Kyoto Private Customizable Tour with English Guide & Hotel Pickup
Discover the timeless allure of Kyoto on a private day tour tailored just for you. Explore iconic sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at your own pace in a luxurious vehicle. Your experienced English-speaking driver will provide valuable insights and assist in crafting a personalized itinerary that includes famous landmarks and local favorites alike. Enjoy the convenience of all-inclusive logistics, allowing you to focus solely on the beauty and culture of Japan’s ancient capital.
- Private tour lasting 8–10 hours with flexible scheduling
- Visit must-see attractions like Kinkaku-ji and Nishiki Market
- Relax with an English-speaking driver and all logistics handled
- Ideal for families, couples, and small groups with customizable itineraries
Duration: 8–10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Private Tea Ceremony and Sake Tasting in Kyoto Samurai House
Become truly immersed in traditional Japanese culture as you and your party members will enjoy the entire 300-year old historic property to yourselves. We serve organic matcha locally sourced from Kyoto, Uji in a traditional tea room. Enter into this space separate from the rush of life and truly experience the serenity of tea ceremony.
Adorn an authentic silk wedding Kimono or wield a Samurai Katana to commemorate your visit to Kyoto! You are welcome to take photos during your visit. You can even bring the experience home with you as we offer a large array of Matcha Chawan (Matcha Tea Bowl) and authentic silk Kimono for purchase. An experience like no other being the only Samurai house in Kyoto with such offerings.
We are able to offer this traditional space and still be very conveniently located only an 8 minute walk from Kyoto station, making this experience a seamless addition to your time in Kyoto.
Duration: 1 hour
- Private tour
Kyoto Private Geisha Experience in an Exclusive Teahouse at Gion
Escape the crowds for the ultimate VIP cultural encounter in Kyoto. This private experience grants you exclusive access to an invitation-only Tea house (Ochaya) in Gion, reserved solely for your group.
Uncover the deep history and traditions of Geisha before witnessing an authentic live performance in an intimate setting. Relax with curated drinks and local snacks as you immerse yourself in timeless Japanese art. Perfectly scheduled in the daytime or evening to complement your Gion walking tour.
・Private VIP encounter in a members-only Gion teahouse
・Interactive culture session on Geisha history followed by a live Maiko dance
・Complimentary Japanese drinks and traditional snacks included
Duration: 2 hours
- Private tour
Kyoto Unfiltered: 8-Hour Private Day Designed Just for You
A Journey Through Timeless Beauty and Culture
Visiting Japan can feel overwhelming — so much to see, and public transportation can be confusing, especially in a city as rich and historic as Kyoto.
That’s why we’ve designed the perfect way to explore: a smooth, private, and worry-free itinerary that covers Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, led by a friendly local guide who takes care of everything.
Experience Kyoto like a local as you wander through peaceful temples, bamboo forests, and charming traditional streets while listening to captivating stories that bring Japan’s history and culture to life.
Perfect for couples, families, or friends seeking a personalized and unforgettable experience, this private tour lets you relax completely — we’ll handle the details while you create lifelong memories in Kyoto.
Duration: 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Save 5%
Osaka Private Tour with Katsuoji Temple
Skip the crowded buses and discover Osaka your way on a private guided tour with comfortable transportation included.
Visit the hidden gem Katsuoji Temple, explore historic Osaka Castle, admire the giant lion-head shrine at Namba Yasaka, and experience the electric atmosphere of Dotonbori. With a dedicated local guide and private vehicle, you'll enjoy a personalized, stress-free day filled with culture, history, and unforgettable memories.
Private. Comfortable. Flexible. Authentic.
Experience Osaka like a local—not like a tourist.
Duration: 7–8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Imperial Palace & Nijo Castle Guided Walking Tour - 3 Hours
Discover two of Kyoto's amazing attractions with a warm and knowledgeable local guide by your side.
Step into the Kyoto Imperial Palace, once home to Japan's imperial family, and learn about its history.
Explore Nijo Castle on a guided tour to admire its exquisite feudal-era architecture. (Note: For the Nijo Castle visit, tour guides will only bring you to the Ninomaru-goten Palace and Garden.)
Book at your convenience – we even welcome last-minute reservations!
Select from various start times that suit your schedule.
Relish the personal touch of a small group tour, limited to just 9 participants.
