Kyoto: 12-Sake Tasting, Guided Flavor & History Commentary
Uncover the rich tradition of Japanese sake with a guided tasting featuring 12 distinct varieties, each chosen to highlight the unique aspects of this beloved beverage. A knowledgeable host guides you through the details of each sake — from the rice and brewing region to the flavor notes that set them apart. Ideal for novices and enthusiasts alike, this experience lets you compare flavors and deepen your appreciation of sake's complexity. Located in Kyoto's vibrant Kawaramachi district, My Sake World offers a welcoming space to explore and purchase your favorites, taking home a piece of Japan's sake heritage.
Planning your Kyoto itinerary? This tasting fits easily between temple visits and sightseeing, thanks to its central Kawaramachi location. We recommend booking in advance, though walk-ins are welcome if space allows — an easy, English-friendly way to add cultural depth to your trip.
Duration: 40 min
- Free cancellation
Morning Zen Meditation & Coffee in a Traditional Kyoto Machiya
・Authentic Zen meditation guided by a Rinzai-trained host
・ ☕ Freshly roasted Indonesian specialty coffee
・ Peaceful traditional Kyoto machiya & small group (max 4 guests)
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Fukusa Shibori Class
At the Kyoto Shibori Museum, this traditional Japanese craft class shows you how to dye a 40cm x 40cm silk Fukusa (wrapping cloth) using the Kasamaki shibori method and Nuishime shobori method. You'll end up with a beautiful silk Fukusa to serve as a souvenir of your trip to Kyoto. Classes are usually individual and take 90 minutes to 120 minutes per class.
Start by choosing your favorite color and design, learning how to tie your fabric in a particular way and how to knot the thread.
Dye the fabric and undo the thread to see the final result!
While your fabric is drying (about 30 minutes), you'll learn more about shibori. Browse art pieces, tools, and samples displayed in the museum.
The museum shop also sells a variety of shibori items, souvenirs, fabrics, and more.
Duration: 1 hour – 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Customizable Kyoto World Heritage Tour Full Day
Experience a fully customizable 8-hour private tour of Kyoto's world heritage sites with the flexibility to choose your attractions and set your start time. Explore iconic landmarks such as Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizudera Temple, while enjoying the company of a knowledgeable guide who shares cultural insights and local tips. Whether you create your own itinerary or seek expert advice, your guide will help craft the perfect schedule for an unforgettable day in Kyoto.
Duration: 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Fushimi Sake Tasting Tour
Led by a Fushimi local and former brewery worker, this tour combines authentic sake tastings with insider stories you won’t find in guidebooks. From the Gekkeikan Sake Museum to hidden cafés and specialty shops, guests discover the history, culture, and flavors of Kyoto’s sake district in a truly local way.
Duration: 2 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Kyoto Full Course Tour: Explore 10 Must-See Sights & Hidden Gems
Welcome to Kyoto!
Dive into the heart of Japan's ancient capital and discover Kyoto’s timeless kaleidoscope of sights and traditions. On this immersive full-day tour, we will guide you through AS MANY AS 10 ICONIC ATTRACTIONS, blending the "must-see" landmarks with the secret hidden gems only locals know.
One of the best parts? You will master the city by foot and bus/train, navigating Kyoto’s history just like a local.
--- Why Choose Us? ---
Kyoto’s complex bus network and hidden alleyways can be overwhelming, even for residents. However, all our guides are BORN-AND-RAISED JAPANESE EXPERTS with deep local roots. We ensure you see the most of Kyoto at the perfect time, maximizing every minute of your stay.
--- Perfect for Your First Day in Kyoto ---
Beyond the sights, we provide an "insider’s manual" to Japan. You will learn about our history, culture, and values, plus essential practical tips -- from shrines and temples etiquette to everyday local life.
Duration: 9 hr 30 min
Japanese Calligraphy Class near Kyoto Station
Discover the beauty of Japanese culture by learning the art of traditional calligraphy. You'll not only pick up a unique new skill, but also take home authentic, hand-crafted Japanese souvenirs!
● English instruction available
● Watch the video below for a glimpse of the class experience.
● Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve your place today!
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Calligraphy & Digital Art Workshop in Kyoto
Have you ever tried Japanese calligraphy or Japanese picture letters on iPad?
As part of this workshop, you will be introduced to both traditional and digital calligraphy as well as how to make Japanese picture letters called Etegami, in a traditional setting.Come experience an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind art experience, whether you are traveling alone, with friends, or with your family!This workshop is led by Ami and her team of professional artists and creators.
