Japan · TOURS IN KYOTO

The 15 Best Kyoto Tours & Day Trips

133 tours  ·  from $5 a head

Kyoto rewards an early alarm more than any city in Japan. These 15 sort the temple loops, the tea rooms, the Gion walks and the bamboo at Arashiyama by price, start time and how much walking each one really involves.

PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour - Kiyomizu-dera gives you Kyoto from above
1-Day Tours, Sightseeing Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour

1.PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13,518 reviews · from $129Our pick

Start near Kyoto Station at 7:50 a.m. for a full day of Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari. An English-speaking guide such as Sakura, Mai, At-Chan, or Nagomi leads the group, with multilingual audio on the bus. Expect many stairs, short visits, and a busy but efficient route.

“Mai (tour guide) made the experience even greater than expected with her upbeat personality and educational details along the way. Mai made the long day worth it.”

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Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour - Kiyomizu-dera and the view over eastern Kyoto
1-Day Tours, Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove Tours, Fushimi Inari Tours, Sightseeing Bus Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour

2.Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,316 reviews · 510 minutes - 9 hours · from $122

You’ll visit Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangen-do, Arashiyama, the Sagano Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari in about nine hours. An English-speaking guide such as Den, At-Chan, or Sakura may lead your group, with multilingual audio support, Wi-Fi, temple admissions, and an optional Japanese buffet lunch.

“the day trip was amazing, and our guide (At-Chan) made everything feels much more incredible! she was always smiling and being receptive, she also offered to take pictures of me and I appreciate that because I'm solo traveling. At-Chan is wonderful, she gave us many recommendations for the city and also taught us some useful japanese words and phrases; this is what make a day tour fascinating, these little things are awesome.”

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu - The welcome and the story behind tea practice
Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

3.Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,519 reviews · 45 min · from $49

At Sakaguchian tea house near Kiyomizu-Dera, an English-speaking host introduces the 500-year tea tradition before a tea master performs the ceremony. You then whisk your own matcha, enjoy a Japanese sweet, sip a second bowl, and pose for a garden photo. The 45-minute session costs $49 and does not include kimono rental.

“The Tea Ceremony was held in a tea house with a beautiful garden in the back. Learning about and participating in preparing matcha was a great experience!”

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Kyoto Geisha Walking Tour: Gion District & Hidden Gems - Meeting beside Hotel Alza Kyoto
Geisha & Gion District Tours, Hidden-Gem Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto Geisha Walking Tour: Gion District & Hidden Gems

4.Kyoto Geisha Walking Tour: Gion District & Hidden Gems

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,273 reviews · 2 hours · from $25

Spend two hours walking Kyoto’s Gion district with an English-speaking guide such as Michael, Anton, Yuri, or Ikuro. Learn how Geiko and Maiko fit into Kyoto culture, visit Kennin-ji, Chion-in, and Hokan-ji Pagoda, spot traditional machiya homes, and finish with personal tips for food, drinks, shopping, and sightseeing.

“Michael was our tour guide, he was absolutely fantastic! Very knowledgeable, friendly and good with kids. Showed us all around Kyoto and hidden gems explaining everything along the way. Highly recommend”

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple - Entering Jotokuji Temple and finding the tearoom
Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple and Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

5.Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,207 reviews · 1h 10m · from $29

Enter Jotokuji Temple, take part in a purification ritual, then learn the art of matcha in the Grand Tearoom. English-speaking hosts, including Kate and Taka, explain each step and guide you as you prepare your own tea. Expect a small group of up to 10, traditional sweets, floor seating, and a calm 70-minute workshop.

“The hosts of the tea ceremony were so very sweet, charming and kind. They took the time to explain every step of the matcha tea preparation carefully and then gave us the opportunity to prepare our own tea under their guidance. Very nice experience.”

