Kyoto: Walk Through History in Shimogamo’s Sacred Woods
Our tour offers a deep, guided exploration of Shimogamo Shrine, its UNESCO-listed sacred forest, and Kawai Shrine—led by knowledgeable local guides who reveal the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of each site in just 1.5 hours with convenient access and rich storytelling.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto: Daigo-ji Temple, Hidden Treasure of History & Beauty
Discover the serene beauty of Daigo-ji Temple, a hidden gem in Kyoto's Yamashina area. This tour takes you away from the crowds to explore one of Japan's oldest temples, founded over 1,000 years ago. Admire the stunning five-story pagoda, the oldest wooden structure in Kyoto, and wander through tranquil gardens designed by samurai Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Experience the rich history and artistry of this sacred site, where spirituality and Japanese aesthetics meet in perfect harmony. Perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape into Kyoto's cultural heritage.
- Visit the historic Daigo-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Explore the majestic five-story pagoda, a symbol of resilience
- Stroll through elegant gardens reflecting Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics
- Ideal for travelers looking for a quieter Kyoto experience
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Zen Temple Yoga and Meditation in Kyoto
Step into the serene grounds of a Kyoto temple and immerse yourself in a unique yoga experience that blends physical practice with spiritual peace. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, our sessions are thoughtfully designed to accommodate all levels, ensuring a calming and meditative journey for everyone.
Experience the calming power of Zazen, the ancient practice of seated meditation. In a serene, guided environment, you'll learn to quiet your mind, focus on the present moment, and deepen your self-awareness.To complete your experience, indulge in a calming tea session with freshly prepared matcha and seasonal Japanese sweets, adding a delightful touch to your visit.
Our sessions are intimate and personalized, with groups of up to 10 people, allowing for a peaceful, focused atmosphere where you can fully embrace the serenity of your temple surroundings.
Duration: 2 hours
Fushimi Inari Kimono Rental Experience in Kyoto
1. 300+ kimono and yukata selections, including Komon, lace kimono, furisode, houmongi, and styles for men and children
* We offer plus-size kimonos fitting women up to 198–264 lbs and men up to 220–286 lbs.
2. Professional kimono dressing, with optional hairstyling tailored to each guest
3. All-inclusive pricing, covering accessories, luggage storage, stain insurance, and return services
4. Multilingual staff available (English/Japanese/Chinese)
5. Please note: Hair styling is included, but makeup is not. Makeup is available as an optional add-on if needed.
6. Photography Note: Shooting time begins upon arrival at the location. Book with confidence
Duration: 1 day
- Free cancellation
Hiroshima Day Tour from Osaka or Kyoto
This day trip to Hiroshima immerses you in history and serenity. You will visit the Atomic Bomb Dome, then the Peace Memorial Museum, an optional but highly recommended stop. These moving places invite you to reflect on the consequences of the Second World War. Then head to Miyajima Island, famous for the Shinto Shrine of Itsukushima and its iconic torii in the sea. With a passionate Guide to Japanese History, explore Japan's past and its path to peace. A day rich in history, reflection, and nature awaits you.
Duration: 5–8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Samurai Experience Matcha Only
Enjoy authentic Kyoto matcha in a room surrounded by real samurai armor. Learn how to prepare matcha using traditional tea ceremony tools, then enjoy premium Kyoto matcha with a Japanese sweet. This beginner-friendly experience offers a relaxed way to discover Japanese tea culture.
Duration: 30 min
- Free cancellation
Cinematic Portrait Film Experience in Kyoto with Local Filmmaker
This is a private cinematic experience in Kyoto, filmed by a Kyoto-born award-winning filmmaker.
Unlike standard photo tours, your journey will be captured as a beautifully edited short film, reflecting the light, atmosphere, and emotions of Kyoto.
The route can be customized according to your wishes—whether strolling through Gion, exploring temples, or enjoying the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.
A unique, artistic memory of your time in Japan.
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Day Trip: Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya Boat Village
Escape the city and discover the breathtaking beauty of Kyoto's Tango Coast on this unforgettable day trip to Amanohashidate and Ine Fishing Village. Visit Amanohashidate, celebrated as one of Japan's Three Scenic Views, where a picturesque pine-covered sandbar, panoramic viewpoints, and historic temples create one of the country's most spectacular coastal landscapes.
