Japanese Calligraphy Class near Kiyomizu area (Kyoto)
Discover the Timeless Art of Japanese Calligraphy!
With clear, step-by-step English instruction, you’ll master the brush techniques and create your own stunning masterpiece. Plus, take home authentic Japanese souvenirs as a memorable keepsake of your experience!
Kyoto Hidden Gems A Private Customized Tour for You With Guide
Uncover the timeless beauty of Kyoto with a private tour meticulously designed for your interests and pace, guided by your expert local guides. Choose from two distinct options: Kyoto Essentials (4-Hour Private Tour), perfect for a focused exploration of two iconic locations like the golden Kinkaku-ji or the vermilion Fushimi Inari gates, allowing you to absorb their essence; or for a deeper dive, our Kyoto Immersion (8-Hour Private Tour) offers a comprehensive journey through three to four hand-picked sites, including tranquil Zen gardens like Ryoan-ji or the picturesque Philosopher's Walk, providing ample time to truly connect with the city's rich history and culture.
Ready to explore Kyoto your way? Book your private adventure today!
Kyoto Sightseeing Pass E ticket
Enjoy unlimited rides for one day on the following routes with this great-value digital ticket: Keihan Line (between Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Station and Demachiyanagi Station), Uji Line, Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Sando Cable Car. This convenient e-ticket is ideal for sightseeing in Kyoto. Simply show the coupon mark to receive discounts and other special offers at shrines, temples, and facilities along the Keihan Line.
Exclusive Zen Meditation at a Hidden Temple
Step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in a private meditation experience at Ryosokuin, a rarely accessible Zen temple tucked away in the heart of Kyoto.
Held in a normally closed-off space, this exclusive session offers a serene and harmonious environment for true inner stillness.
Begin with a walking meditation through the temple’s historic kare-sansui (dry landscape) garden.
Move slowly and mindfully, taking in the subtle textures beneath your feet and the peaceful presence of nature all around you.
Then, transition into a guided seated meditation in a special room overlooking the garden.
With gentle support from your hospitality staff, you will slow your breath, quiet your thoughts, and reconnect with your inner self in a state of deep relaxation.
This unique opportunity to practice meditation in a non-public Zen temple offers a rare moment of stillness, clarity, and renewal—an unforgettable Kyoto experience for the mind and spirit.
Kyoto & Uji Day Tour: Golden Pavilion, Kiyomizu-dera and Byodo-in
Discover the timeless charm of Kyoto on this immersive day tour that blends historic wonders with serene natural beauty and matcha culture. Stroll through the iconic Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji Temple, admire the panoramic views from the famous Stage of Kiyomizu at Kiyomizudera Temple, and explore the picturesque lanes of Ninenzaka. Visit sacred shrines, gaze up at the majestic Yasaka Pagoda, and enjoy authentic Kyoto street snacks. In the afternoon, relax by the scenic Uji River and experience the heart of Japan’s tea culture in Uji — home to the world-renowned Byodoin Temple and lush Furitsu Uji Park. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites to tranquil riverside walks and matcha delights, this tour offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and flavor. Ideal for first-time visitors and cultural explorers alike!
Tea Ceremony Experience with Kimono in Kyoto
This experience takes place in Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, where the tea ceremony has been preserved and refined for centuries. Rather than simply observing, guests fully participate—wearing a traditional kimono and engaging in an authentic chanoyu led by a knowledgeable tea host. The setting, surrounded by historic streets and classical architecture, enhances the sense of stepping back in time. By combining attire, ritual, philosophy, and hands-on involvement, the experience offers more than a demonstration—it provides a meaningful connection to Kyoto’s living traditions and refined hospitality.
Kyoto Incense Making Workshop at Tenkodo Sagano Arashiyama
Visit Tenkodo, a long-established incense maker known for its artisanal craftsmanship and natural ingredients.
Enjoy a private hands-on session where you’ll create your own zukō (powdered incense) using traditional materials and techniques passed down since the Heian Period. In a quiet tatami room overlooking a Japanese garden, learn how incense played an important role in aristocratic life—not just as a fragrance, but as a form of self-expression and refinement.
You’ll also hear about the history of incense, the use of imported fragrant woods, and the distinctive characteristics of each scent—all guided by a knowledgeable local artisan.
Conclude the experience with a serene boating excursion, reminiscent of how Heian nobles spent their leisure time.
Kyoto & Nara Tour with a Local Guide and Pro Travel Photographer
Discover Kyoto and/or Nara on a private guided tour led by a professional photographer. Explore temples, historic districts, and landscapes at a relaxed pace while your experience is naturally documented through photography.
