All Activities in Kyoto

Hidden Vegan Kyoto and Local Food Journey with a Local (opens in a new tab)

2 2 h 30 min

This vegan food tour highlights small, family-run shops loved by Kyoto locals—not tourist chains. Rather than focusing on labels, it shows how Kyoto’s culture naturally supports plant-based food. Led by a Kyoto-based host with over 10 years of local experience, guests gain insider access to hidden spots in the Umekoji area. Through storytelling and tastings rooted in Buddhist culture and shojin ryori, travelers learn why plant-based cuisine has thrived here for centuries. The tour moves at a relaxed pace through quiet neighborhoods and ends with Japanese tea and seasonal vegan sweets in a 100-year-old machiya, offering a calm and authentic taste of local life.

Urushi Lacquerware Craft Workshop in Kyoto's Nishijin District (opens in a new tab)

2 2 h 30 min

In the heart of Kyoto's Nishijin kimono district, immerse yourself in the art of Urushi lacquerware. Guided by skilled artisans in a traditional lacquer studio, create a personalized cup adorned with vibrant colors inspired by Kyoto's rich heritage. Select your hues, practice elegant strokes, and apply your design—all while savoring matcha paired with seasonal Kyoto sweets. With our unique finishing process, you'll walk away with your handcrafted piece on the same day, making it a perfect keepsake or gift from your Kyoto experience.

Kyoto welcome tour (opens in a new tab)

35 3 h – 8 h

You can request own tour to me. So please text me first. We can decide which sightseeing spots, what kind of meals, how long for guiding, etc. Price is 50 USD per hour per group.

Free cancellation

Skip the Crowds Kyoto 8 Million Gods Bike Adventure (opens in a new tab)

1 4 h

Why squeeze into a crowded bus when you can cycle through the soul of Kyoto? Experience a side of the ancient capital most tourists miss. This 3-4 hour cycling journey skips the tourist traps to visit 10 remarkable shrines with quirky, modern-day powers. The "Can't-Miss" Highlights: The Money Shrine: The Travel Savior The Beauty Goddess The Scholarly Ox The "Secret" Kyoto: Pedal through quiet Machiya backstreets, the Imperial Palace gardens, and the ancient Tadasu-no-mori forest. This isn't just a history lesson; it's an interactive adventure. You’ll experience Water Fortune Telling at a UNESCO site, taste sacred spring water. You will know,Kyoto is a city where gods are still alive, still protecting people, and yes, you can even pray to a god for money!health!beauty!and anything!

Making Hand Rolled Sushi with the Okami (opens in a new tab)

1 2 h

This experience is suitable for people who love culture, adventure, and cute things.By joining this tour, you can experience the true hospitality culture of Kyoto.You can experience making hand-rolled sushi with the okami in a 120-year-old Kyoto townhouse. You can see the culture and history of Kyoto, and experience the precious and special atmosphere of living in a local area. You can experience the unique experience of interacting with old things. Enjoy making hand-rolled sushi with the okami, using the Kyoto dialect. We hope you will immerse yourself in the local area and get a feel for the everyday life of Kyoto people. While you are making your sushi rolls, you will of course enjoy a homely atmosphere that will make you feel like you are in a homestay, so please come and visit us. We look forward to seeing you.This immersive local cultural experience will give you a deeper insight into the people of Kyoto.Come and make unforgettable memories with us in a Kyoto townhouse MACHIYA.

Free cancellation

Cinematic Photoshoot in Kyoto, Arashiyama, and Osaka (opens in a new tab)

1 1 h 10 min

Capture your unique journey through Japan with a personalized photography session that tells your story against the backdrop of the country’s stunning landscapes. Each photoshoot is designed to blend your narrative with the charm of locations like Kyoto’s serene temples and Osaka’s vibrant streets. Whether it’s a solo portrait, a couple’s romantic shoot, or a family gathering, sessions include hundreds of images that reflect your chosen style. With professional editing and an emphasis on authenticity, your memories are transformed into visual treasures. No overbooking, no middleman, no late arrivals, delivery on time.

Free cancellation

Kyoto: Serene Garden Philosophy at Murin-an with Matcha Tea (opens in a new tab)

1 1 h 30 min

What sets this tour apart is its quiet depth, cultural insight, and immersive pace—an experience that goes beyond sightseeing. Unlike standard garden visits, this guided 90-minute tour invites you into the philosophy of Murin-an, a hidden gem of Kyoto’s modern garden heritage. With a knowledgeable local guide, you'll explore flowing water paths, learn how this landscape broke away from traditional Japanese garden design, and discover how it was lovingly restored to its original 100-year-old form by dedicated modern gardeners. Along the way, you’ll slow down, breathe deeply, and connect with the space in the way it was meant to be experienced: through stillness, movement, and presence. The experience concludes with a peaceful café break inside the garden itself—matcha in hand, beauty before you. This is not a rushed tour—it’s a refined cultural pause, ideal for travelers who seek meaning, serenity, and a deeper connection to Kyoto’s living history.

