Afternoon Kyoto Bike Tour: Bamboo Forest, Monkeys & Hidden Spots
Enjoy a late start and absolutely fall in love with Arashiyama on this amazing afternoon tour! Take a trip back in time where the very roads you ride were sub-temples of our World Heritage Tenryuji Zen Temple followed by a short hike up to the impressive panoramic view of Kyoto from Iwatayama Mountain and the accompanying Iwatayama Monkey Park. You will even experience some bamboo forest viewing and visits to some local shrines and temples not frequented by the crowds of tourists.
*AGE REQUIREMENT: Children must be at least 10 years old to participate. Please book our "Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Family Bike Tour (Infants & Toddlers)" for families with children under 10 years of age.
Kyoto Japanese Vintage Coin Ring Making Workshop
Create your own one-of-a-kind ring from vintage coins in this hands-on workshop in Kyoto. This unique experience allows you to transform real coins into a wearable piece of jewelry, combining craftsmanship with history.
You can choose from a selection of Japanese vintage coins as well as coins from around the world. Each coin carries its own story, design, and origin, allowing you to create a ring that is both meaningful and personal.
In this beginner-friendly workshop, you will shape and finish your ring step by step with guidance, making it easy for anyone to join without prior experience.
This experience is especially popular for couples, friends, and solo travelers who want to create something memorable together. Your handmade ring becomes not only a stylish accessory, but also a lasting memory from your time in Japan.
At the end of the workshop, you will take home your custom-made ring as a unique and personal souvenir.
Kyoto: Nijo Castle World Heritage Guided Tour with Admission
[Highlights]
・Small group of up to 10 people
・Admission included
・Shogun vs. Emperor rivalry
・Photogenic gardens with colorful koi carp swimming through the castle’s moats
・Guided walk marking the end of the Shogunate
This is the castle of Tokugawa Ieyasu, shogun who established the 260-year era of the samurai. Learn its history and architecture as a UNESCO World Heritage site on a small group of up to 10 guests.
5 Top Highlights of Kyoto Full Day Bike Tour (E-bike option)
Kyoto Bike Tour has you visit a whopping 5 top spot destinations of Kyoto all in one day on one epic adventure! Enjoy a stroll through the breathtaking Bamboo Forest, gaze at the glimmer of the gold as it reflects on the water at the Golden Pavilion, be inspired by one of the most iconic views of Kyoto from the mystical Kiyomizu Temple, weave through the traditional backstreets of one of Kyoto's geisha districts, take a spiritual walk through the magnificent red torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and so much more!
This is a full city tour of approximately 44km of riding and requires a moderate level of fitness. Basic bicycle riding skills and a sense of adventure is a requirement. We will travel at a leisurely pace with enough time to take in the sites and for a relaxing lunch stop.
*Upgrade to a premium e-bike for an additional fee.
*Please notify of any dietary restrictions or food allergies
*Must be 16 years or older to participate.
*Not suitable for pregnant women
3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings
This is not just a sake tasting — it’s a 3-hour experience that will completely change how you understand and choose sake in Japan.
Led by a sake specialist, you’ll go beyond “sweet or dry” and learn how sake is actually made, why flavors differ, and how to identify your own preferences with confidence.
Visit the historic Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, then enjoy a guided tasting of multiple styles of sake paired with traditional snacks — with clear, practical explanations you can use anywhere in Japan.
By the end of the tour, you will know which type of sake you truly like and how to select it without hesitation - enjoy sake not just during your travels, but as part of your life.
Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch
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.
Scenic Green Tea Fields of Hidden Kyoto & Local Tea Exp (Private)
Journey into the "Otherworldly" landscapes of Kyoto’s hidden tea country. This private tour takes you to Wazuka, the magical village supplying the finest Uji Matcha
Highlights:
Magical Views Year-Round: Marvel at the famous "Green tea fields reaching to the sky." The manicured, geometric evergreen waves are breathtakingly photogenic in every season—stunningly serene and vivid even in winter!
Authentic Tea: Visit local farmer-supplied cafes to taste Japan’s No.1 awarded tea and rich matcha desserts. Enjoy shopping for premium tea at 1/2 to 1/3 of city prices
Time Travel: Explore the iconic Byodoin Phoenix Hall, 1,000-year-old architecture survived centuries of war to represent the "Buddhist Pure Land (Paradise)" on Earth. Discover how monks, samurai, and even ninjas shaped tea culture while visiting hidden gems left from ancient monks
Ride in Style: Wide area pickup options from 2 big cities, comfortable van for groups or an open-air convertible Mini Cooper for solo travelers
Private Kyoto Sushi Cooking Class & Tea Ceremony with Emika
During this experience you will learn to make sushi of your choice or traditional Obanzai style dishes such as cooked and marinated mushrooms, pickled or slow-cooked seasonal vegetables and tofu dishes prepared the traditional way over an informative conversation with your host Emika in her cozy kitchen. Emika will also teach you to prepare traditional, homemade miso soup from scratch.
The cooking portion of your experience may last about an hour before you enjoy the meal you prepared together.
Emika's family owns an organic vegetable field where she harvests most of the vegetables that she uses in her cooking. Prepare to be amazed by the sheer variety of daikon radishes grown on their farm!
Join Emika and learn all about traditional Japanese cooking techniques, from chopping to marination, from a lovely local!
Kyoto Gion Backstreets and Geisha Traditions Tour
Discover the timeless beauty and cultural elegance of Kyoto through our Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour. This immersive experience takes guests through the historic streets of Gion, one of Kyoto’s most iconic districts, known for its traditional machiya houses, tea houses, and enduring geisha culture.
During the tour, guests will explore famous cultural landmarks such as Yasaka Shrine, Hanami Koji Street, Gion Shinbashi, Tatsumi Bridge, and the historic Minamiza Kabuki Theater while learning about Kyoto’s rich history, traditions, and artistic heritage. The tour also offers opportunities to experience the atmosphere of old Kyoto and discover hidden local spots away from crowded tourist areas.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, this experience combines history, storytelling, traditional culture, and scenic beauty, making it ideal for travelers seeking a deeper and more authentic understanding of Kyoto and Japan.
10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour
If you have only one day in Kyoto and want to see all the top 10 must-see spots of Kyoto, this tour is the best for you.
A professional local guide shows you the best, comfortable and convenient way to the spots. And you can enjoy walking along with the beautiful sceneries, paths, and back alleys only the local people know.
We use taxis 3-4 times to save you time and energy. This tour is a mixture of public transport and taxis.
Thanks to taxis and a friendly local professional guide, you can visit the 10 most famous attractions such as the Fushimi Inari shrine (thousands of Torii gate), Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu temple (with huge balcony), bamboo forest, Geisha district, and so on.
If you check the spots you can visit on this tour, you can notice that all must-see points in Kyoto are included!!
Please enjoy the top ten spots with the beautiful stories of your guide.
Kyoto: Arashiyama UNESCO Walking Tour with Admission
[Highlights]
・UNESCO World Heritage Temple and Garden (Admission included)
・Photogenic Bamboo Grove
・Spectacular panoramic mountain views
・Chopsticks Studio Kyoto (Optional - Admission fee is not included)
Perfect for individual travellers, school excursions, educational tours, corporate team-building, and incentive groups.
Capture unforgettable photos in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove while exploring this UNESCO World Heritage area. Begin at Tenryu-ji Temple, where you'll discover beautiful Zen gardens before walking through the mystical Bamboo Grove. Your guide will explain its history and cultural significance.
Pass charming local shops offering matcha sweets, wagashi, and bamboo gifts before crossing Arashiyama's famous bridge. The tour ends at Chopsticks Studio Kyoto, where you can optionally join a chopstick-making workshop.
Samurai Training with Modern day Musashi in Kyoto
Why Choose Our Experience:
★ Train in an authentic dojo with a master who has over 20 years of experience
★ Enjoy a more personal experience with small groups—only 6 participants per class (Disclaimer: There may be more than 6 participants if there are only a small number of parties)
★ Witness a powerful two-katana performance by the master—something you won’t see anywhere else
Bento Box Cooking Class
It’s hard to get more traditional than the Japanese bento box. In a way, it’s the perfect meal: it might include an egg roll, rice, pickled vegetables, breaded chicken and even nourishing miso soup, each in its own section of the bento box. The word is derived from an old Japanese word for convenience, and convenient this boxed meal certainly is. In this 3-hour cooking class in the center of Kyoto, learn the art of cooking up a bento box meal. Master chefs demonstrate and then turn the kitchen over to you. In the end, eat what you cook.
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Hiking Tour（Hidden Temples）
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 Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!
Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!
1.5-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Experience with Tastings & Pairings
This is not just a sake tasting.
In just 90 minutes, this experience will teach you how to understand and choose sake with confidence in Japan.
Led by a certified Sake Sommelier, you will learn how to identify your personal sake preferences — even when labels and restaurant menus are written only in Japanese.
You will enjoy a guided tasting of different sake styles paired with food, with personalized attention in a small-group setting.
By the end of the session, you’ll know which type of sake you truly like and how to order it anywhere in Japan.
Kyoto Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Guide Tour & Kagura Performance
Explore one of Kyoto’s most famous sacred sites on this 60-minute guided tour of the renowned Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Its awe-inspiring architecture and iconic Torii gates form an unforgettable spectacle.
The Kyoto City Visitors Hosts, Kyoto City’s official guides, will welcome you to this sacred place and explain the history and significance of Fushimi Inari aisha Shrine while sharing local customs and traditions. You will stroll through the famous Senbon Torii – the pathway lined with hundreds of vermillion gates. Additionally, tour participants will be given the exclusive opportunity to witness a Kagura performance at the Kagura Hall, featuring a sacred traditional dance performed by “Kagurame” female shrine attendants.
By the end of this tour, participants will have gained a deeper insight into Kyoto’s customs and practices.
This tour is officially supported by Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
Kyoto Samurai Armor Experience: Matcha, Calligraphy, Photoshoot
This program offers a unique opportunity to wear authentic armor and march through Kyoto like a legendary warlord. This all-in-one experience includes creating a personalized calligraphy war fan, professional armor fitting, and tasting premium G7 Summit matcha. You will then head to the Sanjo Riverbank for a samurai march and photoshoot, leaving with vivid memories and special souvenirs.
Kyoto E-Bike Tour of Hidden Gems Backstreets and Temples
During the Kyoto Bike Tour, explore some of the best sights in Kyoto on comfortable E-bikes. This unique cycle tour of Kyoto takes you to must-see locations, avoiding the typical tourist traps and crowded areas. Experience Kyoto like a local, visiting hidden gems and peaceful spots that showcase the city's authentic charm. Whether you're seeking a relaxed ride or an adventurous way to explore, this E-bike tour of Kyoto offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local insights.
Osaka and Nara Day Tour with Private Transportation
Discover the best of Osaka and Nara in just one epic day with your Osaka and Nara Day Tour Starter Pack! Perfect for travelers who want to experience the highlights without the hassle, this private tour packs history, culture, nature, and mouthwatering street food into one smooth, unforgettable journey.
Begin your adventure in Nara, where you’ll meet the charming bowing deer at Nara Deer Park and stand in awe before the towering Great Buddha inside Todaiji Temple. Then cruise in comfort to Osaka in your private vehicle—no confusing trains, no wasted time.
In Osaka, soak in the historic grandeur of Osaka Castle, snap surreal photos at the lion-head altar of Namba Yasaka Shrine, and end your day under the neon lights of Dotonbori, with a delicious takoyaki-fueled food crawl.
With a local guide to bring each spot to life and private transport to keep things efficient and relaxed, this tour is the perfect way to see more, stress less, and truly feel Japan in a day.
TAIKO, Japanese Drum Experience from Kyoto
Taiko is a traditional musical instrument that anyone can enjoy right away.
The experience of practicing together, playing one song, and becoming one with others is one of the most valuable experiences in Japan.
This studio's drums are made in the traditional way, by hollowing them out of a large single tree and they are very rare.
You can enjoy real Japanese drums.
The Taiko experience is not only an enjoyable musical experience, but it is also a full-body workout that relieves stress.
The experience is suitable for all ages and levels of ability, so everyone can enjoy it.
Since ancient times, Taiko has been deeply connected to the lives of the Japanese people.
Through Taiko, you can learn about Japanese culture and history, as well as the spirituality of the Japanese people.
Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto
Ramen Factory is the only restaurant in the world where you are able to make original ramen by your hand and enjoy its deliciousness.
You will do...
-Making Noodles
-Draining Noodles
-Mixing the Soup
-Roasting Chicken
Vegetarian, Vegan, Muslim Friendly(No-pork, No-alcohol, Halal-chicken meat) courses are also available.
Kyoto Magical Night English Tour: Gion & Fushimi Inari Shrine
Walk beneath the glowing torii gates of Fushimi Inari and explore the timeless streets of Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, under the soft evening lights. Discover the world of geisha and maiko as your local guide shares hidden stories, takes stunning photos, and ensures a smooth and unforgettable Kyoto night tour experience!
4.5-Hour Kyoto Bike Tour with Lunch and UNESCO Zen Temples
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.
Begin this historical cycling tour by exploring Gion and learning about geisha culture and Zen Buddhism at Kennin-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple. Experience the calm atmosphere of a traditional Zen temple and admire its karesansui rock garden. Afterward, cycle to Nanzen-ji Temple, where your guide will share stories about Zen philosophy and Kyoto’s past. Ride through charming local streets and enjoy a delicious lunch at a Japanese tea house. Conclude the tour with a relaxing cycle along the Kamogawa River, a beloved Kyoto oasis. This small-group experience is hosted by Magical Trip, a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence local tour operator offering authentic tours across Japan.