Kyoto, Japan Tours

Enjoy a culturally enriching tour of Kyoto's most famous landmarks, including Fushimi Inari Temple and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, and Arashiyama. In just one day, you can see the result of hundreds of years of history, architecture, and cultural practices! Experience the best of Kyoto in a convenient and comfortable way Be entranced by the famous vermillion gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine Explore the gorgeous golden Kinkaku-ji and its immaculate well-preserved gardens Stroll through Sagano Bamboo Forest – listen to the leaves rustle in the wind

Begin your day from VIP Lounge in Osaka or Kyoto. Your journey starts in Nara, Japan's ancient capital. Explore Nara Park, where friendly, free-roaming deer welcome you, embodying the city's charm. Stroll through this historic park before visiting Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the 15-meter-tall Great Buddha statue in the world’s largest wooden structure. Next, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Walk amidst towering bamboo stalks and enjoy the calming atmosphere as sunlight filters through the trees. Free time for lunch (note that lunch may shift to Fushimi Inari depending on traffic). Continue your exploration at Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Marvel at its gold-leaf exterior and serene garden. Finally, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates leading up Mount Inari. Each gate represents a prayer to Inari Okami, the deity of prosperity and safety. At day’s end, return to Osaka or Kyoto.

Experience western Japan on this day trip through Kyoto and Nara. Explore the serene nature of Arashiyama, stroll the gardens of Kyoto's UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, and enjoy feeding deer in Nara Park. ・Visit the gorgeous golden Kinkaku-ji and its immaculate original gardens ・Explore the serene bamboo grove of Arashiyama ・Walk through Nara Park and feed the wild deer ・See the Great Buddha Statue at Todaiji temple

Step into an authentic Japanese rickshaw for the ride of a lifetime, through some of the most scenic and historic districts in Kyoto, Japan. Explore the intriguing wooden buildings and stone alleys (maybe even spotting a geisha or two) in Kyoto’s famed Higashiyama area, all with a knowledgeable local guide and rickshaw driver. This authentic, customizable Kyoto adventure is a fun introduction to this beautiful city.

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. Visit Nijo Castle, its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Nijo Castle has witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built. Marvel at the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji that shows you the best of the timeless Japanese city, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Visit the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha and explore the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

This tour is recommended for those traveling to Kyoto for the first time. Visit popular sightseeing spots efficiently, all before noon! This tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter. Visit the World Heritage Site of Nijo Castle. The impressive, elaborate carvings and decors in the Ninomaru Palace are a must-see. Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, with its beautiful golden Shariden (a building in which Buddha's ashes are enshrined), and see its elegantly beautiful garden. See the Kyoto Imperial Palace, which was used as the Emperor's residence until about 150 years ago.

Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Kyoto on an afternoon guided tour through the former capitol’s vibrant shrines and temples. Admire Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine, the head shrine of the god Inari. Stroll Sanjusangendo Hall with its 1,001 Kannon statues and the Kiyomizu Temple where you’ll enjoy sweeping city views from the large terrace. All entry fees are included.

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. Visit Nijo Castle, its palace buildings are arguably the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture of Japan's feudal era, and the castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Nijo-jo Castle has witnessed some of the most important events in Japanese history in the 400 years since it was built. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city on the island of Honshu. Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. Marvel at Kinkaku-ji, the golden temple known as the Golden Pavilion, which showcases the beauty of this timeless city. Visit Nijo Castle, celebrated for its palace buildings, which are among the best surviving examples of castle palace architecture from Japan's feudal era. The castle was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994. Explore the magnificent torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, and visit the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature and history with our friendly and professional guide.

Toei Kyoto Studio Park, also known as Toei Uzumasa Eigamura, is a unique and immersive theme park located in Kyoto, Japan. It offers visitors the chance to step back in time and experience the Edo period through a combination of historical film sets, live performances, and interactive activities. The park is designed to look like a traditional Japanese town, with meticulously recreated streets, buildings, and residences that are frequently used as filming locations for period dramas and samurai films. Visitors can watch thrilling samurai sword fighting and ninja action shows, participate in ninja training, and even dress up in period costumes such as samurai, ninja, geisha, or Edo-period townspeople. The park also features museums dedicated to Japanese cinema and anime, where guests can learn about the history of Japanese filmmaking and see memorabilia from famous movies and TV shows.

In order to closely feel the local atmosphere of Kyoto, this tour will use public transportation so that you can experience the everyday life of Kyoto locals, unlike other tour groups hastily hopping from one location to another on chartered buses. During the 7-hour tour, your guide will show you around the city covering four major must-see locations. There are two different courses: one northwest-bound and the other southeast-bound. If you participate in both tours, you can efficiently cover eight locations at a relaxing pace. For both courses, you can chose from private option, non-private option and non-private option with apprentice guide (reduced rate). Even if you chose non-private option, we guarantee that the total number of guests will be less than 9 people.

