Location: Kyoto
Top Things to do in Kyoto
Countries
Things to do in Kyoto, Kinki: The Best Scenic Railroads
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. Maiko Makeover - Photo Session in the Traditional Japanese Room Plan in Kyoto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
【OUTLINE】 Enjoy a traditional Japanese house as a maiko. You can have a maiko experience in a real teahouse (place where geiko entertain their guests) in the Gion district, which is established in the Taisho Era (1912-1926). The main sightseeing spots in Kyoto Higashiyama are within a 10-minute walk so when you leave the teahouse, you can see the Kyoto-like townscape. You don't need to prepare anything. Please leave everything to the staff. You will receive four 2L-size (127×178mm) photos. 【HIGHLIGHTS】 ・Change into a maiko with Japanese makeup, a gorgeous kimono and a brilliant hair ornament. ・The photographer, who knows the essence of the beauty of maiko, will take pictures in a Japanese tatami room. ・Walk around in Kyoto with sandals that only maiko wear.
Inclusions: Kimono rental, Hair and makeup, One Japanese hair ornament, Photography, 4 2L-size pictures, Album, Local taxes
Exclusions: Make up products to use after the Maiko makeup is removed, Transportation to/from attractions
Reviewed By liangyuc1911
it was an amazing experience!! with the glass bottles i could use it was so fun and and simple!!!!!!!
2. Turn Into a Maiko - Garden Plan - in Kyoto
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
【OUTLINE】 A maiko experience in a real teahouse (place where geiko entertain their guests) in the Gion district established in the Taisho Era (1912-1926). Prepare to become a maiko, typical for Kyoto and pictures will be taken of your beautiful maiko appearance in the Tsuboniwa courtyard in Kyo-Machiya (a traditional wooden house in Kyoto). No special preparation is necessary. Please leave everything to the staff that day. You will receive three 2L-size (127×178mm) photos. 【HIGHLIGHTS】 ・Change into a maiko with Japanese makeup, a gorgeous kimono and a brilliant hair ornament. ・Photography in the authentic Tsuboniwa courtyard in Kyo-Machiya (Kyoto townhouse), where water filled bamboo-tubes and garden lanterns have been arranged. ・A photographer, who knows the essence of the beauty of maiko, will take pictures
Inclusions: Maiko experience, Pictures of 3 poses, Three 2L-size (127×178mm) photos., Local taxes
Exclusions: Make-up products to use after the Maiko makeup is removed, Transportation to/from attractions
Reviewed By liangyuc1911
it was an amazing experience!! with the glass bottles i could use it was so fun and and simple!!!!!!!
3. Kyoto private tour from Osaka(Shore excurtion available from Osaka or Kobe port)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Visit Japanese beautiful traditional town, Kyoto with a private guide! It's the gem in Japan. As it's a private tour, you can relax and visit sights with your own pace. This tour covers most popular sites like Fushimi Inari shrine, Geisha area, Golden pavilion and Arashiyama bamboo forest. Tour guide will meet you at your accommodation / Osaka port / Kobe port and start the tour hassle-free. You can choose transportation method depending on your needs. (To be paid separately) Use subways, local trains and taxis like locals riding public transportation or hire a van for door to door convenience or if you are JR Rail Pass holder, maximize the use it. Estimate transportation cost is listed in the exclusion section. Please clarify choice of transportation when booking this tour.
Inclusions: Lunch and 1 soft drink, National licensed guide, Guide meets you at your hotel / port
Exclusions: Transportation fee to be paid on the day: Around 5,000 yen/person using public transportation. , Transportation fee to be paid on the day: Around 65,000 yen/party chartering a private van, Transportation fee to be paid on the day: Around 3,000 yen / person if JR Rail Pass holder, Please clarify type of transportation method at the time of booking, Gratuities
Reviewed By Cheryl S
We loved our Kyoto tour! Our guides Aki and Minako made it so special, the whole tour guide team even came on the call to sing Happy Birthday for my daughter. They also made a lovely personalised video for her birthday. The entire experience was so interesting and enjoyable. Definitely recommend!
4. Local Style Kyoto Day Trip with an a Native English Speaker in Japan 36 years!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Clients will learn about the legendary history of old Japan dating back 2,679 years. They will visit old but historical Temples and Shrines and learn of the protocols of the Temples and Shrines and their history. We will make offerings at these Shrines and clients will have the chance to purchase protective amulets at each Shrine. Clients will learn the history of each area as well as how to cleanse before entering a Shrine and how to offer a prayer. We will visit and eat local appetizers of the area and clients will have the opportunity to expereince and amazing district full of shops and entertainment and SAKE!!!! (Of course)
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup, Private tour
Exclusions: All Fees and Taxes, For you and Guide, For you and Guide, Temple Fees, Transportation
Reviewed By RhodeIslandRose
We had such a fun time with Richard. We spent one day in Kyoto with him where we explored the city. Richard devised a tour with a perfect blend of cultural stops (Shrine, Temple, gardens) and food stops (unbelievably delicious). He never made us feel rushed, he was extremely knowledgeable and so much fun. We also spent a separate evening is Osaka doing a food tour with him. A great time was had by all! I highly recommend Richard!
