Nara: Half-Day Private Tour of 4 Must-See Spots & Deer Park
Embark on a half-day tour of Nara’s rich heritage. Visit two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and interact with the sacred wild deer of Nara Park, believed to be divine messengers for over 1,200 years.
Your tour starts with Kofuku-ji Temple, known for its five-story pagoda, then continues to Todai-ji Temple, where you’ll see the awe-inspiring Great Buddha statue. Your guide will share stories about these historic sites and Japanese Buddhism.
Next, enjoy panoramic views from Nigetsu-do Temple, and walk to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, famous for its lanterns and deer. After exploring Nara Park, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. End the tour with a visit to a traditional old town, contrasting modern Tokyo, and see a merchant’s house to experience Nara’s past.
This tour offers a unique mix of culture, nature, and history in Nara.
Kyoto: Paint Your Own Ramen Bowl & Michelin Ramen Class
We will teach you how to make Michelin-starred ramen and the recipes.
We are a ramen workshop in Kyoto and the only ramen shop we operate. Musoshin Ramen has six stores around the world.
This is the only ramen workshop in Kyoto run by a ramen restaurant, and our classes have many vegetarian and vegan customers.
The ingredients for the ramen you cook are brought from the nearby Musoshin Gion store.
They are the ingredients for ramen made by the chef the day before.
We want people all over the world to eat our ramen. And we want to spread the culture of delicious ramen from here to the world.
With that thought in mind, we created Musoshin Ramen Academy.
Kyoto Dark History: Yokai, Curses & Forbidden Legends
Step beyond postcard Kyoto and uncover its darker history on this adult-only walking tour. Explore real sites connected to yōkai legends, ancient curses, spirit control, forbidden rituals, and the powerful beliefs that shaped the old capital. Follow the stories of Abe no Seimei, vengeful spirits, and shrines built to contain supernatural forces. Your journey ends inside a peaceful historic garden once used to appease forces Kyoto feared could not be ignored.
- Adult-only tour focused on Kyoto’s supernatural folklore and history
- Discover yokai legends, spirit control, and ancient rituals
- Visit significant sites related to Japan's dark history and beliefs
Early Half Day to Kyoto Highlights
This is a walking tour using public transport to Kyoto's highlights, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji, the Golden Temple.
We are going early in order to beat the crowds and since it's only half day, you still have time enjoy other experiences.
We also will learn about the history, the culture and Japanese society all while enjoying the spots
Calligraphy & Digital Art Workshop in Kyoto
Have you ever tried Japanese calligraphy or Japanese picture letters on iPad?
As part of this workshop, you will be introduced to both traditional and digital calligraphy as well as how to make Japanese picture letters called Etegami, in a traditional setting.Come experience an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind art experience, whether you are traveling alone, with friends, or with your family!This workshop is led by Ami and her team of professional artists and creators.
About Ami
・ Studied digital art in the UK
・Her Youtube channel named amity_sensei, introduces creative uses of iPad, which currently has over 340,000 subscribers
・Founded Japan's first creative school in 2020 called iPadmate kids, helping kids unlock their creative potential through iPad
Check our studio's video!
We are all looking forward to meeting you here in Kyoto!
Nerikiri and Matcha Making Class in Kyoto
I will explain and demonstrate how to make each design step by step. This class is for suitable for someone who wants to have a unique experience, and also someone who wants to seriously learn the techniques and improve their skills for future use.
Anime Tour Kyoto: ONE PIECE & Arashiyama Bamboo
Live the ONE PIECE saga! Hunt for crew names, face the Twin Dragons, and claim your ultimate treasure: a personalized "WANTED" poster with YOUR face and bounty! Become a legend in Kyoto.
Kyoto Cultural IKEBANA Experience@節華
During the IKEBANA workshop, you'll create your own masterpiece, guided by our instructors. Your artwork will be displayed in a tokonoma (alcove) in a traditional Japanese room and you can take a photo.
We also offer a service to deliver your artwork to your hotel,so you can enjoy own IKEBANA experience during your stay. After you checkout,we will pick it up
Our style is based on classical IKEBANA forms and focuses on bringing out the beauty of the flowers and branches while respecting their natural state. To achieve this, you will experience the Japanese aesthetic of "wabi-sabi" in a session with our instructor, awakening your primal senses.
Kyoto Private Tea Ceremony at a Japanese Inns
Step into a quiet evening in Kyoto.
While many famous sightseeing spots close at night,
this experience offers a rare opportunity to enjoy Japanese culture in a private setting.
Inside a historic ryokan, a special tea setting is carefully arranged in a spacious 20-tatami room, illuminated by traditional Japanese candles.
In this unique space, you will experience authentic kimono, tea ceremony, Zen meditation, and traditional Japanese culture — all in one evening.
This experience takes place in a room that is usually not open to the public.
This is a fully private experience, prepared exclusively for you.
We use a translation device to communicate in your preferred language, allowing smooth and comfortable interaction.
This is not a group activity, but a carefully prepared private cultural experience.
Start from Kyoto Station: Early Morning E-Bike Tour with Kyotoite
Five main reasons people choose us:
(1) Kyotoite (local Japanese gude) show you around
(2) Electirc Pedal Asisst Bikes help you go around Kyoto smoothly.
(3) Cycling routes carefully chosen by experienced staff at the largest bicycle rental shop in Kyoto
(4) Reservation and cancellation requests accepted by 5pm the day before the tour date
(5) Half price refund given even if you cancel the tour on the day.
This is a special cycling tour which helps you feel the genuine Kyoto and the local vibes. We will be following cycling routes which were carefully selected by experienced staff at Kyoto's largest bicycle rental company, serving about 30,000 people a year.
Our aim is to raise awareness of the brilliance of riding a bicycle in the beautiful Kyoto. Bicycle rides help us find the hidden beauty of Kyoto that most tourists are likely to overlook and we hope this tour helps you see things you are not able to see when you take public transport like subways, buses, and taxis.
Fish Cutting workshop in Kyoto Japan
It is rare to have the experience of processing raw fish from the beginning.By processing fish and eating it as sashimi yourself, you can deepen your enjoyment of food and understanding of Japanese food culture.
It is a lot of fun to process fish, and the fish you process yourself tastes better than anything else! I have been working in a fish shop for 20 years and have studied how to process various kinds of fish.
We will use this experience to carefully teach you how to process fish.
We have gluten free soy sauce and halal soy sauce
Please feel free to inquire. We hope that this class will provide you with a new dining experience!
Private eBike Tour Exploring Fushimi with Torii Red Gate Ride
Visit the world-famous Torii Red Gates at Fushimi-Inari Shrine with a knowledgeable and approved English-speaking tour guide. Cycle along the quiet streets of Kyoto down to the magnificent Shinto complex of Fushimi-Inari that is as old as the ancient city itself. Afterwards, have a wander around the shops and stalls that line the
surround the shrine and try some of the local specialities.
Along the way, the tour also stops at Sanjusangen-do temple where you are sure to find inner peace walking through the millenia-old corridors leading to the incredible sight of a thousand Buddha statues.
Get back on the bikes for the ride back to Kyoto station along the serene Kamo river with its nature and wildlife.
Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Kyoto due to its numerous alleys and side-streets with less traffic. Enjoy this leisurely cycling tour going at your own pace and a special experience at two sacred sites while skipping the crowds and enjoying the scenery by bicycle.
![Traditional Japanese Knife Sharpening Class in Kyoto [EN OK!]](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-400x400/16/83/de/c8.jpg)
Traditional Japanese Knife Sharpening Class in Kyoto [EN OK!]
Master the intricate art of traditional Japanese knife sharpening in this engaging hands-on class. Guided by seasoned instructors, delve into the history of knives, explore various steel types, and learn the theory behind sharpening techniques. With a focus on using whetstones of different grits, participants will sharpen their own blades under expert supervision. Conclude the session with the satisfaction of taking home your freshly sharpened knife, a memorable keepsake that reflects your newfound skills.
Kyoto Photography Masterclass - Private Photography Lesson
We offer expert guidance from a professional photographer with local knowledge who will lead you to the best locations, angles, and lighting for stunning photos. During the tour, you’ll receive personalised education on camera settings, composition, and other techniques to enhance your skills. As locals, we know the top spots and hidden gems in Kyoto, ensuring you capture magical images. Our private tours allow you to go at your own pace, tailored to your skill level. Maximise your time and photographic opportunities, improve your skills, and explore new locations with expert guidance, making this activity unique and enriching.
Private Kyoto Market Tour and Authentic Cooking Class with Aki
Explore the local neighborhood street market (Demachiyanagi Shoutengai) with your host Aki and discover everything from basic Japanese ingredients to high-quality, regional produce. You'll walk through the market together and pick out a few vegetables and ingredients that you will later use in your cooking class.
Back home, you will join Aki for a hands-on cooking experience in her beautiful kitchen and learn to make authentic dishes from scratch! Aki will provide you with recipes in English and guide you through the cooking process as she tells you all you'd like to know about Japanese food and culture. Your home-style meal may include dishes such as the traditional Chikuzenni (a main of braised chicken and vegetables that originated from Kyushu), seasonal vegetable sides such as marinated spinach with sesame or burdock root, and miso soup. The cooking portion of your experience should last about an hour before you sit down to enjoy the meal.
Kyoto Sagano Insider: Rickshaw and Walking Tour
Enjoy the highlight of Arashiyama, the bamboo forest, at an unique vantage point from the comfortable seat of the traditional rickshaw. Sit back and relax as your guide navigates carefully and safely through the traffic as you pass by other iconic sights of Arashiyama such as the Togetsukyo Bridge, the river side with Mt Arashi, charactaristic neighbourhoods and townhouses. Venture north to a quiet and traditional neighbourhood along a pilgrim path leading up the mountain. Get off the rickshaw to enjoy the preserved, traditional houses and landscape at your own pace. Visit one of those Machiya houses (Archive Hall) from the inside. Your guide will continue to explain the sights to you as you make your way to the comical and unique Otagi-Nenbutsuji Temple. On your way back to the rickshaw, stop at one of the thatched tea house for a cup of matcha or traditional sweets (optional). Back on the rickshaw head to your preferred finishing location.
Guided Photoshoot of Fushimi Inari Shrine and Secret Bamboo Grove
Visit Fushimi Inari & the secret bamboo grove that locals don't even know exists! Two contrasting and beautiful locations in one photoshoot! A rare location to get so many various backdrops in a 60 minute photoshoot.
Details:
■ 60-minute photoshoot
■ A private & exclusive booking
■ 75 professionally taken and edited shots (in Jpeg) for solo / 90 + for couples *I will always try to add some extras*
■ I can guide you in a variety of poses and capture some great, natural candid moments too
On the day:
■ Meet at your choice of JR or Keihan Fushimi Inari Stations
■ Guided to the main shrine where we will take a series of candid shots and poses along the way
■ We'll then shoot at the secret bamboo grove and a hidden area
■ Finally, we will go through the famous red Torii gates and capture the best shots of you
After:
■ Images edited & sent via Google Drive 1-3 days later
Extras:
■ RAW files available for an extra 5000 yen
Check out my IG account: hugh_dornan_photography
Kyoto: Craft Your Own Ninja Weapon/ Shōgun Mask Workshop
Step into the world of ninja craftsmanship in Kyoto and forge your own authentic ninja weapon using traditional Japanese tin casting techniques. In this immersive workshop, you will melt, cast, cool, and finish real metal under the guidance of experienced craftsmen. It offers a rare chance to work hands-on with time-honored methods used in Japanese metalwork.
This Experience is designed to be approachable for beginners and families alike, allowing participants to enjoy the magic of crafting without any prior skills.
Children age 5 and above are welcome to participate.Our experienced staff provide full step-by-step support through the entire process, ensuring that both kids and adults can comfortably enjoy the activity, and safely experience the excitement of the melting and molding process.
Whether you are visiting with family, friends,or as a couple, this activity offers a memorable way to create something meaningful with your own hands.
