Things to do in Kyoto
Kyoto was once the imperial capital of Japan with the emperor residing here for over a thousand years until 1868. It has over 2,000 temples and shrines, many of which were built hundreds of years ago.
Filled with beautiful architecture both ancient and modern and numerous gardens to explore, some of the main attractions include Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, Ginjakuji, Kiyomizu temple, the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Japan’s most famous geisha district, Gion. Both the cherry blossoms and the coloured autumn leaves are major tourist attraction in this region and there are many festivals throughout the year, particularly during the summer.
Day tours within Kyoto
If it’s your first visit to Japan, then taking a half-day or full-day tour is an ideal way of getting to know this ancient city.
Kyoto morning tour
Kyoto was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868. Immerse yourself in the history of Japan as you visit three of the most famous and beautiful sights in Kyoto.
Nijo Castle, built in 1603, was where the emperor was restored to power in 1867. The stunning Golden Pavilion, Kinkakuji Temple, is a treasure of Japan.
Experience the ancient history of the Imperial Palace, built at the beginning of the Heian period in 794.
Kyoto afternoon tour
Visit some of the most popular and exquisite landmarks in Kyoto on this afternoon tour.
Be mesmerised by 1,001 hand-carved wooden Kannon statues in Sanjusangendo, a nondescript wooden hall housing overwhelming beauty.
Browse through specialty shops on the slopes up to Kiyomizudera Temple, an excellent location to enjoy the beauty of nature in all four seasons.
Kyoto full day tour
Learn about Kyoto’s 1,200 year past and immerse yourself in the history of ancient Japan.
Visit the most famous and beautiful sights in Kyoto, the world heritage listed sites of Kinkakuji Temple and Nijo Castle. See the marvellous wooden structure of Kiyomizudera and the amazing, hand-carved wooden statues at Sanjusangendo Temple and more.
Lunch is also provided.
Tea Ceremony & Nishiki Market Walking tour
This tour offers many ways to experience Kyoto’s culture and tradition.
Visit Kenninji Temple, the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto. Enjoy a stroll around Gion, then experience first-hand Japanese culture at its most elegant with an authentic tea ceremony.
After the tea ceremony, walk around Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto’s kitchen.
Day tours from Kyoto
Many a day trip can be started from Kyoto with areas such as Osaka, Hiroshima, Nara and many other cities within easy access.
Hiroshima & Miyajima
Discover the Peace Memorial City Hiroshima and visit the magnificent landmarks in a day! The tour starts from Kyoto station where you’ll head to Hiroshima by the Bullet train “Shinkansen”. Travel on an air-conditioned coach in Hiroshima and get the chance to visit The Peace Memorial Park, The Atomic Bomb Dome and Miyajima Itsukushima Shrine.
This tour is operated with English speaking tour guide and Multilingual Audio Guide in the bus.
Amanohashidate
This fun tour from Kyoto packs a lot of sightseeing into a single day, so is an ideal choice for travelers short on time. Visit some of the best-preserved heritage architecture in the country at Ine no Funaya and Miyama Kayabuki no Sato, as well as the natural beauty of Amanohashidate and Miyazu Bay. Refuel with a traditional Japanese lunch.
This tour will be rewarding for first-time visitors as well as those who have spent more time in Japan.
The Ancient Capital - Nara
Leave the crowds of Kyoto behind and discover Japan’s ancient capital city of Nara. Explore the backstreets and alleys of the merchants district, and try authentic street food.
Visit Nara’s historical sites (such as Todaiji temple, the temple housing the famous 15-metre bronze statue of the Great Buddha) all the while being greeted by the super-friendly deer of Nara. The deer are seen as heavenly animals and as such are the divine protectors of the ancient capital.
Osaka Walking Tour with River Cruise
Discover the wonders of Osaka during a full-day walking tour with an experienced guide. Travel from Kyoto on the local train, then visit top sights including Osaka Castle and the Floating Garden Observatory—located 40 stories high in the Umeda Sky Building.
After taking in the sweeping views, have lunch then join a 1-hour river cruise on the Okawa River that glides by the Twin Towers and City Hall of Nakanoshima lsle.
Experience the culture
Thousands of years as an isolated island country allowed Japan to develop a truly unique traditional culture.
Learn to play a traditional harp
The traditional Japanese stringed instrument, the koto, is renowned for both its healing tones and elegant shape. You’ll play the koto and hear and feel for yourself the echoes of antiquity that ring in each note of this beautiful instrument.
After playing the koto, you’ll be served matcha green tea and seasonal Japanese sweets in a tea ceremony by a master from the Urasenke tea school, while enjoying a live koto performance.
This cultural experience is set in a traditional historic house near Ginkakuji Temple.
