What your Experience could look like
- 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.
Explore beyond the ordinary with locals who bring cities to life
Explore cities through the eyes of locals who know hidden gems and landmarks. Your journey blends history, culture, and authentic stories, personalized to your interests.
Personalized and Adaptable
Your experience is crafted around your interests—whether you’re uncovering hidden gems or iconic sites. Flexible itineraries adapt to what excites you most, reflecting your preferences
Friendship Over Formality
Our hosts are locals, eager to share their city with you in a way that’s genuine and relaxed — more like wandering with a friend than a guide.
Immersive Experiences Across Many Themes
Whether it’s food, history, or art—our flexible themes let you explore what excites you. Each journey is thoughtfully crafted to match your unique interests
Photos taken by our hosts and guests
Travelers having fun right now!
Reviews
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A wonderful tour of beautiful Kyoto with our guide, Kiyoto! Kiyoto was polite, accommodating, knowledgeable, and helpful - even providing us with a list of his favorite restaurants after the tour. He loves his city and people. It was a lovely day.
January 2025
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Excellent custom 1:1 half-day walking tour of Kyoto with a great guide who read my input and already had a great tour in mind based on my questionnaire, but also had options along the way to modify if desired. It was truly unscripted and I got to see everything I was hoping to, along with a couple cool things I would have never found on my own. Great conversation and lots of clear explanations with historical context. Had a great time, highly recommend.
January 2025
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Excellent custom 1:1 half-day walking tour of Kyoto with a great guide (Toga) who read my input and already had an ideal tour in mind based on my questionnaire, but also had options along the way to modify if desired. It was truly unscripted and I got to see everything I was hoping to, along with a couple cool things I would have never found on my own. Great conversation and lots of clear explanations with historical context. Had a great time and I would highly recommend to others.
January 2025
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We had an amazing time with our guide Alvin. The itinerary he came up with was perfectly timed, and he had so much knowledge about the history and lore/legends. He talked anime and video games with my husband, which was nice. It really felt like we were being shown around by a friend. Also, I am sure he could have walked circles around us but he was very intuitive when it came to setting the pace. I never felt like he was walking too fast or had issues keeping up, and I am not what anyone would call athletic. Also, he took GREAT photos of us.
January 2025
Important Details for Your Day
