Kyoto Dark History Tour: Samurai, Geisha, Ghosts & Secret Gion
Beyond the tea houses of Gion, lies a city forged in blood, power, and shadows.
Uncover Kyoto's raw dark history, from samurai betrayals to ancient dark rituals. Led by an expert local author, this tour reveals the deep human stories that the city tried to bury.
We explore the old capital’s hidden secrets: Samurai history not through their glory, but through their ghosts. We trace the forbidden side of Gion and Geisha districts, urban legends, and the secret lives of outcasts.
⚠️12+ Advisory: Mature social contexts and historical justice. Explicit stories and images; parental discretion advised.
Uncover a hidden side of Japan where a different world breathes in the silence of the backstreets, revealing hidden gems off the beaten path.
- Real dark history tour: True historical events, taboos, and unspoken Kyoto secrets.
- Small group of travelers for a personal, immersive experience.
- An author’s perspective designed for those ready to look beneath the surface.
Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Hidden Hike (Private)
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto’s most visited landmarks, and most visitors follow the crowded paths of the main shrine. On this private hike, you’ll step away from the crowds and immerse yourself in the sacred silence of Mount Inari.
• Explore quiet trails beyond the crowds of Fushimi Inari
• Learn about Shinto beliefs and Fushimi Inari from your guide
• Enjoy complimentary DSLR photographs shared after the tour
Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site Private Tour with a Premium Van
Discover Kyoto’s UNESCO Treasures with Ease!
Explore Kyoto’s UNESCO sites stress-free on this private one-day tour! With a personal driver and guide, travel seamlessly between landmarks while learning about Kyoto’s rich history. Your guide also doubles as a photographer, capturing stunning shots at Instagram-worthy spots.
Visit must-see sites like Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji or Ninnaji Temple, Tenryuji, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Kiyomizu-dera. Enjoy a local lunch at a handpicked restaurant—just sit back and savor the experience!
Perfect for first-time visitors, families, couples, and solo travelers, this all-inclusive tour ensures a hassle-free Kyoto adventure. Hotel pickup, flexible dietary options, and a comfortable itinerary make it ideal for everyone. Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s beauty with ease and comfort!
1 and a Half Kyoto Premium Sushi Class near Fushimi Inari Shrine
Four skilled sushi chefs will carefully teach you how to make sushi step by step. We use Sushi Toys to practice, so that when you make actual Sushi, you can make better and fresh. Sushi Neta ( fish use for Nigiri sushi) are purchased from the Kyoto central fish market every day, so they are very fresh.
Kyoto Gion Early Morning Walking Tour
Experience Kyoto’s most iconic sights before the crowds arrive! Our early morning walking tour takes you through the historic streets of Gion, visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Hanamikoji Street, and Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka with a knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking guide.
⚠️ Prior to the tour, please ensure that WhatsApp is available for easy communication. Our guide will contact you through these platforms.
✅ English Guided Walking Tour – Walking through Kyoto’s most scenic streets.
✅ Visit Five Must-See Locations – Explore Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Gion’s historic streets, and Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka.
✅ Learn Kyoto’s History & Culture – Discover the stories behind Kyoto’s geisha district, samurai history, and old temples with our expert guide.
✅ Capture Stunning Photos – Enjoy a crowd-free Kyoto and take beautiful photos in its most picturesque locations.
✅ Get Local Tips & Recommendations – Our guide will share insider tips to explore after the tour.
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
Matcha Grinding Experience and Walking Tour in Uji Kyoto
Step into the Matcha capital, Uji, and experience the heart of Japan's finest green tea. Walking through the famous Byodo-in temple, known for its appearance on the 10-yen coin, you will grind tea leaves into matcha powder and drink your fresh matcha tea. A must-try experience for matcha lovers!
⚠️ Prior to the tour, please ensure that WhatsApp is available for easy communication. Our tour guide will use these platforms to contact you.
⚠️ Please wear a mask during the Matcha making workshop.
✅ English Guided Tour – Explore Uji City with our friendly and knowledgeable guide.
✅ Hands-on Matcha Experience – Grind your own matcha powder using a traditional stone mill, then enjoy your freshly made tea with your choice of Japanese sweets or matcha ice cream.
✅ Visit Byodo-in Temple – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning architecture featured on the 10-yen coin.
✅ Learn the History of Uji Tea – Discover why Uji is known as Japan’s top region for high-quality green tea.
Private Pewter Sake Cup Experience with a Kyoto Artisan
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.
Kyoto Private Car Tour – Full Day with Local Guide & Nara Option
Planning a trip to Kyoto can be exciting, but also overwhelming. Which places are truly worth visiting? How do you get around? And how do you choose the right tour?