Private Dinner with a Geisha
Uncover the secrets of Japan’s elegant geishas during an evening dining experience in a private Kyoto restaurant.
Stroll through the Gion district to delve into the fascinating history of geishas, beautiful performers trained in entertaining exclusive clientele. Then, pleasure your palate with a Japanese kaiseki meal and a selection of specialty drinks; sip sake as your expert guide translates the questions you have for your ‘maiko,’ or apprentice geisha.
Gain insight into her profession and enjoy an intimate atmosphere on this small group tour, where numbers are limited to eight.
Course in Matcha Tea Ceremony
Experience true ‘omotenashi’ (hospitality) and discover the beauty, art and ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony.
A succinct overview of authentic Japanese tea ceremony is taught in an all-inclusive, private studio, nestled in the heart of Kyoto’s historic, old-town streets, with the class led by a certified tea-ceremony instructor from Kyoto’s acclaimed “Shin-Shin-An” teahouse
Learn the tradition of how tea is methodically, painstakingly boiled, poured and mixed with matcha powder using a bamboo whisk.
Ikebana Therapy
Get a real taste of Japan through this traditional Japanese art form, made all the more authentic by the location in an old Kyoto town house not far from Nijo Castle.
Ikebana, or living flowers, is the art of flower arrangement. The art form’s history dates back to the 7th century, and over the course of the roughly 1400 years that it has been practiced a wide variety of styles have been embraced, from extreme minimalism to gorgeous complexity.
You can indulge your own ideal sense of beauty while getting hands on with some of nature’s most gorgeous denizens.
Japanese food
Japanese cuisine offers an abundance of gastronomical delights with an endless variety of regional and seasonal dishes.
Evening Pontocho Food Tour
Enjoy a walking tour of Pontocho and Gion Shirakawa, two of Kyoto’s most charming and historical areas.
Travel back in time to enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes in this rustic neighborhood. Discover tea houses, restaurants, and charming sights to see around every corner.
This casual evening tour is perfect for families and those wanting to explore these historical and delicious neighborhoods.
Gion and Kamogawa Evening Food Tour
Immerse yourself in the Japanese culinary tradition of Kaiseki Ryouri during this 3-hour evening food tour in Kyoto. Follow your guide through the Kamogawa and Gion areas, eating your way through a 10-course meal with beverages included.
Night-time Local Eats and Streets in Old Kyoto
Get an insiders perspective on Kyoto on this walking tour that combines a food tour with anthropological insight.
Wander through the city’s streets and understand the after-dark entertainment scene, from traditional geisha to modern-day hostesses. Afterward sample regional specialties accompanied by included drinks at two standing bars/restaurants and get an even deeper insight into the city’s culture from your guide
Catch, Roast, and Enjoy Your Very Own Delicious Eel
Catch a fresh eel, prepare it and cook it yourself! Your host for this cooking adventure has over 40 years experience under their belt and will teach how to prepare fresh eel. After catching and preparing the eel yourself, add the special sauce and enjoy. Take the chance to not only enjoy eel fillet, but also the liver, a rare treat!
This tour is perfect for those who wants to try something special only in Japan.
Tradition
With a history of well over a thousand years, there’s a lot to learn about the traditions of Japan.
Real Silk Kimono Rental
Our Kimono Rental service offers a “Miraku” Kimono which is specially designed kimono, so you can wear it as fast as 3 minutes!
You can wear this kimono on top of your regular clothes, so you can even change outside!
It is more comfortable than a regular kimono, so you can easily walk around Kyoto.
Traditional Japanese Doll Workshop
Experience the art of making traditional dolls in this 100+ year old workshop run by Keiho, our doll making artist!
Stroll through the shop, then visit Keiho’s workshop where you’ll learn the history of Japanese dolls. Under Keiho’s guidance, dress the doll in kimono, obi belt etc.
After, there’s time for photos together with the traditional Japanese dolls and tea with Keiho, who will answer all your questions.
Mochi Rice Cake Making at a local farm
Immerse yourself in the rhythms and traditions of life in a Japanese village during this 3-hour visit to the town of Ogi, including a ‘mochi’-making lesson (Japanese rice cakes).
Walk amidst the terraced rice fields of this picturesque town, discovering its more than 1,300 years of rice farming history. Then visit the home of a local farmer, learning the techniques to make ‘mochi’.
2-Hour Samurai Experience
Immerse yourself in Samurai history and culture during this 2-hour Samurai experience at a traditional Kyoto Samurai House.
Under the guidance of an expert Samurai instructor, you’ll learn the philosophies of Bushido, the ‘Way of the Warrior and learn how to handle a real katana sword.
Then, take part in a Zen meditation session using singing bowls.
Looking for activities in other areas of Japan?
Check out some of the other ideas we’ve located to ensure your trip to Japan is an unforgettable experience.