Hidden Gems

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

Person reaching for a branch in a garden setting in Kyoto

Three people sitting by the Kamo River in Kyoto, Japan.

Three people looking at a tablet outdoors near a wooden fence in Kyoto

Three people walking near Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, Japan.

Two people examining a fortune slip at a Japanese temple in Kyoto

5.0 (778)

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

3 hours English

5.0 (778) 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.

Shoji

Sarah

Match with one of our local hosts

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

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)

Person tying omikuji papers at a shrine in Kyoto

Pathway through Showa Kinen Park with autumn trees overhead.

Front view of the torii gate at Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto, Japan.

Person walking past the Heian Shrine on a sunny day in Kyoto

Heian Shrine's main hall with green roof in Kyoto, Japan.

People walking on a street in Gion, Kyoto, Japan with traditional wooden buildings.

Three people eating ramen at a wooden counter in a restaurant in Kyoto

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.

Melinda 7 January 2026

Our tour guide Mia was awesome. She was fun and enjoyable and had lots of interesting facts about the area and sites we were seeing. Very relatable to our two sons who are 25 and 29. She was very flexible when we opted to change up the itinerary and was very patient when we needed to take lots of breaks to get out of the heat and rehydrate. Would highly recommend this tour and especially the guide, thanks Mia.

Courtney 28 December 2025

Mia picked us up from our hotel and immediately we were taken by her warmth and energy! We spent the day exploring Kyoto. She quickly intuited our different interests and engaged with us all (our 20 year old, our 12 year old and my husband and me) individually and as a unit. She accommodated our pace and we managed to see so much without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. She took us for a delicious udon lunch and we peppered her with questions about Japanese life and culture. Her answers gave us a more interesting perspective on everything we saw. We recommend the tour and more specifically recommend taking it with Mia!

Courtney 30 December 2025

Mia is FANTASTIC!!! She is smart and personable!!

Lynn 24 December 2025

Taiga was a great guide! We were very interested in Japanese history and he provided so much interesting information. The spots selected were just right. Thanks!

Jason 17 December 2025

Milo was a great tour guide to a lovely city. I was actually here in Kyoto last year and saw many of the same sites but without a guide. I gained so much additional perspective by going again but actually learning about what I was looking at! For example, Milo pointed out several geisha houses I'd have never noticed, and explained the cultural significance of the practice. Despite the rain, Milo picked us up from our hotel and walked us through several historical sites, shrines, and temples. He was very knowledgable about the history of the city and its culture. We'd all recommend.

Linda 27 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

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

Step Into Tadasu noMori Forest at Shimogamo Shrine

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

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.

Find Zen Serenity at Konchi-in Temple

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

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.

Enjoy the Okazaki Canal & Heian Shrine’s Gardens

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

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

Serenity Amongst Towering Bamboo

Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto

A Dazzling New Year Celebration

Beneath the Bloom: A Tranquil Escape

Through the Archways of Kyoto's Hidden Gems!

Bamboo Forest adventures with new friends!

Savoring traditions in Kyoto's historic heart!

Walking Through Time at Fushimi Inari!

Savoring a traditional Kyoto's breakfast!

Strolling Kyoto's streets, soaking in the charm!

Under the Lanterns of Kyoto!

Hidden Gems and local warmth in Kyoto!

Sweet Matcha Moments in a Kyoto Traditional Teahouse!

Morning Walk Through Kyoto's Pagoda District!

Lost in the beauty of Arashiyama's bamboo forest!

Exploring Kyoto's Timeless Temples!

Sipping in Style: Rooftop Views & Kyoto Vibes!

Golden hour at Kinkajou-ji!

Strolling Through Kyoto’s Historic Streets!

Uncovering Kyoto's Hidden Riverside Charm!

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.

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$116.23 Per person incl.
taxes & fees

$116.23

per person
including taxes & fees

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This experience will be tailored just for you

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Start Booking with us

★★★★★

Angel M

7 January 2026

Roy was punctual, very kind, and well organized. He shared a great amount of local history, food, geography and cultural details taking us to very off-the-beaten path places. We highly recommend his tour! Angel & Lily

Melinda

Helen

Had a really great tour with our tour guide Ling. She showed us lots of places off the beaten track that we wouldn’t have found on our own and really personalised it to our own interests. She was very informative about the local area and recommended places for us to eat and visit later in our trip. All in all a wonderful experience and well worth the money.