Kyoto. Nijo Castle, Imperial Palace, Fushimi Inari. Private Tour.
Explore the rich history of Kyoto with an experienced guide licensed by the city of Kyoto. I will give you a unique insight into the intrigues of the samurai, the feudal lords, and the power of the Shogun.
Experience an authentic journey back in time, diving into the reality of Japan's history, free from Hollywood embellishments.
I use an iPad as a visual aid, allowing you to better appreciate the historical context as we uncover the events that shaped Kyoto.
At the end of the tour, you will not only have a deep understanding of the history of Kyoto and Japan but also receive an itinerary of nearby places to further enrich your travel experience.
Kyoto Authentic Soul of Japan 45 Minute Immersive Drum Show
Discover the essence of Japanese culture through a 45-minute Wadaiko drum performance that transcends typical tourist experiences. This immersive event is led by elite Taiko masters who combine modern artistry with ancient tradition, delivering a profound connection to Japan's soul. Feel the vibrations of the drums resonate within you as you witness the spiritual journey of the performers, who have showcased their talent on international stages. Engage with the rhythms that echo centuries of history and experience the hospitality that makes this performance truly unique.
Kyoto Geisha Show Cultural Hour with an apprentice geisha, Maiko
Kyoto is famed for its shrines and temples—sanctuaries of stories that spark wonder and deepen your connection to centuries of culture. Among these living traditions is the refined world of the Geisha. Often perceived as private and elusive, it can feel hard to approach. In this experience, we open that door with clarity and care: a concise stage performance followed by elegant conversation, photo time, and an open Q&A.
What to Expect (90 minutes total)
Cultural Introduction (15-20min):
An expert-led talk on the living traditions—roles and training, daily life, etiquette, and the evolution of Geisha arts.
Geisha Show (10-15 min):
“Ladies and gentlemen…” Maiko enters and performs a traditional dance, accompanied by a brief explanation of its story and gestures.
Conversation, Photos & Q&A (remainder):
Enjoy an unhurried dialogue with Maiko. Ask thoughtful questions, take photos, and appreciate the nuances of costume, movement, and ritual.
Private photo shoot & walk in Kyoto - Professional photo shoot
Private photo shoot. Choose your favorite location and leave the photos to me! Professional photos by a photographer with over 8 years of living in Kyoto, who knows all the secret spots, hidden streets and with techniques to avoid crowds.
Only photo shoot in Kyoto that includes:
All photo data!
25 photos selected by me and edited.
Digitally sent by Google Drive.
Kyoto: Descending Arashiyama (Private)
Get away from the crowds and spend a wonderful day in Arashiyama which will undoubtedly stand out in your mind as you think back to your time here in Kyoto.
We begin with a morning stroll through the lush garden of one of Japan’s first Zen temples dating back over 1,000 years. We then head into the foothills and as we peacefully stroll back to town we visit twelve hundred stone Buddhas on a hillside, an Edo period cafe, an ancient burial ground, a temple founded by two former geisha, a working pottery studio, the villa of a silent film actor, a majestic bamboo grove, and the "shrine of love'. All this as we browse shops filled with handmade goods and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch.
Important Note: Each guest is required to bring an additional 5,500 yen (cash) for admission tickets and lunch.
Kyoto : Okada Tea Ceremony & Kimono
Choose your kimono and get dressed with simple hairstyling (1–1.5 hrs)
Join a 1-hour tea ceremony: learn tea culture, enjoy matcha & sweets
Keep the kimono until 6:00 PM to explore and stroll nearby
A memorable way to enjoy Japanese tradition.
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
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.
Kyoto Ramen Tour
Discover Kyoto's impressive ramen scene on our Insider Kyoto Ramen Tour! Explore both classic and modern ramen and get a better understanding about the wonderful world of ramen with our expert guide.
You'll visit two ramen shops for two wildly different bowls of ramen. One bowl will represent classic Kyoto ramen and the other, more modern ramen. Each bowl is smaller than normal (about 1/2 the size of a full bowl). At the beginning of the tour, you'll sit down with the guide to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Alongside this, you'll discuss Kyoto ramen origins and the ramen route on the tour - the shops you'll be visiting!
Note: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options may be available, but cannot be guaranteed on shared group tours. Feel free to contact us in advance to discuss your needs.
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.
Kyoto Private Vegan Cooking : Shojin Ryori with a Local Host
You can have an Kyoto specific culinary experience in this class.