5. Discover Japan Tour: 15-day Small Group
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
See the real Japan and experience its culture beyond the typical tourist sites. You'll walk through busy streets, ride the bullet train, and enjoy local foods. Each tour is customized to fit the preferences of the group.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 559janies
My 2 friends and I went on the beginners Spring Tour 2019 for our first trip to Japan. We loved it and can't wait to go back! Becky and Shawn are awesome. They were so down to earth, helpful and very knowledgeable. I also really liked that the tour group is small. It allows you to get to know your fellow group members and ensures personal attention from your guides. We saw so many large tour groups at tour sites and they looked a little chaotic, it made me happy we chose a small group. The accommodations were always clean and comfortable and located perfectly. Food was amazing!!! If you are willing to try new things you can have an amazing gourmet experience. The events and locations that Becky and Shawn chose were top notch and we got to experience all different modes of transportation while there.
6. Kyoto Must Sees and Highlights Private Day Trip with a Local
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Get to know Kyoto and its main spots on an 8-hour private tour by public transport that will give you a more in-depth insight into the city. Check out the Kinkakuji Zen temple, which used to be the residence of a shogun. See extravagant gold leaves covering the upper floors of the temple, and explore the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO world heritage site, built in the Edo period. Embrace the local Japanese culture as you stroll through the narrow Nishiki market housing more than a hundred stalls and restaurants, and visit a temple dedicated to the deity of mercy. Take part in a water-cleansing ritual to experience a religious side of Kyoto. And how about the hidden gems? Find 10,000 vermilion torii gates in one of the most important shrines in Japan and walk the trail leading to the top of a mountain. Discover how the powerful Tokugawa clan shaped the Edo period and played a major role in Japan’s history. Join the tour now and find out more from our local hosts in this day trip experience!
Inclusions: Private Tour, Local Guide, Train Ticket, Niji Castle Entrance fee, Entrance Fee Golden Pavilion, Entrance Fee Kiyomezu dera temple
Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop off, Food & beverages
Reviewed By stephaniemD4129LP
A great way to get to know Nishiki Market and Kyoto in general. Our guide, Eiji, was super knowledgeable, and was able to direct us to the best quick eats in the market. There are no pre-planned stops; each one is more catered to your wants and tastes. Fun experience and glad we did this!
7. Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide
Overall Ratings
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.
8. Seasonal family holiday tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Our guides who are raising children in Kyoto take you some places to experience Japanese culture in a relaxed manner. We have been creating family friendly tours, so your entire family should enjoy themselves! In this tour, you can visit less crowded shrine and temple, then have lunch with local family. You can communicate with local people and moreover your children can make local friends!
Inclusions: You can enjoy Japanese hot pot with local people.
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Anna N
Tea, green tea most especially, has always been a favorite beverage for my family. Imagine being able to visit a tea farm in Japan and indulging in an all encompassing tea experience with your whole family. This is a delightful experience through and through. Kyoto with Kids made this extraordinary experience one for the books for my whole family. The day trip includes activities like green tea ceremonies for both adults and children (separate programs contoured to each group), hands on green tea making, lunch with green tea soba and green tea dessert, visit to a tea house, visit to of a temple dedicated to tea. The Private tour made us deeply connect with the Uji tea village and its people. We got to meet the tea farmers and able to take home their products to enjoy. The adults were able to enjoy fully while the kids were at the safe hands of Kyoto with Kids. Thank you Miho and team at Kyoto with Kids. I hope more people can experience this wonderful offering.
9. Your very own Kyoto Tour! (Jan.1st-Mar.9th, Apr.21st-Nov.14th, Dec.1st-Dec.31st)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Fully customized private tour in Kyoto and Nara only for you. The government licensed tour guide, also a guide trainer of professional guide program organized by Kyoto city, also a professional breakdancer will support you make some great memories in this ancient city. The guide provide about 140 private tours a year, please see the reviews from my past guests.
Inclusions: Guide fee, Hotel pick-up within Kyoto
Exclusions: meal (you and guide), entrance fee (you and guide), Transportation (you and guide)
Reviewed By Lenathl
We have spend half a day with Makoon and have learned so much. He tailord an itinerary for us and showed us some very special hidden spots of Kyoto. Thanks to Makoon I got not only an insight into the Japanese history but also learned a lot about the culture and some great fun facts. We had a lot of fun with Makoon!
10. The Original Early Bird Tour of Kyoto.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Discover Kyoto at it's most magical hour as the sun rises over Japan's historic treasure of a city. Take a magical walk through the thousands of red gates at Fushimi Inari shrine and visit a nearly empty temple, then onto the bamboo grove. This experience is perfect for those who naturally rise in the early morning, or for those who just want to have a unique experience and don't mind getting up early for it. It can also be an amazing way to take advantage of your jet lag! Along the way, we give you insights about Buddhism, Japanese garden design, history and more. We are also happy to help you with any questions you have about Kyoto or Japan and can even help you plan your days ahead. Beat the crowds on the Original Early Bird Tour of Kyoto.
Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, Taxi fares
Exclusions:
Reviewed By suongp953
While staying in Kyoto, we decided to book a tour at the last minute. We did not think we would get any responses. Surprisingly, after we send out the request at 10PM for the next morning tour, we get a reply from Niall. He asked us to meet with him at at 7:00Am. When we went there, he's already there waiting for us. I like this tour because we could use the local transportation system and go at our own pace. Also, Naill timed everything perfectly so we were able to see a lot in a day at an extremely affordable price. We highly recommend booking this tour with Naill. He is friendly and very knowledgeable. We will book him again if we 're in the area.
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