Continue to the peaceful fishing village of Ine, famous for its centuries-old Funaya boat houses built directly above the sea. Stroll through this charming waterfront community or upgrade your experience with an Ine Bay sightseeing cruise, offering unforgettable views of the village from the water while feeding seagulls flying alongside the boat.
Perfect for photographers, nature lovers, and travelers looking to explore beyond Kyoto's famous temples, this tour combines stunning coastal scenery, authentic Japanese culture, and hidden gems into one relaxing full-day adventure.
Duration: 9–10 hours
- Free cancellation
Kyoto's Historic Districts and Scenic Routes E-Bike Adventure
What sets this tour apart is its local perspective and completely private experience. Unlike standard group tours that follow fixed routes, this experience is tailored to your interests and pace, allowing you to discover both Kyoto's famous highlights and the hidden places most visitors never see.
Led by a Kyoto resident of nearly a decade, you'll gain insights into local culture, history, daily life, food, and traditions through personal stories and authentic experiences. From quiet backstreets and lesser-known temples to local neighborhoods and scenic viewpoints, you'll experience a side of Kyoto that many travelers miss.
Designed for private groups, the tour offers a relaxed and flexible atmosphere where you can ask questions, take photos, make spontaneous stops, and explore at your own pace. Whether it's your first visit or a return trip, you'll experience a more personal, authentic, and memorable side of Kyoto.
Duration: 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Hands On Modern Kintsugi with a Japanese Tradition in English
The experience includes an introduction to the history of Kintsugi, an explanation of the materials required for restoration, and instruction on the proper use of tools. You will also view examples of Kintsugi works before selecting a ceramic plate to repair yourself.
The instructor will provide a live demonstration, followed by hands-on practice. For bonding, a two-part epoxy resin is used, and brass powder is applied for the final decorative finish, offering a modern and safe approach to Kintsugi.
Duration: 2 hours
- Free cancellation
Osaka/Kyoto: Kobe Coast & Akashi Market Private 10H Tour
Enjoy a private 10-hour escape along Kobe's coast and into Akashi, with time for seaside walks, open views, photography, and local flavors rather than crowded indoor attractions.
Start at Suma Seaside Park and Beach, where sandy shores and sea breezes set a relaxed pace. Continue to Maiko Park for striking views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge stretching toward Awaji Island.
In Akashi, browse Uontana Shopping Street's seafood shops and food stalls, then choose a local restaurant to try Akashiyaki: soft octopus dumplings served with warm broth (lunch at your own expense). Finish with a gentle walk through Akashi Park and its historic castle ruins, surrounded by greenery and old stone walls.
Default route: Suma Seaside Park & Beach → Maiko Park & bridge exterior → Uontana Shopping Street → Akashiyaki lunch → Akashi Park & Castle Ruins.
Contact us at least 24 hours ahead for changes; stops may be adjusted for traffic, weather, and opening hours.
Duration: 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Kimono Rental Chamatsu Samurai Plan
The samurai style is an important element that conveys the Japanese sense of beauty and values not only through its attire, but also through the history, culture, and spirit it bears. This style continues to influence many people today and is passed on with respect.
Sightseeing spots are just around the corner! Excellent location.
Facing Kodaiji Ichinenzaka, it is ideal for sightseeing in Kyoto.
Once you change into a kimono and step outside, you can start sightseeing right away.
An overwhelmingly retro atmosphere!
Located in a historical townscape typical of Kyoto,
The "Kyoto-like" interior of a renovated Kyoto machiya.
You can get ready while enjoying the retro atmosphere!
Hospitality that only a small store can offer!
We will entertain you with our meticulous service!
Compared to other stores, you can choose kimonos and accessories in a more relaxed atmosphere.
If you have any questions about coordination, feel free to ask our staff.
Duration: 9 hours
- Free cancellation
Up to 4 guests Private Kyoto Maiko Lunch with Dance and Photo
Enjoy a completely private Maiko or Geiko dining experience in the heart of Kyoto — no shared seating with other guests.
Meet a real maiko, watch an elegant traditional dance performance up close, and take photos together in a relaxed atmosphere.
