Japanese Music Performance and Instrument Workshop in Kyoto
Experience Japanese music with all your senses — watch, listen, and play!
Enjoy a dynamic live performance by professional musicians featuring the Tsugaru shamisen, koto, taiko drums, shinobue flute, and other traditional Japanese instruments.
What makes this experience special is that you don’t just watch — after the performance, you can try the instruments yourself with friendly, step-by-step guidance from the musicians.
Even complete beginners can enjoy playing a short phrase or simple piece. The intimate small-group setting lets you experience the sound and energy of Japanese music up close and interact directly with the performers.
Finish with memorable photos with the instruments and musicians — a unique way to experience Japanese culture in Kyoto.
Sushi Making Class at Sushi Restaurant Before Open in Kyoto
Step into the world of authentic Japanese sushi and learn directly from a professional sushi chef in Kyoto.
This hands-on experience is designed especially for international guests who want more than just eating sushi—you will actually become a sushi chef for the day.
You will learn the basics of sushi making, including how to prepare rice, and master the traditional hand-pressing technique used by Japanese chefs. Don’t worry if you are a beginner—our chef will guide you step by step in a fun and easy-to-understand way.
During the experience, you will:
・Learn the history and culture behind sushi
・Watch professional techniques up close
・Make your own sushi with fresh ingredients
・Enjoy the sushi you created right after
Located in Kyoto, this experience offers a unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories during your trip to Japan. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this activity is perfect for anyone looking for something special and authentic.
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.
Half-Day Private Walking Tour in Kyoto
This half-day tour covers 5 of the most visited venues in Kyoto: Kiyomizu Temple, Ninenzaka Sannenzaka, Yasaka Shrine, Gion and Nishiki Market.
The guests will find many unique shops and cafes which they might just walk pass by if they are not with guides. Hear many interesting stories of each place and useful travel tips from knowledgeable guide as they walk past the central area of Kyoto.
Bar Hopping Private Tour in Kyoto (Local area1)
Would you like to experience restaurants and bars LOVED by locals?
Hi I am Takeshi, your friendly personal guide who’s passionate about Kyoto’s Bar Hopping scene. On this tour I will guide you to authentic bars and restaurants so you can really experience Kyoto like a local. You will discover delicious food and drinks whilst meeting new people! This will be an experience you won’t forget.
I will guide you Places you can’t easily Google!!!around not noisy area.
By taking this tour, you will support the local businesses of Kyoto
Only guests over 20 years old, up to 4people in total can participate.
This tour is private tour so you can enjoy with your friends!
If you have any special requests for location, food, dates, etc., I will be happy to organize a tour to meet your needs.
I am sincerely looking forward to joining you on a tour that will make you feel "I am really glad I came to Kyoto!"
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.
Kyoto Bamboo Forest & Golden Pavilion E-Bike Tour
Discover Kyoto's rich history, stunning temples, and scenic landscapes on this immersive bike tour. Starting at the iconic Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, home to centuries-old traditions, we will ride through charming backstreets to the magnificent Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) , where it’s gold-leaf exterior shimmers over a tranquil pond.
Pedal through Kyoto’s peaceful neighborhoods and hidden gems before arriving at Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO WOLRD HERITAGE SITE with a stunning Zen garden. From there , we will cycle to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest , where towering bamboo stalks create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.
This guided tour is perfect for those looking to experience Kyoto's beauty in a fun ,active and eco-friendly way. Join us for an unforgettable ride through japan's cultural heart!
highlights:
✅ Ride through Kyoto’s hidden backstreets and scenic routes
✅ Enjoy a guided tour with local insights and historical stories
Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens
⭐ Award-winning Tour: Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2026 Best of the Best — ranked in the top 1% worldwide
Escape Kyoto’s tourist crowds and experience a more thoughtful side of Arashiyama on our award-winning small-group tour through bamboo forests, hidden gardens, scenic paths, and monkey-filled mountain views.
Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama Combo
We also offer a combined option that includes Fushimi Inari Taisha before exploring Arashiyama’s highlights. Perfect for travelers who want both the torii gates and the Bamboo Forest in one experience.
* Award-Winning 2026 Experience
* Small Groups Only
* Relaxed & Thoughtful Pacing
* Hidden Gardens & Scenic Paths
* Passionate Local Guides
* More Personal Than Large Group Tours
* Designed to Experience Kyoto, Not Rush Through It
Kyoto top must-see Golden pavilion and Bamboo forest half-day Private tour
This tour is best for first-time visitors to Kyoto. You will visit popular must-see tourist attractions such as Golden Pavilion, bamboo groves, and Tenryuji Temple with its wonderful World Heritage garden.
We will also take you to hidden jem, meaning the temple of heaven, which is a relatively quiet and beautiful temple.
You can enjoy popular sightseeing spots in a comfortable and efficient manner by cab.
The tour ends in the Arashiyama area.
After the tour, the guide will give you directions to other must-see places such as movie studios, Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion, etc. If you are new to Kyoto, please join this tour and get an outline of Kyoto sightseeing.
KYOTO: Private Tea Ceremony in Hidden Townhouse (Kid-Friendly)
⭕️ WOM – Way of Matcha ⭕️
Way of Matcha offers a private tea ceremony experience in a real, lived-in Kyoto machiya, not a tourist facility but a quiet home where everyday life continues.
Because the space is completely private, families with children are very welcome. With no other guests, even small children can join comfortably and safely, allowing you to relax and enjoy the experience at your own pace, just like being invited into a local Kyoto home.
You will learn about matcha step by step: watch a short film about tea fields, grind tea leaves with a traditional stone mill, and observe a calm, authentic tea ceremony. You will also whisk your own matcha using real tea utensils and enjoy it fresh.
This experience offers a peaceful, personal moment in Kyoto — warm, authentic, and free from crowds.
Ninja 1-hour Hands-on Lesson by Japanese master in Kyoto -Entry
One hour original and unique training which cannot be found other place. You could learn some ninja techniques by hands-on training in English.
Ninja training start with courtesy of the dojo and ninja meditation 'Kuji-kiri'. You could learn breath control of ninja like Yoga. Also basic walking of Japanese martial arts and Ninja walking.
Ramen workshop in beautiful Gion
Learn to prepare delicious and healthy miso ramen in the heart of Japan's ancient capital! Under the expert guidance of a multilingual Japanese chef, you will use hand forged Japanese knives and traditional tools to create hand-made noodles in a miso ramen soup with pork, egg, green onion and local vegetables. You will pair the main dish with juicy ginger chicken and a spicy cucumber salad and enjoy your creations together with a handmade cocktail (included). This class is hands on, fun and completely delicious!
Kyoto Ring Making Workshop: Craft a Vintage Japanese Coin Ring
What makes this workshop special is the material itself: you'll work with real vintage Japanese coins, each one decades old and full of history. Unlike typical souvenir shopping, you'll create something with your own hands using traditional metalworking techniques — and the ring you take home is truly one of a kind. Classes are kept small, so whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned craft lover, you'll get personal guidance every step of the way. Located in the heart of Kyoto, it's an easy add to any itinerary and one of the few experiences where your souvenir tells the story of both Japan and your trip.
Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a 150-Year-Old Silk Merchant's Home
1. Explore a rare, 150-year-old former silk merchant's townhouse and private garden in historic Nishijin.
2. Whisk your own premium, practitioner-grade matcha on a rare, traditional Misonodana table.
3. Savor seasonal, plant-based Japanese sweets from Kyoto's finest confectioners.
4. Learn the deep meaning behind each ritual in clear English from a master with up to 40 years of training.
5. Take home simple, mindful techniques to recreate the calm of the tea ceremony in your everyday life.
Full day Kyoto Walk in Fushimi, Arashiyama, Monkey, and Kinkakuji
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 Tea Ceremony with Kimono near Imamiya Jinjya Shrine
What makes this experience unique is the blend of authenticity, elegance, and personal attention at Tea Ceremony – Caren in Kyoto. You’ll enter a serene, refined space and wear a beautifully crafted kimono that immerses you in Kyoto’s timeless charm. Before the ceremony, enjoy unhurried time for graceful, photo‑worthy moments. Your warm and knowledgeable tea master guides you through subtle movements and classical etiquette with clear explanations, perfect for first‑time guests. You’ll whisk your own matcha and savor its rich, velvety flavor with a traditional sweet. Caren’s signature hospitality and tranquil setting offer a rare chance to slow down and truly feel the spirit of Japanese culture—an intimate, refined experience that stands apart on Viator.
Explore Hidden Alleyway with a Local Expert (Afternoon Tour)
Step off the beaten path and explore the real Kyoto with a knowledgeable local guide who knows every corner of the city. This 3-hour guided bike tour takes you through quiet backstreets far from the tourist crowds, offering an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of Kyoto’s residents.
As you pedal through narrow alleyways, each twist and turn brings a shift in atmosphere—the scents, the light, the sounds—immersing you in the city’s hidden charm. Then, just as suddenly, you’ll emerge onto a bustling main street, reconnecting with the familiar Kyoto of guidebooks and postcards.
Our guides are professionally trained through our original program, ensuring not only a deep understanding of Kyoto’s culture but also full proficiency in traffic safety, group cycling techniques, and local etiquette. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
Join us and experience Kyoto not just as a visitor, but as if you were part of the city itself.
