Kyoto Tours

Prepare for battle as you learn the skills of the samurai during this 1- or 2-hour class studying the basic techniques of these ancient Japanese warriors. Take the 1-hour session, providing an introduction to the basics of the samurai art, or choose the 1.5-hour course, practicing more complex movements using a sword and folding fan. When your class ends, enjoy a photo session with your samurai costume and receive a certificate of completion.  This samurai session also includes an English-speaking guide and instructor and a 'tenugui,' a traditional Japanese towel.

Cycle past a mix of Kyoto’s most-famous sights and its lesser-known secrets during this half-day ‘Hidden Kyoto’ bike tour. Take a 4.9-mile (8-kilometer) ride that starts by winding past iconic Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkakuji, Koto-in, and Kitano Tenmagu. You’ll continue ‘off the beaten path,’ discovering intimate Zen gardens and charming backstreets known only to locals.

Discover Kyoto’s magical Gion district, which is known for being the city’s Geisha area. Don't worry about language barriers, as a guide is there to help you translate and explain the difference between maiko, geiko, and other Japanese words. The unmarked narrow streets of Gion can make it easy to get lost at night, but this is not a problem with a guide to navigate and lead the way. Upgrade to a longer, private tour for a closer look at Geisha culture.

This is a virtual tour using Zoom, online conference system. This unique 1h tour brings you to one of the most beautiful and historical cities in Japan, Kyoto. The friendly host will make your experience more interactive. We use not only photos or videos but also handmade materials or actual goods from guides' living room, that makes you feel livelier. You can ask them anything about Japan, Kyoto and other popular tourists spots by chat or by talk session after the tour. This tour will provide helpful hints for your future trip to Japan. PLEASE NOTE the tour time is Japan standard time. Make adjustment to your time when booking. We'll send you Zoom URL invitation a few hours before the tour.

Kyoto’s traditional neighborhoods and scenic parklands are ideal for exploring by bike. On this tour, save time by cycling around the city and visit five of Kyoto’s most popular attractions in one day. Enjoy stunning views of the Golden Pavilion and the Kiyomizu Temple; pose for photos by the red torri gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine; and hop off to stroll around the Bamboo Forest and explore the geisha district.

Fans of samurai and ninja history won’t want to miss wielding a real katana sword while in Kyoto. From the Heian period through the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate, samurai and ninja roamed Kyoto’s streets. Get an immersive tour of these heroes’ history as a professional guide leads you through the Samurai and Ninja Museum. Your hands-on experience includes wearing samurai armor, wielding katana and ninja stars, and posing with replica swords.

Osaka is a convenient base from which to explore the rest of Japan. Explore two UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kyoto with ease on a hassle-free day trip from Osaka, the ideal choice for first-time visitors with limited time. You’ll experience a romantic train ride to Sagano, home to Arashiyama Park, and tick off the vivid Fushimi Inari Shrine without the hassle of traveling between landmarks alone.

This guided tour helps you discover lots of Kyoto’s dispersed temples, shrines, and cultural attractions in one day. Save time researching and planning your trip, by having the itinerary organized for you. Travel in an air-conditioned coach for a hassle-free day. Highlights include Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Sagano Bamboo Forest, and Tenryuji Temple.

Learn to create your own bento box, the iconic (and tasty) convenience meal enjoyed daily by millions of Japanese, during this 3- to 3.5-hour cooking class in Kyoto. Uncover the origins of this uniquely-Japanese foodstuff, and watch master chefs as they demonstrate key cooking techniques, before learning to make your own. Finish your course by enjoying your handmade bento box which may includes items like an egg roll, pickled vegetables, rice, breaded chicken and miso soup. Your course also includes use of an apron, an instructor and all ingredients.

Discover the culture behind ‘Izakaya’ Japanese dining which is similar to pub food in the other countries during a 3 to 3.5-hour cooking class with dinner in Kyoto. Learn five or six of the popular home dishes during a session with a master chef before preparing and eating your own izakaya-style creations. It’s the perfect chance to explore the country’s cuisine beyond the typical sushi and teriyaki offerings. Your izakaya cooking session also includes all ingredients, an instructor and an apron.

Discover the Zen gardens, colorful temples, and ancient shrines of Kyoto on this small-group walking tour that’s limited to just 12 participants. Experience the elegant architecture and religious monuments of this historic Japanese city, once the imperial capital, as you join a guide on visits to the Gion Geisha district, Tofukuji Temple, and more.

Kids and adults alike will love this Ninja experience in Kyoto. It’s informative, it’s fun, and it’ll give you some cool ninja skills to show friends at home. No need to buy anything in advance as ninja costume rental is included. You’ll learn how to throw ninja weapons, have a photo shoot, and go on a treasure hunt. The day will also be enriched by going on a tour around the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum.

Take home more than just memories from your vacation in Kyoto following a makeover and photo shoot in a traditional Japanese tea room. Ideal for families and couples, this package results in a physical transformation and includes plenty of digital photos. Plus, you can choose from multiple start times to suit your schedule.

Sushi is a staple of Japanese cuisine and enjoyed all around the world, but there’s nowhere better to try it than Japan. On this tour, learn the secrets of making sushi with a class at the Umemori Sushi School in Kyoto and get hands-on as you cook the shari (rice), grill the seaweed, and practice rolling maki (sushi rolls). Create an array of delicious sushi, which you can enjoy with traditional udon noodles, or upgrade and learn to make dashi rolls and tempura too.

Kyoto is known for its ancient traditions and magnificent craftsmanship, and on this experience, you’ll learn the basics of pottery from highly skilled pottery artists. You won’t have to worry about bringing anything with you as all materials and equipment are provided. If you’ve never tried pottery before, you’ll be put at ease, as your instructor will demonstrate, then assist you in your own pottery experience. Choose what object you make, pick custom glazes, and you can even choose to have your pottery delivered to you.

For those short on time and high on energy, join us for a one day all-you-can-Kyoto bike tour! Experience the tranquility of one of world's largest wooden buildings, learn about the history of Kyoto at the Imperial Palace Park, reflect on life at the stunning Golden Pavilion, enjoy a traditional sit-down lunch, capture the essence of Kyoto in the Gion geisha district and discover the majesty of the mighty Fushimi Shrine. Our shop is a 2 minute walk from Kyoto central station, our groups are small, our bikes are top quality 'Giant' hybrids, and our guides are relaxed, bilingual, experienced and safe! Sit back and let Cycle Kyoto show you around town!

Immerse yourself in the captivating culture of Kyoto on a full-day sightseeing tour. See the tranquil Kiyomizu Temple amid its verdant surroundings; absorb the Imperial majesty of Kyoto Imperial Palace; and stroll amid the botanical beauty of Kinkaku-ji Temple. Behold the beguiling beauty of the Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine and enrich your knowledge of Kyoto’s rich historical heritage with commentary from an informative guide. Moderate levels of fitness are advisable for this tour, on which a lot of walking occurs.

Let's experience "Kano Musubi" with traditional Japanese Kumihimo braids! "Kano Musubi" is a knotting method of famous Kumihimo braids. "Kano Musubi" forms the shape of Chinese character "叶" which means that a wish comes true. Having such a lovely meaning, "Kano Musubi" is often used to close the opening of amulet cases given at the shrines. Select two colors each for you braid and stone. After completion, you can use it as a bag ornament or a key chain. As our cheerful staff will guide you carefully, beginners are welcome as well!

Active travelers will love the opportunity to explore the northern parts of Kyoto by bike. Your local guide will make sure you don’t get lost, and will show you to back alleys and hidden corners that you might miss otherwise, as well as some of the famous attractions that shouldn’t be missed. Cycle on comfortable bike, and enjoy an authentic Japanese lunch to refuel.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshop, theory and practice, is conducted by licensed tea masters and is unique in Kyoto. It is set in the Grand Tea Room inside the Jotokuji Temple just 3 minutes walk from Gojo station, or 15 minutes walk from Kyoto station. The ceremony starts with a tour of the Temple followed by the explanation of the history and cultural importance of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. It is educational and enable you to understand the modesty of the Japanese character. The artistic ceremony is performed by the licensed Tea Master and many visitors refer to it as mesmerising. You will then practice the making of the matcha tea by yourself under the guidance of the Tea Master. You will receive a souvenir certificate of attendance after about two weeks.

Gion is loved for its historic narrow alleyways, temples, shrines, and picturesque tea houses. On this tour, you’ll experience Gion’s most loved sights, as well as some hidden surprises. A bike tour helps you cover more ground than a walking tour, so you make the most of your time. See the Geisha districts, and enjoy plenty of stop-offs to learn about Japan’s former capital.

Immerse yourself in the cultural and architectural splendor of Kyoto on this private tour, ideal for first-time visitors. Choose from two different routes, both of which cover major Kyoto attractions including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple, and explore the city with a personal guide. On the northwest-bound route, you’ll visit the Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Food Market, and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama Park. Alternatively, the southeast course covers the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, and the Gion area. Receive undivided attention from your guide on this private tour. 

Let’s ride on a bike to explore Higashiyama, the most popular area among Kyoto, where many famous temples and shrines concentrated in. This area is well-known about its jam-up, since thousands of tourists visit at all times of the year. Resulted in overcrowded buses and even if you are luckily get in, the bus may not move forward. There are so many bus services provided by several companies which makes you confused. Yet people surround you maybe also tourists like you who know little about the area. Let’s not waste your time reading maps, waiting for buses, and traffic jams. After we leave Kyoto station, we will guide you several places: Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, Shimogamo jinja, Ginkakuji temple, Tetsugaku-no-michi Street (the philosophers' path), Eikando, and Nanzenji temple. We continue pedaling to Gion area then the most busiest area of Kyoto, Sanjyo and Shijyo-kawaramachi. You can either drop the bike at the place where the tour ends or keep pedaling until Kyoto station.

* we provide interesting tours !! * If you want to explore Kyoto, you should choose the Biking tour because a bus or walking tour takes much longer time to arrive at your destinations.By riding bikes with us, you will be able to visit some famous spots within relatively short period of time because we use some back streets. You may think this 3 hours bike ride is too long for you ,, but we will guide you with a lot of descriptions of Japanese and Kyoto culture so you will not become bored with us.Also visiting a real temple and trying real Green tea will be one of the most memorable experiences in Kyoto! Let's enjoy riding bikes and take great photos to maximize your Kyoto trip! Jump on a bicycle and enjoy the unique sights of Kyoto.Pedal through temples, stroll among shrines, and sip green tea while viewing exquisite hidden gardens.In addition we will take you to see some delightful unexpected sights.