Kyoto
New Year traditions and hidden cultural gems: Kyoto edition
Festivals & Local Celebrations • 3 hours
5.0
(6)
New Year traditions and hidden cultural gems: Kyoto edition
Immerse yourself in Kyoto's New Year traditions with serene shrines, scenic streets, and authentic insights at vibrant local markets
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- This bespoke New Year-themed experience immerses you in the heart of Kyoto’s cherished traditions, offering a mix of tranquility, discovery, and cultural depth.
- Visit the peaceful Imahie Shrine, a hidden gem away from the crowds. Here, you can take part in traditional rituals like writing ema (wish plaques) or drawing an omikuji (fortune slip), experiencing the spirituality of Kyoto’s New Year traditions
- Admire the shrine’s seasonal decorations, including kadomatsu (pine and bamboo arrangements symbolizing prosperity), which reflect Japan’s deep cultural connection to the New Year season.
- Stroll along Shinbashi Dori, a scenic street lined with preserved wooden buildings. Its quiet ambiance and timeless charm make it the perect spot to reflect and take photos.
- Learn about New Year decorations like shimenawa (sacred ropes) adorning doorways. These symbolic ornaments, meant to ward off evil spirits, highlight the spiritual importance of the season in Japan.
- Dive into the vibrant energy of Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s culinary hub during the New Year season. Taste seasonal treats like hanabira mochi and browse unique ingredients used in osechi ryori (New Year feast boxes).
- Engage with family-run vendors who proudly share the stories behind their specialties, offering you a deeper appreciation of Kyoto’s rich culinary heritage.
- If you’re lucky, you might catch a festive moment like a mochitsuki (rice-pounding) demonstration, adding a layer of spontaneity to your visit.
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
3-4 New Year’s food tastings at Nishiki Market
3 Hour hosted experience
Immersive walking experience
Private and tailored experience
What’s not included
Tickets to any attractions other than what has been listed
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
Imahie Shrine Main EntranceCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat 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.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat you’ll do
Step into the heart of Kyoto’s New Year season with a journey that captures the city’s traditions through serene rituals, picturesque streets, and the vibrant energy of its iconic market.
Your day begins at Imahie Shrine, a lesser-known treasure where Kyoto’s spiritual and cultural roots run deep. Participate in New Year’s customs by writing your hopes for the year on ema or discovering your fortune through an omikuji. As you admire the shrine’s seasonal touches, like kadomatsu and shimekazari (New Year’s decorations), you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s reverence for the New Year.
From there, wander through the peaceful Shinbashi Dori, a picturesque street that feels like stepping back in time. Adorned with shimekazari and other decorations, this street not only offers a stunning backdrop for photos but also reveals stories of how these traditions ward off evil and invite good fortune. Your host will share insights into these practices, making the experience as enriching as it is beautiful.
Finally, the vibrant Nishiki Market offers an explosion of flavors and festive energy. Taste New Year delicacies like hanabira mochi or Kyoto-style tsukemono (pickles), and chat with vendors whose family traditions often stretch back generations. Along the way, you might happen upon a festive moment, like a mochitsuki demonstration, that brings Kyoto’s holiday spirit to life. Keep in mind, however, that some shops may be closed on January 1st and other New Year’s holidays.
Throughout the experience, your host will share stories and insights into the importance of New Year’s traditions in Japan—from spiritual practices to culinary customs—giving you a richer appreciation of this special time.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
Surrounded by centuries of tradition
Night Lights & Lantern Legends
Charmed in Gion
Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections
Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera
Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto
Morning Light & Timeless Streets
Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around
Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way
Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine
A Table Full of Stories
New Friends in Old Streets
Tempura & Togetherness
The Fox Shrine Crew
Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins
Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company
Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections
Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates
Big smiles and even bigger stories
Soft Steps & Serene Views
From ancient torii gates to new friendships
A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city
Wandering through a forest of giants
A day filled with culture and laughter
Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades
Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm
A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley
The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.
Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope
Pagoda Postcard Vibes
Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted
Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto
Walking through these thousand torii gates
A Ryokan-Style Feast
Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove
Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari
Matcha Dreams Come True
Cocktails with a view
A walk through time
Rural charm and cultural calm
A peaceful pause with Kannon
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What travelers think of this experience
Michael
Apr 2025
My wife and I had a fantastic time with Ryuki. He was so great at explaining anything and everything, and he is also a solid photographer, ensuring we have memories for a lifetime. Would do this tour again with him!
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Michael
Apr 2025
We had such an enjoyable time with Ryuki. He knew everything about the area, including where to get the perfect picture and how to avoid the crowds. I'm so glad we chose to do a private tour.
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Tim
Jun 2025
Just a wonderful experience, Ryuki was fantastic and we couldn’t ask for anything more!
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Patrick
Jun 2025
Personal, educational, tailored to our interests, family oriented, Our family of 6, truly enjoyed being culturally an d historically immersed in the backstreets of Kyoto. Never would had that experience without City Unscripted
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Tom
May 2025
Our guide was wonderful. He made the adventure a lot of fun and clearly knows his resturants. Ask to see his google maps! Too much great food and a great time exploring Kyoto. highly recommend.
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Ashley
May 2025
We had the absolute pleasure of spending the day in Kyoto with an incredible guide, Kiyoto (company: EMperience Japan; Instagram: @emperiencejapan), who made our visit truly unforgettable. From start to finish, he was knowledgeable, personable, and completely dedicated to making sure we had the best experience possible. He brought us to a fantastic variety of places that gave us a real sense of Japanese culture—from Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion district to hidden gems we never would have found on our own. One of the highlights was our visit to the Nishiki Market, where he guided us through the vibrant stalls, introduced us to local specialties, and shared insights that made the experience even more meaningful. It’s clear he’s passionate about what he does, and it shows in every thoughtful detail of the tour. We can’t recommend him highly enough—if you’re visiting Kyoto and want a perfect mix of culture, history, food, and local charm, look no further. This was one of the best parts of our trip, and we’re so happy to support his growing business!
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