Kyoto tours, things to do and tickets

Visit Gion, Kyoto’s most traditional district, where the world of geisha is still alive. Your local guide will explain the history and the lives of the geisha as you explore this picturesque area. Learn about the kimono, the geisha hairstyle, and more.

Combine the fun and freedom of cycling with the discovery of a new city as we explore Kyoto's best known site alongside some of our own favourite secrets!

Navigate the backstreets with a friendly, bilingual and experienced guide, explore local shrines and grand temples, quaint shopping arcades and riverside paths while learning about the sites you visit in a light, interesting and fun way.

Cycle on high quality 'Trek' and 'Giant' hybrid bikes, sample an authentic and delicious lunch and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Japan's ancient capital.

Kyoto, is a magical place! And with the local host of your choice, you are going to experience it all. So get ready; culture, history, and local lifestyle await! Dive into the origin of Kyoto as you see the city’s main landmarks like Yasaka-Jinja Shrine, Gion Area, and Kiyomizu Temple. And how about the hidden gems? Oh, you’re in for a surprise! Every host has its own story to tell, so pick your favorite, and you’ll discover the city through their eyes. Experience their Kyoto to the max based on their passions and expertise. They’ll make sure you have fun enjoying a unique and local perspective of Kyoto. Want to take a break? Leave it up to your host! This is the perfect opportunity to visit that special eatery where only the locals come and your chance to enjoy a local treat hand-picked by your host. Feel free to ask your host more about their life in their city or get recommendations about the top things to do in Kyoto. Remember, the locals know best. The best part of any city tour is definitely the unique stories. Everybody has a story to tell, especially your host. Each one of the local hosts has a different background ranging from arts to history. They can’t wait to share their knowledge with you and exchange ideas and perspectives! Feel like changing the route a bit? No problem, the hosts will be happy to personalize the tour to your wishes and make their Kyoto, your Kyoto!

First time in Kyoto? Wondering where to go and what to see in this fascinating city? We got you! Kickstart your time in Kyoto with a 90-minute introduction to the city with the help of your favorite local. This tour is the city overview you were looking for that brings together sights of main highlights and attractions, plus must-have tips and tricks that will help you get acquainted with the city, its people, and culture. So, ready to start your time in Kyoto in the best way possible? On this private tour, you’ll meet up with the local host of your choice. Each of the hosts on this tour will show you their Kyoto in their way and based on their passions and expertise. The hosts know their city like the back of their hand and can’t wait to get you acquainted with Kyoto! And what about that unique family-owned restaurant or that amazing local hotspot? Get personal recommendations from your local host and where to find the current hot spots in the city. Get insights into the local lifestyle and find out true stories about the city’s past as you take in vibrant, full-of-life present Kyoto. Historical facts, local stories, and great tips & tricks. What can be more awesome than that? Any questions? Go ahead and ask your host about anything that pops into your mind and get all the answers you need for the perfect Kyoto trip. Locals always know best. And don’t forget, this private tour can be personalized 100% according to your wishes!

Experience the wonders of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Learn about the ceremony's history and the different tea-making methods from an English-speaking tea master from Urasenke, the biggest school of tea ceremony in Japan.

If you're wondering how to get a broader picture of Kyoto, you only need this private city tour and a knowledgeable city expert by your side! Go to the city's must-sees and cover more ground on this extended city tour of Kyoto. See the essentials and learn what makes Kyoto such a fascinating place, from the most interesting landmarks to hidden gems, local food recommendations, and inspiring stories. Get to know Kyoto like the back of your hand and let your local host give you a more in-depth understanding of the city. Check out Kinkakoji temple, Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and many more highlights that your host has in store for you. Embrace the local culture as you get orientated with the city, thanks to the incredible insights, stories, and recommendations of the local host of your choice. What makes this tour more attractive is each one of the hosts available will show you their city. Depending on the host, your tour will vary according to their expertise and passion, of course, also taking into consideration your interests and requests, making it a more personal and fulfilling experience. The best way to discover Kyoto in just one day! After this complete Kyoto tour, you can enjoy the rest of your stay going further, off the beaten path, and taking in the local culture. So, why not a food tour or an evening experience? Now that you know everything about Kyoto, it's time for you to enjoy it away from the touristy spots! Any questions? Pick your favorite local and go ahead, ask them about anything that pops into your mind. Get all the answers you need for the perfect Kyoto trip. Locals always know best. Did you know that this private tour can be personalized? Yes! Get in touch with your local host, and they'll make your wishes come true.

Experience Katana and Zen in a historical Samurai house in Kyoto. This is an excellent chance for visitors to try out a REAL Katana (Japanese sword) and Samurai culture. Through this course, you can learn and feel “Bushido” with Katana and Zen.

Fall in love with the flavorful Japanese cuisine on this delicious food tour in Kyoto! Enjoy a selection of 10 food and drink tastings hand-picked by your foodie local host, just for you. From yummy must-tries like Japanese pepper ice cream to unique dishes typical of the city such as a gyoza stick; you’re in for a treat, so bring your appetite. This culinary tour in Kyoto is a cultural journey that takes you further than the food you’ll eat. As you enjoy authentic local bites ranging from savory, sweet well as drinks, you’ll also discover the city and its highlights. Stop to admire the Kenninji temple, Nishiki tenmangu shrine, and Hanami Koji Street and hear about their local relevance from your host as you hop from one food hot spot to the other - what can be better than that? Want to know what this food tour has in store for you? Your local foodie has you covered! And because sharing is caring, you and your group will get to try bites of famous dishes. Each of the hosts has carefully selected the tastings you’ll enjoy during this food tour. All of them passionate about food and their city, know the best spots to get the most authentic and typical bites. Pick your host according to your interests and you’ll be a part of a unique and flavorful experience catered to your taste buds. Looking for a vegetarian alternative? Reach out to the host of your choice and let them create a personalized offer for you. The foodie locals are ready to take you on the best food tour in Kyoto. All you have to do is check out their profiles and pick your favorite local for a delicious culinary experience. This Kyoto food tour can be 100% personalized to match your diet and allergies.

Discover tranquil temples, Imperial palaces and ancient shrines on this 9-hour full-day Kyoto sightseeing tour. Explore top city attractions such as Nijo Castle and the ornate gardens of Kinkaku-ji Temple. Visit the Kiyomizu Temple and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, once home to the Imperial family. Marvel at the Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine and behold the Thousand Armed Kannon at Sanju-Sangendo Hall. This tour is ideally suited to those short on time keen to explore Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage. Please note there’s quite a lot of walking involved.

Kyoto’s charm is a combination of geisha culture, ancient temples, and age-old traditions that are still preserved and revered in the ex-capital of Japan. On this private tour, you can experience an authentic Kyoto that has stood still in time together with a local. Join your knowledgeable local host and visit the renowned geisha district, Gion. See geishas in traditional kimonos and powdered white oshiroi makeup strolling through historic streets. Check out from old tea houses to textile shops and artisanal boutiques housed in wooden townhouses. Hear stories of their life-long training, learn the intricacies of the art of geisha entertainment, and step briefly into their high-cultured flower and willow world. Go in-depth inside Kyoto’s roots and visit awe-inspiring pagodas and shrines built centuries ago, each bearing a unique story featuring deities, monsters, and heroes. Take in panoramic views from hill-top temples and wander through scenic parks that are beautiful all year long. For an authentic Japanese taste, enter a local cafe and savor the excellent teas while learning more about Kyoto’s tea culture from your local host. On this private tour, your host will introduce you to the history of Kyoto as well as help you understand Japanese religion and the way of life. Want to customize the route? No problem at all! Simply let your host know what you like to see and do, and your itinerary will be personalized just for you.

Enjoy your trip to the max experiencing the treasures of Arashiyama. Explore the region's beauty and be delighted by the different highlights and hidden gems that you'll encounter along the way. Forget about hopping on a tourist bus and let a local take you through Arashiyama; your way! Now you can spend the day discovering what other highlights lie outside Kyoto - trust us; they are worth the visit! As your knowledgeable host takes you on a fascinating road trip where the route is as scenic as it gets, you'll make frequent stops to check out the surprises this area has to offer. See from Bamboo Grove, Tenryuji Temple and Monkey Park Iwatayama, plus many spectacular views along the way. And with a convenient meeting point, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride! To make the trip even more enjoyable, you can choose your local host for the day. Each of the hosts available for this day trip will take you on a unique journey based on their passions and expertise, and of course, also taking into consideration your interests. Our local hosts are natural storytellers, each with a different background ranging from arts and history to real foodies. They can't wait to share some of their unique stories and let you connect with their culture in an enjoyable and inspiring way! Feel like changing the route a bit? No problem, the hosts will be happy to personalize the tour to your wishes.

-Try Kyoto's traditional, seasoned dishes at a hidden restaurant in Gion & Pontocho -
We'll walk around the Gion where many old Kyoto-style buildings can be seen. Our local guide will provide insight into how locals enjoy their nights. We will enjoy simple, seasoned Kyoto appetizers in a traditional atmosphere!
Moreover, you can try 3 different kinds of Sake produced in Kyoto, so you can enjoy authentic Kyoto sake with Kyoto foods!

Vegetalian course is available. You can also book both courses at a time.

-Enjoy more Kyoto food-
We'll walk to the cafe where you can enjoy Japanese local dessert with coffee or alcohol drink!

Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

※Please inform us when booking if you need vegetarian course meal because we need to arrange it with the restaurant.

Experience the true art of tea drinking by taking part in this tea ceremony at Jotokuji temple. Learn about the ancient ritual of tea drinking and it's social significance in Japanese culture.