Embark on a journey to the beautiful areas of Kyoto and Nara. Admire the exquisite Kinkakuji Temple, covered in gold leaf, and stroll through its surrounding garden, reflecting on the still pond. In Arashiyama, walk through the jade bamboo forests illuminated by sunlight and cross Togetsu-kyo Bridge for panoramic views of the Katsura River. Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and stroll through its 10,000 torii gates. In Nara Park, encounter adorable deer amidst lush forest views and visit Todaiji Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Treat yourself to this day tour of Kyoto and Nara, exploring historic temples and picturesque natural hotspots.

Avoid the crowds as you travel in comfort between Japan’s 5 historic capitals on this scenic small group tour with an English speaking guide. See the best of Kamakura, Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Nagoya, Nara, Kyoto and Osaka. Enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and Mt. Fuji. Start from your hotel or port of entry in Tokyo or Narita. Follow the coast through Yokohama to Japan's old capital, Kamakura. Enjoy stopping on the way to taste the different region's specialties. Visit picturesque villages and take a ropeway and crater lake cruise. Experience Japanese tea ceremony and traditional nightlife. Explore World Heritage Nara deer park and Todaiji. Visit Arashiyama bamboo forest and your choice of Kyoto's best attractions before arriving at Osaka's Dotonburi entertainment district. This tour can be tailored to your interests and is suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Feel free to add extra days in Tokyo or continue on with us to Hiroshima or back to Tokyo via the Japan Alps.

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan's rich cultural heritage with our expertly guided one-day tour to Kyoto and Nara! This immersive experience takes you to some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, including the dazzling Golden Pavilion Temple, the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the spiritual splendor of Fushimi Inari Taisha with its thousands of vermilion torii gates. In Nara, stroll through Nara Park among friendly deer and marvel at the historic Todai-ji Chumon, the majestic gate to one of Japan's most revered temples. With comfortable transportation, expert guidance, and a carefully curated itinerary, this tour blends history, culture, and breathtaking scenery—perfect for first-time visitors and seasoned explorers alike. Book now and discover the timeless beauty of Kyoto and Nara in one extraordinary day!

The yang of the bright and beautiful side of the city's 1200 year history is paralleled by the yin of the macabre, the bizarre and the bloody aspects of the story of Japan's old capital. Starting at Yasaka Shrine we will weave our way south through the back streets of Gion to Kiyomizu Temple, then descending through the Toribeno cemetery, one of the oldest and largest burial grounds dating back to the founding of the city. We pass through the shrine for cutting off bad relationships, stop by a 500 year old haunted candy shop, peek at the well that is said to have been used as a portal to the underworld by a famed Japanese sorcerer, and visit 'the hill of ears' monument. Although the 'dark' will be highlighted in this experience, I also aim to impart an understanding of Japanese religious and cultural beliefs, and you will end the day with a more intimate understanding of Kyoto and a more balanced and realistic view of one of the world’s most fascinating cultures.

Kyoto, a city that harmonizes ancient traditions with modern life, is one of Japan's most captivating destinations. Known for its well-preserved temples, beautiful gardens, traditional wooden houses, and vibrant cultural heritage, Kyoto offers a journey back in time. Visitors can experience the serene beauty of Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), the historic charm of Nijo Castle, and the spiritual tranquility of Fushimi Inari Shrine with its iconic torii gate pathway. The city is also famous for its tea ceremonies, geisha district in Gion, and seasonal festivals, providing an immersive experience of Japanese culture. Whether exploring the bustling Nishiki Market or strolling through the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s unique blend of history and natural beauty leaves an indelible impression on all who visit.

Kyoto is an old capital of Japan. Kyoto had been the capital of Japan for more than 1, 000 years until 1868. Kyoto is exactly the center of Japanese history and traditional culture. There are a lot of scenic and historic sites including 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto and its vicinity. I'm a licensed English tour guide and a professional driver. I will guide you around Kyoto by car. You can make a tour of Kyoto at your own pace in air conditioned comfort. My Kyoto tour is very flexible.

Take in the best of traditional Japanese performing arts all on one stage, followed by an authentic dining experience. Accompanied by an informative guide at Gion Corner, you’ll see maiko dancers, the art of flower arranging, gagaku court music, puppet theater and more. Then enjoy a tea ceremony by candlelight and a Japanese-style dinner. Pickup taxi from selected Kyoto hotels is included. Enjoy personal attention on this small-group tour.

A fully customized experience for those who are used to the best of the very best. We go out of our way to make your day in Kyoto a very special one indeed. The itinerary in the description is just an idea. Upon booking, you will receive a questionnaire and then once we learn what really makes you tick as a traveller we get to work on planning the perfect day for you and those special to you. This tour includes entrance fees for up to two gardens and transportation by taxi from place to place including hotel pick up and drop off. Options for upgrades to private transportation with chauffeured vehicle will be sent upon booking and confirmed based on availability.

Discover Kyoto's impressive ramen scene on our Insider Kyoto Ramen Tour! Explore both classic and modern ramen and get a better understanding about the wonderful world of ramen with our expert guide. You'll visit two ramen shops for two wildly different bowls of ramen. One bowl will represent classic Kyoto ramen and the other, more modern ramen. Each bowl is smaller than normal (about 1/2 the size of a full bowl). At the beginning of the tour, you'll sit down with the guide to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. Alongside this, you'll discuss Kyoto ramen origins and the ramen route on the tour – the shops you'll be visiting!