Kyoto is a popular tourist destination representing Japan. It's particularly famous for its historic temples and shrines, such as Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera, as well as the elegant geishas. The refined atmosphere unique to this ancient capital attracts people from all over the world. Furthermore, Kyoto is also a city with a long history of fine cuisine, offering a wealth of restaurants.
While it symbolizes Japanese culture in every aspect, there are so many attractions that first-time visitors might miss some of its charms. Even though I live in Tokyo and have traveled to Kyoto dozens of times, there are still many places I haven't discovered.
With a knowledgeable guide and well-planned tours around Kyoto, you can explore the city's deep charm more thoroughly and efficiently. This time, we'll introduce special Kyoto tours that cater to various needs, including private tours, daytime tours, and food tours.
Tours Covering Popular Tourist Spots
PERFECT KYOTO 1Day Bus Tour
source：Viator
If you want to visit Kyoto's popular tourist spots all at once, the PERFECT KYOTO 1Day Bus Tour is recommended. This half-day tour is conducted on a bus equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Starting from Kiyomizu-dera, the most famous temple in Kyoto, this golden route covers popular spots like Sanjusangendo, the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari. The guide enthusiastically provides easy-to-understand explanations about all the spots, making it perfect as an introduction to Kyoto.
Please note that this is a tour involving a lot of walking. Although a lunch buffet is provided, no other drinks or food are included in the tour. There's no hotel pick-up service, so please come to the meeting point in front of Kyoto Station on your own.
Click here for details：https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Kyoto-Perfect-Tour-Fushimi-Inari-Shrine-Kiyomizu-dera-Temple-and-More/d332-28575P18
Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide
source：Viator
If you want to explore Kyoto's popular areas while avoiding crowds, an early morning tour is recommended. The Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide covers Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama over about 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Enjoy a quiet and calm Kyoto with a professional English-speaking guide. When I go on Kyoto trips, I also follow the advice of my Kyoto friends and visit temples and shrines early in the morning. In fact, locals also visit during these less crowded times.
Note that this plan is not a bus tour but uses public transportation such as buses and trains. Also, please be punctual for the meeting time, as you won't be able to join the tour if you're late.
Click here for details：https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Kyoto-Morning-Explorer-Tour/d332-427786P1
Tours to Enjoy Food and Izakaya
Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
Kyoto's rich food culture is as important an attraction as its temples and shrines. Experience Kyoto's food culture with the Kyoto Night Foodie Tour. The tour starts in Gion at night and visits three restaurants over three hours.
As mentioned earlier, it's challenging for first-time visitors to fully enjoy Kyoto's deep food culture. I always struggle to find restaurants that aren't tourist-oriented. This tour introduces "restaurants enjoyed by locals" that are difficult to find on your own, guided by a local expert.
Enjoy a full-course dinner with three types of Kyoto local sake and dessert while listening to the guide's enthusiastic explanation about Kyoto's culinary attractions.
Please note that while there's a vegetarian course available, there are no vegan or gluten-free options. If you want the vegetarian course, advance reservation is required, not on the day of the tour.
Click here for details：https://www.magical-trip.com/product/ff345d77-8741-4669-aef1-e0d979c2361f
Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour
You can stroll through Kyoto's traditional back streets with an English-speaking guide and enjoy brunch at Nishiki Market. Known as "Kyo-no-dai," Nishiki Market has over 400 years of history. It's bustling with locals, tourists, and traders, and many famous Japanese restaurants source their ingredients here.
To experience Kyoto's rich food culture, you'll enjoy several unique Japanese snacks in the shopping street and have brunch at a market restaurant. You can eat Kyoto's local specialty dishes, learn about the culture, and purchase plenty of food items to take home.
As the tour includes visits to small local shops and restaurants, it may be difficult to accommodate gluten-free menus. Also, please note that the course includes paths that are not accessible by wheelchair or stroller, so families should be aware of this.
