}
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge

What you'll do

Kyoto may be famous for the ancient Kennin-ji Temple, shrines dating back to the 8th century, and traditional teahouse ceremonies – but there are many more sides to the city. From exploring 1200-year-old Kiyomizu-dera Temple to walking the wood-built streets of storybook-esque Higashiyama to glimpsing geishas in twinkling Gion, you could see the areas that narrate Japan’s history.

Or, you could get a taste of modern Kyoto – an exciting world of late-night karaoke bars, draft beers in intimate izakayas, and 100-yen sushi in fluorescent restaurants. Share in local pastimes with your host, like eating Kaiseki at Kamo River or jostling through Nishijin Market for the freshest street food. 

Where you’ll go

You could walk the perfectly preserved streets of Higashiyama for a birds-eye city view from Yasaka Pagoda, or amble eight minutes north to Gion, Kyoto’s famous lantern-lit geisha district and nightlife hub. Maybe you’ll sample street food at centuries-old Nishiki Market or perhaps head one mile west for green tea and pastel-colored wagashi confections in Sanjo-dori Shopping Street, a foodie’s paradise.

In central Kyoto, history buffs can visit the old sake brewing district, Fushimi, or shop for beautiful textiles in the Nishijin weaving district. Outdoors, explore any number of famous temples set in tranquil gardens, or watch the sunset a 30-minute train ride north in Kurama – a natural hot spring nestled in pine tree-blanketed mountains.

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 8 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, Bulgarian, Catalan, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • Get a fully personalized experience so you make the most of your time in Kyoto
  • Experience the real Kyoto in just one day, with a local insider to show reveal the city
  • See the ancient and modern world collide, with temple trips by day and draft beer at a cozy izakaya by night
  • See 400-year-old Nishiki Market, where Japan’s best street food is waiting to be tasted
  • Walk through Japan’s famous geisha district, and be mesmerized by these breathtakingly talented entertainers
  • Learn about Kyoto from a local’s perspective – and get plenty of tips for the rest of your trip

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalized experience
  • 8 hours with a host
  • Walking experience and public transport if required
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 7 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    Juraj fue un guía maravilloso, se tomó tiempo para explicarme muchas cosas y me llevó a los lugares que elegí para hacer el tour, además de recomendarme otros. Juraj was a wonderful guide, took time to explain many things to me and took me to The places I chose to do the tour, in addition to recommending others.

    February 2023

    Juan O

    I spent two wonderful days with Takaya in Kyoto. Unlike my previous experience in Kyoto, which focused mainly on sightseeing and traveling with a group with limited time, this time I had the opportunity to experience the lifestyle and culture of the local people and explore the city in a much deeper way. It really solidified my image and impression of Kyoto in my mind.

    January 2023

    Jenny L

    Our family loved having Tess guide us through the temples and shrines of Kyoto. She is very knowledgeable about all the places we visited, and we liked how she took us to the not so well-known attractions as well. Tess also got my boys to try all the local food delicacies at our stops along the way - definitely a highlight of our trip to Japan. Thank you, Tess!

    January 2023

    Kate W

    I enjoyed my time with Vanessa. She was very easy to talk to and was knowledgeable on the local sites to provide suggestions on where to go visit after the tour. She was very accommodating on my tour requirements to visit areas that were on my interest list.

    January 2023

    Liem T

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Kyoto. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

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