Free cancellation

Kyoto Night Walk: Fushimi Inari's Lantern-Lit Torii (opens in a new tab)

1 2 h

Experience Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine like never before on a tranquil evening walk. As night falls, witness the iconic thousand torii gates illuminated by stone lanterns, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Your local guide will share fascinating insights into the shrine’s history and the legends surrounding Inari, the rice deity. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the serene paths to the Yotsutsuji viewpoint, capturing stunning photos at cinematic spots along the way. This easy walk is perfect for those seeking a unique perspective of Kyoto's most famous shrine without the daytime crowds. - Discover the magic of Fushimi Inari Shrine after dark - Enjoy a guided walk through the illuminated torii gates - Capture unique photos at scenic spots without crowds - Easy evening stroll with gentle stairs to the lookout

Free cancellation

Private Customized Walking Tour in Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

13 4 h – 9 h

You can choose when to start, where and when to end, you can decide. We create a customizable itinerary based on your request. We help you experience and discover Kyoto from the eye of a local, reaching the cultural attraction, explore with highlights tailored just for you. Your choice, your call, you can decide to end the tour whenever you like or to continue til the end! You choose; you decide the itinerary with help from an experienced guide!

Free cancellation

Kyoto: Curated Japanese Whisky Tasting (opens in a new tab)

14 1 h 30 min

Guided Japanese whisky tasting in Kyoto run by an English-speaking certified whisky expert. The tasting: Enjoy a curated selection of 5 Japanese single malts in this friendly, interactive experience. Each tasting is limited to 4 participants, giving you plenty of opportunity to ask anything you want to know about Japanese whisky. Tastings last for approximately 90 minutes and are held at a small bar north of Nijo Station. It’s an area slightly off the normal tourist trail, but is easily accessible by public transport. A good opportunity to see a part of Kyoto you might not visit otherwise! Tastings are only held when the bar is closed, so there will be no random bar customers wandering through. About me: I’m half-Japanese, born and raised in Australia, but have called Kyoto home since 2012. I have a Whisky Expert qualification from the Japan Whisky Research Centre, and am just a general all-round whisky obsessive. Be warned, I can happily talk about whisky all day!

Private Morning Meditation at Kyoto (opens in a new tab)

2 1 h 30 min

Private Morning Meditation in Kyoto Start your day in Kyoto’s serene mornings: Experience the city before the bustle begins, enjoying the tranquil light, quiet sounds, and peaceful atmosphere. A fusion of tradition and wellness: Combine the ancient art of Shakyo (sutra calligraphy), the refined ritual of traditional matcha tea, and the relaxing techniques of Head Healing for a one-of-a-kind meditative experience. Engage all your senses: See the morning light, hear the gentle brush strokes, smell the aroma of tea and ink, touch the brush and feel the healing touch, and taste authentic matcha — fully immersing in mindfulness. Personalized and intimate: Designed for 1–2 participants, each guest alternates between calligraphy and head healing, ensuring a tailored and private experience. A gateway to Japanese culture: This experience blends traditional practices with modern wellness, making it perfect for travelers seeking a meaningful, restorative, and uniquely Kyoto morning.

Free cancellation

Tofu Shop Visit & Japanese Cooking Class in Kyoto with Rita (opens in a new tab)

2 2 h 30 min

Your local host Rita will give you an exciting introduction to authentic Japanese cuisine, starting with a brief tour of a tofu shop that was established 90 years ago! She will talk you through the process of how tofu is made from soy beans and describe the variety of products that can be made from tofu (please note that you will not see the entire process of making tofu, because the manufacturing starts early in the morning). After your introduction to tofu, Rita will take you upstairs for your Japanese cooking class. You will have the opportunity to help prepare and taste the unique ingredients and seasonings that form the foundation of Japanese cuisine. Your cooking lesson with last about an hour and a half before you sit down together to enjoy the meal you helped prepare over a fun conversation with Rita.

Free cancellation

ALL INCLUDED:Short Exclusive Hidden Kyoto Private Tour with Local (opens in a new tab)

4 2 h – 3 h

Experience Kyoto like never before with SunnySight Japan! Our unique private tours, starting from just 3 hours, take you to hidden gems with no crowds. You can enjoy the heart of Kyoto with just your love ones to create special memories.Just share your bucket list of your Kyoto trip/ anything you are interested in, and we’ll create the perfect journey just for you! Enjoy a personalized adventure led by passionate local guides, ensuring memorable moments exploring serene temples, local cuisine, and more. Let's go on an adventure to discover the treasure of Kyoto with us! The price covers food, experience fee, admission fee, and guide fee. We also have a photo service for the guests to bring precious memories back home!(with no charge) All you have to do is tell us what you want to do and we will arrange your original tour! Just bring yourself to enjoy the most of Kyoto on the day of your tour.

