Experience Kyoto
Beyond the Guidebooks

Go beyond sightseeing—uncover hidden corners, untold stories, and experience the city in a way most travelers never do.

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Top Kyoto Experiences

Two women and a man engage in conversation while walking in a park in Kyoto

Kyoto’s Best-Kept Secrets: A Hidden Gems Discovery

$120.5 p.p.
3 hours

Kyoto’s Best-Kept Secrets: A Hidden Gems Discovery

$120.5 p.p.
3 hours
Uncover Kyoto’s hidden side with peaceful temples, serene gardens, and quiet canals, all curated to reveal the city’s authentic, crowd-free charm.
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Half day in Magical Kyoto

Kyoto, Your Way: A Personalized 4-Hour Exploration

$149.5 p.p.
4 hours

Kyoto, Your Way: A Personalized 4-Hour Exploration

$149.5 p.p.
4 hours
Shape your half-day in Kyoto with iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and serene paths—crafted by your local host to match what excites you most!
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Your First Day in Kyoto: City Essentials and Cultural Insights

Your First Day in Kyoto: City Essentials and Cultural Insights

$120.5 p.p.
3 hours

Your First Day in Kyoto: City Essentials and Cultural Insights

$120.5 p.p.
3 hours
Ease into Kyoto’s rhythm with a thoughtful 3-hour introduction to its iconic sights, cultural nuances, and local tips, leaving you ready to explore.
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Kyoto, Your Story: A Full-Day of Icons, Culture & Hidden Gems

Kyoto, Your Story: A Full-Day of Icons, Culture & Hidden Gems

$265.5 p.p.
8 hours

Kyoto, Your Story: A Full-Day of Icons, Culture & Hidden Gems

$265.5 p.p.
8 hours
Your perfect Kyoto day, tailored to you. Explore icons, hidden gems & culture with a local host shaping a flexible experience around your interests.
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Mystical Gion: explore the iconic geisha district

Mystical Gion: explore the iconic geisha district

$120.5 p.p.
3 hours

Mystical Gion: explore the iconic geisha district

$120.5 p.p.
3 hours
Explore Kyoto's most mesmerizing district, see stunning temples, traditional shops, and maybe even the odd geisha hurrying to her next appointment
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Arashiyama: Japan’s Garden of Eden

Arashiyama: Japan’s Garden of Eden

$251 p.p.
6 hours

Arashiyama: Japan’s Garden of Eden

$251 p.p.
6 hours
Explore Arashiyama's instagrammable bamboo forest, historic temples and gardens, and one of Japan's most famous and iconic bridge
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Magical Kyoto after dark

Magical Kyoto after dark

$151.5 p.p.
3 hours

Magical Kyoto after dark

$151.5 p.p.
3 hours
Explore Kyoto at night with a local. Explore mystical Gion and the winding streets in Pontocho or mingle with the locals at a bar; it's up to you!
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Full family day in Kyoto with a local

Full family day in Kyoto with a local

$265.5 p.p.
8 hours

Full family day in Kyoto with a local

$265.5 p.p.
8 hours
Discover the best of Kyoto to be enjoyed by the whole family on an experience tailored to you by a host who knows what the kids will love to explore
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Eat like a Kyoto local in and around Nishiki Market

Eat like a Kyoto local in and around Nishiki Market

$168 p.p.
3 hours

Eat like a Kyoto local in and around Nishiki Market

$168 p.p.
3 hours
Wander through the 400-year-old Nishiki Market, trying local specialties like "konna monja" donuts, buttered potato tempura and "dashimaki tamago"
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Top 8 must-sees: magical Kyoto

Top 8 must-sees: magical Kyoto

$265.5 p.p.
8 hours

Top 8 must-sees: magical Kyoto

$265.5 p.p.
8 hours
Visit some of Kyoto's top sites in a day, from the Kinkakuji temple and Fushimi Inari gates to the Nishiki market, and a sprinkle of hidden gems
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Find your perfect experience here.

How Personalization Works

Every experience is private and tailored to you. Here’s how it works.

Choose a flexible experience

Whether it’s the must-sees or the unexpected, your day is designed around what matters to you.

Tell us what you’re into

Love food? Culture? Quiet streets? We’ll shape the day around what you’re curious to discover.

Meet your host and shape your day

Our hosts share stories, not scripts; it’s like exploring a city with someone who truly lives it.

Explore more of Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems

Here are some of our top experiences for Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems across the world.