Japan has a long history of vegan cuisine which developed at Buddhist temples. Since killing animals is strictly prohibited in Buddhism, so all the dishes generally don’t contain any animal products such as meat and fish. It's very healthy and well-balanced cuisine featuring seasonal vegetables, soybeans(tofu), grains, seaweed or many fermented foods.
We make a variety of dishes inspired by classic Buddhist cooking with modern twists. These delicious dishes make the most of the original taste of local ingredients. It's not difficult to cook at all but you will find the delicacy of Japanese cuisine in every detail of the dish. I'm sure you can enjoy Japanese authentic cooking which you are not be able to taste in the restaurant.
Kyoto VIP Experience: Private Luxury Tour with Chauffeur
A fully customized experience for those who are used to the best of the very best. We go out of our way to make your day in Kyoto a very special one indeed. The itinerary in the description is just an idea. Upon booking, you will receive a questionnaire and then once we learn what really makes you tick as a traveller we get to work on planning the perfect day for you and those special to you.
This tour includes entrance fees for up to two gardens and transportation by taxi from place to place including hotel pick up and drop off. Options for upgrades to private transportation with chauffeured vehicle will be sent upon booking and confirmed based on availability.
Private Authentic Matcha Tea Ceremony in a Kyoto Tea Room
Experience an authentic private matcha tea ceremony in a traditional Kyoto tea room, guided in the spirit of omotenashi—Japan’s philosophy of wholehearted hospitality.
Hosted by a Kyoto local from a kimono family, this is not a demonstration, but a quiet and personal cultural experience.
Inside a real tea room, you will observe the careful preparation of matcha and learn the meaning behind each movement, tool, and gesture. Every element reflects centuries of tradition and the intention to create harmony between host and guest.
You will be welcomed as a guest and served matcha and traditional Japanese sweets, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of a genuine tea gathering.
This fully private experience offers a rare opportunity to step away from the crowds and encounter the living culture of Kyoto in an intimate and meaningful way.
Sushi or Traditional Japanese Cuisine in a Kyoto Home with Emika
Meet Emika at her home for a regional culinary experience that will start with a freshly made cup of traditional matcha green tea prepared by Emika or her father. You will then sit down together around a dining table to share a traditional Obanzai meal over fun conversation. Your Japanese meal may include dishes such as oshi (pressed) sushi or nigiri sushi (hand-formed), miso soup, rice, traditional Obanzai side dishes, and a sweet that goes well with matcha. 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 enjoy an authentic Japanese meal with a lovely local!
Private Koto Lesson in Kyoto with a Professional Koto Performer
Owner is a professional Koto performer, so you can learn from expert instructors. Here you can experience playing the koto, which is a traditional Japanese instrument and indispensable for formal ceremonies in Japan. A professional player of koto will teach you how to play the koto. We will teach you to play “Sakura“. Everyone from 3 years old to elderly people can play, so we encourage you to experience this with your family together. Equipment necessary for lessons, such as musical instruments and music notation are all available.
Kyoto 6h Private Tour Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu, Gion & Hidden Gems
If you have only a half day and want to optimize your experience in Kyoto, this tour is the best for you.
7 must-see spots in east and south of Kyoto, including one hidden gem!!
A professional local guide shows you the most comfortable and convenient way to the spots.
You can enjoy walking along with the beautiful sceneries, paths, and back alleys that only the local people know. Please enjoy the top 7 spots with the beautiful stories of your guide.
*This tour uses both taxis and public transportation to save your time and energy.
*We also welcome Japanese who are studying English and want to visit top 7 must-see points in Kyoto.
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.
Kyoto Early Bird Tour in Uji and Fushimi Inari
Ran by @guidemejapan on Instagram. Please check our Instagram for visual examples of our wonderful guides!
Start your morning with the magic of Kyoto—before the crowds arrive. This small-group tour (max 8 people) takes you on a peaceful journey through Fushimi Inari’s famous thousand torii gates, the stunning Byodoin Temple from the 10 yen coin, and Ujigami Shrine, Japan’s oldest. It’s the perfect blend of iconic sights and hidden gems, led by a local English-speaking guide who brings each place to life. Quiet, authentic, unforgettable.
Tattoo-Friendly Japanese Bathing Culture Tour at Funaoka Onsen
Looking for a truly authentic Japanese experience beyond the typical tourist spots? Join us for a unique cultural journey into the heart of Japan’s bathing tradition!
Just like the tea ceremony, bathing in Japan is a deeply rooted cultural ritual. But how do you bathe the Japanese way? What are the dos and don’ts? Our bathing specialists will guide you through the fascinating etiquette and health benefits of Japanese baths—and then you’ll get to try it for yourself!
What to Expect:
Start at a one-of-a-kind cafe—a cozy space that was once a public bathhouse ! Here, you’ll learn the history and meaning behind Japanese bathing culture, complete with a take-home guide to proper bathing techniques.
Then soak like a local at the legendary Funaoka Onsen, a beautifully preserved bathhouse loved by Kyoto residents for generations.
✨ Why Join?
A chance to experience Japanese culture with all five senses.
Great for travelers interested in wellness, mindfulness, and local traditions.
Cool Down in Kyoto : Traditional Incense Making Experience
Create your own original Japanese incense in a traditional Kyoto setting.
In this hands on experience, you will blend natural fragrance ingredients to design a scent that reflects your personal taste and mood.
Incense has been part of Japanese culture for centuries, known as “Kodo” the Way of Incense.
Through this experience, you will not only create your own incense but also discover the cultural meaning and beauty behind it.
What makes this experience special:
Blend over 7 natural fragrance ingredients
Add your favorite aroma oil to create a unique scent
No rules design a fragrance that reflects you
Experience it inside a traditional Kyoto machiya
Relaxing and sensory experience for all travelers
What you get:
- Your own handmade incense sticks
- A one of a kind scent you created yourself
- A meaningful and memorable Kyoto souvenir
Kyoto Authentic Japanese Calligraphy in a Traditional Studio
Delve into the elegant world of Japanese calligraphy at a serene studio in Kyoto. Under the guidance of a friendly local instructor, participants will explore the rich history of shodō and master the techniques of brushwork and ink preparation. In a tranquil tatami room, choose meaningful kanji characters to create a personalized piece of art. This workshop welcomes beginners and offers a unique cultural experience, complete with the option to wear traditional kimono attire for unforgettable photos. Take home your finished artwork as a cherished souvenir from your Kyoto adventure.
Katana Shopping with Professional Guidance in Kyoto
Unlike typical sword shops, this shopping experience offers direct access to a dojo where real Kenjutsu is practiced and taught.
You’ll be guided by a martial arts expert and assisted by Let's ask Shogo, a popular YouTuber with over 1.8 million followers and 10+ years of Iai (katana budo) experience.
The katana you’ll see are hand-selected by a master—some crafted over 600 years ago.
Whether you’re a collector, martial artist, or simply fascinated by samurai culture, this is a rare chance to discover a katana with true soul and history.
Upon confirmation of your booking, we will send you crucial details about the experience. A reply is strictly required.
*This experience is strictly intended for those who are seriously considering purchasing a Japanese katana. Please do not book a session if your only purpose is to meet Shogo or simply to look at katanas.
Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Serene Garden Guided Tour with Tickets
Experience the contrast between two UNESCO World Heritage temples in Kyoto: the lavish Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), built by a samurai, and the peaceful Ninnaji Temple, steeped in imperial heritage. Delve into Japan's history and culture as your guide illuminates the significance of Buddhist temples, spanning themes of power, prestige, and devotion.
Admire the gleaming golden façade of Kinkakuji and stroll through its picturesque gardens, learning about the historiy behind its creation.
In Ninnaji Temple, step inside the rarely opened Main Hall for a sacred chanting session led by a monk. Engage with the monk during an enlightening Q&A and learn about Buddhism's spiritual traditions. Visit the Sutra Hall to see and interact with the rotating sutra shelf, a ritual imbued with profound meaning.
Capture a memorable photo with the monk before visiting the elegant Imperial Residence. Conclude your journey in this tranquil space, soaking in the timeless beauty and imperial charm of Kyoto.
Kyoto Sushi Making Experience with a Professional Sushi Chef
【This experience is offered by MagicalTrip, proud winner of the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award】
This is an authentic "Sushi Making Experience".
■COURSE
ー9 Nigiri Sushi, Roll sushi
ーTempura set
ーTwo Drink
ー Sake tastings
ー Matcha Experience
ー Japanese sweets
Embark on a flavorful journey in Kyoto, beginning with a visit to a local shop for traditional Japanese sweets, guided by a friendly expert. Then, step into an authentic sushi restaurant and meet a professional Taisho chef.
Watch as he showcases precise knife work and the elegant craft of making nigiri. Learn to roll sushi yourself—an impressive skill to share back home! Next, make your own sushi under the Taisho’s careful guidance. Enjoy freshly made tempura by the chef, followed by a sake tasting with pairing tips to elevate each bite.
To end your experience, unwind in a peaceful Kyoto-style garden. There, your guide will teach you how to whisk matcha, which you’ll enjoy with the sweets you picked earlier.