Experiences in Kyoto

Compare prices, durations and inclusions here. Booking is completed on Viator.

Filters

1,707 experiences

Kyoto Ramen Tour: Choose Your Own Shops
Experience2 hr 30 min

Kyoto Ramen Tour: Choose Your Own Shops

Explore Kyoto's ramen scene on this guided tour! Taste both classic and modern ramen and get a better understanding of the wonderful world of ramen with our expert guide. You'll visit two ramen shops for two wildly different bowls of ramen — one classic Kyoto-style, one more modern, each served in smaller portions so you can enjoy both without overdoing it. At the beginning of the tour, you'll sit down with your guide over a cup of coffee or tea to talk through Kyoto's ramen origins and the route you'll be taking — the shops you'll be visiting along the way. Note: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options may be available, but cannot be guaranteed on shared group tours. Feel free to contact us in advance to discuss your needs.

5.0(22 reviews)Free cancellation
【Fushimi inari shrine】A local born in Kyoto shares the secret path away touristsPrivate Tour
Experience2 hr 30 min

【Fushimi inari shrine】A local born in Kyoto shares the secret path away tourists

【Private tour by a local guide】 I was born and grew up near Fushimi Inari Taisha. I am not a foreigner. So I have known the Fushimi Inari shrine since I was a boy. Now Fushimi Inari shrine is one of the most popular places to visit, but there are too many people around and it is like an amusement park. I would like you to feel the nature and peace here as the locals used to. I am a local who knows this mountain's courses very well and many beautiful hiking paths are hidden, they are not on the official map. If you like to know places that are not crowded in Kyoto, feel free to ask me. Welcome any questions about Japan, Shrine, & Zen Buddhism as well. I also own my tour agency, Tour Bench Inc. since 2011. Consider coming on my Tour of Kyoto. I offer a variety of tours. 【How much exercise 】 Fushimi Inari shrine is a super big mountain so we have to take the stairs or a hilly way to reach the top. The height is about 200 meters so it is not quite a high mountain. Bring some water:)

3.7(3 reviews)Free cancellation
Kyoto Sushi Making Experience with a Professional Sushi Chef
Experience3 hr 30 min

Kyoto Sushi Making Experience with a Professional Sushi Chef

【This experience is offered by MagicalTrip, proud winner of the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award】 This is an authentic "Sushi Making Experience". ■COURSE ー9 Nigiri Sushi, Roll sushi ーTempura set ーTwo Drink ー Sake tastings ー Matcha Experience ー Japanese sweets Embark on a flavorful journey in Kyoto, beginning with a visit to a local shop for traditional Japanese sweets, guided by a friendly expert. Then, step into an authentic sushi restaurant and meet a professional Taisho chef. Watch as he showcases precise knife work and the elegant craft of making nigiri. Learn to roll sushi yourself—an impressive skill to share back home! Next, make your own sushi under the Taisho’s careful guidance. Enjoy freshly made tempura by the chef, followed by a sake tasting with pairing tips to elevate each bite. To end your experience, unwind in a peaceful Kyoto-style garden. There, your guide will teach you how to whisk matcha, which you’ll enjoy with the sweets you picked earlier.

5.0(18 reviews)Free cancellation
The Way of Tea: Kyoto Crafts, Hidden Temples & Wabi-Sabi Walk
Experience3 hr 30 min

The Way of Tea: Kyoto Crafts, Hidden Temples & Wabi-Sabi Walk

Discover the beauty of Japanese tea culture beyond a simple matcha tasting on this immersive cultural walking tour in Kyoto. Visit historic temples, artisan shops, and hidden Zen spots while learning the philosophy, history, and aesthetics behind the tea ceremony. Begin at Kennin-ji Temple, the birthplace of matcha culture in Japan, where you’ll explore how tea influenced Zen Buddhism and Kyoto’s traditions. Then stop by a specialty shop for tea ceremony tools such as bamboo whisks and raku teacups. Next, step into a quiet hidden Zen temple to experience Kyoto’s peaceful side, with moss gardens, stone paths, and the timeless beauty of Wabi-Sabi aesthetics. The tour concludes with an authentic tea ceremony, enjoying a carefully prepared bowl of matcha guided by the philosophy of ichi-go ichi-e—“one chance, one encounter.” Located near Kiyomizu-dera and Yasaka Shrine, this experience fits perfectly into your Kyoto sightseeing plans.

4.9(66 reviews)Free cancellation
Private 2-Hour Guided Gion Tour: Discover Kyoto’s Geisha DistrictPrivate Tour
Experience2 hrs

Private 2-Hour Guided Gion Tour: Discover Kyoto’s Geisha District

Gion, Kyoto’s renowned historic district, offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich past with its preserved architecture and timeless beauty. This private walking tour invites you to explore Gion’s enchanting streets, where you might be fortunate enough to spot a geisha gracefully moving through Hanami Street. What Makes This Tour Unique: Immersive Experience: Discover Gion’s historic and cultural essence through an exclusive private tour that highlights Kyoto's traditional charm. Tailored Exploration: Enjoy a customizable walking tour that adapts to your interests, providing a personalized journey. Cultural Insight: Gain a unique understanding of Japanese culture and daily life from a foreign perspective. Book now to experience the timeless elegance of Gion and the enchanting allure of Kyoto’s historic district

5.0(7 reviews)Free cancellation
Kyoto 2-Day Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed GuidePrivate Tour
Experience48 hrs

Kyoto 2-Day Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

Enjoy an efficient, two-day tour of Kyoto accompanied by a same government-licensed and experienced English Speaking guide! Kyoto keeps traditional arts and beauty alive, but the busses and subways can be confusing and provide challenges for those with walking limitations. We want everyone to experience Kyoto so we are happy to provide this customizable, private guided tour with a vehicle! Join us on a tour of Kyoto to see Kiyomizu Temple as it towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. The bamboo forest of Sagano and the gardens, shrines and temples in Kyoto will provide you with a window into old Japan. There is much in this city that you don’t want to miss! Please choose 3 to 4 sites to see per day from the itinerary/what to expect list. Please inform your guide post booking of the sites you would like to see. Maximum 7 participants per tour.

Free cancellation
Inside of Fushimi Inari - exploring and lunch with locals
Experience4 hrs

Inside of Fushimi Inari - exploring and lunch with locals

This is the original Fushimi hidden route tour. This is a 3-hour 30-minute hiking lead by locals. Soba noodle Lunch is included. You will experience the holy mountain of Fushimi through an alternative off-beaten path. This experience includes: 1) Sightseeing of the main shrine and thousands of red gates, with an explanation of their history and cultural background. 2) Easy walking through a peaceful bamboo and cedar tree forest path, visiting authentic holy spots (worship stones & waterfall) and a factory. 3) Going up a forest route to the summit shrine (20 min). The summit is 233m high, and I will show you around the shrine. 4) Photo-shooting part. On the way down, I will show you lots of photogenic spots that are usually less crowded. 5) Snack & drink, and the breathtaking panorama view of Kyoto city from the viewpoint. 6) Lunch at the best soba restaurant. Vegan options are available but tell us IN ADVANCE.

4.7(17 reviews)Free cancellation
6-Hour Private Walking Cultural Tour in KyotoPrivate Tour
Experience6 hrs

6-Hour Private Walking Cultural Tour in Kyoto

Skip the crowds this is a private tour for your group only! Journey into the heart of Kyoto, where age-old traditions and breathtaking beauty converge. Starting at the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera Temple, embrace the city's spiritual essence while enjoying panoramic vistas. As the tour unfolds, wander through the historic alleys of Gion, witnessing the mesmerizing world of geishas. Let your senses feast at Nishiki Market, sampling flavors that have tantalized locals for centuries. Discover the serene temples of Tojijicho and step back in time in the atmospheric Higashiyama Ward. This is not just a tour—it's a tapestry of experiences, designed especially for you, the discerning traveler. Dive deep into Kyoto's heritage and let its timeless tales envelop you. Book now and become the protagonist in Kyoto's enchanting story!

Free cancellation
Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto
Experience1 hr 30 min

Ramen Bowl Painting & Cooking in Gion, Kyoto

• Paint a unique ramen bowl / spoon with your own design or Japanese motifs • Master the traditional yugiri technique for draining ramen noodles • Enjoy personalized ramen, then return the next day to collect your bowl

5.0(2 reviews)Free cancellation
Kyoto Private Photoshoot with Professional PhotographerPrivate Tour
Experience1 hr

Kyoto Private Photoshoot with Professional Photographer

Spend an hour strolling through Kyoto with a professional photographer to capture the best possible images of your tour. You'll learn about local monuments and get a photo shoot with your loved ones; this activity is kid-friendly and can accommodate your groups. After the session, you'll receive professional quality images that you can cherish. ・Local photographer guide takes photos of you and your group in Kyoto ・Receive edited images via email after the session ・Perfect souvenir of your trip

5.0(3 reviews)Free cancellation
Kyoto Higashiyama E-Bike Tour *Private, Pick up from/to HotelPrivate Tour
Experience4 hrs

Kyoto Higashiyama E-Bike Tour *Private, Pick up from/to Hotel

Higashiyama area, the center of Kyoto tourism, is a difficult place to visit without a guide, as it will be crowded. With an E-Bike and a local guide, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy only the wonderful scenery, such as the old town, the roads along the canal, the vast temple grounds, and the bamboo groves. The tour is completely private and is a special luxury tour that includes everything, such as hotel pickup and drop-off, sweets recommended by the guide, and temple entrance fees.

Free cancellation

Prices and availability come from Viator and are confirmed on Viator.