Top 8 must-sees: magical Kyoto Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems
Kyoto

Top 8 must-sees: magical Kyoto

5 (38)
8 hours
From   $265.5   per person
See details

Visit some of Kyoto's top sites in a day, from the Kinkakuji temple and Fushimi Inari gates to the Nishiki market, and a sprinkle of hidden gems

Your First Day in Kyoto: City Essentials and Cultural Insights City Essentials: First Day
Kyoto

Your First Day in Kyoto: City Essentials and Cultural Insights

5 (567)
3 hours
From   $120.5   per person
See details

Ease into Kyoto’s rhythm with a thoughtful 3-hour introduction to its iconic sights, cultural nuances, and local tips, leaving you ready to explore.

Mystical Gion: explore the iconic geisha district Traditions & Heritage
Kyoto

Mystical Gion: explore the iconic geisha district

5 (218)
3 hours
From   $120.5   per person
See details

Explore Kyoto's most mesmerizing district, see stunning temples, traditional shops, and maybe even the odd geisha hurrying to her next appointment

Full family day in Kyoto with a local Family-Friendly
Kyoto

Full family day in Kyoto with a local

5 (108)
8 hours
From   $265.5   per person
See details

Discover the best of Kyoto to be enjoyed by the whole family on an experience tailored to you by a host who knows what the kids will love to explore

Cruise stop-over: day trip to Kyoto from Osaka port Shore Excursion
Kyoto

Cruise stop-over: day trip to Kyoto from Osaka port

5 (37)
8 hours
From   $292.5   per person
See details

Get picked up at Osaka port and explore Kyoto on a private tour tailored to your schedule and wishes!

Cruise stop-over: day trip to Kyoto from Kobe port Shore Excursion
Kyoto

Cruise stop-over: day trip to Kyoto from Kobe port

5 (43)
8 hours
From   $330   per person
See details

Discover Kyoto’s traditions and ancient culture on a day trip from Kobe Port.

Explore more of Local Food & Drink Tastings

Here are some of our top experiences for Local Food & Drink Tastings across the world.

Eat like a Kyoto local in and around Nishiki Market Local Food & Drink Tastings
Kyoto

Eat like a Kyoto local in and around Nishiki Market

5 (44)
3 hours
From   $168   per person
See details

Wander through the 400-year-old Nishiki Market, trying local specialties like "konna monja" donuts, buttered potato tempura and "dashimaki tamago"

Kyoto’s Izakaya Experience: A Taste of Japanese Social Dining Local Food & Drink Tastings
Kyoto

Kyoto’s Izakaya Experience: A Taste of Japanese Social Dining

5 (71)
3 hours
From   $182.5   per person
See details

Discover Kyoto’s izakaya culture, where locals gather over shared plates, drinks, and conversation, with a tailored experience crafted to your tastes.

Traditional Japanese confectionary tasting in Nishiki Market Local Food & Drink Tastings
Kyoto

Traditional Japanese confectionary tasting in Nishiki Market

5 (44)
3 hours
From   $152   per person
See details

Walk through the 400-year-old Nishiki Market and the bustling Sanjo-dori, sampling traditional Japanese confectionery

New Year traditions and hidden cultural gems: Kyoto edition Festivals & Local Celebrations
Kyoto

New Year traditions and hidden cultural gems: Kyoto edition

5 (93)
3 hours
From   $144.73   per person
See details

Immerse yourself in Kyoto's New Year traditions with serene shrines, scenic streets, and authentic insights at vibrant local markets

More than 26,751 5-star reviews and counting

26,751+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

Our Experiences

Every Experience is Designed Around You

Show prices based on:
Adults (Aged 13+)
Children (Up to 12 years old)
Kyoto in pink: Experience the cherry blossom season like a local Seasonal Highlights
Kyoto

Kyoto in pink: Experience the cherry blossom season like a local

5 (65)
4 hours
From   $201.38   per person
See details

Join a local for an authentic cherry blossom experience. Discover secret sakura spots, enjoy a traditional picnic, and immerse in the beauty of hanami

Kyoto’s Izakaya Experience: A Taste of Japanese Social Dining Local Food & Drink Tastings
Kyoto

Kyoto’s Izakaya Experience: A Taste of Japanese Social Dining

5 (71)
3 hours
From   $182.5   per person
See details

Discover Kyoto’s izakaya culture, where locals gather over shared plates, drinks, and conversation, with a tailored experience crafted to your tastes.