Why travelers choose us:
• Passionate local Japanese guides
• Hidden local gems beyond the guidebooks
• Flexible itinerary tailored to your interests
• Comfortable private vehicle
• Kyoto’s must-see highlights without stress
• Friendly conversations, local stories, and personal recommendations
We believe a private tour is not only about where you go—it’s about who you spend the day with.
That’s why we focus on creating a fun, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere. We want you to feel like you are exploring Kyoto with a local friend, not just following a guide.
Every guest is different, so every tour is different. We can adjust the itinerary based on your interests, the weather, crowds, and the season.
For us, guiding is our passion. We’ll do our best to make your day in Japan unforgettable.
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Family Bike Tour ( Infants & Kids )
Discover the charm of Arashiyama on our exclusive family bike tour with your infants and toddlers. Cycle at a casual and safe pace, and enjoy scenic backstreets removed from the bustle and traffic of downtown Kyoto. Our carefully curated route of about 7km is designed to keep safety a top priority for you and your children. As the only Arashiyama-based bike tour, we are excited to share the beauty of this region with your family.
Pricing is based on a family of up to 4 participants.
If your group exceeds 4, there is an additional fee required of 15,000 yen for each additional participant.
This is a public tour. You may be matched with another family. Please inquire separately for a private experience.
*You must have at least one participant who is under the age of 12 years old and is accompanied by an adult.
*Height of 123 cm and under will ride in a child seat or tag along.
*There is a light snack included. We cannot accommodate all dietary restrictions and allergies.
Stunning Private Tea Ceremony: Camellia Garden Teahouse
Camellia Garden’s striking surroundings make ours one of the most beautiful locations to experience tea ceremony in Kyoto.
The traditional Japanese house, which sits amongst stunning gardens, is now 100 years old. Once a private property, providing tea ceremonies is a way to preserve this important house and give visitors a taste of authentic Kyoto.
Located close to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji and Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), we offer an accessible experience that offers an oasis of calm and complete privacy for guests.
We look forward to welcoming you for a unique, personal and unforgettable experience.
Kyoto Gion Small-Group Cultural Walk: Geisha Traditions Explained
Small-group morning and night tour in Gion / Ponto-chō / Shirakawa
Limited group size, relaxed pace, time for questions and photos
Guided by Kyoto locals / long-term residents (5+ years in Kyoto)
Hidden streets and real geisha culture
Walk both the famous areas and quiet alleys most visitors miss
Learn the role of geiko and maiko, teahouse customs, and proper etiquette.
Kyoto history and design
Machiya townhouses, geiko stories, shrine and temple traditions, riverside nightlife.
Seasonal highlights
Cherry blossoms, summer green, lantern-lit evenings, riverside dining.
After-tour support
Custom tips for restaurants, sake bars, and peaceful night walks.
Experience Kyoto with respect, insight, and calm.
Kyoto: Custom Japanese Knife-Making Workshop in Arashiyama
Create your own Japanese kitchen knife in Arashiyama. Choose from 10 blade and handle combinations, sharpen and finish your knife, then take home your unique creation.
Nijo Castle Samurai Inside Story — Top-Rated Guide (Max 8)
What most visitors miss is exactly what we focus on. This is a top-rated, small-group tour for travelers who want the real, unrushed story behind the Shogun and Samurai era.
Step inside Nijo Castle with a guide who reveals the stories most tours leave out—hidden systems, secret roles, unspoken rules, and the parts of samurai life that make history feel real. Expect an engaging walk where the past comes alive and is genuinely fun to discover.
Your guide is a bilingual Japanese-American, offering clear, easy-to-understand English explanations—a crucial advantage if you’ve ever struggled to understand guides at other historic sites.
This unrushed 3-hour tour focuses solely on Nijo Castle, creating a more intimate and insightful experience.
What to Expect:
• Entrance ticket included
• 3 hours inside Nijo Castle
• Small group: Max 8 guests
• Top-rated expert guide
Note: We cover Fortress, Ninomaru Palace, grounds, and gardens.
3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience | Tasting Konteki
Uncover the little-known sake culture of Fushimi, Kyoto on a 3-hour insider brewery visit + sake tasting and food pairing session with an expert.
Deepen your knowledge of sake making process and a bit of history of its production at Higashiyama Sake Brewery (Kizakura Museum). Enjoy the samples of different types of sake as well as leaning details and varieties and personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour.
This is a fun and educational experience to change your way of enjoying sake.
If you love sake but don't know what to select or want to know more about sake, join us and let's deep dive into the world of sake.
After you experienced this, you will know which type of Sake actually you like, and you will be able to select your favorite Sake from labels or restaurant's menu even if they are all written in Japanese.
Private Dinner with Maiko and Geiko in Kyoto
During this private, 2-hour experience, enjoy an authentic Japanese-style full-course dinner and a private party with a Maiko and Geiko at an Ochaya tea house in Kyoto.
Most Ochaya tea houses are not open to the public, so this is a truly unique and authentic experience. This course includes a Mai dance performance, traditional game, and an opportunity to take photos/videos of Maiko and Geiko .
You can enjoy talking with a Maiko and Geiko with your licensed translator guide.
Shamisen Discovery in Kyoto 【Group】
Against the 90-minuets authentic class, this 60-minuets class allows for a casual approach in everyday clothing, focusing on enjoyment and skipping the more complex explanations.
This class is designed for those who have never played an instrument before or who have limited time and budget.
A professional instructor will guide you through a fun and engaging session! Let's fun together!
Fushimi Inari - Arashiyama: Torii Gates, Bamboo, Monkeys & Secret
Discover the magic of Kyoto on a captivating walking tour that begins at the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha, home to thousands of vermilion torii gates, and continues through the scenic wonders of Arashiyama.
Wander through the peaceful gardens of Tenryuji Temple, stroll beneath the towering stalks of the Bamboo Grove, and enjoy unforgettable views from the Togetsukyo Bridge. This small-group or private tour is led by a knowledgeable bilingual guide who will show you hidden gems and share local stories along the way.
Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and small groups, this immersive experience combines cultural insight, natural beauty, and off-the-beaten-path moments—making for an unforgettable day in Kyoto.
Private Kyoto Morning Tour: Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama & Monkey
Start your morning with two of Kyoto’s most iconic sights — the peaceful torii gates of Fushimi Inari and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. By beginning early, you can experience their beauty in a calm, uncrowded atmosphere before the daytime rush. Then, visit Monkey Park, where you can feed the monkeys and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto. Throughout the tour, your English-speaking local guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s history and culture, capture beautiful photos, and ensure a smooth and unforgettable half-day adventure!
Discover Kyoto by Bike Full Day Tour
Discover Kyoto like a local—on two wheels! This immersive full-day bike tour blends famous landmarks like the Silver Pavilion and Gion with lesser-known gems such as HonenIn Garden and the charming alleys of Miyagawacho. Our small-group experience offers a relaxed pace, personal insights from a local guide, and plenty of photo stops along the way. You’ll explore quiet backstreets, historic shrines, and riverside paths that tour buses simply can’t reach. Perfect for those who want to see the real Kyoto beyond the guidebooks.
Private Food & Sake Tour in Central Kyoto with Sake Sommelier
Your group only — a relaxed, private evening enjoying Japanese food, sake, and the local bar-hopping culture.
Pub crawls — or "nomi aruki" in Japan — are a great way to see a lively side of Kyoto most tourists miss.
Kenji, a certified international sake sommelier, will take you to two or three specially selected bars with food and drinks tailored to your preferences.
He spent many years at a sake brewery in Hyogo, tasting over 1,000 sakes from Japan and around the world.
Explore Japan’s sake, craft beer, and food culture in the city — with Kenji, a knowledgeable local guide.
Even if you don't drink alcohol, you're welcome to enjoy Kyoto's cuisine, but all guests must be at least 20 years old.
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions when you make your reservation.
Group size: 2–4 people
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Kimono Photo Tour with Local Guide
This private tour is limited to 6 guests, so everyone can enjoy Arashiyama at a relaxed and comfortable pace. Once loved by emperors, nobles, and samurai, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most beautiful scenic areas, known for its bamboo forest, river views, and timeless atmosphere.
Led by a local guide who calls Arashiyama home, this photo tour is more than a photoshoot. You will take home beautiful images, peaceful memories, and the graceful history of one of Kyoto’s most beloved scenic areas.
Gion & Higashiyama with a private Tour Guide in German or English
Come with me on a captivating journey through the cultural heart of Kyoto as we explore the timeless Gion and Higashiyama districts. Wander down ancient streets lined with historic temples and charming teahouses, where every corner holds a story. We’ll stroll through the iconic Gion district, with its traditional machiya houses, and if we’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a real Geisha gliding by. I’ll share with you the secrets of these enchanting neighborhoods, giving you a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s rich heritage, blending the past and present in the most unforgettable way.
Private Ramen or Gyoza Cooking Class in Kyoto with Chef Midori
Join Midori in her cooking studio for a traditional Japanese cooking lesson. You can choose one of the five set menus she offers. Midori teaches you Japanese dishes with simple and easy recipes that can be easily reproduced at home. You will watch Midori prepare local dishes using seasonal and traditional ingredients.
- Japanese cooking class in Kyoto with a local
- Learn to cook traditional Japanese dishes from scratch
- Discover Japanese ingredients and cooking styles
- Get insight into Kyoto's best restaurants and shopping recommendations
- A fun and relaxing, cultural and culinary experience