Free cancellation

Miko Small Group Experience at Takenobu Inari Jinja Shrine (opens in a new tab)

1 1 h 40 min

Let’s try to "Miko experience" in the tranquil and crisp air of the shrine! You can enjoy the captivating world of Japanese tradition with a Miko (shrine-maiden) experience at the shrine, where you can do authentic white robes and red skirts, immersing yourself in a serene and invigorating atmosphere that refreshes your mind and purifies your spirit. ※Please noted any ladies over 12 years old can join this experience

Kyoto: Maiko Tea Ceremony ＆ Maiko Dance Show on Noh Stage(1hour) (opens in a new tab)

1 1 h

Discover Japanese tea culture and maiko traditions in this unique Kyoto experience. Learn the history of tea, from the monk Eisai to Sen no Rikyu, and explore the shared roots of tea ceremony and maiko culture. Enjoy a maiko dance performance and watch her demonstrate the traditional tea ceremony. Learn the spirit of *ichigo ichie* (one time, one meeting) and *wa kei sei jaku* (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility). Enjoy Japanese sweets, learn tea etiquette, and whisk your own bowl of matcha. The experience concludes with a maiko dance and a photo opportunity with her on the traditional Noh stage. Important Information ・Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled start time. ・The experience will begin promptly at the scheduled time. ・If the total number of participants is 6 or fewer, the experience will be held in a Japanese-style tatami room on the 4th floor.

Golden Pavilion Kiyomizu Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine Tour (opens in a new tab)

1 8 h – 9 h

Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich culture and history with our tour of three iconic landmarks. Begin at Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), where the gold-leaf facade reflects over a tranquil pond, capturing Zen perfection in its gardens. Next, visit Kiyomizu-dera, perched on a hillside with sweeping views of Kyoto. Marvel at its wooden stage and drink from the Otowa Waterfall for health, longevity, or academic success. Conclude at Fushimi Inari Shrine, walking through the famous Senbon Torii, exploring smaller shrines and stone fox statues, and enjoying panoramic views from Yotsutsuji Intersection.

Japanese Tea Ceremony (opens in a new tab)

1 1 h

【A Hundred-Year Villa and Elegant Garden】 Located near the “Sakurabashi” bridge on the Philosopher’s Path, Kiriyama Kaikan is a historical villa with over a hundred years of heritage and a serene Japanese garden. Here, you can experience the true essence of the tea aesthetics once cherished by nobles and Zen monks. 【Matcha vs Sencha Experience】 ▸ Matcha (Powdered Green Tea Ceremony) Experience the Zen spirit of wabi-sabi through the refined and formal “Senke” style of tea ceremony.

Free cancellation

京都でアップサイクルされた大豆粕を使った味噌作り (opens in a new tab)

4 1 h

• Make Japanese miso with a sustainable twist using upcycled soy pulp (okara), a byproduct of soy milk and tofu, instead of whole soybeans. • Take home 3 PDF recipes: okara miso, traditional miso, and miso made with boiled soybeans. • Take your handmade miso home and ferment it yourself. • Private sessions available from ¥27,000.

Private Japanese music concert (opens in a new tab)

4 1 h

〇 It's a luxurious private live! A performer will play the traditional Japanese instruments just for you. Please enjoy the sounds of Koto-Japanese harp and feel the world of Koto up close. 〇 Sit in a chair and enjoy yourself. You can sit on a chair and relax in the shop which is a renovated Kyomachiya-traditional Japanese house. Why don't you hold a hidden concert just for you in the atmosphere of local Kyoto, which is different from the tourist spots? 〇Enjoy the sounds of authentic Japanese musical instruments. Why don't you feel the splendor of traditional Japanese music at your leisure?

Discover your Kyoto -Private Kyoto Customized Walking Tour- (opens in a new tab)

3 8 h

In a day you will be able to visit the historical places of Kyoto. Kyoto has a different atmosphere from Tokyo and you can feel it by the historical vibes and the local people. Come and discovery Kyoto for its beauty with this tour, we are sure that it will be a travel you won't forget. Spots to visit 1.Nijo Castle A UNESCO World Hertiage Site, Nijo Castle was castle that was built for the first shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu who ruled Japan from 1603-1616. 2.Kinkakuji A Zen Temple whose top two floor is covered in gold leaf overlooking a large pond. Though its standing majestically now, this temple has been burned numerous time in the past. 3.Arashiyama A popular sightseeing spot in Kyoto, the biggest reason for its popularity is due to the beautiful scenery that changes by the season. 4.Tenryuji Temple/Bamboo Forest Here in this mesmerizing forest is the Tenryuji Temple, a temple which was originally built in 1339 by the ruling shogun Ashikaga Takauji.