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Kyoto Culture & history

Our most recommended Kyoto Culture & history

Kyoto: Top Highlights Full Day Trip

1. Kyoto: Top Highlights Full Day Trip

Visit some of Kyoto's most famous sites on this culture-focused day trip. Hop on board an air-conditioned coach and explore Japan's ancient capital to see the brilliant Torii Gates of the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the UNESCO-listed Kiyomizu-Dera temple, and the golden pavilion of Kinkaku-Ji. Start your tour by discovering some of Kyoto's ancient historic sites, dating back to the 6th century. Get dropped off at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Spend time wandering the paths before heading to a restaurant for lunch to taste a standard or deluxe traditional tofu set-course menu with Japanese tea. After lunch, head off to Kiyomizu-Dera, one of the most iconic temples in Japan. Spend ample time strolling through the temple. Walk across the impressive wooden stage, which juts out from the hillside and was constructed without the use of a single nail. Later, make a final stop at Kinkaku-Ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion because it's covered in gold leaves. Wander through the gardens surrounding the temple, admiring the original Japanese designs that have been preserved since Ashikaga's time. In the late afternoon, get dropped off at Kyoto Station where your tour ends.

Kyoto and Nara 1 Day Bus Tour from Osaka/Kyoto

2. Kyoto and Nara 1 Day Bus Tour from Osaka/Kyoto

Depart from the exclusive VIP waiting rooms of Osaka or Kyoto, heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Designated as an Important Cultural Property, the main shrine building contains five shrines together, these five pillars of Fushimi Inari Taisha are named for the great virtues of Inari Okami that they embody. Inari Okami is known as a deity of business prosperity, the prosperity of industries, the safety of households, safety in traffic and improvement in the performing arts. The 'Senbon Torii' or 1000 torii gates are donations by individuals and companies, and you will find the donator's name and the date of the donation inscribed on the back of each gate. Then you will head to Arashiyama, which changes with the seasons and you can enjoy the scenery any time of year, with cherry blossoms in the spring, boat festivals in the Summer, red leaves in Autumn and snow white mountains in the winter. Arashiyama is also filled with temples and shrines including the match-making Shrine you can visit, during your walk through the famed Bamboo grove. There are a variety of restaurants to choose right near the Togetsukyo bridge, including vegan and Halal. Proceed to the symbol of Kyoto, Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, also named Rakuon-ji: one of the most popular buildings in Japan. Finally, move on to Japan’s old capital, Nara: you will have the time to explore its park, cuddle the worldwide famous deer and enter the biggest wooden building of the planet, Todai-ji Temple, another UNESCO world heritage site. Here you will find yourself in front of Japan’s biggest Buddha statue, 15 meters tall.

Kyoto: Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing

3. Kyoto: Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Sake and Food Pairing

Insider Sake Brewery Tour + Sake Tasting and food pairing with an expert/ If you love Sake but don't know what to select or want to enjoy it with Japanese food, join us and let's dive deep into the world of sake! Meet your guide and set off on your three hour tour exploring the Fushimi Sake District of Kyoto, one of Japan’s most famous sake producing areas, and home to about 30 breweries. ・Insider Sake Brewery Tour Visit Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum the largest sake brewery in Fushimi with a sake expert, where you’ll deepen your knowledge of sake and witness traditional brewing processes which have been passed down from generation to generation. At the end of your brewery tour you’ll have the chance to taste a few of the flavours produced there, and friendly staff from the brewery will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. After finishing up with your first sampling, you’ll move on to the full tasting session. ・Sake Tasting with an Expert Enjoy tasting flavours of sake you may never have experienced before – as we’ll introduce you to bottles which have never been exported. Your expert guide will explain the differences in taste – dry, fruity, sweet – and how each of these are produced. ・Food Pairing Experience the food pairing with sake - you’ll also be served various otsumami – Japanese snacks which traditionally accompany alcohol – so you can see which types of food and flavour best accompany the different sake types. This is a fun and educational sake tasting in Kyoto. Recommended to join this experience at the beginning of your trip in Japan!