About Ami
・ Studied digital art in the UK
・Her Youtube channel named amity_sensei, introduces creative uses of iPad, which currently has over 340,000 subscribers
・Founded Japan's first creative school in 2020 called iPadmate kids, helping kids unlock their creative potential through iPad
Check our studio's video!
We are all looking forward to meeting you here in Kyoto!
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Koto lesson & private concert
You can enjoy both playing Koto and listening to Koto performance!!
Start time>>>10:30/ 14:00
How about a private koto lesson and live performance at Kyomachiya?
At first, we will introduce about the instrument, simple explanation about the koto and how to play it.
Let's have fun playing the Koto by yourself! You can play several songs and join the ensemble with professional musicians.
After playing, enjoy a private koto concert!! At the end, you will receive a certificate of experience completion. Enjoy a relaxing time sitting in a chair in a renovated Kyoto townhouse, playing or listening to the koto.
~~Flow of the plan~~ ① Greetings and explanation about the koto 5 minutes ② Explanation of how to set up the koto nails and how to play it 10 minutes ③ Try the koto playing practice "Sakura Sakura"! →Ensemble 15 minutes ④Change the tuning, and practice several songs according to your preference & ensemble 15 minutes ⑤Performance by professional Koto player 10 minutes ⑥Give a certificate of completion, photo & question time 5 minutes
Duration: 1 hour
- Likely to sell out
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Toei Studio Park Ticket Samurai Show Ninja Village
Don’t miss your chance to travel back in time at Toei Kyoto Studio Park, where the world of samurai, ninja, and Edo-era drama comes to life. This ticket gives you full access to an immersive movie set used in real Japanese period films. Watch thrilling ninja and sword-fighting shows, wander through recreated historical streets, and even dress up in authentic costumes for unforgettable photos. Kids and adults alike will love the action-packed attractions, from ninja trick houses to anime-themed exhibits like Kamen Rider and Super Sentai. Enjoy Kyoto-style meals and fun snacks at themed cafes, then shop for unique souvenirs including traditional crafts and samurai gear. Whether you're a film lover, history buff, or just looking for a one-of-a-kind cultural experience, this is your ticket to step inside Japan’s cinematic legacy. Book now and make your Kyoto adventure truly unforgettable.
Duration: 7–8 hours
- Free cancellation
Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Sunset Tour in Spanish and en Español
Discover Kyoto’s historic Gion district on a walking tour conducted entirely in Spanish. Led by a native Spanish-speaking guide, this experience lets you explore Japan’s geisha culture without language barriers.
Begin in picturesque Gion Shirakawa, a quiet canal lined with willow trees, traditional teahouses, and stone-paved streets. Walk through peaceful backstreets away from the crowds, discovering hidden shrines and beautifully preserved wooden townhouses.
Learn about the fascinating world of geisha and maiko, including their training, performances, and the artistry behind their kimonos and hairstyles. Your guide will explain the customs that continue to shape this unique culture.
The tour ends on Hanamikoji Street, the heart of the geisha district, where you may be lucky enough to glimpse a geiko or maiko on her way to an evening engagement.
By the end, you will gain a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s iconic traditions, all in Spanish.
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
Kyoto: Station and Tower Night Tour with Light Show
While most tours focus on Kyoto’s ancient beauty, this one reveals its modern magic—after dark. You'll explore Kyoto Station’s futuristic architecture, including its glowing Grand Staircase and sky-high walkways, and enjoy the panoramic night view from Kyoto Tower, the city’s tallest point.
Few travelers know how stunning these landmarks become at night—a hidden side of Kyoto where light, steel, and reflection create a dreamlike atmosphere. Rainy weather only adds to the effect, turning the city into a cyberpunk fantasy.
Centrally located and easily accessible, this tour is a refreshing, crowd-free way to experience Kyoto’s unexpected brilliance.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Fushimi Inari Morning/Evening 2-Hour Tour: Beat the Crowds
Join our Fushimi Inari 2-hour walking tour to experience Kyoto’s iconic shrine through fascinating legends and local lore. Explore top highlights like Senbon Torii, Omokaru-ishi, and serene bamboo paths while snapping incredible, crowd-free photos at our favorite secret spots!
⭐Good to Know Before You Join⭐
・Active Walking & Stairs: Covers approx. 3,500–4,000 steps with shrine stairs. Comfortable sneakers are strongly recommended. (Not suitable for strollers/wheelchairs)
・Small Group (Max 8): Enjoy a relaxed, conversational vibe with plenty of time for photos—never feel rushed in a large group!