Kyoto Gion Night Tour: Discover Geisha District and Hidden Gems
Experience the magic of Kyoto at night on our Gion Night Tour! Stroll through historic streets lit by traditional lanterns, discover hidden gems, and admire stunning night views. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture, encounter iconic temples, and maybe even spot a geisha or maiko. Perfect for travelers seeking an unforgettable Kyoto evening filled with history, culture, and scenic beauty!
Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience at Kyoto Orizuruya Gion
-Newly opened Tea Experience with Kimono at Gion, operated by Orizuruya, trusted with 90+ Excellent Tripadvisor reviews
-Experience multiple key aspects of Japanese culture in one session
-Participate in a traditional tea ceremony in an authentic setting
-Wear a beautiful kimono to enrich your cultural journey
-Small group experience limited to 10 people for personalized attention
This immersive cultural experience in Kyoto allows you to enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, complete with kimono dressing and optional calligraphy lessons. Perfect for culture enthusiasts and families seeking a deeper connection with Japan’s heritage.
Guests will select a beautiful kimono, receive complimentary hairstyling, and learn the graceful art of preparing matcha. The experience also includes pairing matcha with exquisite sweets from a century-old confectionery, creating a memorable and authentic Japanese cultural journey.
Kyoto Nishiki Market Walk Tour with Tea Ceremony Experience
Experience the best of Kyoto in one morning tour: participate in a traditional tea ceremony, stroll through an atmospheric alley in a geisha district, and explore Nishiki Market with a local guide!
・Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and enjoy making your own bowl of matcha
・Stroll through a historic street of Pontocho, also known as a geisha district
・Explore a quick stroll through Nishiki Market with a local guide, sampling a variety of local foods, browsing unique and must-see shops, and picking up insider shopping tips
・This tour combines cultural experience, food, and local life in a fun, accessible, and memorable way
・Perfect for first-time visitors or anyone looking to experience most of Kyoto in just a few hours!
Wrapping up around 12:30, this tour lets you make the most of your day in Kyoto — leaving you plenty of time to shop, eat, and visit historical sights on your own in the afternoon.
Private Kyoto Early Bird English Tour: Gion(Geisha) & Higashiyama
Join us and experience Kyoto at its most peaceful, creating unforgettable memories before the city awakens!
Guided by a knowledgeable local, you’ll journey through two of Kyoto’s most iconic areas: Gion, the historic district famed as the home of the geisha, and Higashiyama, where charming streets lead to the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage site of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Kyoto near Fushimiinari Wagashi making&Small Group Tea Ceremony
Our tea ceremony session is held in an authentic Japanese style room at a local house. Tea ceremony is formal, but you will also experience the feeling of being invited over for a cup of tea by a friend in Japan. This is a great opportunity for all tourists coming to Kyoto.
Our group lessons have a maximum of 8 people. Our hosts and English-speaking instructors are all very friendly and want you to have a memorable time with us.
We'll introduce you some history of tea and tea ceremony.
You will have a chance to make a bowl of Match by yourself so you will be able to make it for your friends when you go back home. We guarantee they will be surprised and that would be one of the best souvenirs for them!!
* It is also possible to prepare a chair instead of sitting on the Tatami floor if you prefer. Please let us know how many chairs you want us to prepare when you make a reservation.
*Our reservation is from 2, but if you are solo, please contact us, we may arrange for you.
Japanese Sake Breweries Tour in Fushimi Kyoto
Joining this tour will give you an insight into Japanese history and sake.
SAKE Master will tell you the secret of excellent SAKE.
You will know the difference with your tongue.
Let's have fresh SAKE!
You can also enjoy a set of 17 kinds of drinks compared with the top image that is famous on SNS.
Why not embark on a journey to find the best sake while walking the streets of Kyoto with a local guide?
Enjoy a very scenic view.
Let's go together.
・Discover Fushimi's rich sake culture with a local guide.
・Visit three diverse sake breweries for tastings.
・Explore the historic Fushimi sake district, one of Japan's top regions.
・Uncover centuries-old sake-making secrets.
・Gain insights into sake production at the Gekkeikan Brewery, established in 1637.