Two women and a man engage in conversation while walking in a park in Kyoto Hidden Gems
Kyoto

Kyoto’s Best-Kept Secrets: A Hidden Gems Discovery

5 (778)
3 hours
From   $120.5   per person
See details

Uncover Kyoto’s hidden side with peaceful temples, serene gardens, and quiet canals, all curated to reveal the city’s authentic, crowd-free charm.

View more

E
Estelle 7 February 2026

Emi nous a présenté de très beaux sites avec des explications et anecdotes très intéressantes dans un anglais parfait. Tennis recommandés Emi showed us some beautiful sites with very interesting explanations and anecdotes in perfect English. Tennis recommended.

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J
Jean 6 February 2026

This was such a great tour and Amy was an amazing guide. I really appreciated her communication leading up to the tour to make sure we saw the things we wanted to. She was very knowledgeable about Japanese history and culture and had great recommendations for restaurants and shops in Kyoto after the tour. She was also very flexible, extending our tour as needed and changing the itinerary based on a traffic jam to Mae thing more efficient. I would definitely book this tour again and highly recommend Amy!

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T
Tina 30 January 2026

Half day tour of Kyoto, great experience, Shaan was a wonderful tour guide. Very knowledgeable, organised tea ceremony and advised on other experiences for us.

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R
Rob 26 January 2026

This was our first time in Kyoto. Amy personalized our time together and paid attention to the details! We saw everything we wanted to and more. She also played role of professional photographer. She has a true passion for what she does and was as excited as we were to take in all the sites. She guided us through shops informing us about all the foods, snacks & beverages available. The best way to sum up our time together is this: it was like visiting an old friend who happens to live in Kyoto who took the time to plan a special day to show you why they live there & who makes you want to come back! 5 Stars all the way!!

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K
Kelly 25 January 2026

We had a great walking tour of Kyoto from Emi. She showed us some hidden gems of the city and gave us the “lay of the land” for more exploring on our own in the afternoon. She was extremely knowledgeable. Had all sorts of fun facts. Was excited to share her city with us. It was a wonderful experience!

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J
Jake 25 January 2026

Alex was an amazing tour guide and knows everything about Kyoto and Japan. Super informative and gave us tips and recommendations for the rest of our trip. Took us to the bamboo forest, the temple and shrine. Highly recommend for first time visitors, especially in the beginning of your trip.

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O
Oluwande 24 January 2026

Thank you Amy for a great tour of Kyoto. I was short on time as I had a flight to catch, but Amy was able to fit a lot into the time we had together including Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-Dera. She was also quite knowledgeable and shared great information about the sites we visited. Thanks again!

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M
Margarita 23 January 2026

Nuestro guia Kokoro fue muy bueno. Habla muy bien español y nos permitió conocer muy buenos lugares en Kioto. Ademas nos dio tips para ir por nuestra cuenta al dia siguiente y fueron muy buenos. Recomiendo mucho los tours privados con este guia. Our guide Kokoro was excellent. She speaks Spanish very well and showed us some great places in Kyoto. She also gave us tips for exploring on our own the next day, and they were very helpful. I highly recommend private tours with this guide.

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Real Stories, Real Connections

