Things to Do in Kyoto
• Take part as a guest in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, not just a demonstration.
• Learn the proper etiquette, gestures, and flow of the ceremony inside a traditional tatami room.
• Prepare and whisk matcha using traditional tea utensils.
• Upgrade your experience with a kimono dressing option (minimum 2 guests required).
Discover one of the cities where dreams come true, where great industries like Nintendo were born, and be part of a grand adventure filled with colorful landscapes, geishas, samurais, temples, and much more.
Itinerary:
The tour begins at the SANJO-OHASHI bridge station, where we will take a brief walk along the KAMOGAWA river, and you will hear stories of how Kyoto became the capital of Japan and one of its most important cities.
Later on, we will encounter the most beautiful place in Kyoto, the Geisha District (GION), where you can observe an atmosphere of ancient architecture known as Machi-Ya, traditional wooden houses over 150 years old, a memorable place to keep in our memories.
The next stop will be at CHION-IN SAMON, one of the most prestigious temples in Japan, where we will explain how the Japanese introduced Buddhism as a religion and why Christianity was a complete failure.
During the tour, we will delve into HISASHI-YAMA, one of the most historic areas of Kyoto, where you will be delighted with fascinating stories of ancient emperors and samurai warriors (Shoguns).
Finally, we will visit the Koshindo monkey temple and see the gigantic Yasaka pagoda built in the 7th century by Prince Shotoku.
Kyoto is an interesting city, it will fill you not only with history and temples but also with a wide variety of gastronomy. Once the tour is finished, we will give you recommendations for restaurants and activities to do.
• Enjoy flexibility with 3 routes and 14 carefully chosen stops across Kyoto. Buses run every 40 minutes, so you can savor each location to your heart's content.
• Climb aboard open-top buses and enjoy audio commentary in 7 languages. Watch Kyoto's captivating streetscapes unfold before your eyes as you tour the city.
• Journey through time at the UNESCO site Nijo Castle, the 18th-century Imperial Palace, and along the enchanting Kamo River.
Step into the World of the Shogun with a Local Guide at Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle is more than just a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is the stage upon which some of Japan’s most dramatic history unfolded. Built as the lavish Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, the castle embodies power, politics, and refined elegance in every detail.
With your local guide, you will uncover the secrets hidden behind its grand gates. Walk through the Ninomaru Palace and experience the famous “nightingale floors,” designed to chirp underfoot to warn of intruders. Admire the dazzling gold-leaf screens painted with tigers and pine trees, and hear fascinating stories of shoguns, samurai, and the imperial court. Stroll through tranquil gardens once designed to impress both allies and rivals, and gain insights you would never discover on your own.
This is not just a sightseeing stop, but a journey into Kyoto’s samurai past—brought vividly to life by a guide who knows the history, legends, and hidden details that make Nijo Castle truly unforgettable.
Entrance admission fee: JPY 1,300 per adult. ※Please note that admission tickets for Nijo Castle must be purchased individually by each guest.
• Travel in comfort in an air-conditioned luxury coach with an English-speaking guide, a multilingual audio guide, and Wi-Fi service on board.
• Walk through the famous Sagano Bamboo Grove and visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning Zen gardens.
• Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple for panoramic city views and Sanju-san-gen-do to see 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
• Marvel at the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji and stroll through Fushimi Inari Shrine’s endless rows of red torii gates.
• Upgrade and enjoy a Japanese-style buffet lunch featuring a Japanese set meal including local delicacies, seafood, and more.
Small group, Real stories, no tourist script.
I live here — not just in Kyoto, but in Arashiyama.
Before the bamboo fills with cameras, this place moves differently. Slower. Softer. More honest.
This is not a checklist tour. It’s a walk through history, poetry, and quiet corners most visitors pass without noticing.
This is a small group experience.
No umbrellas.
No microphones.
No rushing.
At the end, you decide what the experience was worth to you.
• Follow an English-speaking local guide who shares tips on night viewing spots and points out local izakaya streets and canal-side paths along the way.
• Walk through Maruyama Park and stop for photos beneath illuminated cherry trees or lantern-lit park paths depending on the season.
• Visit Yasaka Shrine and continue along the Takasegawa and Kiyamachi canal areas, where you can discover Kyoto’s nightlife streets.
• Choose between the Sakura Drinking Party (seasonal hanami experience) or the Kyoto Night & Geisha Culture Tour (year-round cultural walk).
We’re excited to bring our highly rated tour — with over 1,000 reviews and a 4.9 out of 5 rating on a world-renowned travel site — to GuruWalk!
This tour is limited to 10 people, so it is easy to ask questions to your guide, and you will have a comfortable time.
Starting from Minamiza Theater as known as landmark in Gion, we will first head to a geisha district.
In this area, you will not only enjoy the traditional streets, but also learn the mysterious rules and trivia of geisha culture from your guide.
Next, you will also have a chance to see a shrine for matchmaking and a beautiful Buddhist pagoda.
Your guide will take your picture there if you want.
You will then continue to explore hidden spots and pathways, and end the tour with a visit to a shrine that is over 1000 years old.
This tour is a great way to gain a better understanding of Kyoto's traditional streets and local culture.
Let us help you make wonderful memories in Kyoto!
Feel free to send me a message if you need more slots!
• Visit the world's largest Buddha statue at Todaiji Temple before heading to Nara Park to pet some deer and feed them rice crackers!
• Learn about the vivid history of the three ancient temples with an expert English-speaking guide and multilingual guides available in 7 languages.
• Opt for a traditional Japanese meal before visiting the Byodoin Temple, home to the iconic Phoenix Hall imprinted on 10 yen coins.
• Fun fact: The bronze Buddha statue at the Todaiji Temple has undergone multiple restorations, with the latest one completed in 1692.
Experience the Enchanting World of the Geisha on Our Kyoto Night Walking Tour
Step into the magical realm of the Geisha on our captivating night walking tour in Kyoto. With our local expert guides, you'll be immersed in a world of elegance and grace, discovering the hidden stories that make this culture so fascinating.
Delve into the truth behind the captivating figures of the Geisha, going beyond the fictionalized portrayals from "Memoirs of a Geisha." Hear firsthand accounts that debunk myths and provide an authentic glimpse into their lives.
Make this unforgettable experience a highlight of your Japanese adventure. Don't miss the chance to learn about this iconic aspect of Japanese culture before you leave!
Join us for an enchanting evening—we can't wait to share this unique experience with you!
• Experience tea culture in a preserved merchant house built in 1885 and registered as a National Cultural Heritage property.
• Choose between regular kimono or upgrade to a premium silk kimono for a more refined traditional look.
• Explore the interior of a large-scale kimono wholesaler’s residence from the Meiji era, featuring traditional architecture and inner gardens.
• View landmarks such as Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Toji Temple, and Chion-in Temple
• Glance through the telescopes on the observation deck and zoom in on the panorama
• The tower houses multiple interests from fine dining and shopping to workshops and a public bathhouse
• Upgrade to include NAKED Yorumairi 2025–26 and experience a serene New Year at Heian Jingu Shrine with curated illumination.
⛩️ Discover with us the best of Kyoto on this fascinating and authentic free walking tour guided by Eze and Dani, local guides with more than 3 years in Japan and passionate about its culture who will share with you the secrets and magic of the city!
This tour is specially designed to bring you unforgettable memories of your visit ✨
We will begin by exploring the mysterious Nejirimampo Tunnel, a place full of history and charm.
We will continue with a visit to the historic Nanzen-ji Temple, an important center of Zen Buddhism, and Eikando Temple, famous for its gardens and the statue of Amida.
We will also walk along the iconic “Philosopher’s Path,” a unique path that connects you to the peace and natural beauty of Kyoto, and we will end by inviting you to enter the impressive Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, a World Heritage Site, a place that captures the essence of Japanese spirituality.
Route:
- Nejirimampo Tunnel (free)
- Nanzen-ji Temple (free)
- Eikando Temple (Entrance fee ¥600)*
- Tetsugaku no Michi / The Path of the Philosopher (free)
- Ginkaku-ji (exterior visit: free)
*🎫 NOTICE: The tour requires payment of the entrance fee to the “Eikando Temple” (¥600)
Experience Kyoto in an authentic way with local guides who will allow you to connect deeply with its history, culture and most emblematic landscapes.
A unique experience that you cannot miss.
We look forward to showing you the best of our city!
