From Feudal to Formidable: Kyoto’s Architecture Self Guided Tour
On this self-guided tour, discover how Kyoto’s architecture reflects Japan’s transformation from a feudal society to a modern nation. Led by historian Gavin James Campbell, the tour explores the blend of traditional and contemporary design throughout Kyoto’s streets. You’ll learn about the city’s transition and see buildings influenced by Western styles like Queen Anne and Art Deco. As you explore Pontocho District, you'll gain insight into the architectural trends and cultural shifts that shaped modern Kyoto.
Kyoto Sunrise Walk Early Morning Journey Through History By Guide
Kyoto’s beauty is timeless but experiencing it in peace is rare. On this early morning private tour, you’ll step into the city’s most iconic sights before the crowds awaken.
Begin your day beneath the whispering torii gates of Fushimi Inari-taisha, enjoying the spiritual stillness that vanishes by mid-morning. Arrive at the stunning Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) just as it opens, catching its shimmering reflection before the tour buses roll in. Then, breathe in the calm of Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, where you’ll wander through towering stalks in near silence an experience few visitors ever get.
This is Kyoto at its most magical: unhurried, uncrowded, unforgettable.
Living Buddhism
Visitors to Kyoto quickly realize how crowded the city’s famous temples are. This tour is unique in offering the opportunity to visit a major yet quiet, uncrowded Buddhist temple complex, featuring the largest wooden building in the world. The temple is popularly known as Higashi Honganji and is located within easy walking distance of Kyoto Station. Your guide, a twenty-five year resident of Japan, is American-born Buddhist priest and scholar Rev. Dr. Brian Victoria. Dr. Victoria will introduce you to the fascinating history of this temple together with the doctrines and iconography of the True Pure Land sect of Buddhism with which it is affiliated. Following your visit to Higashi Honganji, the tour moves to nearby Shosei-en, a large, temple-affiliated, traditional Japanese garden, complete with ponds and tea houses. Dr. Victoria will explain the history of Japanese gardens and tea houses as well as answer any questions you may have about Buddhist beliefs and practices in general.
Wagyu Barbeque and Meet Geisha in a Traditional Townhouse
Immerse yourself in the elegance of Kyoto that combines culture and culinary delights.
Stroll through the charming Ponto-cho alleys and enjoy a line-free lunch at the famed BBQ restaurant 'Aje.'
Treat yourself to BABBI’s delightful gelato before taking a scenic walk along the Kamo River to Miyagawa-cho geisha district.
Experience a captivating dance performance by genuine geisha or maiko in a historic townhouse, followed by a special commemorative photo opportunity.
This tour beautifully intertwines Kyoto's rich traditions with its exquisite flavors.
Authentic Udon Making Class in a Cozy Kyoto Home
Join hands-on Udon making experience from scratch at a cozy Kyoto home!
The noodles are crafted with care using 100% domestic Japanese flour to ensure an authentic taste and texture. You will also get to taste flavorful Japanese Dashi stock and cook a delicious sweet and savory beef topping to complete your bowl.
Enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that feels just like visiting a local friend—perfect for families and travelers looking for a warm, authentic cultural connection.
Full Kyoto Magical Experience 1 Day Tour
This is the ultimate tour where you will experience the full essence of Kyoto in 1 day.
Go deep into the most beautiful shrines and find how they are unique in the world. Explore the enchanting temples, dream-like Japanese gardens, must-see samurai castle all with the super knowledgeable, expert guide answering all your questions and providing fun, insightful, and unique commentary only shared on this tour. This tour even includes a "foodie tour" with mouthwatering food samplings included from the historic Nishiki Market!
This is NOT a "go! go! go!" tour quickly hopping from one spot to the next. Imagine you had a nice friend, who is local to Kyoto, take you around the best spots and share with you the love for Japan. This IS that tour, and this is for those who want to experience the "real" Japan, the "magic" of Kyoto making your precious time in Japan a memorable experience.
PRIVATE TOUR
Transportation, a combination of public & taxi (included)
* Itinerary subject to change
City-to-City Transfer, from Central Kyoto to Each City in Kansai
We are glad to have a chance that you peruse our plan.
Here, in Japan, it is very difficult to take a free van type and mini bus type vehicle at the last moment. You might wait for 2 hours in busy time until you get it. Because sedan type taxi can accommodate 3 guests plus 2-3 suitcases at most. Booking appropriate vehicle in advance is must-to-do first.
Lastly, Here in Japan, we are formal transfer company managing licensed vehicles. But in some cases, there are groups that dispatches unlicensed cars illegally. If you book these cars, you might get involved in big troubles.
We assure you of comfortable transfer.
Zen Buddhist Vegetarian Shojin Ryori and Sushi Cooking
Sample Menu
◇ Shojin Cuisine (Japanese Buddhist Vegetarian Dishes)
・Sesame Tofu (Goma Dofu)
・Spinach with Sesame Sauce (Spinach Goma-ae)
・Simmered Daikon Radish with Seasonal Vegetables
・Kinpira Vegetables (Sweet Soy–Glazed Vegetables)
・Tofu Shiratama Dumplings – Japanese Dessert
◇ Temari Sushi
・Colorful bite-sized sushi balls
Menu items may change depending on seasonal ingredients.
Japanese Calligraphy Mindfulness Experience in Kyoto
Learn not only how to write beautiful characters, but also how to become more aware of yourself through the art of writing.
In a world full of distractions, this experience offers a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, and enjoy a mindful moment through traditional Japanese calligraphy.
Kyoto Kimono Rental Chamatsu Family Package
A discount of 500 yen per person will be applied from the regular kimono rental fee.
Please choose from regular kimono for both men and women.
Please pay 5,000 yen (Deposit) at the time of reservation as part of your family kimono rental.
Please settle the difference at the store.
We have a wide variety of kimonos for every age and size. From traditional patterns to pop designs that children will love, you can choose the one that best suits your family's individual tastes.
Our experienced staff will carefully dress everyone, from small children to the elderly, so that everyone can wear a kimono comfortably. We help the whole family to look beautiful and feel comfortable.
The store faces Kodaiji Ichinenzaka, the best place for sightseeing in Kyoto. Once you change into a kimono and step outside, the scenery of Kyoto unfolds.
You can choose your kimono and accessories slowly. If you have any questions about coordination, please feel free to consult our staff.
Day Trip Bizen Pottery Tour in Imbe from Kyoto or Osaka
This tour offers a deeper cultural journey from Kyoto to Imbe, a lesser-known pottery town where Bizen ware is still part of everyday life. As you explore the area, you will experience a living craft culture shaped by history, nature, and continuous production. Bizen pottery is known for its unglazed technique, using only clay, fire, and natural ash. Traditional wood-firing lasts up to two weeks, with artisans working in shifts to manage flames in climbing kilns fueled by red pine.
Imbe is also the hometown of MLB MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (2025). Through conversations with locals, you may discover how closely he is connected to and loved by the community.
Optional pottery experience allows you to create your own piece using an electric wheel, with selected works fired in a traditional kiln and delivered months later—extending the memory of your journey beyond the day itself.
Kyoto Higashiyama and Temple Walk Guided Walking Tour
Escape the crowds and discover the true heart of Kyoto with our exclusive, early-morning walking tour of Gion. Limited to just 8 participants, this intimate experience guarantees personalized attention from your expert guide. We take you off the beaten path into hidden side streets, uncovering the rich history and architectural secrets of traditional teahouses. From the iconic Ichiriki-tei to the picturesque Tatsumi Bridge, enjoy a captivating, story-driven journey through time. Book now for a peaceful, deeply immersive adventure you simply won’t find in standard guidebooks!
Private Chartered Car Tour Kyoto , Nara or Osaka
We offer fully licensed private transportation with our own fleet of green-plate vehicles. Enjoy a safe, reliable, and comfortable ride with a professional driver, flexible itineraries, and transparent pricing. No shared passengers, no hidden fees—just seamless door-to-door service throughout Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe.
Sashimi Course with a Chef
We invite you to learn and explore sashimi preparation techniques. Our guest chef will guide you through each step of the process, allowing you to personally handle the fish provided during this immersive experience. You will be responsible for the complete preparation.
Our aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of these cooking techniques, which you can replicate in your own kitchen. This is a hands-on experience, and your chef-guide will be there to assist and accompany you throughout the workshop.
You'll conclude the course by savoring your own sashimi alongside rice and freshly ground wasabi.
Uji, more than tea
Experience the enchanting world of Uji with our Uji More Than Tea. This journey invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Uji's tea culture and its historical gems.
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its elegant Phoenix Hall. Explore the lush gardens and the tranquil surroundings that have inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Delve into the world of Uji's tea heritage taking part in an optional tea ceremony and tasting a cup of local tea.
We will share the significance of Uji's tea culture, providing insights into the timeless art of tea-making. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or a traveler seeking cultural enrichment, this tour promises an authentic and enlightening experience.
**Rain, shine, or a bit of both— our walking tours still go on!**
VERY IMPORTANT: The Travel Storyteller will confirm the tea ceremony's availability to participants a few days before the tour.
Kyoto: Discover Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji in One Tour
This tour is not just about seeing famous sights. It’s a journey into two very different expressions of Japanese beauty and philosophy. You’ll start at the breathtaking Kinkaku-ji, where gold leaf shimmers across a still pond, and finish at Ginkaku-ji, where moss gardens and Zen design invite quiet reflection.
Along the way, your knowledgeable English-speaking guide will share rich stories, historical context, and hidden details that bring each temple to life. With efficient travel between sites, no crowds to navigate alone, and plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere, this experience makes the most of your time in Kyoto.
Gold and Silver. Grandeur and simplicity. In one morning, explore both sides of Kyoto’s soul.
Kyoto: Bask in the Sacred Nature and Rich History in Kifune
Step into the sacred forest of Kyoto with a guide who reveals the hidden stories behind Kifune Shrine — a place most travelers miss or rush through. On this intimate tour, you’ll walk the lantern-lit path, try the rare mizu-ura water fortune ritual, and feel the spiritual atmosphere that has inspired pilgrims for over 1,300 years.