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Kyoto: Gion Magical Night Walking Tour with Geisha Trivia - Hanamikoji and the rules of the geisha district
Geisha & Gion District Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Gion Magical Night Walking Tour with Geisha Trivia

6.Gion Magical Night Walking Tour with Geisha Trivia

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,393 reviews · 1h 40m · from $24

Walk through Gion for 100 minutes with an English-speaking guide from TravelinGood. Starting at Minamiza Theatre, you’ll see Hanamikoji, learn about maiko and geiko traditions, visit shrines and an illuminated pagoda, and finish at a shrine more than 1,000 years old. Groups are limited to 10.

“The tour was excellent and the experience was something that I will never forget, the guide was very professional and knowledgeable of the area and I learned things I did not know before. I would and will definitely recommend this tour and guide to anyone that wants to go.”

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Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience - Making matcha yourself
Tea Ceremony Experiences, Tea Ceremony Experiences in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: 45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

7.45-Minute Tea Ceremony Lesson Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 2,378 reviews · 45 min · from $22

At Tea Ceremony Koto near Kinkakuji, you sit on tatami and learn the full thin-tea ritual from an English-speaking Urasenke tea master. Watch matcha being prepared, make your own tea, taste two green teas with Japanese sweets, and hear about the ceremony’s history and meaning. Add a kimono or choose a private, public, or candlelit session.

“Our guide was very knowledgeable and loved that we could add on rental of kimono. The setting was perfect and the history lesson of the tea ceremony was great.”

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Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - Stories of Geisha - Starting near Ben’s Cookies Kyoto Shijo
Geisha & Gion District Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour – Stories of Geisha

8.Gion Geisha District Walking Tour – Stories of Geisha

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,187 reviews · 2 hours · from $20Best value

Walk through Kyoto’s Gion and Pontocho districts with an English or Spanish-speaking guide. In two hours, you’ll visit Pontocho Alley, Yasaka Shrine, Gion Corner, and Hanamikoji Street while learning about geiko, maiko, teahouse customs, and Kyoto’s changing nighttime culture.

“Excellent tour in Gion, learned a lot about the Geiko and Maiko history across the years and the importance they have in the japanese culture. Highly recommend!”

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Best of Kyoto: Gion, Geisha, Pagodas & Cobblestones - Yasaka Shrine: a strong opening in the evening
Geisha & Gion District Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Best of Kyoto: Gion, Geisha, Pagodas & Cobblestones

9.Best of Kyoto: Gion, Geisha, Pagodas & Cobblestones

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,058 reviews · 2 hours · from $24

Spend two evening hours walking through Gion and Higashiyama with a live English or French guide. Visit Yasaka Shrine, Ninenzaka, Hōkan-ji Temple, and Yasui Kompira-Gu Shrine, then explore lantern-lit Gion. Guides such as Karim, Kevin, Ben, and Janelle add history, cultural context, photography tips, and suggestions for food and drinks afterward.

“Tour was fantastic! Karim, our tour guide, was incredible. He was prompt, friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer any questions we had throughout the evening. He was very dedicated to a thorough explanation of the culture of Gion, and his discussion of the Geishas was very respectful and holistic. Couldn't imagine a better person to show us around! We did the tour in the evening which suited us perfectly, as the streets were quiet and atmospheric. However, this does mean some darker spots as you walk which is something for others to consider when booking time slots. Overall, would highly recommend this experience for those interested in the history and…”

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Kyoto: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket - Kyoto Station and the first ride
City Tours, Sightseeing Bus Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

10.Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 2,034 reviews · 1 - 2 days · from $27

Use a one or two-day mobile ticket to ride Kyoto’s open-top double-decker bus between Kyoto Station, Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji, Gion, and Kiyomizu-dera. Hop off when you like, then continue with multilingual audio commentary. Staff such as Miyuki, Casey, Lauren, and Frederick have been praised for helpful local advice, though bus gaps can be long.

