Tailoring each experience to your wishes by locals who love their city
From exploring cool neighborhoods to eating with the locals to seeing iconic sites, these are some of our favorite experiences
City Unscripted Original
Your perfect Kyoto day, tailored to you. Explore icons, hidden gems & culture with a local host shaping a flexible experience around your interests.
$265.5 per person
8 hours
(519)
City Unscripted Original
Explore Kyoto at night with a local. Explore mystical Gion and the winding streets in Pontocho or mingle with the locals at a bar; it's up to you!
$151.5 per person
3 hours
(123)
City Unscripted Original
Explore Arashiyama's instagrammable bamboo forest, historic temples and gardens, and one of Japan's most famous and iconic bridge
$255 per person
6 hours
(147)
Kyoto at its core is a perfect pocket of Japanese history and culture, and many of the most memorable things to do in Kyoto offer an authentic glimpse into the Japan of centuries ago. Whether you explore 1200-year-old Kiyomizu-dera Temple, walk the wood-built streets of fairytale Higashiyama, or marvel at geishas in twinkling Gion, the city narrates Japan’s history beautifully. But Kyoto certainly hasn’t lagged behind in the modern aspects of Japanese life. In fact, the things to do in Kyoto span centuries, and the other side of the city is an exhilarating world of late-night karaoke bars, draft beers at intimate izakayas, and fluorescent 100-yen sushi restaurants.
Kyoto is a perfect snapshot of old Japan brimming with ancient temples, traditional teahouses, and narrow streets leading to centuries-old shrines tucked between modern storefronts. Many of the things to do in Kyoto today are the same things locals would have been doing centuries ago. From catching a streetside performance put on by a geisha to sitting down for the 1000-year-old experience of traditional Kaiseki dining, the things to do in Kyoto can take its visitors on a mesmerizing trip through time. It may be small in size, but the city is infinitely vast in cultural heritage.
There’s a reason Kyoto was nicknamed the “kitchen of the Imperial Court” – the food here is spectacular. From traditional tea ceremonies with sweet wagashi confections to snacking on gyoza dumplings at Kamo River, many of the best things to do in Kyoto revolve around food. You could sample street food in the crisscrossing lanes of centuries-old Nishiki Market, the crowded “kitchen of Kyoto”, or experience the opulent epitome of Japanese haute cuisine, Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course menu. As long as you have an appetite, you certainly won’t struggle for things to do in Kyoto.
Nights in the city are the stuff of magic, and some of the most exciting things to do in Kyoto only appear when the sun goes down. Kyoto’s traditional entertainment district, Gion, wakes up, and quiet streets packed with restaurants, vibey local haunts, and tucked-away shrines become crowded. The cobbled streets, bathed in the golden glow of paper lanterns, take on an ethereal appeal made even more bewitching by geishas floating by. Catch a traditional performance at Gion Corner, belt out a song at a karaoke bar, or have a drink at a quiet bar away from the madness – the night is yours.
We loved this tour, perfect for us. It was personal , focused on the historical sites and really efficient. The weather was incredibly hot and Jose was very considerate, adjusting as we went. Jose was a wonderful guide, personable, interesting, great at showing us the best bits and lots of great conversation about modern day Japan. Would 100% recommend!
22 July 2026
This was the best way to see Kyoto. Cici was a fantastic guide…knowledgeable and warm and funny. She was also careful to make sure we didn’t overheat in the hot, sticky weather. She met us at the hotel and we were off to see the beautiful sites of Kyoto. She also took us to hidden areas around Kyoto off the beaten path and not touristy. Highly recommend this tour and Cici as the guide. Five stars!!!
22 July 2026
Cici was the best…starting with the meeting point in our hotel lobby and throughout the tour. She was friendly and funny and full of insights. She also made sure we were cool on a very hot and humid day. Her historic knowledge and insights were amazing. She also knew out of the way places to visit and more. This was an amazing tour and we highly recommend it and highly recommend Cici as your guide.
23 July 2026
Tom was very knowledgeable and tailored the tour to our interests. We had such a nice day with him and learned so much about this beautiful city and country.
22 July 2026