The temples of Kyoto are vestiges of its captivating past, and the stories surrounding these ancient places of worship define Japan’s iconic cultural city. Go in-depth into the country’s main religion of Buddhism, discover the true meaning of “Zen,” explore breathtaking scenery and architecture, all with your favorite local host on this personalized tour. Step into a stunning temple built by an emperor in the 12th century. See thousands of Buddha statues displayed in a giant hall, many of which are influenced by Hinduism. Hear the stories surrounding this awe-inspiring sanctuary and learn the surprising history of archery linked to the temple. There’s more to see! Join your host and tour a Shingon sect temple, acclaimed for its expertly crafted sculptures dating back to the 1100s. Hear the life story of a local savior and see the statue modeled after him. Get to know the humble beginnings of the temple, how it served the poor, and how it eventually became favored by warlords. Then explore one of the earliest zen temples in Japan promoting the Rinzai sect, home to monumental artworks which are considered national treasures. See an impressive dragon mural and tour the nearby Gion district, famous for its traditional tea houses and the geishas who work and live here. For more historic temples and landmarks, follow your favorite local to a richly decorated temple with picturesque zen gardens, dedicated to a shogun who unified Japan. Explore old tea houses and tranquil bamboo forests within the temple compound for an authentic Japanese vibe. Need a break? Visit a hidden gem temple with an exquisite garden view. Enjoy a traditional matcha treat, and have a chat with your host about the various sects of Buddhism in Japan. The enthusiastic local hosts are ready to show you the beauty and charm of Kyoto. Choose your favorite host and let the exploration begin! Did you know that this private tour can be 100% personalized? Yes! Get in touch with your host, and they’ll make your wishes come true.

This is an 8 kilometer E-biking ride that visits famous attractions as well as hidden gems in Kyoto such as the Kinkakuji, Daitokuji Temple Complex in order to visit the Koto-in and Zuiho-in, Imamiyajinja and the Kitanotenmangu Temple.

Uncover the little-known sake culture of Fushimi, Kyoto on a 3-hour insider brewery visit + sake tasting and food pairing session with an expert.

Deepen your knowledge of sake making process and a bit of history of its production at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum.  Enjoy the samples of different types of sake as well as leaning details and varieties and personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour.

This is a fun and educational experience to change your way of enjoying sake.  

If you love sake but don't know what to select or want to know more about sake, join us and let's deep dive into the world of sake.

After you experienced this, you will know which type of Sake actually you like, and you will be able to select your favorite Sake from labels or restaurant's menu even if they are all written in Japanese.

-Hike through a secret path into Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Even though there is Fushi-inari station, we start the tour from Tofukuji station because we enter Fushi-inari shrine from back side of main entrance.

-Journey into a secret bamboo forest
We will discover a natural bamboo forest, and a small Inari shrine hidden from tourists. Fushimi Inari's main entrance is hard to navigate due to a lot of people, but by walking through the mountains, we will see Fushimi Inari from a new perspective, away from the crowd.

-Return to civilization after a breathtaking view atop the mountains of Fushimi Inari
From here on, we will explore tourist areas on the way to the top of the mountain. Tour routes may vary, but it will end somewhere around the main shrine.

Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

Be amazed by visiting the former capital cities of Japan, Kyoto and Nara! Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the perfect spot to get in touch with Kyoto’s spirit.

Explore the cultural treasures of Kyoto and Nara on this full-day tour from Kyoto. In the morning, visit UNESCO World Heritage sites Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji, as well as Kyoto Imperial Palace. Then travel to Nara to visit World Heritage–listed Todai-ji temple complex (including Great Buddha Hall) and Kasuga Shrine. Plus, see the famous wild deer that roam Nara (you can even feed them!). It's a packed day, but by the end you'll have seen some of Japan's most important ancient landmarks.

Kyoto’s charm is a combination of geisha culture, ancient temples, and age-old traditions that are still preserved and revered in the ex-capital of Japan. On this evening, private tour, you can experience an authentic Kyoto that has stood still in time together with a local. Join your knowledgeable local host and visit two of the most renowned geisha districts, Gion & Miyagawacho. Get the perfect introduction into the geisha culture, thanks to your local host. Hear stories of their life-long training, learn the intricacies of the art of geisha entertainment, and step briefly into their high-cultured flower and willow world. Check out a traditional street lined up with wooden townhouses where you can find restaurants & Japanese inns. Go in-depth inside Kyoto’s roots and visit awe-inspiring temples and shrines built centuries ago, each bearing a unique story featuring deities, love stories, and heroes. Take in panoramic views from one of the three tallest pagodas in Kyoto and wander through scenic paths that are beautiful all year long. For an authentic Japanese taste, enter a local bar and try sake while learning more about Kyoto’s drinking culture from your local host. On this private tour, your host will introduce you to the history of Kyoto as well as help you understand the Japanese religion and the way of life. Want to customize the route? No problem at all! Simply let your host know what you like to see and do, and your itinerary will be personalized just for you.