Click here for details：https://www.magical-trip.com/product/b0423202-29dd-4399-b047-9c6a0ee31ea5
Kyoto Bar Hopping Nightlife Tour in Pontocho
This tour allows you to enjoy izakayas and bars in Kyoto's back streets, which are hard for tourists to find, accompanied by a local guide. You'll visit three establishments in Pontocho, one of Kyoto's famous nightlife districts.
The guide will take you to different types of places, such as an authentic Japanese izakaya serving yakitori and cold beer, a standing bar where you can enjoy sake, and a karaoke bar. Enjoy bar-hopping in the back streets with locals. My recommendation is the karaoke bar, where everyone enjoys karaoke together, creating fun memories with those around you. You can participate without bringing anything as meal costs are included in the tour fee.
Please note that as you'll be visiting local establishments, vegetarian menu options are limited. The guide will do their best, but allergen-free menus may not be available depending on the restaurant's circumstances.
Click here for details：https://www.magical-trip.com/product/cd7ede5a-72cb-4204-858a-52be444dc1ff
Experience Tours
KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Daitokuji
source：Viator
How about experiencing a tea ceremony wearing a traditional kimono? In this tour, you'll learn about the history of tea ceremony and kimono, and observe a professional tea master preparing tea.
You can choose your favorite kimono from a variety of colors and patterns, and have your photo taken wearing it. Furthermore, you can experience authentic Japanese tea preparation while learning the etiquette. Enjoy the matcha you've prepared yourself along with beautiful Japanese sweets.
In fact, the tea ceremony was a meditation method loved by samurai and has aspects of calming the mind. A professional tea master will explain the history of the tea ceremony and the meaning behind each movement and manner. You'll learn various things during this elegant and quiet time.
This program takes place at a tea house near Daitoku-ji. Please come to the location using public transportation such as train or bus. Also, please note that the tour may be canceled in case of bad weather.
Click here for details：https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Private-Tea-Ceremony-with-wearing-kimono-nearby-Kinkakuji-Temple/d332-108969P15
Kyoto Samurai Experience
source：Viator
In the Kyoto Samurai Experience, you can wear a kimono, hold a real sword, and swing it like a samurai. With a compact duration of one and a half hours, you can easily participate even if you're short on time.
Learn about the philosophy and spirituality of samurai called Bushido, practice Zen meditation, and basic sword techniques. You'll enter a samurai residence that's usually off-limits and wield a 130-year-old sword that you'd never get to hold otherwise. This experience will make you feel like you've time-traveled to ancient Kyoto. Such a samurai experience in Kyoto, especially cutting a tatami mat with a sword, will be unforgettable.
Children have to be accompanied by an adult. Also, as this is a walking program, participation is not recommended for those with back pain, heart disease, or other serious conditions.
Click here for details：https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Small-Group-Samurai-Experience-in-Kyoto/d332-44484P1
Ninja hands-on 1-hour Lesson in English at Kyoto - Entry level
source：Viator
How about a casual one-hour ninja experience in a small beginner class? Starting with the ninja mindset and walking style, you'll learn how to use throwing weapons and ninja swords.
This lesson is designed for all ages and can be enjoyed by anyone. For example, you'll practice "ninja walking" - walking silently in the dark. For ninjas, acting undetected by enemies was an essential skill. Such training will surely be a unique experience only possible in Japan. Even if your children want to participate, the whole family can have a fun experience.
Participation is not recommended for pregnant women or those with heart disease or other conditions. Also, this plan does not include meals or hotel pick-up.
Click here for details：https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Booking-1-hour-Ninja-Lesson-Entry-level/d332-140353P1
Walking Tours
Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo forest & Garden Half-Day Walking Tour
Walk through the bamboo forest and gardens of Arashiyama with a guide for half a day. This tour allows you to discover the deeper charms of Arashiyama beyond just the photogenic beautiful bamboo forest scenery. Take your time to explore the World Heritage site Tenryu-ji and its garden.