・WhatsApp or iMessage Required: Please provide a accurate phone number at booking for quick meeting details and photo sharing.
・Strict On-Time Departure: To respect all guests, we start on time. Late arrivals cannot join (non-refundable/non-changeable). Please arrive 10 minutes early.
Duration: 1–2 hours
- Free cancellation
Guided Photoshoot of Fushimi Inari Shrine and Secret Bamboo Grove
Visit Fushimi Inari & the secret bamboo grove that locals don't even know exists! Two contrasting and beautiful locations in one photoshoot! A rare location to get so many various backdrops in a 60 minute photoshoot.
Details:
■ 60-minute photoshoot
■ A private & exclusive booking
■ 75 professionally taken and edited shots (in Jpeg) for solo / 90 + for couples *I will always try to add some extras*
■ I can guide you in a variety of poses and capture some great, natural candid moments too
On the day:
■ Meet at your choice of JR or Keihan Fushimi Inari Stations
■ Guided to the main shrine where we will take a series of candid shots and poses along the way
■ We'll then shoot at the secret bamboo grove and a hidden area
■ Finally, we will go through the famous red Torii gates and capture the best shots of you
After:
■ Images edited & sent via Google Drive 1-3 days later
Extras:
■ RAW files available for an extra 5000 yen
Check out my IG account: hugh_dornan_photography
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Style Sushi Making
This workshop includes not just how to make Kyoto style sushi but the history and cultural background of sushi. You can also taste different types of vinegar and sushi rice and learn how to grate fresh wasabi, which will be unique and deepen your knowledge related to sushi. This workshop is perfect for those who love cooking and want to deepen their knowledge of Japanese cuisine.
*Preschooler (under 7 years old) is free and can join with a parent.
If you would like us to prepare ingredients for them, please include them in the number of participants.
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
TREASURES of Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu Temple, and more!
Watch as the low light of early morning casts long shadows on the 10,000 red gates of Fushimi Inari, and reward yourself for getting up early with photos to cherish for a lifetime. Then wander through the grounds of Kiyomizu temple towering over the cityscape of Kyoto, and watch as the city comes to live amid the ring of temple bells and the faint smell of incense blowing in the wind. Then it’s on to the last stop at Sanjusangendo, the longest wooden building in the world which house over 1,000 statues that were sculpted by ancient masters over 800 years ago! A truly magical place to conclude the tour. The Treasures of Kyoto tour takes you to these special places at a time where you not only escape the tour bus crowds, but get to truly connect in a more meaningful way in the relative calm of the early morning all the while with a friendly and knowledgeable guide.
Duration: 4 hours
- Free cancellation
From Kyoto: Nara & Kyoto World Heritage 1-Day Bus Tour
Explore two of Japan’s ancient capitals with flexible tour options. Choose the Full-Day Kyoto & Nara Tour for the complete experience, or join the Nara Morning Tour or Kyoto Afternoon Tour for a half-day experience.
★ Full-Day Kyoto & Nara Tour
Begin in Nara with visits to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Todai-ji Temple and its Great Buddha, and Nara Park, famous for its friendly deer.
After lunch, continue to Kyoto to admire Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, then visit atelier Kyo-Baum for Kyoto’s famous matcha sweets and exclusive souvenirs.
End your day with an authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony in a beautifully preserved 150-year-old Machiya townhouse.
★ Nara Morning Tour: Discover Nara’s highlights, including Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Todai-ji Temple, and Nara Park.
★ Kyoto Afternoon Tour: Explore Kinkaku-ji, visit atelier Kyobaum, and experience an authentic tea ceremony in a historic 150-year-old Machiya townhouse.
Duration: 10 hours
- Free cancellation
Private Sake Tasting in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier
Private experience for 1–4 people — always your group only. Enjoy a relaxed and authentic experience in the heart of Kyoto.
Discover the world of sake with Kenji, a certified international sake sommelier who spent many years working at a sake brewery in Hyogo.
During the two-hour tasting, you'll have the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of sake production from a professional insider.
Kenji will guide you through how to order, enjoy, and appreciate Japan’s national beverage — while tasting several hand-selected sakes from across the country.
Please join Kenji for sake and snacks at a very cool standing bar (no seats) in central Kyoto!
