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Answer a few quick questions, and we'll match you with experiences tailored to your interests, travel style, and how you want to explore.
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QUESTION 1
What kind of experience makes a trip unforgettable for you?
QUESTION 2
Who are you traveling with?
QUESTION 3
What is the first thing that you look for when arriving in a new city?
QUESTION 4
How do you want to experience the city’s atmosphere?
QUESTION 5
What kind of local connection excites you most?
QUESTION 6
How much time do you have to explore?
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Kyoto experiences!
Based on your travel style, these are our top picks for you.
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Experience Kyoto
Beyond the Guidebooks

See the landmarks you’ve dreamed of, and the corners you didn’t know to look for — all in one personalized day.

Find your perfect experience

Top Kyoto Experiences

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

$116.23 per person
3 hours

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

$116.23 per person
3 hours
Uncover Kyoto’s hidden side with peaceful temples, serene gardens, and quiet canals, all curated to reveal the city’s authentic, crowd-free charm.
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Half day in Magical Kyoto

Kyoto, Your Way: A Personalized 4-Hour Exploration

$147.03 per person
4 hours

Kyoto, Your Way: A Personalized 4-Hour Exploration

$147.03 per person
4 hours
Shape your half-day in Kyoto with iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and serene paths—crafted by your local host to match what excites you most!
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Your First Day in Kyoto: City Essentials and Cultural Insights

Your First Day in Kyoto: City Essentials and Cultural Insights

$116.23 per person
3 hours

Your First Day in Kyoto: City Essentials and Cultural Insights

$116.23 per person
3 hours
Ease into Kyoto’s rhythm with a thoughtful 3-hour introduction to its iconic sights, cultural nuances, and local tips, leaving you ready to explore.
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Kyoto, Your Story: A Full-Day of Icons, Culture & Hidden Gems

Kyoto, Your Story: A Full-Day of Icons, Culture & Hidden Gems

$270.23 per person
8 hours

Kyoto, Your Story: A Full-Day of Icons, Culture & Hidden Gems

$270.23 per person
8 hours
Your perfect Kyoto day, tailored to you. Explore icons, hidden gems & culture with a local host shaping a flexible experience around your interests.
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Mystical Gion: explore the iconic geisha district

Mystical Gion: explore the iconic geisha district

$116.23 per person
3 hours

Mystical Gion: explore the iconic geisha district

$116.23 per person
3 hours
Explore Kyoto's most mesmerizing district, see stunning temples, traditional shops, and maybe even the odd geisha hurrying to her next appointment
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Find your perfect experience here.
No scripts. No crowds. Just an experience built around you.

More than 26,238 5-star reviews and counting

26,238 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

How Personalization Works

All experiences are tailored to you—choose what excites you most.

Pick Your Experience

Browse and choose an experience that excites you—whether it’s hidden gems, local food, or cultural insights.

Share Your Interests

After booking, answer a few quick questions about your travel style and preferences so we can match you with the perfect host.

Connect & Customize

Chat with your host, discuss your interests, and fine-tune the experience before your adventure begins.
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Our Experiences

From hidden streets to well-known highlights—each one shaped by a local and tailored to you

Show prices based on:
Adults (Aged 13+)
Children (Up to 12 years old)
Pre-Trip Planning Session
Kyoto

Kyoto trip planning video call

5 (47)
30-90 minutes
From   $25   per person
See details

Video chat or email with a local to plan your perfect trip or get answers to all your questions

Half day in Magical Kyoto Flexible Half-Day Discovery
Kyoto

Kyoto, Your Way: A Personalized 4-Hour Exploration

5 (760)
4 hours
From   $147.03   per person
See details

Shape your half-day in Kyoto with iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and serene paths—crafted by your local host to match what excites you most!

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Here is What Our Guests Say

We loved his personality, his enthusiasm. He took us to a restaurant where we could make our own yuba and taught us how to use public transportation Alix
From the moment our tour started we knew we were in for a special day. Alex 's knowledge of local customs and history made the tour very enjoyable Bob
Great guide really recommended Marcelo
Be inspired by their journeys
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Real Stories, Real Connections

Whispers by the Waterfall: Friends in Nature's Embrace

Whispers by the Waterfall: Friends in Nature's Embrace

A Day of Discovery: Embracing Nature's Serenity

A Day of Discovery: Embracing Nature's Serenity

Joyful Wanderings in Kyoto's Enchanted Forest

Joyful Wanderings in Kyoto's Enchanted Forest

Sunlit Smiles in Kyoto's Tranquil Courtyard

Sunlit Smiles in Kyoto's Tranquil Courtyard

Blossom Moments: A Spring Picnic Under Cherry Trees

Blossom Moments: A Spring Picnic Under Cherry Trees

Radiant Smiles in the Starlit Evening

Radiant Smiles in the Starlit Evening

Harmony in the Cascade's Gentle Murmur

Harmony in the Cascade's Gentle Murmur

Pathway to Serenity: A Hidden Garden Escape

Pathway to Serenity: A Hidden Garden Escape

Bamboo Bliss: Friends Embracing Nature's Majesty

Bamboo Bliss: Friends Embracing Nature's Majesty

Journey Through Kyoto's Timeless Torii

Journey Through Kyoto's Timeless Torii

Beneath the Bloom: A Tranquil Escape

Beneath the Bloom: A Tranquil Escape

Emerging Through the Wishful Archway

Emerging Through the Wishful Archway

Morning Stroll by Tower Bridge: A Timeless Encounter

Morning Stroll by Tower Bridge: A Timeless Encounter

Tranquil Retreat: Guests in a Zen Garden

Tranquil Retreat: Guests in a Zen Garden

Charmed Moments Beneath the Pagoda

Charmed Moments Beneath the Pagoda

Bonds and Beauty at a Historic Site

Bonds and Beauty at a Historic Site

Joyful Stroll in Japan's Historic Streets

Joyful Stroll in Japan's Historic Streets

Sky Painted in Gold: A Stroll at Dusk

Sky Painted in Gold: A Stroll at Dusk

Friends Amidst the Serenity of the Bamboo Forest

Friends Amidst the Serenity of the Bamboo Forest

Family Adventure in Kyoto

Family Adventure in Kyoto

Sweet Escapades and Smiles

Sweet Escapades and Smiles

Family Adventures at the Five-Tiered Temple

Family Adventures at the Five-Tiered Temple

Harmony in Front of the Tranquil Statue

Harmony in Front of the Tranquil Statue

Exploring Timeless Beauty Together

Exploring Timeless Beauty Together

Serenity Amongst Towering Bamboo

Serenity Amongst Towering Bamboo

Ink and Attitude: Celebrating Friendship in Style

Ink and Attitude: Celebrating Friendship in Style

Emerging Through Wishes: A Journey to Tranquility

Emerging Through Wishes: A Journey to Tranquility

Smiles Amidst the Serenity of Kyoto

Smiles Amidst the Serenity of Kyoto

Family Moments at the Vibrant Torii Tunnel

Family Moments at the Vibrant Torii Tunnel

Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto

Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto

Captivated by Tradition: A Moment at the Temple

Captivated by Tradition: A Moment at the Temple

A Dazzling New Year Celebration

A Dazzling New Year Celebration

A Day of Smiles and History in Kyoto

A Day of Smiles and History in Kyoto

Family Adventure by the Golden Temple

Family Adventure by the Golden Temple

Smiles in a Bamboo Wonderland

Smiles in a Bamboo Wonderland

Capturing Joy: A Serendipitous Smile at the Fushimi Inari Shrine

Capturing Joy: A Serendipitous Smile at the Fushimi Inari Shrine

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Charmed in Gion

Charmed in Gion

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

A Table Full of Stories

A Table Full of Stories

New Friends in Old Streets

New Friends in Old Streets

Tempura & Togetherness

Tempura & Togetherness

The Fox Shrine Crew

The Fox Shrine Crew

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Soft Steps & Serene Views

Soft Steps & Serene Views

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

Wandering through a forest of giants

Wandering through a forest of giants

A day filled with culture and laughter

A day filled with culture and laughter

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

 Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Walking through these thousand torii gates

Walking through these thousand torii gates

A Ryokan-Style Feast

A Ryokan-Style Feast

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Matcha Dreams Come True

Matcha Dreams Come True

Cocktails with a view

Cocktails with a view

A walk through time

A walk through time

Rural charm and cultural calm

Rural charm and cultural calm

A peaceful pause with Kannon

A peaceful pause with Kannon

M
Mana 30 December 2025

Vanessa was absolutely incredible. We have had 4 tour guides through city unscripted across different cities in Japan and Vanessa was the absolute best. She was so generous with her time and knowledge and truly made the experience as rich as it could be for us. She came early to map out our entire itinerary for our days in Kyoto and stayed late to make sure she imparted all knowledge she could in our learning and discovery. She was beyond personable and as kind, fun, and funny as can be! We can’t say enough about her - she is simply the best!

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K
Kerry 29 December 2025

We had a great day with Afifa. She was very warm and welcoming. She contacted us long before our arrival to set up a convenient meeting place and to learn about our interests for the day. We left most of the itinerary up to her and we were very happy with all the spots she highlighted during the day. She was very knowledgeable about the area and made our experience in Kyoto very enjoyable. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to tour and experience Kyoto.

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J
Jeff 30 December 2025

Amy has deep knowledge and did a great job engaging with our kids.

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R
Ramnath 28 December 2025

We had a very enjoyable time with Amy. She was very informative and took us around many of the world famous sites in Kyoto during our afternoon tour. She shared many insights about the rich heritage and culture of Kyoto. We tried many samples of the famous Kyoto desserts, and local delicacies. She recommended a place where we could have dinner in Ponto Alley and made a reservation on our behalf. We thoroughly enjoyed the dinner experience. All in all a very fun afternoon. WE would highly recommend Amy for other families visiting Kyoto.

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C
Courtney 28 December 2025

Mia picked us up from our hotel and immediately we were taken by her warmth and energy! We spent the day exploring Kyoto. She quickly intuited our different interests and engaged with us all (our 20 year old, our 12 year old and my husband and me) individually and as a unit. She accommodated our pace and we managed to see so much without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. She took us for a delicious udon lunch and we peppered her with questions about Japanese life and culture. Her answers gave us a more interesting perspective on everything we saw. We recommend the tour and more specifically recommend taking it with Mia!

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C
Courtney 30 December 2025

Mia is FANTASTIC!!! She is smart and personable!!

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H
Hana 28 December 2025

Our guide Cici was excellent. She shared a recommended tour schedule beforehand for us to review and adapt as we wanted. But we didn’t need to change anything, she planned the perfect mix of famous spots and less touristy areas for us to see. Cici was very knowledgeable about Japanese history and the sites we visited. Highly recommend a tour with Cici.

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J
John 28 December 2025

Pam was a fantastic guide. She was very kind to me and my family and tailored the tour perfectly to our pace and interests

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Are experiences the same as tours?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Will I be able to speak to my host beforehand?

Yes. After we match you with your host, we’ll introduce you so you can chat about the plan and make any tweaks before the day.

How do you match me with a host?

We ask a few questions. After you book, you’ll fill out a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll then match you with the best local host to design your experience.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

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!

Can I mix different themes in one experience?

Yes! You can blend food, culture, history, neighborhoods, or even a bit of nightlife if time allows. Just share your interests in the questionnaire, and your host will build the day around them.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before your experience date—no questions asked.