Kyoto: Samurai Class, Become a Samurai Warrior

4. Kyoto: Samurai Class, Become a Samurai Warrior

Study the art of the samurai warrior class that ruled ancient Japan for centuries. Practice the stylized movements that make up the samurai technique as you handle a sword and uncover the discipline of Kenbu. Watch a 4-minute film about the basics of the samurai. Then, suit up and take hold of your samurai sword. Learn how to bow before your sword training begins. Discover how to draw it and replace it in its protective scabbard. Get a short photo shoot in your samurai suit, and then discover how to show respect to your opponent with the sword. With a respectful bow to your instructor, grab your souvenir photos and certificate of achievement before leaving.

Kyoto: 3.5-hours Historical Highlights Cycling Tour

5. Kyoto: 3.5-hours Historical Highlights Cycling Tour

Go on this cycling tour and explore the peaceful side of Kyoto.  Start this activity by learning about Nijo Castle. At Seimei Shrine you can find out how to pray at a Japanese shrine. Check out the Golden Pavilion and get ready to take great photos at Kamishichiken, the oldest geisha district in Japan.  After seeing the magical Golden Pavilion continue to cycle for a nice downhill ride to the Imperial Palace. Your guide will give you some insights into the history of this place.  At a traditional Japanese restaurant, you can discover the local cuisine with a variety of Soba dishes, as well as desserts with matcha and mochi. Feel free to visit a beautiful Japanese garden and a souvenir shop next door.  After this break, the tour will continue cycling back a relaxing ride along a beautiful route through the city. Finish your tour at the Kamogawa river and immerse yourself in this unique atmosphere while watching the locals enjoying their time.

Kyoto: Private Customized Walking Tour with a Local

6. Kyoto: Private Customized Walking Tour with a Local

Explore your way with a private and customized walking tour to discover the highlights of Kyoto with your own local guide. See Kyoto Tower, Togetsu-kyō Bridge, Ginkaku-ji Temple, Nishiki Market, and more with an itinerary crafted to your personal interests. Depending on what sparks your interest, your guide will help you create an itinerary to see Kyoto's top attractions. Get insider tips on what to see and do, learn about the culture, and discover hidden gems along the way. Visit sacred sites like the shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha or Kinkajuki Temple, explore the cultural Geisha district of Gion, or go off the beaten path in historic neighborhoods with the help of your guide. Walk the perfectly preserved streets of Higashiyama for a bird's-eye city view from Yasaka Pagoda, or amble eight minutes north to Gion, Kyoto’s famous lantern-lit geisha district and nightlife hub. Along the way, choose to sample street food at centuries-old Nishiki Market or head one mile west for green tea and pastel-colored wagashi confections in Sanjo-dori Shopping Street, a foodie’s paradise (food costs not included). If you're an outdoor enthusiast, take in a sunset view from Kurama, a natural hot spring area nestled in pine-tree-blanketed mountains reachable by a 30-minute train ride. Whatever you choose to do, your guide will help you get the most out of your visit.

Kyoto: Arashiyama Walking Tour with Temple and Monkey Park

7. Kyoto: Arashiyama Walking Tour with Temple and Monkey Park

Get to know the Arashiyama neighborhood of Kyoto on a guided tour around its top sights. Visit highlights like Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama Park, and the Okochi Sanso Garden. Get a taste of Japanese cuisine, explore a Buddhist temple, and enjoy free time in the district's famous shopping street. Choose between a group or private tour. Meet your guide at Saga-Arashiyama Station and head to your first stop, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Explore the amazing urban forest and reach the top of Arashiyama Park for panoramic views of the area. Continue to the private Okochi Sanso Garden. Relax in the serene surroundings and savor matcha tea and a Japanese sweet treat from the traditional tea house. Explore the Tenryuji Temple and admire the koi fish in the pond. Take in views of the Katsura River and the wooden Togetsukyo Bridge. Next, hike up the hill to reach the monkey park. Walk around the enclosures and admire the macaque monkeys up close. Finally, stroll along the Arashiyama shopping street with tips from your guide about the best shops to visit.

Kyoto: Afternoon Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park Bike Tour

8. Kyoto: Afternoon Bamboo Forest and Monkey Park Bike Tour

Fall in love with Arashiyama on an afternoon biking and hiking tour in Kyoto. Spend the day in nature as you hike along the greenery of Iwatayama Monkey Park and bike through the towering bamboo of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Visit the UNESCO-certified Tenryuji Temple with included entry tickets. Start your trip by traveling back in time as you ride along the roads used in Kyoto today that were originally sub-temples of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tenryuji Temple. Become one with nature while exploring the temple’s Zen gardens. Continue the journey with a short hike up to the impressive panoramic view of Kyoto from Iwatayama Mountain and the accompanying Iwatayama Monkey Park. Spend the rest of the tour peddling through bamboo forests and visiting local spots not frequented by tourist crowds.

Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour

9. Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour

The green tea and matcha (powdered green tea) produced in Uji are famous for their quality not only in Japan, but also all over the world. While visiting Uji you will also get to see the gorgeous and famous Byodoin temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  During the tour you will sit down for a fantastic lunch, and have a chance to experience making and drinking tea. If you find teas that you like, you will have time to choose, purchase and take home some delicious memories of your tour.

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Morning Tour by Bike

10. Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Morning Tour by Bike

Embark on a guided tour by bike to see the outstanding beauty of the  Arashiyama Bamboo Forest away from the crowds. Benefit from the early hour to make your journey undisturbed by crowds, and see sights like Togetsukyo Bridge and the Tenryuji Zen Temple. Meet your guide in the morning and get ready to witness one of Kyoto's most quintessential districts. Beat the tourist crowds and head out to the city's far west on a bike in the company of your guide. Enjoy a tour where you explore the beauty of bamboo, the tranquility of temples, and some of the best scenic panoramas Kyoto has to offer. Visit the evocative forest, as well as the Togetsukyo Bridge, and the gardens of the Unesco World Heritage Site that is the Tenryuji Zen Temple. Speed through the district's streets by bicycle as you immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere. Admire the charming architecture and authentic urban landscape as your guide also takes you to some of their favorite spots off the beaten track.

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Frequently asked questions about Kyoto

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What are the best day trips and excursions from Kyoto?

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Arashiyama

Other Sightseeing Options in Kyoto

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What people are saying about Kyoto

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 1,019 reviews

The trip took us to beautiful and impressive places. We were highly impressed by our first guide Satoshi - he spoke advanced English and was quite knowledgeable and kind. The second guide Kan was very friendly and caring. The activity provider was also extremely kind and thoughtful in preparing a small surprise for my boyfriend who had a birthday on the day of our trip. The trip can be booked with a starting point Kyoto or Osaka, I think Osaka is the better option, discuss it with the activity provider.

My family and I had an excellent experience on this guided tour. Our guide, Aki was kind, knowledgeable, and engaging. She shared so much knowledge with us, not only about Japanese food but about the history of the market, surrounding area, and Gion. I would highly recommend this tour in Kyoto. Aki did a great job accommodating some dietary restrictions as well as ensuring my mom who is older could keep up with the group and have a place to sit when needed.

Andres was an excellent host, showing our small group of four around Gion. This was an enjoyable evening walk through Gion that introduced us to key sites and local treasures. Our meal was spread across two restaurants, and Andres made sure we tried many local favorites. Delicious evening and great company. Highly recommend.

Driver and guide were nice and patient throughout the trip. Guide provided much information and was fluent in both Mandarin and English.

Very enjoyable personalized tour with an excellent guide who speaks perfect English!