This is not a staged photoshoot, but a guided journey focused on storytelling and real moments. As you walk, explore, and interact with each place, I discreetly document your experience, offering gentle guidance only when needed to keep everything natural and unforced.
After booking, choose from three curated routes based on your interests, timing, and season. I will send the routes options by DM.
Half-day tours focus on Kyoto highlights, while full-day tours may include Kyoto and Nara, or Fushimi Inari.
Routes are selected together to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. The tour is private and flexible.
Entrance fees and transportation are handled individually by guests.
Photo delivery includes a curated selection of professionally edited images.
Kamo River’s Timeless Tales: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Kyoto
Japan’s ancient capital echoes with the footsteps of the samurai, geisha, and kabuki performers who walked these cobblestone streets centuries ago.
On this walking tour of Kyoto, you’ll stroll along the Kamo River to hear about the heart-stopping events that happened on its shores.
Starting at the historic Shijo Bridge, which has watched over Japan’s ancient capital since the Shogun era, you’ll discover how bridges evolved from footpaths to modern transport routes. You’ll hear tales of intrigue from the Gion District’s teahouses, including a famous Winter revenge plot.
As you make your way along the river and back towards the tour’s starting point, you’ll follow in the footsteps of pilgrims who walked from Edo (now Tokyo) to Kyoto, bringing rice crackers with them. You’ll also walk along the famous Shijo street toward Yasaka Jinga, where the pilgrims would end their 12-day journey.
By the end of this tour, you’ll have enriched your knowledge of Kyoto’s history.
T1 Kyoto Arashiyama: Zen, Nature & Riverside Walking Tour
Uncover the magic of Arashiyama on a half-day walking tour that blends Kyoto’s natural beauty with centuries of culture. Wander through bamboo groves, step inside a UNESCO-listed Zen temple, and cross the iconic “Moon-Crossing Bridge.” Along the way, taste local treats, hear stories of imperial rituals, and soak in riverside scenery. With a mix of famous sights and hidden gems, this relaxed tour is the perfect way to experience Arashiyama’s timeless charm.
Great for first-time visitors, families, couples, and culture lovers, this tour offers a perfect mix of nature, history, and local flavor.
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.
Leisurely Kyoto Half Day Walking Tour
Experience the best of Kyoto on this leisurely half-day walking tour, where history, culture, and local flavors come together. Begin at the elegant Kodaiji Temple and wander through the picturesque Maruyama Park. Visit the iconic Yasaka Shrine and the grand Heian Shrine, then stroll through the charming streets of Gion, home to Kyoto’s famous geisha culture. Discover the serene Kenninji Temple and conclude your journey along bustling Shijo-dori, where you can treat yourself to world-famous matcha sweets at Tsujiri. Perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in Kyoto’s timeless beauty while enjoying a relaxed, unforgettable afternoon or morning.
This tour is great for any types of travelers , such as adventure seekers, families with children, etc.
Kyoto Animation Pilgrimage Love Chunibyo and K ON Tour
Explore the enchanting worlds of Kyoto Animation with a one-day pilgrimage in Shiga Prefecture. Visit the former Kamikake Elementary School, where the whimsical tales of Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions come to life, and feel the nostalgia of its halls. Next, discover the former Toyosato Elementary School, the architectural inspiration for K-ON.'s Sakuragaoka High School, where the beloved Light Music Club once played. This tour immerses fans in the serenity of Shiga, with stunning views of Lake Biwa, and offers a chance to relive the magic of these cherished anime.
Kyoto: Arashiyama Highlights and Monkey Park in 3 Hours
Arashiyama captures the essence of Kyoto with its serene bamboo groves, historic temples, and stunning riverside views. Starting from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, this leisurely walk immerses you in the tranquility of the Bamboo Grove, where towering bamboo creates a natural tunnel. Next, visit the UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Temple, renowned for its exquisite garden and Zen ambiance. Enjoy picturesque views at Togetsukyo Bridge and end with a visit to Iwatayama Monkey Park, where you can observe wild macaques in their natural habitat while taking in panoramic vistas of Kyoto. This tour is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive Kyoto experience in a single outing.
- Stroll through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Tenryu-ji Temple and its stunning gardens
- Capture views at Togetsukyo Bridge along the Katsura River
- Observe wild macaques at Iwatayama Monkey Park with panoramic city views
Kyoto's Chronological History(Private Tour)
In this full-day tour, we visit Kyoto’s most significant sites in chronological order, starting at To-ji in 796 and ending with the city's living traditions at the Museum of Crafts and Design. You'll see how emperors, shoguns, and artisans shaped the capital through their ambitions—from palace halls designed to intimidate visiting lords to the intricate handiwork that sustained a culture for centuries. It’s a day spent understanding why Kyoto’s heritage isn't just beautiful; it's a collection of monuments to the people and power moves that defined Japanese history.
