Kyoto Cultural Tours

[Highlights] ・Chance to Spot a Geisha ・Visit a 1,000-Year-Old Shrine ・See Edo-Period Townhouses ・Get Local Tips & Recommendations If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a real geisha.Gion is a district where Japan's traditional culture is still deeply preserved. With a local expert guide, you won’t just visit famous tourist spots but also explore hidden alleys. First, we will visit Hanamikoji Street, known as the heart of the geisha district. Here, you will learn about the strict training of geisha, their graceful dances, and the craftsmanship behind their beautiful kimonos and hairstyles, giving you a glimpse into Gion’s traditional culture. Next, we will walk through quiet backstreets with fewer tourists. These hidden paths lead to small shrines and historical spots. You will also see wooden townhouses from the Edo period. Your guide will share the stories behind these buildings, allowing you to appreciate Kyoto’s old-town charm and rich history.

Take a tour of Kyoto's famous Gion district and learn all about the mysterious geisha traditions of the area. Your local guide will tell you about the traditions from an insider perspective about Geisha culture. At the same time you'll explore Gion's beautiful streets, temples, shrines, and shops, for a comprehensive overview of historic Kyoto. The mysterious world of Geisha can seem exclusive and challenging to discover, but on my experience ･In the first half we will walk in Gion and discuss the living traditions, their lifestyle and history. ･In the second half we will meet an apprentice geisha, Maiko. First we will talk with and ask her questions. Also we will watch her dancing, having one of these, a cup of tea or lunch or dinner together. *Picture and filming of Geisha is fine but not allowed to post it in public.

Get an introduction to Kyoto’s renowned cuisine on this small-group guided tour of the city's best food spots. Start at the vast 400-year-old Nishiki Market, nicknamed 'Kyoto's Kitchen,' where hundreds of food shops and stalls beckon. Stroll through the market with your guide, learning about Kyoto’s culinary history and sampling dishes unique to Kyoto. ・Spend time wandering around Nishiki Market, home to 130 food stalls ・Enjoy 5 carefully selected local specialties like tofu skin, WAGYU steak skewers, and Hamo tempura ・Get insider knowledge from a local Guide

Looking for a truly authentic Japanese experience beyond the typical tourist spots? Join us for a unique cultural journey into the heart of Japan’s bathing tradition! Just like the tea ceremony, bathing in Japan is a deeply rooted cultural ritual. But how do you bathe the Japanese way? What are the dos and don’ts? Our bathing specialists will guide you through the fascinating etiquette and health benefits of Japanese baths—and then you’ll get to try it for yourself! What to Expect: Start at a one-of-a-kind cafe—a cozy space that was once a public bathhouse ! Here, you’ll learn the history and meaning behind Japanese bathing culture, complete with a take-home guide to proper bathing techniques. Then soak like a local at the legendary Funaoka Onsen, a beautifully preserved bathhouse loved by Kyoto residents for generations. ✨ Why Join? A chance to experience Japanese culture with all five senses. Great for travelers interested in wellness, mindfulness, and local traditions.

Kyoto is famed for its shrines and temples—sanctuaries of stories that spark wonder and deepen your connection to centuries of culture. Among these living traditions is the refined world of the Geisha. Often perceived as private and elusive, it can feel hard to approach. In this experience, we open that door with clarity and care: a concise stage performance followed by elegant conversation, photo time, and an open Q&A. What to Expect (90 minutes total) Cultural Introduction (15-20min): An expert-led talk on the living traditions—roles and training, daily life, etiquette, and the evolution of Geisha arts. Geisha Show (10-15 min): “Ladies and gentlemen…” Maiko enters and performs a traditional dance, accompanied by a brief explanation of its story and gestures. Conversation, Photos & Q&A (remainder): Enjoy an unhurried dialogue with Maiko. Ask thoughtful questions, take photos, and appreciate the nuances of costume, movement, and ritual.

Step into the exclusive world of Gion with this rare Maiko/Geisha experience. Enjoy an intimate encounter limited to just 10 guests, allowing for genuine conversation with a Maiko or Geisha and the teahouse owner. Witness a captivating traditional dance accompanied by authentic shamisen music, savor a bowl of ceremonial matcha, and capture unforgettable memories with a commemorative photo. Our beautifully designed teahouse, completed in Autumn 2024 with an architect's meticulous attention to detail, offers a unique glimpse into Kyoto's rich culture, usually inaccessible to travelers. This is your chance to truly connect with the heart of Gion.

Your kids will have the opportunity to share fun experiences with local kids and learn more about Japanese culture. This is the only place in Kyoto where you can do this. You can enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto while your kids do fun activities with us.

During the Ikebana workshop, you'll create your own masterpiece, guided by our instructors. Your artwork will be displayed in a tokonoma (alcove) in a traditional Japanese room. Our style is based on classical forms and focuses on bringing out the beauty of the flowers and branches while respecting their natural state. To achieve this, you will experience the Japanese aesthetic of "wabi-sabi" in a session with our instructor, awakening your primal senses.

