Compare prices, durations and inclusions here. Booking is completed on Viator.
Private TourAs a passionate foodie fluent in Japanese, I love dining out and can guide you around the most local bars in downtown Kyoto, as well as explain the cultural background of the drinks. Japanese food can be intimidating. As a chef, I love talking about food and making it easy to understand for visitors. Note, reservations cannot be made at standing bars, so venues may change depending on availability.
Private TourWhat sets this tour apart is its local perspective and completely private experience. Unlike standard group tours that follow fixed routes, this experience is tailored to your interests and pace, allowing you to discover both Kyoto's famous highlights and the hidden places most visitors never see. Led by a Kyoto resident of nearly a decade, you'll gain insights into local culture, history, daily life, food, and traditions through personal stories and authentic experiences. From quiet backstreets and lesser-known temples to local neighborhoods and scenic viewpoints, you'll experience a side of Kyoto that many travelers miss. Designed for private groups, the tour offers a relaxed and flexible atmosphere where you can ask questions, take photos, make spontaneous stops, and explore at your own pace. Whether it's your first visit or a return trip, you'll experience a more personal, authentic, and memorable side of Kyoto.
Private TourExplore the historic Fushimi Sake District with a government-licensed English-speaking guide. Enjoy a private, customizable food tour through Kyoto's renowned sake brewing area, sampling local flavors and discovering hidden gems at your own pace.
New On ViatorStep into the exciting world of Japan's national sport with an unforgettable sumo experience in the heart of Kyoto. Your journey begins with an engaging introduction to the history, traditions, and rules of sumo. Learn why wrestlers perform ceremonial rituals, discover the meaning behind their techniques, and gain a deeper appreciation for this centuries-old sport. Then, enjoy an action-packed live sumo show featuring powerful demonstrations by former professional sumo wrestlers. Watch incredible techniques, traditional ceremonies, and even some of sumo's famous forbidden moves, all explained in an entertaining and easy-to-understand way. The excitement doesn't end there! After the show, you'll have the rare opportunity to step into the ring and challenge a real sumo wrestler yourself. Experience the power, size, and skill of these incredible athletes in a fun and safe match that you'll never forget.
Private TourThe sharpness of a sword is determined by sharpening! Japanese kitchen knives are very popular. What is important is maintenance. Chefs continue to carefully sharpen their own precious kitchen knives with the best whetstones to prepare their dishes. This is a kitchen knife sharpening experience by Miyakoshi Seito, which has continued to produce the most highly regarded whetstones among chefs at Kyoto's long-established ryotei restaurants. Please experience how a worn-out kitchen knife is transformed into the best sharpness through the kitchen knife sharpening. Sharpening techniques and whetstones are useful not only for professional chefs but also for home use. You will receive a Miyakoshi whetstone as a gift. Please learn how to sharpen and use them at home after returning from Japan. Miyakoshi Seito has been in business for 86 years, and its whetstones, made using a special technique called the vitrified method, are highly regarded by knife sharpeners and chefs around the world.
New On ViatorEscape the bustle of Kyoto and journey north to Japan’s scenic coastline on this 2 day tour. Perfect for nature lovers, culture seekers, and travelers craving slower rhythms, the route blends one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, a rare seaside village, hot-spring traditions, and dramatic coastal landscapes. Great for those who want to experience rural Japan’s beauty and culture, this trip balances history, local life, and breathtaking scenery.
Private TourWhat makes this experience exceptional is the way it connects Kyoto’s living craftsmanship with the quiet appreciation of Japanese art. Begin at Nakamura Rousoku, a long-established maker of traditional Japanese candles, where skilled artisans preserve techniques passed down through generations. Observe the delicate craft of wa-rosoku, learn about their natural materials and distinctive flame, and paint your own candle by hand. The journey continues at Hōzōji Temple, closely associated with Itō Jakuchū and artists of his circle. After discovering the temple’s history, view selected Japanese paintings illuminated by the soft, wavering glow of wa-rosoku. Unlike electric light, the living flame creates shifting shadows and subtle depth, revealing the paintings in a more intimate atmosphere. Guided throughout by a professional guide, this carefully composed experience brings together craftsmanship, history, sacred space, and the beauty of light. A rare encounter with Kyoto’s heritage.
Private TourExplore Kamishichiken, Kyoto's oldest geisha district, on a guided heritage walk that immerses you in the local culture and history. Starting at Kitano Tenmangū Shrine, this tour provides insights into the significance of the shrine and its role in the community. As you wander through the serene streets of Kamishichiken, discover the elegance of its traditional architecture and the everyday life of its residents. Your expert guide will share stories about the geiko and maiko, offering a deeper understanding of this unique cultural landscape. - Visit the historic Kitano Tenmangū Shrine, a cultural cornerstone - Stroll through the tranquil streets of Kamishichiken, away from crowds - Learn about the lives of geiko and maiko from a knowledgeable guide - Experience the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto's geisha district firsthand
Private TourOn this tour, you'll be able to see, hear, and taste the culture of Kyoto at some especially exciting spots. We will explore the three major areas of Kyoto: Kitayama, Higashiyama, and Gion. We, the team (tourism experts in our 20s and 30s), promise to offer a unique and special tour experience that you won't find anywhere else in Kyoto.
Private TourWe provide private airport transfer service using a Toyota Hiace Grand Cabin between Kansai Airport and Kyoto City areas, and vice versa. Our driver will welcome you at the arrival hall of Kansai Airport and comfortably drive you directly to your destination in Kyoto City. Likewise, we can also arrange transfers from Kyoto City to Kansai Airport for your departure flight. Enjoy a smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free private transfer experience with us
Purify your mind, body, and spirit in Kyoto. Start your day with a wholesome tofu lunch and a walking tour of hidden spring water sources. Highlights - Indulge in a nourishing tofu set meal, a Kyoto delicacy made from soy milk. - Explore the city's natural beauty on a guided walking tour to three unique spring water sources, sampling the water at each location. - Conclude your day with a relaxing break at a traditional Kyoto confectionery, where you can enjoy sweets and matcha made with spring water. Please note that our tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate. If we don't reach this minimum number, unfortunately, we'll have to cancel the tour. You'll be notified of any cancellation 4 days before departure, and a full refund will be issued.
Private TourDo you know the dyeing technique called “katazome”? Before the advent of Inkjet Printers and Laser Impression, kimono patterns were made, either by hand painting or using this stencil technique. Hand painting consists of drawing directly on the fabric, resulting in a unique piece. Katazome, on the other hand, is a technique created for mass production, and it has a very long history. Stencil engraving requires patience and precision in design. During this activity, however, you can discover a part of the world of kimono and make a photophore with this traditional technique.
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