10 Tours in Kyoto That You Shouldn't Miss

July 16, 2021 Christa Meece

The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, then see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances, then savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River.
Restaurants in Kyoto

1. Dark Kyoto Tour

Yasaka Shrine, 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan Atticus Sims
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

The yang of the bright and beautiful side of the city's 1200 year history is paralleled by the yin of the macabre, the bizarre and the bloody aspects of the story of Japan's old capital. Starting at Yasaka Shrine we will weave our way south through the back streets of Gion to Kiyomizu Temple, then descending through the Toribeno cemetery, one of the oldest and largest burial grounds dating back to the founding of the city. We pass through the shrine for cutting off bad relationships, stop by a 500 year old haunted candy shop, peek at the well that is said to have been used as a portal to the underworld by a famed Japanese sorcerer, and visit 'the hill of ears' monument. Although the 'dark' will be highlighted in this experience, I also aim to impart an understanding of Japanese religious and cultural beliefs, and you will end the day with a more intimate understanding of Kyoto and a more balanced and realistic view of one of the world’s most fascinating cultures.

Inclusions: Tour Guide

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2. Short Trip in Kyoto Nishiki Market Walking Tour (Small group)

534 Nakanochō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8042, Japan Japan Wonder Travel
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

Nishiki Market is a famous traditional market in Kyoto. But if you go by yourself, you'll just walk 1,000 feet and not find what you want. We will take you to our recommended stores, and show you where to find the best food from a local's perspective. You can learn local culture during this experience. This tour starts at 13:00 pm or 15:30 pm. We'll introduce you to many good foods you can try. You can sample many things without hesitation. And we have a connection with the Japanese lifestyle store -great if you want to buy souvenirs. We'll spend about 1.5 hour in Nishiki Market. Hopefully you will have many shopping bags. At the end, we can tell you about other good spots to visit in Kyoto. We'd like to help you work out an itinerary for enjoying our town.

Inclusions: Local and Professional guide, Pick up sample food

Exclusions: Food (only sample), Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation fee, Other personal expenses

Reviewed By smayne12

This is the perfect tour for anyone who knows nothing about Japan and wants to know more about Kyoto in particular. Haru was very friendly and informative. She tries hard to make it a really fun experience. Okini, Haru-san.

3. Mansagama-pottery wheel experience-

満紗窯, 148 Jōdoji Shimominamidachō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8404, Japan Mansagama
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Why don’t you make your own unique souvenir of Kyoto. For yourself, for your loved ones, you can make personalized cup or bowl. And you can choose the color you like. We’ll bake your work. It takes about 3weeks. But don’t worry, we’ll ship it to your doorstep.your work will pleasantly surprise you and remind you of your travel.

Inclusions: Pottery-making tools Apron

Exclusions: There is a shipping fee of JPY1000 for domestic deliverys, and JPY 1200 for overseas deliverys (up to four products).

Reviewed By menibonsignore

Absolutely in love with this small place. I loved every single thing from it. I’m a ceramist also, so i just stopped for a visit and to play with clay for a little bit. He was so kind and patience. It was magic. Go to this place, you’re gonna love it.

4. Gion night walk tour

Gion-Shijo Station, Kawabatacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0076, Japan Hero Tour Japan
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

I can pick you up at your hotel if the guests are from only your group. Guiding fee is 4000 yen per hour.

Inclusions: Experienced Guide

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Reviewed By Kbradshaw2011

Having a guide truly made our Kyoto experience amazing! Beyond what I expected. Having a knowledgeable guide took the stress off me and allowed me to really take in every part of the experience! I loved that he took pictures for us too! I rarely get to be in pictures as I’m always the one taking them. What an incredible guide!!

5. Ninja hands-on 1-hour Lesson in English at Kyoto --Entry level

NINJA DOJO and STORE, Japan, 〒600-8422 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Hakurakutenchō, 528 2F Ninja Dojo and Store
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

You could learn some ninja techniques by hands-on training in English. One hour original and unique training which can not be found other place. You can learn breath control of ninja like Yoga. Also basic walking of Japanese martial arts and Ninja walking.

Inclusions: Ninja clothes rental, Entrance fee, WiFi on board

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop off, Food and drink

Reviewed By Tourist02337926824

This was a tremendously fun activity for the whole family! The instructors were very kind and true experts in the art of ninjas. From introducing hand signals at the beginning to demonstrating stealth and combat techniques, this was a highly entertaining and also educational experience. The two hours simply flew by. There were so many different activities that every moment was an adventure of sorts, but my children particularly enjoyed the shuriken throwing and blow darts. From a parent's perspective, it was great being able to trust the teachers, who are really professionals, to create a challenging yet safe lesson. There is also a store that sells some great mementos for the kids, as well as genuine ninja artifacts for adults who want a piece of history. Lastly, the lessons are very reasonably priced and a very good value. I cannot recommend Ninja Dojo highly enough -- my kids are now ninjas for life and this is hands down the most memorable part of our Kyoto vacation!