Discover Kyoto after dark in a way that's truly unique. This isn’t a rigid sightseeing tour—it’s a private, personalized exploration designed entirely around you, guided by a passionate local who knows Kyoto inside out. Wander lantern-lit alleys, uncover hidden bars and cozy izakayas, and hear local stories and legends that bring the city to life once the sun goes down. Your host will adapt the experience to match your interests—whether you’re looking for a lively bar crawl, a quiet cultural stroll, or something in between. After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire about your interests. Your host will then reach out to suggest a customized route, ensuring your experience feels spontaneous, authentic, and completely yours. It’s like discovering Kyoto at night with a friend who knows all the best secrets.

Discover the rich culture and history of Kyoto on a private walking tour with a knowledgeable bilingual and local guide, who has abundant international and local experiences as well as social media activities about Japan’s tourism over the years. We’ll stroll through picturesque streets, visiting iconic landmarks and hidden gems with detailed cultural insights. I ensure you gain insider knowledge and local insights, making your visit more enriching. The main course takes 5 hours from Kiyomizu-dera to Gion District. I recommend early morning to avoid the crowds. 8hr course includes the 5-hour course + 1 more site:Please pick 1 from Pontocho & Nishiki Market Food Tour, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, or Nijo Castle. 3hr course is when your time is limited. Please inform me which places you'd like to visit. All courses are customizable. Please tell me where you'd like to visit. We’ll use Kyoto's efficient public transport systems to travel around the city.

Discover a cultural experience you can’t find anywhere else in Kyoto! At Yusai Kyoto Culture Lounge in the heart of Gion, enjoy a unique interactive Japanese show that goes beyond just watching. This 45-minute Edo-style performance brings history to life, inviting you to join the story alongside the actors. Why choose this experience? Interactive: A hands-on cultural show. Exclusive: Only here in Gion, Kyoto. Accessible: Japanese performance with clear English subtitles. Perfect timing: Ideal to enjoy before or after dinner in Gion. Make your evening in Kyoto unforgettable with this one-of-a-kind cultural experience.

This is a great opportunity to learn about sake and Japanese culture. Sake tasting and snacks from various regions of Japan will be served. Guides will provide explanations in English and Japanese, with additional translation equipment for explanations in other languages, so everyone is welcome to participate. During the tasting, you will learn about the different types of sake, how they are made, and how they pair with food. You will also have the opportunity to taste a variety of sake, including Daiginjo, Ginjo, and Junmai sake. The snacks served are carefully selected to complement the sake and enhance the overall taste experience. This experience is a great way to learn about Japanese culture and experience the unique flavors of sake. It is also a great opportunity to meet other sake enthusiasts. This experience will deepen your understanding of sake and add another layer of significance to your trip.

Don’t settle for just the usual tourist spots—experience something truly special! Join us for an authentic journey into Japanese bathing culture, surrounded by the natural beauty of Kyoto’s Mt. Kurama. Japanese bathing has a deep history and a refined set of customs. “What is the proper way to bathe?” “What etiquette should I follow?” Our bathing specialist will guide you gently and clearly through everything you need to know. You will also experience outdoor air-bathing, where you lie down and let the cool mountain air relax both your mind and body. Before entering the baths, you’ll change into a traditional yukata, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a Japanese hot spring retreat. Before the bathing session begins, you can also enjoy a recommended matcha drink, a perfect way to start your wellness experience. Soaking in warm water while being surrounded by the quiet mountains of Kurama is a deeply soothing and unforgettable moment for both body and spirit.

Explore the heart of Kyoto on a captivating day tour featuring its most iconic landmarks. Start with a visit to Kinkaku-ji, the stunning Golden Pavilion, where intricate Zen history unfolds. Stroll through the tranquil Philosopher’s Path to Ginkaku-ji, the elegant Silver Pavilion, and discover the vibrant Nishiki Market, overflowing with traditional delicacies. Enjoy a leisurely lunch tailored to your preferences, and wander through the historic Higashiyama District, capturing the essence of Kyoto's culture. This tour offers a personalized experience with a private English-speaking cultural expert. - Visit Kinkaku-ji and Ginkaku-ji, two of Kyoto's UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Explore Nishiki Market and sample local culinary delights - Enjoy a tailored lunch experience based on your dietary preferences - Private English-speaking guide ensures an insightful and enriching journey

THE tour for a local's experience of Kyoto’s best food! Our nationally-licensed and experienced English-speaking guides will help you find the best eats while learning about Kyoto. Kyoto’s dishes have little flashes of flavor that will surprise you from Tofu skin hot pots to eel rice bowls, and buckwheat noodles with a huge fish. Street food fans must visit Nishiki Market. This 400 year old market is rich in history and food. See some too-cute-to-eat Japanese ‘wagashi’ sweets or the eccentric tako-tamago, a skewered octopus stuffed with a quail egg. Or you can enjoy looking at the pickled foods that locals love! If you are a tea fan, have some rich and warm green tea (matcha), or a green tea parfait to cool down. Once your reservation is made, please chose 3-4 spots from the tour details and let your guide know your food interests when planning. We hope to guide you soon! *The cost of food and drinks is not included in the tour price. The tour fee covers guide services only.