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation
Nijo Castle Samurai Inside Story — Top-Rated Guide (Max 8)
What most visitors miss is exactly what we focus on. This is a top-rated, small-group tour for travelers who want the real, unrushed story behind the Shogun and Samurai era.
Step inside Nijo Castle with a guide who reveals the stories most tours leave out—hidden systems, secret roles, unspoken rules, and the parts of samurai life that make history feel real. Expect an engaging walk where the past comes alive and is genuinely fun to discover.
Your guide is a bilingual Japanese-American, offering clear, easy-to-understand English explanations—a crucial advantage if you’ve ever struggled to understand guides at other historic sites.
This unrushed 3-hour tour focuses solely on Nijo Castle, creating a more intimate and insightful experience.
What to Expect:
• Entrance ticket included
• 3 hours inside Nijo Castle
• Small group: Max 8 guests
• Top-rated expert guide
Note: We cover Fortress, Ninomaru Palace, grounds, and gardens.
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour with Fushimi Inari Arashiyama & Nara Park
Discover the timeless beauty of Kyoto and Nara on this immersive full-day guided tour departing from VIP Lounge Kyoto — perfect for travelers seeking a seamless and culturally rich experience.
Begin your journey at Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), where shimmering gold leaf reflects beautifully across a tranquil pond. Continue to the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, strolling beneath towering bamboo stalks that create one of Japan’s most iconic landscapes.
Pause for scenic views at Togetsukyo Bridge before visiting the serene Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO-listed Zen temple known for its exquisite garden design.
Next, walk beneath thousands of vibrant red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Japan’s most photographed and spiritually significant shrines.
Your adventure continues in Nara, where you’ll meet the friendly, free-roaming deer of Nara Park and explore the magnificent Todai-ji, home to the Great Buddha statue and one of Japan’s most impressive wooden structures.
Duration: 10–11 hours
- Free cancellation
GEAR Kyoto: Non-Verbal Theater Show Admission Ticket
GEAR Theatre Kyoto – The Wordless Show Where 350,000+ Guests Have Laughed and Cried
Make your autumn trip to Kyoto even more memorable with GEAR, a 90-minute theater experience where the story unfolds without a single word. No Japanese required.
Step inside an intimate 72-seat theater and discover a moving story brought to life through breakdancing, mime, juggling, and magic. Projection mapping and LED costumes add to the spectacle, while the characters’ expressions and interactions draw you into moments of laughter, surprise, and emotion.
Whether you’re visiting Kyoto as a couple, with friends, or with family, GEAR adds a live performance to your autumn sightseeing plans. Enjoy an indoor experience that brings you close to the action, whatever the weather.
Approx. 90 minutes | No Japanese required | Intimate 72-seat theater
Check available dates and showtimes to make GEAR part of your autumn Kyoto itinerary.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Kyoto Backstreets and Hidden Gems E-Bike Tour
Your journey through the illustrious lanes of Kyoto demands perfection. Providing these crucial details ensures that the canvas of your experience is painted without a single brush out of place. Before starting the tour, you will be fitted for a helmet, given a bike, and ready for the tour on two wheels.
We believe that cycling is the best way to truly immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of Kyoto. Our knowledgeable and friendly guides will lead you through the most picturesque streets and hidden gems, sharing fascinating stories and historical insights along the way. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We provide well-maintained bicycles and safety equipment, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride Our group sizes are small, allowing for a personalized and intimate experience.
Duration: 5–6 hours
- Free cancellation
Private Tour Kyoto-Nara w/Hotel Pick Up & Drop off from Kyoto
Discover Kyoto and nara on a full-day guided tour. Visit the Todai-ji temple, The temple is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara", together with seven other sites including temples, shrines and places in the city of Nara. Experience feeding the deer at Nara Park, and see the famous Golden Pavilion of kyoto, explore the kimono forest , marvel at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Fushimi Inari.
Duration: 6–10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Tour (7 Tastings + Brunch)
Join a MagicalTrip tour, proud winner of Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Award, led by a professionally trained MagicalTrip Certified Guide.
Start your day with a peaceful stroll through Kyoto’s historic Gion district, efficiently exploring hidden gems with your local guide.
Then head to Nishiki Market, the “Kitchen of Kyoto,” a lively spot with over 400 years of history. Savor 7 delicious tastings of local favorites, from long-loved street snacks to unique Kyoto specialties, while hearing fascinating stories you won’t find in any guidebook.
