}
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

You’ll discover a city steeped in preserved history as you explore with a local insider ready to share their city’s secrets. Your host will take you on a journey through time, starting with the ancient temples and shrines of Higashiyama, where traditional wooden buildings and pottery stores flank narrow lanes.

You could visit Kennin-ji Temple and Yasaka Shrine, or both - they’re just eight minutes apart! In fall and spring, you might head a mile south to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where cherry blossom and maple trees put on impressive seasonal performances. Your host will share their local knowledge, from the best places to eat to where you could experience an authentic tea ceremony. 

Where you’ll go

Memorize the layout of the centuries-old Nishiki Market in Nakagyo, a sizeable central district, while your host orders a portion of wagyu sushi because you’ll want to return. Or take part in a tea ceremony at Rakusho, a teahouse famous for its beautiful garden and koi pond.

Dodge salarymen on their way to a post-work bar hop across central Gion and enter a dreamlike state while searching for ethereal geishas. Once your host has taught you to navigate crowded Higashiyama, the historic eastern quarter of the city where you’ll instantly recognize the traditional wooden buildings, and pointed out the best restaurants on Hanamikoji-dori Street, the central artery of Gion, you’ll be ready to take on the rest of the city solo. 

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 3 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

  • Explore an area of Kyoto hand-picked by your local host, but take part in activities based on your interests
  • Experience the full spectrum of Kyoto – from its ancient temples to its buzzing nightlife scene
  • Get recommendations for some of Japan’s best (and most unique) street food at centuries-old Nishiki Market
  • Get travel tips and tricks from your host to make the rest of your adventure an equally amazing experience
  • Ask your host all the questions you have about Kyoto, and hear real local knowledge!

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalized experience
  • 3 hours with a host
  • Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
  • 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

    Tess was a great guide through the Gion geisha district. We visited through many old streets and unique Shinto shrine areas. We saw the beauty of the area with explanation and legend of the district.

    March 2023

    Alan W

    Tess was a wonderful guide. Great knowledge of the area and showed us many side areas that were beautiful. Good information and personable.

    March 2023

    Alan W

    We had a great time with Brenda! She followed our desires completely and we even got to see a geisha despite the timing not being ideal! She explained things thoroughly and went at our pace. She took great pictures of us and was really helpful even after helping our experience. I would definitely book this tour and will recommend it to anyone on their way to Japan!

    February 2023

    Haley M

    Brenda went at our pace. Shared friendly and interesting knowledge. She took us off the beaten path just enough. She was very personable and made the tour work to our desires on the spot. Highly recommend her!

    January 2023

    Haley M

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.

Other experiences you may be interested in

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See all experiences in Kyoto

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

Other experiences you may be interested in

Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Kyoto

Top 8 must-sees: magical Kyoto

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

$254.10 per person

8 hours

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

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

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

$270.38 per person

8 hours

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

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

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

$269.33 per person

8 hours

See all experiences in Kyoto