Private Luxury Alphard Morning Tour of Kyoto Icons
Explore Kyoto's most famous and hidden gems in the serene early morning hours with this private luxury tour. Begin your adventure with early hotel pickup, enjoying iconic sights like Fushimi Inari and Kinkakuji before the crowds. Your expert guide, Craig — with over 15 years of experience living in Kyoto — tailors the experience to your interests, adjusting the itinerary if you've already visited certain locations or prefer to skip them. Travel comfortably in a 2025 Toyota Alphard luxury van with reclining seats and air conditioning, ideal for couples, families, or jet-lagged travelers.
-Early morning pickup from your Kyoto hotel for the quietest experience
-Visit top attractions like Fushimi Inari and Kinkakuji before crowds
-Itinerary is flexible — feel free to request substitutions or skip locations
-Comfort of a luxury van with bottled water provided
Kyoto Fushimi Sake Tasting Tour
Led by a Fushimi local and former brewery worker, this tour combines authentic sake tastings with insider stories you won’t find in guidebooks. From the Gekkeikan Sake Museum to hidden cafés and specialty shops, guests discover the history, culture, and flavors of Kyoto’s sake district in a truly local way.
Kyoto: Matcha at Uji tour
Discover the historic city of Uji, the birthplace of Japan’s world-famous green tea. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and flavor. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Byodoin Temple and admire the stunning Phoenix Hall reflected in its tranquil pond. Experience a traditional tea ceremony at Taihoan, where you can savor freshly whisked matcha and seasonal sweets in a serene setting. Finally, indulge in premium matcha desserts and drinks at the renowned Itohkyuemon Café, a local favorite with a long-standing tea tradition.
Perfect for tea enthusiasts and anyone wanting to experience the elegance and charm of Uji’s rich cultural heritage.
This tour is great for any types of travelers , such as adventure seekers, families with children, etc.
The itineary might be modified depending on the facility opening days.
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.
1-Day Kyoto Highlights Tour Temple, Castle, Market and Shrine
Witness the resplendent Kinkaku-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting of its golden pavilion adorned in shimmering gold, radiating tranquility amid lush gardens. Feel the echoes of history at Nijo-jo Castle, another UNESCO gem, with its stunning samurai-style architecture and magnificent paintings drawn by the 17th-century professional artist group. Indulge your senses at Nishiki Market, a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors, savoring delectable street delights and authentic local delicacies. Stroll along the bustling Teramachi-dori Shopping Street, where modernity intertwines with tradition, offering an array of artisanal crafts and souvenirs to cherish. The pinnacle of our expedition awaits at Fushimi-inari Taisha Shrine, a mesmerizing path of thousands of vermillion torii gates leading to sacred heights, exuding an aura of spiritual energy and awe-inspiring beauty. Guided by our knowledgeable expert, this captivating day promises unforgettable memories.
Kyoto Virtual Guided Walking Tour
Amid the ongoing pandemic, traveling abroad is very difficult for the foreseeable future. But thanks to this situation, I could take a video of this ancient city with few people out on the street. The video shows the highlights of Higashiyama area of Kyoto which is filled with many attractions. You can relax at home while deeply immersed in the traditional city of Japan with a detailed explanation and guidance by a professional licensed guide. We will have a Q&A session after seeing the video. I provide a walking route map online for your future reference.
NOTE: You don't have to show your face but fast Internet connection is required for the video online.
NOTE: The starting time is JST, Japan Standard Time.
11:00 AM (JST) is 10:00 PM on the previous day in NY or EDT area and 7:00 PM in LA or PDT area.
8:00 PM (JST) is 12:00 noon in GB or BST area or 1:00 PM in CEST area.
Experience a different cross-dressing experience in Kyoto, Osaka, Miko Kimono
1. Participating in this experience activity, you can wear mysterious witch costumes, which are sacred and full of national characteristics.
2. Different from ordinary kimono.
3. You can take pictures at shrines and temples.
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 Walking Series: Spirits and Flavor Pairings in Fushimi
Embark on a walking tour in the Fushimi district of Kyoto, renowned for its many local sake breweries. The area’s high-quality water has led to the establishment of numerous sake producers. Learn about traditional sake production methods and enjoy a tasting session.
Stroll down Ryoma Street which is associated with the end of the Edo period, where you can savor amazake, a sweet fermented rice drink, and take home a small bottle of special sake.
Conclude your tour with an exclusive whisky and gin tasting curated by a whisky advisor. Each sip will be perfectly paired with matching snacks.