With expert guidance, you’ll discover more in less time and enjoy an authentic taste of the city, all while our support team ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation
Kyoto Gion Early Morning Walking Tour
Experience Kyoto’s most iconic sights before the crowds arrive! Our early morning walking tour takes you through the historic streets of Gion, visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Hanamikoji Street, and Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka with a knowledgeable and friendly English-speaking guide.
⚠️ Prior to the tour, please ensure that WhatsApp is available for easy communication. Our guide will contact you through these platforms.
✅ English Guided Walking Tour – Walking through Kyoto’s most scenic streets.
✅ Visit Five Must-See Locations – Explore Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Gion’s historic streets, and Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka.
✅ Learn Kyoto’s History & Culture – Discover the stories behind Kyoto’s geisha district, samurai history, and old temples with our expert guide.
✅ Capture Stunning Photos – Enjoy a crowd-free Kyoto and take beautiful photos in its most picturesque locations.
✅ Get Local Tips & Recommendations – Our guide will share insider tips to explore after the tour.
Duration: 3 hours
- Free cancellation
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.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Kyoto Bamboo Forest & Golden Pavilion E-Bike Tour
Discover Kyoto's rich history, stunning temples, and scenic landscapes on this immersive bike tour. Starting at the iconic Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, home to centuries-old traditions, we will ride through charming backstreets to the magnificent Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) , where it’s gold-leaf exterior shimmers over a tranquil pond.
Pedal through Kyoto’s peaceful neighborhoods and hidden gems before arriving at Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO WOLRD HERITAGE SITE with a stunning Zen garden. From there , we will cycle to the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest , where towering bamboo stalks create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.
This guided tour is perfect for those looking to experience Kyoto's beauty in a fun ,active and eco-friendly way. Join us for an unforgettable ride through japan's cultural heart!
highlights:
✅ Ride through Kyoto’s hidden backstreets and scenic routes
✅ Enjoy a guided tour with local insights and historical stories
Duration: 5–6 hours
- Free cancellation
Kyoto: Fushimi Sake Brewery Tour - 18 Tastings in 2.5 Hours
Strap in for an electrifying tour through Fushimi’s sake paradise! Start at Gekkeikan, where tradition meets innovation. Dive into the Gekkeikan Museum to uncover the secrets of sake-making with interactive exhibits and ancient tools, then savor their top-notch sakes and snag some quirky souvenirs.
Next, visit Kizakura, famous for its smooth, crowd-pleasing brews. Meet their playful "kappa" mascot and taste their smooth, approachable sakes while soaking up their fun, historical vibes.
The grand finale is Fushimizu Sake Brewery Alley—a tasting extravaganza featuring 18 different sakes! From bold to light, this spot has it all, promising a wild ride of flavors and unforgettable sips.
Prepare for a thrilling sake adventure that’s packed with flavor and fun. Can you handle the ultimate sake challenge?
Duration: 2 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Dinner Experience with Maiko in Kyoto
◆Beautiful Dance by Maiko
Enjoy the elegant dance of Maiko up close. Alongside your meal, the Maiko’s delicate and captivating dance performed right in front of you adds an extra layer of elegance to your special experience.
◆Traditional Games
Ozashiki asobi (Traditional Games) offers a rare opportunity to deeply experience Kyoto’s culture. Through traditional games, we create a joyful and memorable time, making your experience even more special.
◆Omakase Course Menu
We offer a luxurious course menu featuring carefully selected Kyoto vegetables, fresh seafood, and Satsuma Wagyu beef.
Chef Tominaga combines the creative freedom nurtured in New York with the traditional techniques refined in Kyoto, crafting each dish with great care.
We promise a special moment to enjoy the seasonal flavors throughout the year.
Duration: 3 hours
Sushi Making Class at Sushi Restaurant Before Open in Kyoto
Step into the world of authentic Japanese sushi and learn directly from a professional sushi chef in Kyoto.
This hands-on experience is designed especially for international guests who want more than just eating sushi—you will actually become a sushi chef for the day.
You will learn the basics of sushi making, including how to prepare rice, and master the traditional hand-pressing technique used by Japanese chefs. Don’t worry if you are a beginner—our chef will guide you step by step in a fun and easy-to-understand way.
During the experience, you will:
・Learn the history and culture behind sushi
・Watch professional techniques up close
・Make your own sushi with fresh ingredients
・Enjoy the sushi you created right after
Located in Kyoto, this experience offers a unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories during your trip to Japan. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, this activity is perfect for anyone looking for something special and authentic.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Kyoto Sake Tasting & Food Pairing: 5 Local Sakes
• Not just a tasting — learn how to choose sake like a local in Kyoto.