Group size: 1 - 4 people
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Sukiyaki Master Experience | Cooking & Certificate
The unique appeal of the Wagyu Sukiyaki Cooking Experience is that it offers more than just a meal — it provides a hands-on opportunity to experience Japanese home culture and the rich flavors of wagyu beef.
Some of the highlights include:
Cooking authentic sukiyaki yourself using high-quality wagyu beef
Learning traditional Japanese home-style ways of enjoying sukiyaki
Discovering Japanese food culture and ingredients while cooking with the instructor
Enjoying both a cooking experience and a freshly prepared meal in one activity
Easy participation for beginners with clear and friendly guidance
Experiencing authentic Japanese home cooking beyond what you would normally get at a restaurant
One of the most special aspects of this experience is the chance to connect with everyday Japanese food culture in a warm and interactive way.
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
Kyoto Gion Geisha District & Hidden Gems Walking Tour
"Stroll the real Gion streets that inspired the world’s most famous Geisha story."
Set out on an enchanting journey through the historic district of Gion in Kyoto, where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with modern charm.
You’ll have the chance to see the elegantly dressed Geiko and Maiko as they make their way to appointments, a sight that captures the elegance and mystery of old Kyoto. You will also learn about the history and origins of Geisha culture, its place in modern society, and the district itself.
Marvel at the stunning Hõkan Ji Pagoda, a symbol of Kyoto’s cultural heritage. Enjoy the serenity of Kennin-ji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in the city.
Discover the often overlooked hidden gem that is Chion In Temple, home to 3 designated national treasures within the vast and stunningly picturesque temple grounds.
As evening falls, Gion transforms into a magical place with lantern-lit streets, making it the perfect time to enjoy the delicate beauty of Gion’s nightlife.
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
Concerts Played with Traditional Instruments in Kyoto
This experience is a private concert held in a cozy home, unlike the traditional townhouses and temples of Kyoto. Exclusively for one group, it offers a warm and intimate atmosphere, just like being in a Japanese family's home.
The program begins with a brief introduction to the koto and shamisen, followed by a live performance featuring a diverse repertoire. Afterward, you’ll have time for a Q&A session and photo-taking. Additionally, only those who reserve the experience can participate in a hands-on koto session, where you’ll try playing a simple piece and experience its charm firsthand.
Perfect for adventurous travelers and families, this private experience promises a unique and unforgettable time.
Duration: 50 min
- Free cancellation
Japanese Traditional Sweets making and Tea Ceremony
First, you will begin by making yourself a type of Japanese traditional sweet called "Nerikiri".
You will start the making process from the coloring of the white bean paste.
You will continue with the Tea ceremony experience using Uji Matcha.
Finally, you can enjoy the Japanese sweets you prepared along with your own Matcha tea.
"Nerikiri" is a sort of high-grade Japanese sweet. It is made using colored white bean paste crafted in the shape of seasonal flowers/fruits.
Coloring and crafting processes are a great opportunity to express your creative sense.
Enjoy with us the world of Tea during this Japanese culture experience.
POINT1: We use white/red bean paste produced by Kyoto's long-established shops.
POINT2: You will make 2 Japanese sweets matching the season.
POINT3:We use single-origin special Matcha.
Duration: 1 hr 35 min
- Free cancellation
Kyoto: Philosopher’s Path and Hidden Temple Cultural Walk
This tour isn’t just a walk — it’s a journey through Kyoto’s natural beauty, spiritual history, and quiet elegance. Led by an expert local guide, you’ll explore the Philosopher’s Path area, a peaceful canal-side landscape beloved for its seasonal charm and contemplative atmosphere.
Depending on the option you choose, the experience may include several remarkable temples and landmarks: the moss-covered serenity of Hōnen-in, the architectural grace of Eikan-dō, and the presence of Nanzen-ji with its grand Sanmon gate and red-brick aqueduct. Each of these places offers more than scenery—they provide a deeper connection to Kyoto’s Zen spirit and cultural heart.
With a relaxed pace and thoughtful commentary, this experience invites you to go beyond sightseeing and discover the quieter side of Kyoto. It’s an ideal way for travelers to slow down and experience the atmosphere that has inspired monks, philosophers, and artists for centuries.
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Small Group Guided Walking Tour
Discover the captivating and iconic Shinto shrine known as Fushimi Inari Taisha
Marvel at the thousands of bright red torii gates
Opt to hike along the trails of Mount Inari and take in the breathtaking views
Learn historical facts and tidbits from a friendly and knowledgeable guide
Book at any time – last-minute bookings are accepted!
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation