Icons & Secrets

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 (783)

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

3 hours English

5.0 (783) 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.

How It Works

Book your date

Choose your preferred date, start time and group size for your experience.

Share your interests

Complete your personalisation form after booking, for a tailored experience.

Explore with your matched host

We match you with a local host who shapes the route around you.

Experience Overview

Time:

3 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

Transport Mode:

Walking experience (May use public transport for longer distances)

Sustainability:

Eco-friendly & local (Supports local businesses and low-impact travel)

Meeting point:

Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Sanjo-ohashi Bridge, Japan, 〒604-8004 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakajimachō, １１３近江屋ビル 1F

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 experience shaped around your interests and pace

Pre-experience questionnaire to personalize your time together

A knowledgeable host who’s passionate about their city

Flexible route and pacing, adjusted as you go

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s Excluded:

Food and drink

Tickets to any attractions

Gratuities (optional)

Mostly walking, with food, drinks, transport and entry fees paid separately unless stated.

Reviews of Our Kyoto Experiences

Iconic places and an amazing restaurant for lunch. Exploring the different neighborhoods Very professional tour guide. Excellent English and good knowledge of history..

Martha

Kyoto

Great Knowledge of the city and the history

Martha

Kyoto

Our host really made a big effort to tailor our morning to our interests.

Susan

Kyoto

Taiga was an excellent guide. He was incredibly knowledgeable about the area we were visiting, including local customs not observed by the greater country, he acted as guide, interpreter, camera man, and foodie to handle our every question and need. 10/10 service, and I'd highly recommend asking for him by name

Preston

Kyoto

Austen was amazing, they showed us so much in the little time we were together and they also were a font of knowledge. Their suggestions led to some amazing food and drinks as well as purchases. My ONLY regret is not having booked him for a longer tour.

Patrick

Kyoto

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.

Melinda

Kyoto

See all reviews

A possible route, not a fixed script

This sample shows what the experience could include. Your host will shape the route around your interests, pace, weather and plans.

Suggested meeting point

Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Sanjo-ohashi Bridge, Japan, 〒604-8004 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakajimachō, １１３近江屋ビル 1F

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.

Kyoto, Our Guests Way

Here are our guests exploring on a City Unscripted experience.

Smiling under Kyoto's sun at a beautiful temple backdrop.

Smiling in front of Kyoto's vibrant temple architecture.

A smiling group gathers under Kyoto's vibrant pagoda sky.

Exploring ancient architecture under Kyoto's soft, overcast skies.

Strolling through Kyoto's serene bamboo paths.

Evening strolls reveal Kyoto's enchanting pagoda under a twilight sky.

A festive moment surrounded by golden New Year decorations.

Uncovering peaceful beauty beneath a blooming cherry tree in Kyoto.

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!

Your FAQs

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.

Select a date

Select a time

08:00 am
09:00 am
10:00 am
12:00 pm
01:00 pm
02:00 pm
04:00 pm
05:00 pm

$120.5 Per person incl.
taxes & fees

$120.5

per person
including taxes & fees

Select a date and time

This experience will be tailored just for you

★★★★★

Kendra

21 June 2026

We had the best day with Benny! He contacted us right after the booking to plan out the day. When our flights were delayed he quickly responded and was flexible to adjust to the new schedule. He was so helpful in navigating the streets while sharing information about the areas. Hoping for another trip soon just so we can book another tour with Benny!

Teresa

1 July 2026

We had an amazing experience with Claudio. Claudio was an outstanding guide—friendly, professional, and incredibly knowledgeable about the history of Bologna. He shared fascinating stories that brought the city to life and gave us fantastic recommendations for local restaurants and hidden gems that we never would have found on our own. City Unscripted did a wonderful job matching us with someone who truly loves what he does. Claudio made us feel like we were exploring the city with a knowledgeable local friend rather than just taking a tour. We highly recommend both City Unscripted and Claudio to anyone visiting Bologna. Thank you for making our day so memorable!

Trevor

30 June 2026

We were lucky to have such a knowledgeable, thoughtful guide in Lorenza. We were able to experience and learn a lot in a very short amount of time. We were thrilled with her authenticity and passion for the city, its history, and culture. She did a wonderful job of tailoring the experience to our interests!