Kyoto Garden Tours

Welcome to a hidden gem in the historic kiyomizu Sannenzaka area. This prestigious teahouse is located in the famous garden designed by Jihei Ogawa VII, one of Japan's foremost landscape architects. Upon entering the traditional sanctuary, you will be guided through the enchanting grounds where every stone and plant tells a story. Here you will discover how this elegant ritual has captured the hearts and minds of people for over 500 years and shaped the cultural identity of Japan. Watch in awe as a tea master demonstrates the elegant choreography of the tea ceremony, refined by centuries of practice. Then, under gentle guidance, you will be taught how to make matcha tea, recreating the perfect froth of the bright green powder at home. Before departing, leave this memorable experience with a photo shoot in a tranquil garden where the beauty of the four seasons will provide an iconic backdrop for your cultural adventure.

Arashiyama Walking Tour Explore Kyoto’s Arashiyama district with a local guide. Walk through the famous Bamboo Forest, visit the beautiful Tenryuji Garden and Okochi Sanso, cross Togetsukyo Bridge, enjoy local flavors, and hike to the hilltop Monkey Park for amazing views. We also include hidden paths and quiet spots most travelers miss. Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama Combo We also offer a combined option that includes Fushimi Inari Taisha before exploring Arashiyama’s highlights. Perfect for travelers who want both the torii gates and the Bamboo Forest in one experience.

Experience the contrast between two UNESCO World Heritage temples in Kyoto: the lavish Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), built by a samurai, and the peaceful Ninnaji Temple, steeped in imperial heritage. Delve into Japan's history and culture as your guide illuminates the significance of Buddhist temples, spanning themes of power, prestige, and devotion. Admire the gleaming golden façade of Kinkakuji and stroll through its picturesque gardens, learning about the historiy behind its creation. In Ninnaji Temple, step inside the rarely opened Main Hall for a sacred chanting session led by a monk. Engage with the monk during an enlightening Q&A and learn about Buddhism's spiritual traditions. Visit the Sutra Hall to see and interact with the rotating sutra shelf, a ritual imbued with profound meaning. Capture a memorable photo with the monk before visiting the elegant Imperial Residence. Conclude your journey in this tranquil space, soaking in the timeless beauty and imperial charm of Kyoto.

Camellia Garden’s striking surroundings make ours one of the most beautiful locations to experience tea ceremony in Kyoto. The traditional Japanese house, which sits amongst stunning gardens, is now 100 years old. Once a private property, providing tea ceremonies is a way to preserve this important house and give visitors a taste of authentic Kyoto. Located close to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ryoan-ji, Ninna-ji and Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), we offer an accessible experience that offers an oasis of calm and complete privacy for guests. We look forward to welcoming you for a unique, personal and unforgettable experience.

Join a tour by MagicalTrip, proud winner of the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award. Each experience is led by a MagicalTrip Certified Guide, professionally trained and carefully selected to ensure quality and authenticity. What does Zen truly mean? On this tour, a local guide introduces you to the essence of Zen before meditation begins. Start by visiting a serene Zen garden, where you’ll learn how Zen principles are expressed through garden design and how to appreciate them in a calm, mindful way. Next, visit Tofukuji Temple, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples with a history dating back to the 13th century. After exploring the grounds, continue to a smaller temple within Tofukuji dedicated to zazen practice, where you will take part in an authentic Zen meditation experience.

Usually, Zen garden is something to be appreciated, and there are not many places where it can be experienced. This experience allows gests to create their own unique design using sand for Zen garden, albeit in a small garden. There are no hard movements, so everyone can enjoy it, from small children to the elderly. You can take pictures of yourself eating Matcha and Japanese sweets in front of the Zen garden you have made, which will be a wonderful memory of Kyoto culture. You can also buy handmade pottery as a souvenir of Kyoto at the store. Since they are dishwasher and microwave safe, they are popular even among people from overseas.

Join a tour by MagicalTrip, proud winner of the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award. Each experience is led by a MagicalTrip Certified Guide, professionally trained and carefully selected to ensure quality and authenticity. Join a knowledgeable local guide on a morning tour of Arashiyama, discovering hidden gems like a serene temple and a picturesque garden often missed by tourists. Learn to appreciate Japanese garden aesthetics and enjoy a leisurely stroll, with stops at traditional shops along the way. Visit Arashiyama’s famous bamboo grove and the scenic Okawauchi Sanso garden for a peaceful walk, then explore the UNESCO World Heritage site Tenryu-ji Temple. Immerse yourself in the calm elegance of Zen and enjoy authentic Syo-jin cuisine, originally created for Buddhist monks, at a temple restaurant for a true taste of Kyoto.

Meeting point at Kyoto Station, easy to find and accessible to everyone. We board the train all together and travel for less than 20 minutes. Explore the highlights of Saga-Arashiyama, Western part of Kyoto. Wander through the towering stalks of Bamboo Forest, experience the serene garden and pond of Tenryuji Temple, trek the hill gardens of Okochi Sanso and enjoy the free unlimited drinks of green teas. Visit the historical Nonomiya Shrine, stroll across the colorful pillars of Kimono Forest. Take a break for lunch, indulge your cravings with local Japanese foods and sweets. Walk through the iconic Togetsukyo bridge and hike up the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where you can observe and feed the snow monkeys. Take in and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic mountain views of Kyoto.

Experience Kyoto’s spiritual and scenic treasures on this unforgettable walking tour. Start at the iconic Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, where gold leaf shimmers across a tranquil pond—a symbol of elegance and impermanence. Next, visit Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan’s most renowned Zen rock garden. The carefully placed stones invite reflection and a sense of deep stillness. Step into the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. As you walk beneath the towering green stalks, the rustling leaves and filtered sunlight create an immersive, meditative moment in nature. Continue to Adashino Nenbutsuji, a quiet temple tucked away in the hills, surrounded by thousands of weathered stone statues commemorating forgotten souls. Its peaceful bamboo grove adds to the sacred atmosphere. This tour is a poetic journey through Kyoto’s soul—where beauty, spirituality, and serenity meet in every step.

- Visit deeper in both famous and hidden spiritual sites in one tour. - Walk through the iconic thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. - Experience an authentic, off-the-beaten-path Zen temple. - Learn about Zen philosophy, meditation, and traditional garden design. - Enjoy unique photo spots without the usual crowds. - Travel in a small group for a calm, intimate experience.

The Japanese garden defies quick and easy understanding. As we move in awe through one of these masterpieces we can feel that there is something deeper than just the physical beauty that surrounds us. This experience is designed to go to the heart of that "something deeper". While occupying 3 temples of the Nanzen-ji Monastery, you will hear in-depth explanations and insights into the world of Japanese gardens that you would never learn about otherwise. The Japanese garden will be revealed to you as an expression of profound art. As you will undoubtly visit at least several temples and gardens while you are here, this experience will equip you with all the tools you need to help make your experience in Kyoto one that will form a lasting impression on your heart.

We prioritize authenticity, cultural immersion, and meaningful connections. We will take you to lesser-known locations and hidden treasures, enjoying a slower pace and truly savor the experience. All while learning about Japan culture, history and society

Let's explore Kyoto's Arashiyama area in this walking tour covering the famous Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple, Okouchi Sanso (or Monkey Park), and more. The expert guide will show you Arashiyama and Japanese culture in native, clear English so everything will be easy to understand. The friendly guide will show you insights into Japanese culture, Temples, and Japanese gardens, while you enjoy the relaxing ambience of the Arashiyama Park area. This is a Private Tour (no other guests) Optional: Visit Monkey Park instead of Okouchi Sanso (if you prefer Monkey Park just let the Guide know at the start of tour) Morning or Afternoon start times (book at your convenience) All admission fees are included

Explore the vibrant city of Kobe on this one-day tour that blends scenic beauty with rich cultural heritage. Start your day at Maiko Park for stunning views of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, then stroll the glass-floored Maiko Marine Promenade. Next, enjoy the lively atmosphere of Kobe Harborland with its shops and restaurants overlooking the bay. Savor delicious snacks in Nankinmachi, Kobe's bustling Chinatown, before unwinding in the serene Sorakuen Garden. Finally, discover the charming Kitano Ijinkan-gai district, renowned for its Western-style houses and panoramic views of the city. - Visit Maiko Park for breathtaking views and a coastal stroll - Experience the lively Kobe Harborland with shopping and dining options - Taste authentic snacks in the colorful Nankinmachi, Kobe's Chinatown - Enjoy the tranquility of Sorakuen Garden - Explore the charming Kitano Ijinkan-gai district

Ryōan-ji, renowned for its famous rock garden, is one of the most serene landmarks in Kyoto. Experience this UNESCO World Heritage site with an 80-minute tour guided by a friendly guide.