Unlike standard sightseeing, this experience offers quiet moments, cultural insight, and a deep connection to nature and tradition. Perfect for travelers who seek more than just beautiful photos — here, you’ll discover meaning.
Maiko Experience in Kyoto
Discover the enchanting Gion district of Kyoto, where historic charm meets cultural elegance. Stroll through narrow, stone-paved streets lined with traditional wooden buildings and teahouses. Savor a delightful lunch at the beloved restaurant “Karumiah,” known for its fresh, locally sourced dishes. Afterward, immerse yourself in the art of the Maiko, Kyoto's apprentice Geishas, renowned for their exquisite performances of dance and music. Enjoy a unique opportunity to meet a Maiko, appreciate her artistry, and partake in a traditional Matcha tea ceremony complemented by delicious sweets. This tour promises an authentic glimpse into the heart of Kyoto’s cultural heritage.
- Explore the historic streets of Gion, Kyoto's traditional district
- Enjoy lunch at a popular local restaurant featuring fresh ingredients
- Meet and watch Maiko performances showcasing traditional arts
- Participate in a Matcha tea ceremony along with sweet delicacies
Kyoto: Calligraphy & Matcha Experience in a Zen Studio
This experience offers exclusive access to a modern, minimalist studio designed by a local architect. Unlike standard tourist classes, we combine the mindfulness of whisking your own Matcha green tea with authentic Japanese calligraphy. You will write your chosen Kanji on a premium Washi postcard and mail it home from a vintage Japanese postbox.
Furthermore, the host, a professional designer, offers premium on-site upgrades (payable at the studio). You can choose to have your artwork professionally digitized into vector files (perfect for a lifetime tattoo or logo) or take it home in a custom-made wooden box packed with aromatic Hinoki wood shavings.
Amanohashidate Day Tour from Kyoto
Discover the perfect blend of history and nature on a one-day tour of Kyoto.
We begin with the magnificent Amanohashidate, one of Japan's "Three Scenic Views," renowned for its unique sandbar resembling a bridge to the heavens, lined with lush pine trees. The sandbar's shape is like a bridge slanting upward into the sky, hence the name "Amanohashidate."
Next, we head to Ine Village, often referred to as the "Venice of Japan," where the unique waterfront funaya houses and tranquil natural scenery captivate visitors. In Ine, enjoy a boat ride under the clear blue sky, feed seagulls, and experience the authentic rural atmosphere.
Kyoto and Uji World Heritage with Temples and Matcha Experience
Discover two of Japan's most culturally significant destinations on this full-day guided tour through Kyoto and Uji. Visit iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, admire centuries-old temples and shrines, stroll through traditional streets, and immerse yourself in the birthplace of Japanese matcha. Explore the dazzling Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), wander through the historic lanes leading to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and experience the timeless beauty of Uji, home to the famous Byodo-in Temple and Japan's finest green tea culture. Perfect for first-time visitors and culture enthusiasts alike, this guided day trip combines history, architecture, spirituality, and local traditions into one unforgettable Kyoto experience.
Japanese Calligraphy in Kyoto with a Kimono Haori
・Dress up in a traditional kimono coat: Experience Japanese calligraphy while wearing a beautiful kimono coat that perfectly matches the streets of Kyoto. Instantly feel immersed in Japanese culture!
• Create your own original artwork: With guidance from a professional calligrapher, craft a one-of-a-kind calligraphy piece. Take your masterpiece home as a unique souvenir!
• Beginner-friendly: Learn the proper way to hold the brush and use ink, making it easy and fun even for first-timers.
• Cultural experience & memorable moments: Not just writing—perfect for photos and creating unforgettable travel memories.
• Quick and convenient: The workshop lasts about one hour, ideal for fitting into a busy travel schedule.
Exploring Kyoto - (Rakusei) Northwest
This tour is a tour using public transportation.
Kyoto is known as exotic sightseeing places and numerous historic, quaint old monuments are seen all over the town. This tour covers part of Rakusei (Northwest district) and Central district. Visiting Rakusei , Tenryu-ji temple represents the Kitayama culture. Nijyo-jyo castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace in Rakuchu (Central district) are the cultural center during Heian, Momoyama and Edo periods.
See inclusions and excursions for what is included in the price of this tour.
Discover the Hidden Paths of Arashiyama
Arashiyama Walking Tour: Discover Kyoto’s Nature & Culture on Foot!
Join this small-group walking tour (up to 8 people) and explore the charm of Arashiyama with a knowledgeable guide.
We’ll begin at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple, stroll through the enchanting Bamboo Grove, and take in the scenic beauty of Okochi Sanso Garden.
Next, we’ll visit the romantic Nonomiya Shrine, enjoy local shopping in the Arashiyama area, walk across the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, and finish with an unforgettable visit to the Iwatayama Monkey Park.
Guided by a local expert
Small group (max 8 guests) for a personal experience
Private tours available upon request
Experience Arashiyama not just as a destination—but as a journey you’ll never forget!