“I enjoyed riding around the city. I took the first bus all the way around to decide where I wanted to stop. Each full circle was about 45 minutes. The guide was extremely helpful. He helped me find stores that had Japanese candy, special Japanese coffee, and a workout facility! All were within walking distance of one of the stops on one of the lines. I would highly recommend this reasonably priced tour.”

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Night Walk in Gion: Kyoto's Geisha District - Walking through Gion after sunset
Geisha & Gion District Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Night Walk in Gion: Kyoto’s Geisha District

11.Night Walk in Gion: Kyoto’s Geisha District

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,003 reviews · 1h 40m · from $21

Join a 100-minute evening walk through Gion with an English-speaking guide such as Mia, Mie, or Chako. Starting near Gion Shijo Station, you’ll learn about geiko and maiko training, clothing, hairstyles, tea-house customs, and daily life while exploring lanes and streams linked with Memoirs of a Geisha. Sightings are possible but never promised.

“Chako-San was our guide and she was amazing! She made the tour enjoyable and informative even though it rained for the majority of it. She also made sure to keep track of our large group when we got separated at a cross walk. This tour was a 12/10 and I would definitely recommend it!”

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Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto - Building broth and choosing your toppings
Cooking Classes, Cooking Classes in Kyoto, Ramen Tours & Workshops, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto

12.Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,937 reviews · from $131

At Ramen Factory Kyoto, you make noodles from flour, prepare broth, cook toppings, and build a personal bowl under instructors such as Mahiro, Haruka, or Hiro. The 90-minute class includes lunch, an apron, and a hands-on cooking session. Vegetarian, vegan, and Halal options are available by request.

“Great experience and family friendly fun! Recommend booking time that coincides with lunch/dinner. The instructors are engaging, funny, and helpful. You will roll chicken thigh and tie it, boil it in broth, use a mini-torch to roast it after it cooks, hand-make the ramen dough, press the noodles and the enjoy your hard work with a delicious bowl of hand made ramen!”

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Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour - Kinkakuji, Kyoto’s famous golden opening act
Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour

13.Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,843 reviews · from $116

Join NORU for a 3-hour-45-minute e-bike ride through northern Kyoto. You’ll visit Kinkakuji, Daitokuji, Kitano Tenmangu, Koto-in, and Zuihoin, then slip into quiet lanes and Zen spaces. Guides such as Yuta, Michael, Sean, Henry, and Shizuka bring history, customs, and local tips to the route.

“Excellent bike tour with our guide Shizuka. Small group of 6, good quality bikes, interesting history, charming backstreet, temples, & riding in the hills. Really special afternoon & highly recommend.”

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Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings) - Moving through Pontocho’s narrow lanes
Food Tours, Geisha & Gion District Tours, Sake Tasting, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings)

14.Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,762 reviews · from $163

Spend about 3.5 hours walking through Gion and Pontocho with a local guide such as Jimmy, Kumi, Emma, or Rika. Stop at small restaurants and bars for nine-plus Kyoto dishes, local drinks, and sake tastings. The group is capped at seven, making it easier to ask questions and enter places you may not find alone.

“Rika was a great guide. Very personable and knowledgeable about both the area and the food and drink.she was good company and entertaining as well. We would highly recommend her and this tour. The tour went to 3 very nice places that we likely would never have found on our own. All of the food and drinks were great.”

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Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available) - From Tofukuji to the forest trail
Fushimi Inari Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

15.Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,750 reviews · from $63

Follow a certified MagicalTrip guide from Tofukuji through forest paths, bamboo, and a small hidden shrine before reaching Fushimi Inari-Taisha from the quieter upper trails. Expect about 7 kilometers, stairs, uneven ground, and limited crowds. Guides such as Naru, Yuko, Emi, and Hina add local stories and photos. Private options are available.

“A fair amount of walking uphill, but a good tour to the bamboo forest and to the shrine areas. The guide was very knowledgeable and accommodating, he provided a good overview of the area and history.”

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New in Tours in Kyoto

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★ 4.9Gion & Pontocho Food Tour with 13 DishesFrom $82235 reviews
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