Kyoto Highlights & Hidden Gems in Nature (Private Van Eng-Guide)
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!
Sushi Making in Kyoto! Same-day bookings welcome!
Top-Rated ★★★★★ Experience!
★ Perfect for beginners, families, couples, and food lovers! ★
■ What You'll Experience ■
・ Learn about the history of Japanese cuisine & sushi
・Learn How to Make Perfect Sushi Rice!
・ Hands-on sushi making with friendly English-speaking instructors
・ Enjoy eating your sushi — and even try Japanese sake with your meal!
■ COURSE ■
・ Sushi Making Course - Nigiri & Roll 10pcs
※Important Notes！
・ Please inform us in advance of any allergies or vegetarian preferences in the “Special Requirements” section.
・ Ingredients may vary depending on availability.
■ Duration & Schedule ■
・ About 90 minutes in total
・ Brief intro on sushi & Japanese food culture
・ Fun, hands-on sushi making
・ Time to eat and enjoy your creations!
■ LOCATION
Please search “Sushi Master Kyoto Kawaramachi” on Google Maps.
Kyoto Chopstick Making Class with Engraving Option
Create your own pair of traditional Japanese chopsticks in this hands-on workshop in Kyoto. In this beginner-friendly experience, you will shape, sand, and finish your chopsticks while learning about their role in Japanese daily life and culture.
The workshop includes Japanese hinoki (cypress) wood at no additional cost, known for its light weight and pleasant natural aroma. Guests may also choose to upgrade to other premium woods such as whitewood, cherry, walnut, or purpleheart for an additional fee, each offering a unique color and texture.
Throughout the experience, your guide will explain the cultural background of chopsticks and Japanese craftsmanship in a simple and engaging way. No prior experience is needed, and all steps are carefully guided.
At the end of the workshop, you will take home your handmade chopsticks as a meaningful and personal souvenir from Japan.
This experience is perfect for travelers looking for a creative, cultural, and memorable activity in Kyoto.
Kyo-arashi Shibori Scarf Class
At the Kyoto Shibori Museum, this traditional Japanese craft class shows you how to dye a 46cm x 180 cm silk georgette scarf using the Kyo-arashi shibori method. You'll end up with a beautiful silk scarf to serve as a souvenir of your trip to Kyoto. Classes are usually individual and take 30 minutes to 60 minutes per class.
Start by choosing your favorite color and learning how to fold your fabric in a particular way. Wrap a tube with the folded fabric and wind a string around it. Squish the fabric down to the bottom of the tube and dye it.
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.
Kyoto Private Tour: One Day Highlights and Cultural Gems
You can step into Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, where centuries of tradition live on in every street, shrine, and temple. With its serene atmosphere and timeless beauty, Kyoto offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japanese culture.
Wander through temple grounds filled with mystical energy, stroll along the traditional streets of Gion, and soak in the elegance and charm of old Japan. This experience is perfect for those who want to feel the spiritual and cultural soul of the country.
・Walk through the historic district of Gion, where geisha culture and tradition come to life
・Delicious lunch and discover the essence of Japanese cuisine
・Experience the sacred beauty of Fushimi Inari Shrine, walking under of iconic red torii gates
Kyoto Exclusive Temple Maiko Dance Zen Garden and Tea Experience
Step into a rarely accessible temple in Kyoto and immerse yourself in the refined world of maiko culture. This exclusive cultural experience invites you to watch elegant traditional dance performances, enjoy tea with sweets, and interact with a maiko up close, including a commemorative photo. You will also take part in a hands-on Zen garden activity, learning to rake sand in a dry landscape garden that reflects Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness. An English-speaking guide provides cultural insights throughout. Choose between a 14:00 or 15:30 start time to suit your schedule, and enjoy a tranquil, intimate setting that offers a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s living traditions.
Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night
MOST UNIQUE GHOST TOUR.
After visiting Fushimi Inari and wandering through Gion, most travelers think they’ve seen Kyoto. But when night falls, the city feels different.
This Ghost Tour takes you into the Bamboo Forest after dark for an immersive experience filled with folklore, creepy legends, and darker historical tales rooted in the area. As the crowds disappear and the paths grow quiet, the atmosphere shifts.
You’ll walk through shadowed bamboo corridors, hear carefully researched ghost stories connected to Kyoto’s past, and experience moments designed to make you question what’s real in the dark. At one point, guests take part in a brief solo walk through the forest — a rare opportunity to feel the setting in complete stillness.
This small-group night tour blends storytelling, local history, suspense, and subtle surprises into an unforgettable evening. Perfect for travelers looking to go beyond the typical Fushimi Inari visit and experience Kyoto in a completely different way.