Hidden Gems
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5.0 (773)

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

3 hours English
5.0 (773) 100% Personalized

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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Overview
Our Reviews
Flexible Itinerary
Our Hosts
What makes it special
FAQ’s
Kokoro
Kokoro
Shaan
Shaan

Match with one of our local hosts

Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.

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100% Flexible: Adapt in real time

Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.

Experience Overview

Time:

3 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

Meeting point:

Demachiyanagi Station, 32-1 Tanaka Kamiyanagichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8205, Japan

Cancellation:

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring:

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

What’s Included:

Private and personalized walking experience
3 hours with a Host
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s Excluded:

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

What makes it special

Step away from the tourist trails and discover Kyoto’s quieter, more intimate side. From the mystical forest of Shimogamo Shrine to the tranquil Zen gardens of Konchi-in and the serene Okazaki Canal.

Key Highlights:

  • Discover quiet shrines, tranquil gardens, and serene canals far from the crowds
  • Wander Kyoto’s tucked-away paths and learn the stories behind its hidden gems.
  • Explore ancient sites with your host’s insights into Zen principles and local traditions
  • Connect with the city’s rhythm through peaceful, lesser-known locations loved by locals.
  • Your host will adapt the journey to your pace, creating a meaningful and personal experience.

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Linda 1 November 2025

Awesome experience with Afifa. My daughter and I enjoyed all of the beautiful and historic places. Afifa’s kind and warm personality made the experience especially enjoyable. She’s awesome! Thank you

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Lynn 1 November 2025

Toga was a wonderful tour guide. we loved him. so knowledgeable and really personable too!

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M
Mariagrazia 1 November 2025

Our guide Amy was very knowledgeable, sharing the history of the famous sites we visited. She is very friendly and enthusiastic and helped make our experience a good one.

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Abigail 1 November 2025

Milo was a great guide who kept a tranquil pace. They were extremely knowledgeable about the city and each of us took somethings away from the tour. To put a cherry on top Milo tailored the tour to our interests and provided us with recommendations that fit our needs.

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J
Jenny 1 November 2025

Friendly and knowledgable guide, was a great way to see some of Kyoto.

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M
Marina 1 October 2025

Excellent service!!

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Back
5.0
(773 reviews)
Linda, Nov 2025

Awesome experience with Afifa. My daughter and I enjoyed all of the beautiful and historic places. Afifa’s kind and warm personality made the experience especially enjoyable. She’s awesome! Thank you

Lynn, Nov 2025

Toga was a wonderful tour guide. we loved him. so knowledgeable and really personable too!

Mariagrazia, Nov 2025

Our guide Amy was very knowledgeable, sharing the history of the famous sites we visited. She is very friendly and enthusiastic and helped make our experience a good one.

Abigail, Nov 2025

Milo was a great guide who kept a tranquil pace. They were extremely knowledgeable about the city and each of us took somethings away from the tour. To put a cherry on top Milo tailored the tour to our interests and provided us with recommendations that fit our needs.

Jenny, Nov 2025

Friendly and knowledgable guide, was a great way to see some of Kyoto.

Marina, Oct 2025

Excellent service!!

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Demachiyanagi Station, 32-1 Tanaka Kamiyanagichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8205, Japan

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

Step Into Tadasu noMori Forest at Shimogamo Shrine

Explore an ancient forest and shrine steeped in Kyoto’s history.

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

Start at Shimogamo Shrine, nestled within Tadasu no Mori forest. As you walk under the towering trees, hear the soft flow of the Kamo River that runs through the grounds. Explore hidden sub-shrines and learn how this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a spiritual sanctuary for over 1,200 years.

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

Find Zen Serenity at Konchi-in Temple

Discover timeless beauty at a hidden Zen temple and its serene garden.

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

A short train ride takes you to Konchi-in, a peaceful sub-temple of the Nanzenji complex. Here, you’ll find the exquisite crane and turtle garden, a masterpiece of dry landscaping that symbolizes prosperity. Stroll through the temple grounds, taking in the architecture and natural surroundings.

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

Enjoy the Okazaki Canal & Heian Shrine’s Gardens

Walk a quiet canal path and discover Heian Shrine’s hidden back gardens.

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

End your journey with a peaceful stroll along the Okazaki Canal, a tranquil waterway lined with cherry trees and bridges. Watch as locals fish or enjoy leisurely walks, creating a calm atmosphere. Then, visit the back gardens of Heian Shrine, a serene retreat filled with ponds, and seasonal blooms.

Real Stories, Real Connections

Exploring Timeless Beauty Together

Exploring Timeless Beauty Together

Serenity Amongst Towering Bamboo

Serenity Amongst Towering Bamboo

Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto

Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto

A Dazzling New Year Celebration

A Dazzling New Year Celebration

Beneath the Bloom: A Tranquil Escape

Beneath the Bloom: A Tranquil Escape

Through the Archways of Kyoto's Hidden Gems!

Through the Archways of Kyoto's Hidden Gems!

Bamboo Forest adventures with new friends!

Bamboo Forest adventures with new friends!

Savoring traditions in Kyoto's historic heart!

Savoring traditions in Kyoto's historic heart!

Walking Through Time at Fushimi Inari!

Walking Through Time at Fushimi Inari!

Savoring a traditional Kyoto's breakfast!

Savoring a traditional Kyoto's breakfast!

Strolling Kyoto's streets, soaking in the charm!

Strolling Kyoto's streets, soaking in the charm!

Under the Lanterns of Kyoto!

Under the Lanterns of Kyoto!

Hidden Gems and local warmth in Kyoto!

Hidden Gems and local warmth in Kyoto!

Sweet Matcha Moments in a Kyoto Traditional Teahouse!

Sweet Matcha Moments in a Kyoto Traditional Teahouse!

Morning Walk Through Kyoto's Pagoda District!

Morning Walk Through Kyoto's Pagoda District!

Lost in the beauty of Arashiyama's bamboo forest!

Lost in the beauty of Arashiyama's bamboo forest!

Exploring Kyoto's Timeless Temples!

Exploring Kyoto's Timeless Temples!

Sipping in Style: Rooftop Views & Kyoto Vibes!

Sipping in Style: Rooftop Views & Kyoto Vibes!

Golden hour at Kinkajou-ji!

Golden hour at Kinkajou-ji!

Strolling Through Kyoto’s Historic Streets!

Strolling Through Kyoto’s Historic Streets!

Uncovering Kyoto's Hidden Riverside Charm!

Uncovering Kyoto's Hidden Riverside Charm!

Exploring Kyoto’s Hidden Gems!

Exploring Kyoto’s Hidden Gems!

FAQs

Your questions, answered

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

How does my host personalize this experience?

After booking, you'll receive a questionnaire that captures your travel style, interests, and any specific requests. Your host will use this to tailor your experience, ensuring it reflects what excites you most.

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!

What kind of stories and insights will my host share?

Each host has their own personal relationship with the city. You'll experience the city through their eyes—hearing stories about places they love, discovering hidden gems, and learning what makes their city special in a way that goes beyond a typical tour.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Your experience will still go ahead, and your host will adapt the day to suit the conditions. One of the great things about City Unscripted is that no two experiences are the same, and your host knows the city well enough to find great “rainy day” alternatives.

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.