
Immerse yourself in Kyoto's New Year traditions with serene shrines, scenic streets, and authentic insights at vibrant local markets
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
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.
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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!
Show moreWe 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.
Show moreAi was an excellent guide . Friendly . Knowledgeable. She showed us many sights on Kyoto . We would highly recommend.
Show moreIan was a fantastic tour guide in Kyoto. We visited the city and the country for the first time with our twelve year old son, and Ian did a fantastic job finding the right pace, connecting the past and the present and kept us focused and engaged for the entire tour. I highly recommend going with Ian on your next tour. Thank you for a fabulous time.
Show moreOur guide! Toga was the best. He offered us choices as to what we wanted to do for the evening and catered the experience to what we were up for in that moment. He was also very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area and I felt like I actually learned something about the places we visited. He also had an affable personality and was very chill and easy going. He even later sent text links to some places we were interested in visiting on our own- which we actually did. He recommended a nice late night gyoza spot we ended up going to that was fantastic. We all really enjoyed our tour with him and would highly recommend him as a tour guide.
Show moreMasaya was great and flexible for seeing Kyoto. As someone interested in getting some special photos, he helped me find all the right spots! He had a great knowledge of the city and his facts about cultural and historical landmarks was really helpful to understanding the meaning behind so much in Kyoto.
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