Savor a carefully prepared Kyoto-style kaiseki lunch while immersing yourself in the refined beauty of Japan’s traditional culture.
This exclusive experience offers a rare opportunity to connect with Kyoto’s geisha culture in a calm, intimate setting.
* English-speaking guide included
* Complimentary folding fan gift for guests
* Group photos will not be published without permission
* Groups of 5 to 8 guests may be accommodated upon request
* Cancellations may be accepted if requested at least 15 days in advance
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Private tour
Kyoto: The Hidden Sanctuary of Sanzen-in Temple
This tour offers an intimate encounter with Kyoto’s quiet soul through Sanzen-in Temple, a hidden sanctuary known for its calm atmosphere and spiritual depth. Unlike standard sightseeing tours, this experience is designed to slow you down — to let you feel the rhythm of stillness that has filled these moss-covered gardens for over a thousand years. With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll not only admire the temple’s elegant halls and serene gardens but also understand the Buddhist philosophy and aesthetic that shaped them. Sip matcha while gazing across the peaceful Shuheki-en Garden, wander past smiling warabe jizo statues, and hear stories that connect nature, faith, and art. More than a visit, this is a meditative journey into Kyoto’s hidden serenity — a place where silence itself becomes sacred.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Gion, The Geisha's Secret Audio Mystery Walk
Step into the secret world of Kyoto's geisha in this self-guided audio mystery through Gion, the city's most enchanting old quarter. As you wander from the willow-lined Shirakawa Canal to the Zen calm of Kenninji Temple, decode eight Japanese words hidden across Gion's loveliest landmarks and piece together the lost art of the geiko Ayame before the Meiji age erases it.
Blending real history — teahouses, shrines, festivals and Zen — with an immersive period mystery, every stop reveals the true story of the place while advancing the intrigue. Augmented reality brings the clues to life on the very stones, and pro audio narration is available in 32 languages, including Japanese.
Start whenever you like, go at your own pace, and pause for photos along the way. No guide, no schedule, no app to download — just open it on your phone and play. The perfect blend of sightseeing, storytelling and puzzles for curious explorers, couples, families and first-time visitors to Kyoto.
Duration: 2 hr 15 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
From Kyoto/Osaka: Kobe Anpanman & Suma Sea World Private Car
Give your family a relaxed 10-hour Kobe day trip by private car, with hotel pickup in Osaka or Kyoto. Visit Kobe Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall, enjoy a waterfront lunch in Harborland, and explore Kobe Suma Sea World without changing trains with young children.
Default route: hotel → Anpanman Museum → Harborland lunch → a short Meriken Park photo stop if time allows → Suma Sea World → hotel. Suma Beach can replace the aquarium by prior arrangement. Request route changes at least 24 hours ahead; not all stops and shows are guaranteed.
Museum and aquarium tickets, meals and optional activities are extra. Buy dated/timed Anpanman Museum tickets in advance and arrange aquarium admission independently.
Max6/Max9 include an English-speaking driver-cum-guide for basic assistance, not a licensed guide or in-venue escort. Larger options have a driver only; English is not guaranteed. All driving, visits, meals, breaks and hotel return count toward 10 hours.
Duration: 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto: Discover the Oldest Geisha District, Kamishichiken
Explore Kamishichiken, Kyoto's oldest geisha district, on a guided heritage walk that immerses you in the local culture and history. Starting at Kitano Tenmangū Shrine, this tour provides insights into the significance of the shrine and its role in the community. As you wander through the serene streets of Kamishichiken, discover the elegance of its traditional architecture and the everyday life of its residents. Your expert guide will share stories about the geiko and maiko, offering a deeper understanding of this unique cultural landscape.
- Visit the historic Kitano Tenmangū Shrine, a cultural cornerstone
- Stroll through the tranquil streets of Kamishichiken, away from crowds
- Learn about the lives of geiko and maiko from a knowledgeable guide
- Experience the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto's geisha district firsthand
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Traditional Japanese Koto Workshop with Certificate
Even in Kyoto—a major hub for traditional Japanese music—"Sogu" is one of the very few places where koto workshops are held on a regular basis. A distinctive feature of "Sogu" is the opportunity to touch the koto's thirteen strings and actually play the instrument under the guidance of top-tier instructors.
Duration: 50 min
- Free cancellation
Private Walking Tour in Bamboo Forest & Hidden Spots in Arashiyama
If you are thinking bamboo forest and Togetsukyo bridge are the only attractions in Arashiyama, you are missing the chance to see even more beautiful and less crowded places in the area. Do join us and discover another charm in Kyoto. With just a 20 minute ride from Kyoto station, you can slip back into the scenery of 400 years past.
Meet our experienced guide in JR Saga Arashiyama station at 9am and the guide will take you to much more beautiful and less crowded amazing hidden spots only locals know in Arashiyama.
Half Day Private Walking Tour
Time: 9:00-13:00 (4 hours, no lunch)
Price: 13,000 yen (per person)
Meet our guide at JR Saga Arashiyama Station (9:00am)
Itinerary
1. JR Saga Arashiyama Station
2. Seiryoji temple
3. Saga Toriimoto Traditional Buildings Preservation Area
4. Otagi-nenbutsuji temple (entrance fee 300 yen needed)
5. Bamboo grove
6. Tenryuji Temple (entrance fee 500 yen needed)
7. Togetsukyo Bridge (tour ends here)
Duration: 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Meditate, Explore Sacred Gardens Enjoy a Temple Lunch
Find Inner Peace in the Heart of Kyoto Experience authentic Zen meditation at one of Kyoto’s five major Zen templesLearn the basics of zazen directly from a knowledgeable local guideStroll through a serene Zen rock garden while enjoying insightful commentarySavor a traditional Buddhist monk’s meal (Shojin Ryori), once served in Zen templesThis peaceful journey concludes near Chishaku-in Temple.Reserve your Zen experience today and reconnect with calm, culture, and tradition.
Duration: 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Romantic Surprise Proposal Experience
Make your marriage proposal truly personal with a private Kyoto experience designed around your special moment. Our team helps coordinate the surprise while a professional photographer discreetly captures the proposal and your partner’s genuine reaction. Afterward, enjoy a private 60-minute couple photoshoot at one of Kyoto’s beautiful locations, with 40 professionally retouched digital photos included. You can also add a traditional Japanese kimono experience.
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
![[Capture Memories in KYOTO! ] Quick Photo Service by Photographer](https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-400x400/r/34/8f/41/85/caption.jpg)
[Capture Memories in KYOTO! ] Quick Photo Service by Photographer
1. Enjoy Kyoto—Don’t Just Pose in Front of It
I want to capture the moments that actually feel like your trip: walking, laughing, exploring and enjoying Kyoto together.
2. You Don’t Need to Know How to Pose
Feeling awkward in front of a camera? Totally fine. I’ll guide you throughout the shoot with simple directions and ideas, while keeping everything relaxed and natural.
3. Photographer + Experienced Kyoto Tour Guide
I’m not only a photographer—I’m also an experienced local tour guide. That means I know the city, its streets, its culture and plenty of beautiful places to shoot.
4. Perfect for Couples, Friends, Families & Solo Travelers
This isn’t only for engagement photos or professional models. Couples, families, groups of friends and solo travelers are all welcome. I’ll adapt the style of the shoot to you and the memories you want to capture.
5. 30–50 Personally Edited Photos
After the shoot, I’ll personally select and edit approximately 30–50 of the best images.
Duration: 30 min – 1 hour
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Exploring Tadao Ando’s Architecture in Kyoto with an Architect
Step inside the quiet, almost otherworldly spaces created by Tadao Ando, one of Japan’s most celebrated architects, and discover why his buildings are experienced as much as they are seen. Across several of his Kyoto works, you’ll encounter bare concrete, shafts of light, still water, precisely framed views, and passages that seem to make the outside world temporarily disappear.
But the real fascination lies beneath the surfaces. Why does a wall feel calming? Why can a small opening make a landscape suddenly feel immense? And how can something as severe as concrete create a sense of peace?
Your guide for this tour will be an architect and design writer, an expatriate who has lived in Japan for nearly a decade.
[ Notice ] This tour is completely private, meaning it will be only the travelers in your booking—no one else will join.
Duration: 3–4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
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
Duration: 3 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation