Kickstart Kyoto: Intro to Japan’s historic jewel
Kickstart Kyoto: Intro to Japan’s historic jewel
Kickstart Kyoto: Intro to Japan’s historic jewel
Kickstart Kyoto: Intro to Japan’s historic jewel
Kickstart Kyoto: Intro to Japan’s historic jewel
Kickstart Kyoto: Intro to Japan’s historic jewel
Kickstart Kyoto: Intro to Japan’s historic jewel
Kickstart Kyoto: Intro to Japan’s historic jewel

What you'll do

You’ll discover a city that’s steeped in perfectly preserved history as you explore with a local insider who’s ready to share their city’s secrets with you. Your host will take you on a journey through time, starting with the ancient temples and shrines of Higashiyama, where narrow lanes are flanked by traditional wooden buildings and pottery stores. 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 with you 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 centuries-old Nishiki Market in Nakagyo, a large central district, while your host orders a portion of wagyu sushi, because you’ll definitely want to come back. 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

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, 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
  • Taste 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

    We went to Arashiyama and the Golden Pavilion.

    January 2021

    Haruka O

    We were very fortunate to have Hisano guide us around from Nishiki Market to Fushimi Inari shrine and Gion. Hisano is very friendly and cheerful and we have learnt so much about Kyoto from her. Thanks to Hisano for showing us the beautiful Kyoto!

    January 2020

    Laura T

    My tour guide Justus, took his time with me to make sure we got to visit the places in town that mattered to me. As a solo traveler, it was nice to have someone around to help take pics of you instead of asking strangers.

    August 2019

    Monsurat A

    Mariana was my tour guide and cannot thank her enough for such a wonderful experience and seeing the city thought her eyes. I ask to see places less seen by the tourists and she certainly delivered. Thank you Mariana

    August 2019

    Carolyn W

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

Top 8 must-sees: magical Kyoto
Kyoto

Top 8 must-sees: magical Kyoto

World heritage sites, temples & Nishiki market, see the city’s top attractions with a local insider

$88.69 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

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

$96.19 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.

$93.44 per person

8 hours

See all experiences in Kyoto