The guide will explain the history and culture of the Arashiyama area, how to appreciate Japanese gardens, and the differences from Western gardens. You'll also visit Okochi Sanso Garden, another famous spot in Arashiyama besides Tenryu-ji.
Also, you can enjoy Shojin cuisine at a restaurant in Tenryu-ji. Shojin cuisine is a vegetarian meal eaten by Buddhist monks and is a type of traditional Kyoto cuisine.
Appropriate attire that's not too casual is desirable as you'll be entering temples. Comfortable shoes are recommended as there will be a lot of walking. Please also note that the restaurant may not be able to accommodate individual requests such as allergies.
Click here for details：https://www.magical-trip.com/product/2f0f6f2e-1046-4658-8893-fcf0cd2406e5
Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha
source：Viator
This is a night walking tour of the Gion geisha district. Starting from the statue of Izumo no Okuni, who is said to have founded the traditional Kabuki culture, you'll walk through Hanami-koji and finally visit Yasaka Shrine.
Enjoy the enchanting night in Gion. Gion is the district that served as the model for the Hollywood movie "Memoirs of a Geisha". The local guide will introduce the culture, secrets, and stories of geishas.
The beauty of Gion at night has been expressed in various literature and waka, Japanese poems. It's a magical time that makes your heart race just by walking, and I always make sure to walk in Gion at night when I come to Kyoto. Please feel and experience this fantastical and unique atmosphere directly.
The capacity for each tour is 12 people.
Click here for details：https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Kyoto-Gion-Night-Walking-Tour-Stories-of-Geisha/d332-175777P12
Private Tours
Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised
source：Viator
Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised customizes the plan according to your interests, allowing you to experience a one-of-a-kind special tour.
You can choose a duration from 2 to 8 hours, and the plan is designed based on what places you want to focus on and what kind of enjoyment you prioritize.
An enthusiastic guide will introduce features, cultural and historical backgrounds, and local insider tips that you might miss on your own, allowing you to experience the deeper charms of Kyoto. The guide's advice on efficient use of transportation and other travel tips is also well-received.
Private tours are the most efficient way to do what you like and want to do, whether it's beautiful temples and shrines, famous spots, gourmet experiences, or attractive shopping spots. Make your stay in Kyoto an unforgettable, premium experience.
Click here for details：https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Kyoto-Explore-the-City-with-a-Local/d332-30791P164
Private Kyoto Day Trip with English Speaking Driver
source：Viator
How about a private car tour that allows you to travel around Kyoto in a dedicated vehicle? The plan is determined according to your preferences and interests, and you can visit distant temples and famous places without worrying about fatigue.
You can freely decide the duration of stays and departure times, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing at your own pace. From my experience, trying to tour Kyoto by train can be very challenging as the distance between stations and tourist spots is often quite far. While buses are good, they're inevitably crowded and the system can be a bit complex for tourists. Therefore, sightseeing by car is the optimal solution for exploring Kyoto.
Please note that the tour fee does not include entrance fees or lunch costs. Also, be aware that as this is not a walking tour, the driver does not conduct guided walks as a tour guide would.
Click here for details：https://www.viator.com/tours/Kyoto/Kyoto-Day-Trip-Charter-with-English-Speaking-Driver-up-to-9/d332-430369P1
Conclusion
We've introduced various tours available in Kyoto. Have you decided which tour you'd like to participate in?
Two points often mentioned about Kyoto trips in Japan are "using public transportation and moving efficiently" and "sightseeing early in the morning to avoid crowds". While these points are certainly important for efficiency, Kyoto is a much more complex and profound city.
With over a thousand years of history as a capital, its unique aesthetic sense and culture are difficult to understand with just guidebook information. We recommend meeting and conversing directly with instructors and guides who know Kyoto well to deepen your understanding.
Knowing and understanding history and culture is key to enjoying a Kyoto trip. To make your days in Kyoto special, please consider participating in tours where you can gain plenty of information.