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
Kokoro
Tess
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 hoursWhat to expect:
Fully tailored to your preferencesLanguage:
Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)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.
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 Excluded:
Tickets to any attractions other than what has been listed
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
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 travelers think of our Kyoto experiences
Real Stories, Real Connections
Blossom Moments: A Spring Picnic Under Cherry Trees
Friends Amidst the Serenity of the Bamboo Forest
Sky Painted in Gold: A Stroll at Dusk
Joyful Stroll in Japan's Historic Streets
Bonds and Beauty at a Historic Site
Charmed Moments Beneath the Pagoda
Tranquil Retreat: Guests in a Zen Garden
Morning Stroll by Tower Bridge: A Timeless Encounter
Emerging Through the Wishful Archway
Whispers by the Waterfall: Friends in Nature's Embrace
Journey Through Kyoto's Timeless Torii
Bamboo Bliss: Friends Embracing Nature's Majesty
Pathway to Serenity: A Hidden Garden Escape
Harmony in the Cascade's Gentle Murmur
Radiant Smiles in the Starlit Evening
Sunlit Smiles in Kyoto's Tranquil Courtyard
Joyful Wanderings in Kyoto's Enchanted Forest
A Day of Discovery: Embracing Nature's Serenity
Beneath the Bloom: A Tranquil Escape
Capturing Joy: A Serendipitous Smile at the Fushimi Inari Shrine
Smiles in a Bamboo Wonderland
Family Adventure by the Golden Temple
A Day of Smiles and History in Kyoto
A Dazzling New Year Celebration
Captivated by Tradition: A Moment at the Temple
Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto
Family Moments at the Vibrant Torii Tunnel
Family Adventure in Kyoto
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