• Taste 5 carefully selected sake varieties, including local Kyoto sake
• Enjoy food pairings that highlight the unique flavors of each sake
• Beginner-friendly explanations using simple and visual methods
• Learn the basics of sake, including polishing ratios and brewing styles
• Small group setting for a relaxed and interactive experience
• Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and first-time sake drinkers
Duration: 1 hour
- Free cancellation
Authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony in a 130-Year-Old Traditional House
Step into a peaceful, authentic tea ceremony experience in a traditional Kyoto machiya over 130 years old.
In this intimate small-group session, you will learn the meaning, history, and philosophy behind Japanese tea culture in a clear and approachable way.
Your host will guide you through each step of the ceremony, explaining the etiquette and spirit of tea.
Watch a graceful tea ceremony performed by your host, then experience it for yourself by preparing matcha using traditional tools.
Enjoy high-quality Kyoto matcha paired with carefully selected traditional Japanese sweets in a calm, non-touristy setting that many guests describe as one of the most memorable cultural experiences in Kyoto.
Duration: 45 min
- Free cancellation
Kyoto Private Tea Ceremony with Tea Master at Home
Enjoy a private Kyoto tea ceremony in a traditional home, guided by an experienced tea master. Learn the meaning behind each movement in a calm, authentic setting.
This experience offers rare private access, expert guidance, and original Uji matcha in an authentic Kyoto setting.
【Highlights】
・Private tea ceremony in a traditional Kyoto home — not a tourist venue
・Guided by an experienced tea master, focusing on learning and authenticity
・Original Uji matcha, handcrafted Kyoto tea bowls, and seasonal wagashi
・Held in authentic tea rooms (Koma and Hiroma) with a calm, respectful atmosphere
・Ideal for adults seeking a quiet, refined cultural experience
【Important Notes】
Age: Adults only (13 and under not permitted)
Punctuality: Late arrivals over 15 minutes cannot join; no refund
Dress code: Long pants or skirt; tops with sleeves required
Socks: Required (available for purchase if needed)
Kimono: Not included
Duration: 1 hour
- Likely to sell out
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
The Original Small-Group Sushi Making Class in Kyoto
As Kyoto’s original small-group sushi-making experience since 2018, this workshop emphasizes depth, personal guidance, and authentic technique.
Limited to just 8 guests, the class offers a relaxed, interactive pace with ample time for questions, hands-on practice, and individual feedback from a Japanese instructor.
Guests build a strong foundation in sushi-making — from properly seasoning rice to shaping nigiri and rolling maki — using premium fresh fish and carefully selected local ingredients.
The experience takes place in a beautifully restored historic townhouse near Kiyomizu-dera and Gion, providing a calm, refined setting in which to fully engage with the craft and enjoy the sushi you create.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
Kyoto: Descending Arashiyama (Private)
Get away from the crowds and spend a wonderful day in Arashiyama which will undoubtedly stand out in your mind as you think back to your time here in Kyoto.
We begin with a morning stroll through the lush garden of one of Japan’s first Zen temples dating back over 1,000 years. We then head into the foothills and as we peacefully stroll back to town we visit twelve hundred stone Buddhas on a hillside, an Edo period cafe, an ancient burial ground, a temple founded by two former geisha, a working pottery studio, the villa of a silent film actor, a majestic bamboo grove, and the "shrine of love'. All this as we browse shops filled with handmade goods and enjoy a delicious traditional lunch.
Important Note: Each guest is required to bring an additional 5,500 yen (cash) for admission tickets and lunch.
Duration: 7 hr 30 min
- Free cancellation
- Private tour
Kyoto Early Morning E Biking Tour Fushimi Inari Kiyomizu Temple
Ran by @guidemejapan on Instagram. Please check our Instagram for visual examples of our wonderful guides!
Whether you’re only in Kyoto for the morning or want to avoid the crowds of tourists, this early morning cycling tour of the city lets you experience the city at its most tranquil. After your sightseeing session, you will still have much of the afternoon and onwards to explore thanks to your early start. Also, since Kiyomizu-dera Temple is at the end of a long uphill, electric bicycles are very convenient for us to get there.
Duration: 5 hours
- Free cancellation