Nishiki Market Lunch Tour
Explore “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” where even local restaurant chefs come to buy ingredients. Eat and sip your way through the market while learning about Kyoto’s unique 1,000+ year-old food culture.
Enjoy lunch local-style at 7+ street food & sit-in eateries, sampling local favorites and hearing the stories behind the shops and Kyoto’s culinary traditions.
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
Kyoto Ramen Tour: Choose Your Own Shops
Explore Kyoto's ramen scene on this guided tour! Taste both classic and modern ramen and get a better understanding of the wonderful world of ramen with our expert guide.
You'll visit two ramen shops for two wildly different bowls of ramen — one classic Kyoto-style, one more modern, each served in smaller portions so you can enjoy both without overdoing it. At the beginning of the tour, you'll sit down with your guide over a cup of coffee or tea to talk through Kyoto's ramen origins and the route you'll be taking — the shops you'll be visiting along the way.
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.
Duration: 2 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
【Fushimi inari shrine】A local born in Kyoto shares the secret path away tourists
【Private tour by a local guide】
I was born and grew up near Fushimi Inari Taisha. I am not a foreigner. So I have known the Fushimi Inari shrine since I was a boy.
Now Fushimi Inari shrine is one of the most popular places to visit, but there are too many people around and it is like an amusement park. I would like you to feel the nature and peace here as the locals used to. I am a local who knows this mountain's courses very well and many beautiful hiking paths are hidden, they are not on the official map.
If you like to know places that are not crowded in Kyoto, feel free to ask me. Welcome any questions about Japan, Shrine, & Zen Buddhism as well.
I also own my tour agency, Tour Bench Inc. since 2011.
Consider coming on my Tour of Kyoto. I offer a variety of tours.
【How much exercise 】
Fushimi Inari shrine is a super big mountain so we have to take the stairs or a hilly way to reach the top. The height is about 200 meters so it is not quite a high mountain. Bring some water:)
Duration: 2 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
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.
Duration: 3 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Kimono in Kyoto Stylish Makeover and Location Photography
Professional Kimono Studio in Popular Kyoto Areas – All-inclusive kimono, hair, makeup, and styling.
Expert Staff Assistance – Personalized coordination from kimono selection to hair styling.
Scenic Location Shoots – Guided by experienced photographers at seasonal Kyoto spots; English support available.
Duration: 3 hours
- Private tour
The Way of Tea: Kyoto Crafts, Hidden Temples & Wabi-Sabi Walk
Discover the beauty of Japanese tea culture beyond a simple matcha tasting on this immersive cultural walking tour in Kyoto. Visit historic temples, artisan shops, and hidden Zen spots while learning the philosophy, history, and aesthetics behind the tea ceremony.
Begin at Kennin-ji Temple, the birthplace of matcha culture in Japan, where you’ll explore how tea influenced Zen Buddhism and Kyoto’s traditions. Then stop by a specialty shop for tea ceremony tools such as bamboo whisks and raku teacups.
Next, step into a quiet hidden Zen temple to experience Kyoto’s peaceful side, with moss gardens, stone paths, and the timeless beauty of Wabi-Sabi aesthetics. The tour concludes with an authentic tea ceremony, enjoying a carefully prepared bowl of matcha guided by the philosophy of ichi-go ichi-e—“one chance, one encounter.”
Located near Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine, this experience fits perfectly into your Kyoto sightseeing plans.
Duration: 3 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Private 2-Hour Guided Gion Tour: Discover Kyoto’s Geisha District
Gion, Kyoto’s renowned historic district, offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich past with its preserved architecture and timeless beauty. This private walking tour invites you to explore Gion’s enchanting streets, where you might be fortunate enough to spot a geisha gracefully moving through Hanami Street.
What Makes This Tour Unique:
Immersive Experience: Discover Gion’s historic and cultural essence through an exclusive private tour that highlights Kyoto's traditional charm.
Tailored Exploration: Enjoy a customizable walking tour that adapts to your interests, providing a personalized journey.
Cultural Insight: Gain a unique understanding of Japanese culture and daily life from a foreign perspective.
Book now to experience the timeless elegance of Gion and the enchanting allure of Kyoto’s historic district
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto 2-Day Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Enjoy an efficient, two-day tour of Kyoto accompanied by a same government-licensed and experienced English Speaking guide!
Kyoto keeps traditional arts and beauty alive, but the busses and subways can be confusing and provide challenges for those with walking limitations. We want everyone to experience Kyoto so we are happy to provide this customizable, private guided tour with a vehicle!
Join us on a tour of Kyoto to see Kiyomizu Temple as it towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. The bamboo forest of Sagano and the gardens, shrines and temples in Kyoto will provide you with a window into old Japan. There is much in this city that you don’t want to miss!
Please choose 3 to 4 sites to see per day from the itinerary/what to expect list. Please inform your guide post booking of the sites you would like to see.
Maximum 7 participants per tour.
Duration: 2 days
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
6-Hour Private Walking Cultural Tour in Kyoto
Skip the crowds this is a private tour for your group only! Journey into the heart of Kyoto, where age-old traditions and breathtaking beauty converge. Starting at the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera Temple, embrace the city's spiritual essence while enjoying panoramic vistas. As the tour unfolds, wander through the historic alleys of Gion, witnessing the mesmerizing world of geishas. Let your senses feast at Nishiki Market, sampling flavors that have tantalized locals for centuries. Discover the serene temples of Tojijicho and step back in time in the atmospheric Higashiyama Ward. This is not just a tour—it's a tapestry of experiences, designed especially for you, the discerning traveler. Dive deep into Kyoto's heritage and let its timeless tales envelop you. Book now and become the protagonist in Kyoto's enchanting story!
Duration: 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Inside of Fushimi Inari - exploring and lunch with locals
This is the original Fushimi hidden route tour.
This is a 3-hour 30-minute hiking lead by locals. Soba noodle Lunch is included. You will experience the holy mountain of Fushimi through an alternative off-beaten path.
This experience includes:
1) Sightseeing of the main shrine and thousands of red gates, with an explanation of their history and cultural background.
2) Easy walking through a peaceful bamboo and cedar tree forest path, visiting authentic holy spots (worship stones & waterfall) and a factory.
3) Going up a forest route to the summit shrine (20 min). The summit is 233m high, and I will show you around the shrine.
4) Photo-shooting part. On the way down, I will show you lots of photogenic spots that are usually less crowded.
5) Snack & drink, and the breathtaking panorama view of Kyoto city from the viewpoint.
6) Lunch at the best soba restaurant. Vegan options are available but tell us IN ADVANCE.
Duration: 4 hours
- Free cancellation
Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto
• Paint a unique ramen bowl / spoon with your own design or Japanese motifs
• Master the traditional yugiri technique for draining ramen noodles
• Enjoy personalized ramen, then return the next day to collect your bowl
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Kyoto: Ryōan-ji, Greatest Zen Garden Guided Tour in 90 Min.
Ryōan-ji, renowned for its famous rock garden, is one of the most serene landmarks in Kyoto. Experience this UNESCO World Heritage site with an 80-minute tour guided by a friendly guide.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Private Photoshoot with Professional Photographer
Spend an hour strolling through Kyoto with a professional photographer to capture the best possible images of your tour. You'll learn about local monuments and get a photo shoot with your loved ones; this activity is kid-friendly and can accommodate your groups. After the session, you'll receive professional quality images that you can cherish.
・Local photographer guide takes photos of you and your group in Kyoto
・Receive edited images via email after the session
・Perfect souvenir of your trip
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Higashiyama E-Bike Tour *Private, Pick up from/to Hotel
Higashiyama area, the center of Kyoto tourism, is a difficult place to visit without a guide, as it will be crowded. With an E-Bike and a local guide, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy only the wonderful scenery, such as the old town, the roads along the canal, the vast temple grounds, and the bamboo groves.
The tour is completely private and is a special luxury tour that includes everything, such as hotel pickup and drop-off, sweets recommended by the guide, and temple entrance fees.
Duration: 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Traditional Hanko Stamp Workshop – Make a Unique Souvenir
Create more than a souvenir — create your identity in Kyoto.
This exclusive workshop is led by a husband-and-wife team recognized as First-Class Seal Engraving Technicians, All-Japan Meister artisans, and officially designated Kyoto traditional craft masters. Unlike standard craft experiences, you will learn directly from nationally certified experts who have dedicated their lives to preserving Kyoto’s 1,200-year-old seal-making tradition.
Enjoy rare access to an authentic working studio and receive personal guidance in a small-group setting. Every seal is carefully handcrafted by you, making it a meaningful symbol of your connection to Japan.
Experience highlights:
Learn from certified master artisans recognized at the national level
Discover the 1,200-year history of Kyoto’s traditional seal craftsmanship
Design and hand-carve your own personalized Japanese name seal
Take home a beautifully finished hanko in an elegant case
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Private Full Day Tour in Kyoto with a Local Travel Companion
This comprehensive tour takes you to the city’s most iconic landmarks. Perfect for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Kyoto's rich history & culture—all in one unforgettable day.
Itinerary (Customizable):
09:00 Meeting the Guide
10:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
Visit the stunning Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple adorned with gold leaf.
11:00 Nijo Castle
Explore Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Edo-period architecture.
12:30 Lunch Break
Enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of Kyoto's local restaurants, savoring authentic Japanese cuisine.
14:30 Fushimi Inari Shrine
Walk through the iconic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari, one of Japan's most famous shrines.
16:00 Kiyomizu-Dera Temple & Streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka
Visit the breathtaking Kiyomizu-Dera Temple with its panoramic views of Kyoto.
17:00 Tour Finish
Duration: 8 hours
- Private tour
Discover Japanese Floral Heritage through Selection and Ikebana
Experience Ikebana in Kyoto through the flowers, traditions and aesthetics that have shaped Japanese floral culture.
Begin your experience at a traditional Kyoto flower shop with over 140 years of history, where the owner will introduce and explain each flower selected for the experience, offering insight into Japan’s rich floral heritage, seasonal traditions and appreciation of natural beauty.
Following the shop visit, take part in an Ikebana workshop, learning the principles of Japanese flower arrangement and creating your own composition with individual guidance.
The tour is guided by a certified Ikebana teacher and garden designer with a lifelong background in floral design. Raised in her mother’s flower and table-design school, she later pursued floral studies internationally.
Along the way, explore Japanese floral heritage through the natural beauty and cultural significance of individual flowers, as well as the traditional art of arranging them.
Duration: 2 hours
- Private tour
4 hours private tour of Kyoto
Because it's a private tour, you can ask the local Japanese everything you want to know, everything you want to ask!
While it is fun enough to simply stroll around Kyoto on your own, having a tour guide will make everything you see more interesting.
If you want to try to eat some but doesn't know the name, ask your own guide:)!
If you want to know more info about Kyoto, where to eat, what to do, ask your guide!:)
If you have a place you would like to visit, please contact us in advance and we can make arrangements.
Duration: 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Muscle Bar Macho Macho MIX Kyoto Branch
Located right in the center of Kyoto’s lively Shijo Kawaramachi area.
Japan’s first macho bar with both male and female bodybuilders serving guests.
Enjoy special drinks you can only taste in Kyoto.
You can meet both male and female muscular staff—a first in the macho bar industry.
You can enjoy the perfect mix of strength and elegance with performances by muscular men and women.
You can experience muscle entertainment while enjoying your favorite drinks.
You can enjoy a fun, gender-free atmosphere that celebrates all kinds of strength.
You can discover a one-of-a-kind concept: “Muscles × Entertainment × Bar.”
The entrance fee may vary depending on the day, so payment will be made on-site. Thank you for your understanding.
Notes:
・It is customary at our restaurant for guests to buy drinks for the staff.
(Staff drink: JPY 1,000 per drink, tax included)
・After the muscle performance, guests are welcome to give tips as a token of support to the performers.
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
Japanese whiskey tasting; relaxed and educational in the bar
【Comments from the planner】
I’m a professional guide — not a bartender — but I love whisky so much that I ended up creating this tour anyway. I’ve tasted whiskies from all over the world, yet Japanese whisky is still my favorite. I’m not big on heavily peated, smoky whiskies, so the smooth, delicate, and beautifully aromatic style of many Japanese whiskies really speaks to me. Of course, Japan also produces wonderfully smoky expressions, which shows just how wide and fascinating the range truly is.
In recent years, micro-distilleries have been popping up all across Japan, adding even more depth to the whisky scene. Japanese whisky is now famous worldwide, but I believe there are still plenty of incredible bottles that can only be enjoyed here in Japan.
The more you learn, the deeper and more fun the world of Japanese whisky becomes — and I’d love to explore it with you. This tour is basically my personal passion project, and I’m the only one on the team who guides it.
Kenji
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Private tour
Kyoto’s Exclusive Private Gourmet Night with Local
■A Private Dining Experience in Gion
Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich culinary heritage with this exclusive, private dining tour. Designed for food lovers seeking modern luxury, this experience blends authentic Kyoto flavors with its enchanting nightlife. No crowds—just a tailored evening for you.
■Discover Kyoto Through Food & Culture
Kyoto’s cuisine is rooted in seasonality and tradition. From delicate kaiseki to bold street-style bites, each dish tells a story. Sake lovers will enjoy exclusive local brews, paired expertly with each meal.
■Tour Highlights
First Stop: Private Welcome Drink & Appetizers.
Toast with local craft beer or Kyoto sake, paired with handmade gyoza and appetizers.
A Stroll Through Gion.
Second Stop: Luxurious Kyoto-Style Course Dinner
Savor a multi-course meal blending traditional Kyoto flavors with modern innovations. Dishes include Wagyu beef, tempura, sashimi, seasonal vegetables, and teriyaki, paired with sake or wine.
Duration: 3 hours
- Private tour
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.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto:Craft Oni/Kitsune/Daruma rugs in a Tufting Atelier
You can create a handmade item which is all designed by yourself, both artistry and practicality--something can be enjoyed every day and remind you of the wonderful trip in Japan!
The experience of making rugs using a tufting gun is surprisingly fun and satisfying!
Professional staff will teach you carefully, so even beginners can feel at ease. You can make a one-of-a-kind rug all by yourself!
This experience is also recommended for families with children and couples.
The location is also perfect, just 1 minute walk from Shimogamo Shrine, a World Heritage sightseeing spot.
After the workshop, you can visit the beautiful Sakyo area, discover the local restaurants, and easily get back to Kyoto Station or central part of the city by bus.
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
Kyoto Sakura Boat & Seasonal Car Tour
Discover Kyoto on a private seasonal car tour with an English-speaking driver-guide, combining Fushimi’s waterways with classic city highlights. Start in Fushimi, a historic sake district known for old breweries, willow-lined canals, quiet lanes, and a softer local atmosphere than crowded temple areas. Guests may choose the Fushimi Jikkokubune boat ride at their own expense when it operates. Sakura views from the boat are only possible during cherry blossom season; outside that period, the ride offers canal scenery, greenery, hydrangeas, autumn colors, and sake-town views. Continue to Fushimi Inari for red torii gates, Kiyomizu-dera and Higashiyama for temple views and old lanes, and Gion or Kamogawa for wooden houses, lanterns, riverside scenery, and Kyoto’s seasonal atmosphere. During peak sakura season, boat tickets are limited. Contact us at least 7 days before the tour if you want us to try booking. Boat tickets and booking support cost extra, and availability is not guaranteed.
Duration: 8–10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour