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).
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.
• 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.
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.
• See a giant 10-yen coin replica featuring Byodoin Temple’s Phoenix Hall and 4K digital townscape displays.
• Grind tea leaves into matcha powder using a traditional stone mill in a hands-on workshop.
• Brew and drink your own matcha under the guidance of a Japanese tea instructor.
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.
• Watch two graceful Maiko dances (8–10 mins) that bring Kyoto’s refined Geisha traditions to life.
• Learn about her attire and customs through live explanations from friendly English-speaking staff.
• Take part in a Q&A and enjoy a 10–15-minute photo session for a memorable personal interaction.
• Receive her *hanameishi* card, a souvenir gift, and shop for elegant crafts at the Kyoto Handicraft Center.
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!
• 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.
• 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.
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!
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!
• Master the art of whisking, scooping, and blending to whip up your own bowl of traditional matcha, guided by an English-speaking instructor.
• Delve into the history of the tea ceremony and tea rituals with knowledgeable masters in a private session for an intimate and enriching experience.
• Indulge in seasonal sweet delights from a city-famed confectioner while basking in the tranquility of this 100-year-old teahouse.
• Did you know? In Japanese tea ceremonies, slurping tea is considered a sign of appreciation and expressing gratitude to the host.
The original Kyoto Free Walking Tour through Gion & Higashiyama district! During the tour, you will visit some of Kyoto’s beautiful Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, experience the famous geisha quarters of Gion, and walk through the beautifully preserved Higashiyama district. You will get to know the real Kyoto, with a lot of information from our knowledgeable guides about Kyoto’s ancient culture, religious life, and local foods, as well as learning fun facts and stories that you won’t find in a guide-book! After the tour is finished, your guide will answer questions and advise you on what to do and what to see during the rest of your stay in this marvelous city. **MAKE SURE TO DIRECT MESSAGE US HERE TO FIND OUT WHEN THE LATEST TOURS FOR THE WEEK ARE SCHEDULED! THANK YOU! **