Radiant Smiles in the Starlit Evening

Radiant Smiles in the Starlit Evening

A Dazzling New Year Celebration

A Dazzling New Year Celebration

A Day of Smiles and History in Kyoto

A Day of Smiles and History in Kyoto

Family Adventure by the Golden Temple

Family Adventure by the Golden Temple

Smiles in a Bamboo Wonderland

Smiles in a Bamboo Wonderland

Capturing Joy: A Serendipitous Smile at the Fushimi Inari Shrine

Capturing Joy: A Serendipitous Smile at the Fushimi Inari Shrine

Beneath the Bloom: A Tranquil Escape

Beneath the Bloom: A Tranquil Escape

A Day of Discovery: Embracing Nature's Serenity

A Day of Discovery: Embracing Nature's Serenity

Joyful Wanderings in Kyoto's Enchanted Forest

Joyful Wanderings in Kyoto's Enchanted Forest

Sunlit Smiles in Kyoto's Tranquil Courtyard

Sunlit Smiles in Kyoto's Tranquil Courtyard

Blossom Moments: A Spring Picnic Under Cherry Trees

Blossom Moments: A Spring Picnic Under Cherry Trees

Captivated by Tradition: A Moment at the Temple

Captivated by Tradition: A Moment at the Temple

Harmony in the Cascade's Gentle Murmur

Harmony in the Cascade's Gentle Murmur

Pathway to Serenity: A Hidden Garden Escape

Pathway to Serenity: A Hidden Garden Escape

Bamboo Bliss: Friends Embracing Nature's Majesty

Bamboo Bliss: Friends Embracing Nature's Majesty

Journey Through Kyoto's Timeless Torii

Journey Through Kyoto's Timeless Torii

Whispers by the Waterfall: Friends in Nature's Embrace

Whispers by the Waterfall: Friends in Nature's Embrace

Emerging Through the Wishful Archway

Emerging Through the Wishful Archway

Morning Stroll by Tower Bridge: A Timeless Encounter

Morning Stroll by Tower Bridge: A Timeless Encounter

Tranquil Retreat: Guests in a Zen Garden

Tranquil Retreat: Guests in a Zen Garden

Charmed Moments Beneath the Pagoda

Charmed Moments Beneath the Pagoda

Bonds and Beauty at a Historic Site

Bonds and Beauty at a Historic Site

Family Adventures at the Five-Tiered Temple

Family Adventures at the Five-Tiered Temple

Group of people in front of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto.

Group of people in front of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto.

Person posing in front of the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine entrance.

Person posing in front of the Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine entrance.

Tourist interacting with a musical instrument inside a Japanese temple.

Tourist interacting with a musical instrument inside a Japanese temple.

Group of people in front of Kabukiza Theatre at night.

Group of people in front of Kabukiza Theatre at night.

Tourists gathered at the base of the stepped roof pagoda in Kyoto.

Tourists gathered at the base of the stepped roof pagoda in Kyoto.

Traditional building with tiled roof visible behind Japanese garden foliage.

Traditional building with tiled roof visible behind Japanese garden foliage.

Crowd gathers near Yasaka Pagoda in Kyoto’s Higashiyama District.

Crowd gathers near Yasaka Pagoda in Kyoto’s Higashiyama District.

Group of people in front of the Chion-in Temple gate in Kyoto.

Group of people in front of the Chion-in Temple gate in Kyoto.

Two people standing in front of the Yasaka Pagoda in Kyoto, Japan.

Two people standing in front of the Yasaka Pagoda in Kyoto, Japan.

Sweet Escapades and Smiles

Sweet Escapades and Smiles

Joyful Stroll in Japan's Historic Streets

Joyful Stroll in Japan's Historic Streets

Harmony in Front of the Tranquil Statue

Harmony in Front of the Tranquil Statue

Exploring Timeless Beauty Together

Exploring Timeless Beauty Together

Serenity Amongst Towering Bamboo

Serenity Amongst Towering Bamboo

Ink and Attitude: Celebrating Friendship in Style

Ink and Attitude: Celebrating Friendship in Style

Emerging Through Wishes: A Journey to Tranquility

Emerging Through Wishes: A Journey to Tranquility

Smiles Amidst the Serenity of Kyoto

Smiles Amidst the Serenity of Kyoto

Family Adventure in Kyoto

Family Adventure in Kyoto

Family Moments at the Vibrant Torii Tunnel

Family Moments at the Vibrant Torii Tunnel

Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto

Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto

Sky Painted in Gold: A Stroll at Dusk

Sky Painted in Gold: A Stroll at Dusk

Friends Amidst the Serenity of the Bamboo Forest

Friends Amidst the Serenity of the Bamboo Forest

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Charmed in Gion

Charmed in Gion

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

A Table Full of Stories

A Table Full of Stories

New Friends in Old Streets

New Friends in Old Streets

Tempura & Togetherness

Tempura & Togetherness

The Fox Shrine Crew

The Fox Shrine Crew

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Soft Steps & Serene Views

Soft Steps & Serene Views

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

Wandering through a forest of giants

Wandering through a forest of giants

A day filled with culture and laughter

A day filled with culture and laughter

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

 Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Walking through these thousand torii gates

Walking through these thousand torii gates

A Ryokan-Style Feast

A Ryokan-Style Feast

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Matcha Dreams Come True

Matcha Dreams Come True

Cocktails with a view

Cocktails with a view

A walk through time

A walk through time

Rural charm and cultural calm

Rural charm and cultural calm

A peaceful pause with Kannon

A peaceful pause with Kannon

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Are experiences the same as tours?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Will I be able to speak to my host beforehand?

Yes. After we match you with your host, we’ll introduce you so you can chat about the plan and make any tweaks before the day.

How do you match me with a host?

We ask a few questions. After you book, you’ll fill out a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll then match you with the best local host to design your experience.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can I mix different themes in one experience?

Yes! You can blend food, culture, history, neighborhoods, or even a bit of nightlife if time allows. Just share your interests in the questionnaire, and your host will build the day around them.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your experience date—no questions asked.
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