6. The 10 Tastings of Kyoto With Locals: Private Street Food Tour

600-8008, Japan ►► Withlocals.com - Private Tours by Locals ◄◄
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Eat your way through Kyoto's culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals: from savory to sweet and local drinks; this tour will leave every foodie satisfied! Enjoy tastings typical of the local cuisine and hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food like Gyozas and Japanese pepper ice cream. But that's not it! This tour is more than just food; it's a cultural experience! In between food stops, you'll also find city highlights making this experience a well-rounded tour that will satisfy every foodie. Withlocals The 10 Tastings Private Food Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard

Inclusions: Private Tour, Small group tour option available, Local Guide, 10 Food & Drinks Tastings

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop off, Food and drink not mentioned as inclusion

Reviewed By W3459XHannel

We booked the bike tour to see Kyoto from a different perspective and it was totally worth it! Jonathan is a great guide, he informed us beforehand and made sure we came prepared. During the tour he told us a lot about Kyoto and some historical backgrounds as well. Besides, he gave us some practical tips and recommendations to spend our time in Kyoto. He didn't hurry and took all the time we needed to stop at certain places to give more information or to take some photos. Would definitely recommend him to guide you through Kyoto if you have the chance!

7. Skip the Line: Museum Visit with Experience and Tea Ceremony Ticket at Maikoya

Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Kyoto
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

This is a great combo pack for those who are interested in the culture and history of Kyoto. Tea ceremony is a ritualistic way of drinking green tea and eating traditional sweets in a Japanese style room. It has the foundations of harmy, purity, respect and tranquility. The sessions usually last around 45 minutes and Maikoya is a walking distance from the museum located in downtown Kyoto. After the tea ceremony, you can enjoy all the main activities in the Samurai & Ninja Museum near Nishiki Food Market with the same reservation.

Inclusions: Traditional tea ceremony experience, Japanese sweets, explanation of tea ceremony and zen, Guided tour of the Kyoto Samurai & Ninja Museum, Ninja experience: Throwing ninja stars and using a blowgun (without full ninja outfit), Dressing up like a samurai, wearing a real samurai helmet and holding a metal samurai sword, Samurai show: We hold samurai sword demonstration multiple times a day

Exclusions: Transportation, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By C4822SWjuanr

Akane San, our instructor (?) was very informative and flexible, as well as personable. She dealt with 2 adult Americans and their one year old rambunctious daughter with lots of patience.

8. Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Japan Guide Agency
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Explore Kyoto, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, accompanied by one of our nationally-licensed, experienced multilingual guides, who will help you efficiently enjoy a six-hour tour, introducing both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient city. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel, or anywhere else at your convenience, and will take you to a number of Kyoto's famous spots. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will arrange a tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off, Licensed Local Guide

Exclusions: Other personal expenses, Lunch - Lunch (for yourself and your guide), Entrance fee (for yourself), Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide)

Reviewed By X4119CEgaryc

Had a pleasant tour of older Tokyo near Nezu Shrine. Our guide (Hiroyuki-san) spoke good English and shared much of the history related to sights we visited. He also took us to areas that local Japanese people visited and shopped frequently. Very nice tour - will do again.

9. Mesmerizing Dinner with Maiko & Geisha

Koan Hanare Kyoto, 150-2 Honeyachō, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8164, Japan Koan Hanare
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5.0 based on 130 reviews

Our service is unique in that it is always “tourist-friendly.” The price is clear(USD 200 or JPY 22,000). We do not close bookings until 3 PM on the show day and not have a minimum number of participants. You can decide today to join the dinner without any possibility of cancellation. Also, the MC is a Kyoto-city official guide and our sophisticated program will never get you bored. This makes this dinner experience immersable. Time flies while you are enjoying the graceful dances, traditional party games, Q&A sessions, talking with Maiko in person and the Japanese set menu called “Kaiseki.” Photos and movies are ALL-YOU-CAN-SHOOT. You will have a memorable night with us!

Inclusions: Dinner, Alcoholic Beverages, Bottled water

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Reviewed By 886PeterC886

Tasting menu was great and composed of local produce beautifully presented. We were fascinated by the Maiko to Geiko journey, and thoroughly entertained by this ancient Japanese artistry. There was professional interpreter and Q&A which made a great interactive & entertaining night. Oh, the Geiko drinking game was simple but so much fun.

10. Kyoto Virtual Tour

Kinkaku-ji, 1 Kinkakujichō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8361, Japan All Star Osaka Walk
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5.0 based on 50 reviews

This is a virtual tour using Zoom, online conference system. This unique 1h tour brings you to one of the most beautiful and historical cities in Japan, Kyoto. The friendly host will make your experience more interactive. We use not only photos or videos but also handmade materials or actual goods from guides' living room, that makes you feel livelier. You can ask them anything about Japan, Kyoto and other popular tourists spots by chat or by talk session after the tour. This tour will provide helpful hints for your future trip to Japan. PLEASE NOTE the tour time is Japan standard time. Make adjustment to your time when booking. We'll send you Zoom URL invitation when you book the tour.

Inclusions: National Licensed English speaking local tour guide, Interactive communication with local guides , Fun quizzes and giveaway

Exclusions: Internet equipment, environment and charges

Reviewed By doart4fun

I love the interactive nature of Minako's virtual tours! She takes the time to connect with each of her guests, and her quizzes make the tour extra fun and engaging! Take the Kyoto tour, too!

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