful kitchen, get secret tips for familiar classics like miso soup, and learn to make dishes you won't be able to find in restaurants! Aki will provide you with recipes in English and guide you through the cooking process as she tells you all you'd like to know about Japanese food and culture. Your home-style Japanese meal may include dishes such as the traditional Chikuzenni (a main dish of braised chicken and vegetables that originated from Kyushu), seasonal vegetable sides such as marinated spinach with sesame or burdock root, and miso soup. The cooking portion of your experience should last about an hour before you enjoy the meal you helped prepare together. Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to witness true Japanese hospitality, and learn about Japanese culture and cuisine during a hands-on experience in a beautiful setting - your stomach and soul will thank you for it!

Full day Kyoto Walk in Fushimi, Arashiyama, Monkey, and Kinkakuji (opens in a new tab)

29 8 h

This 8-hour full-day tour offers a fantastic mix of Kyoto’s iconic temples, serene landscapes, and lively wildlife, all while using convenient public transit to minimize travel time. It's designed for those looking to experience both the peaceful and vibrant sides of Kyoto in one unforgettable day.

Kyoto: Family-Friendly Kimono & Yukata Experience at WARGO (opens in a new tab)

156 1 h – 7 h

Experience Japan in a Traditional Kimono at WARGO Step into Japanese culture by wearing a beautiful kimono and exploring the streets around any WARGO store nationwide. Capture stunning photos, create unforgettable memories, and fully immerse yourself in the timeless Japanese atmosphere. Choose from a wide range of kimonos, from classic traditional patterns to modern designs. Our experienced staff will assist you with dressing, ensuring a comfortable and authentic experience. Plus-size kimonos are available, so everyone can join in! Your package includes the kimono, sash belt (obi), Japanese clutch, sandals, and socks. Hairstyling is also available at an additional cost for those who want the complete look. The dressing process is quick—often under an hour—so you can set off on your adventure right away. Make your visit truly special by stepping out in style, exploring, and creating lasting memories at any WARGO store across Japan!

Kyoto Private & Personalized Full-Day Tour with a Local Guide (opens in a new tab)

32 7 h – 8 h

Discover Kyoto in a truly personal way on this full-day private walking tour with a local host who knows the city inside out. This isn’t a rigid sightseeing schedule—it’s a flexible, customized experience designed entirely around you. Stroll historic lanes, visit hidden shops, admire serene temples and gardens, and hear the local stories that bring Kyoto’s culture to life. Your host will craft the route to match your interests, whether you’re drawn to history, food, architecture, tradition, or off-the-beaten-path discoveries. After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire about your interests. Your host will then reach out to suggest an authentic, flexible itinerary that feels like exploring Kyoto with a knowledgeable friend eager to share the city’s secrets.

Free cancellation

Maiko Dance and Tea Ceremony on a Noh Stage in Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

79 1 h 30 min

Immerse yourself in the elegance of Kyoto during this exclusive 90-minute program with a real Maiko. Enjoy two graceful dances on an authentic Noh stage, witness a traditional tea ceremony, and take part in ozashiki-asobi—delightful parlor games usually reserved for special guests. The program is guided by a former Maiko, who shares personal stories and cultural insights, with full English interpretation. This fully private experience offers an intimate and unforgettable glimpse into Kyoto’s refined traditions. Photography is welcome, and each guest receives a small souvenir. The price reflects the exclusivity and personalized attention, with dedicated guidance, authentic performances, and all activities included. ★Enhance your experience by trying on a kimono for ¥7,700 per person.

Free cancellation

Kyoto Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide (opens in a new tab)

21 6 h

Make your Instagram followers envious as you explore Kyoto on a customizable day trip to its most recognizable hotspots! Kyoto is synonymous with Old Japan, and it is indeed where you’ll be able to find many picture opportunities. You are going to check out the places with the best Kyoto aesthetic and it will be a treat for your eyes and your Instagram followers. From shrines to street art, this city is loaded with photogenic spots. Grab your camera and get your hashtags ready, here are the most Instagrammable places in Kyoto! The best thing about this day trip is that you choose the exact experience that you want. We will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you. Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Free cancellation