Things to Do in Kyoto
• 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.
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!
• Participate in an authentic tea ceremony inside a tatami-lined room, learning rituals, gestures, and the spirit of hospitality.
• Savour freshly whisked matcha paired with seasonal Japanese sweets as you immerse yourself in the calm precision of the ceremony.
• Admire the traditional tea house and its small garden, perfect for serene photo moments after your session.
• Upgrade your experience by wearing a kimono during the ceremony and capturing photos throughout the house for a complete cultural immersion.
“I’m a local in Arashiyama, where bamboo paths and quiet mornings shape daily life. Walk with me and experience a quieter side of the area.”
Tour Highlights
- Bamboo Grove – A peaceful walk through Arashiyama’s iconic towering bamboo.
- Nonomiya Shrine – A historic shrine with deep imperial connections and timeless traditions.
- Unique Hair Shrine – A rare and intriguing shrine dedicated to hair—the only one of its kind in Japan.
- Scenic Viewpoint – A panoramic spot showcasing Arashiyama’s changing seasons.
- Togetsukyo Bridge – The poetic riverside bridge that inspired centuries of art.
- Monkey Park (Optional) – A short hike to meet wild monkeys and enjoy sweeping city views (¥800/adult, I do not join the hike.)
After the tour, I can share my Kyoto picks — good restaurants, Kyoto sweets, and a few itinerary ideas to make your trip smoother.
Small Group (under 10)
A smaller group means a calmer pace and more personal attention.
💡 Tip-based tour
You’re free to decide the amount at the end.
In Kyoto, guests usually offer 1,500–3,000 yen per person, depending on their satisfaction.
• Be a part of exciting events that dive deep into the marine world, a fun, interactive twist to regular sightseeing.
• From watching a mesmerizing dolphin show to feeding cutesy penguins, this ticket opens up unique experiences for you to cherish.
• Did you know? The aquarium uses pure groundwater from Kyoto's wells to create an authentic habitat for its marine life.
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!
• Ditch the hassle of hoarding luggage and taking public transportation as this limo transfer lets you have a relaxing trip with ample amenities.
• Get benefits from multiple onboard facilities including plush seats, luggage storage, and clean toilets.
• Pick your desired route between the Kansai airport to/from Kobe or Kyoto.
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.
• Step into the History Room, where you’ll see a giant 10-yen coin featuring the Byodoin Temple’s Phoenix Hall and learn about Uji’s heritage through 4K digital townscape displays.
• Join a tea-grinding workshop and use a traditional stone mill to grind tea leaves into fine matcha powder under the guidance of a Japanese tea instructor.
• Take part in a brewing session, where you’ll prepare and enjoy your own bowl of matcha while overlooking Uji’s tea fields and manicured gardens.
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, and it’s the stage where Japan’s history dramatically unfolded. Built as the lavish Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, the castle combines power, politics, and elegance in every detail.
With your local guide, you’ll uncover the secrets hidden behind its grand gates. Walk across the famous “nightingale floors” that chirp to guard against intruders, admire dazzling golden screens painted with tigers and pines, 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’d never get on your own.
This isn’t just a sightseeing stop but it’s 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 unforgettable.
*Entrance admission fee: 1,300JPY per Adult
The Temple of the Golden Pavilion, a famous bamboo forest, and iconic temples await on this best of Kyoto tour with tickets and an English-speaking guide.
• Stroll through the peaceful Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and enjoy the charm of Kyoto’s scenic riverside district.
• Walk through thousands of striking red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Japan’s most iconic spiritual sites.
• Meet the friendly deer of Nara Park and step into Todai-ji Temple to see the awe-inspiring Great Buddha statue.
To experience the beauty of Japan, we'll see, smell, and chat with the locals. We'll go to Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Kinkakuji... We'll even go to Nishiki Market if you like! But it's very hot right now... so I'm shortening my tour route and will finish in four hours... so please ask for the details of my itinerary... to avoid any misunderstandings.
Want to sing karaoke? Karaoke is extra!
Let's sing karaoke together if you want!!!
Lastly, before coming to Japan, I recommend getting an international driver's license. It's an identification card instead of a passport!
On this tour of Nara, we'll see the famous sika deer park and historic shrines like Tōdai-ji and Kasuga Taisha. We'll also visit Uji, home of matcha!
• Dress up as different characters, from princesses to oirans and samurais.
• Visit the Cinema Culture Museum where keepsakes of legendary directors like Akira Kurosawa exist.
• Lose yourself in the different eras of Japan as you see the filmmaking techniques that make this cinema unique.
• Attend events and shows around your favorite works of art - from Demon Slayer to Neon Genesis Evangelion.
