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Activities & Tours: Kyoto Prefecture

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Carefree Private Exploration of Fushimi Inari, Gion, Kiyomizudera, and More

Dive into and swoon about one of Kyoto's most historically rich areas, Higashiyama ("Eastern Mountain") with your very own private, English speaking guide with vast knowledge of Kyoto and Japanese culture. Start from the southernmost mountain in the city, where the justifiably famous Fushimi Inari Shrine lies in wait with its thousands upon thousands of bright red torii gates leading you up the mountain into higher and still holier places. Mission accomplished, a short train ride (included) deposits us perfectly for an exploration of the Gion, a traditional entertainment district, where geisha still hold court and high regard. Work your way through various temples and shrines on the east side while learning what makes this area so special. All admission fees and transit are included so there's no need to fret about hidden fees. Since this is a private tour, feel free to contact us about any changes you'd like to make to the itinerary. We're very flexible.
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based on 3 reviews
See Details → Duration :4 hours
From $125
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Dark Kyoto Tour

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.
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based on 3 reviews
See Details → Duration :4 hours
From $65.67
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Kyoto Luxury Sake, Whisky and Cocktail Tour

At the heart of Kyoto the “Flower Districts” around Gion and Pontocho, these are the city’s most famous entertainment districts and the center of traditional culture and nightlife. We will start our tour by strolling around a more hidden “flower-district” (the historic name for areas with tea houses featuring music and dance performed by Kyoto’s famous geisha.) If we are lucky we will spot the Maiko and Geiko on their way to work for the evening. Please note: due to legal restrictions at some of our stops on this tour- all members of your group must be 20 years old or older.
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based on 4 reviews
See Details → Duration :3 hours
From $342
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Kyoto sake tasting near Fushimi Inari

Come and experience sake’s history and production on a 3 hour tasting tour. Tasting over 30 variety of different sakes, you will surely find your favorite one! Embark on this sake adventure. I welcome you to my sake tasting experience in Kyoto. Fushimi area is famous not only Fushimi inari but also sake production. Kyoto is 2nd biggest production in Japan. Basically Kyoto's sake tastes sweet because of soft water. We'll explore two of my favorite breweries, sake museum and local bar. I'm passionate about sake, and I’d like to share with you the process of sake making, comparing different kinds and brands. You will taste the differences between sakes—the highest quality, unfiltered, unpasteurized, and many other seasonable sakes. We help to find your favorite type of sake!
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based on 9 reviews
See Details → Duration :3 hours
From $98.51
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Kyoto Custom Full Day Tour

This private and customizable tour for Kyoto is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace.
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based on 7 reviews
See Details → Duration :8 hours
From $210.14
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Kyoto Food & Drink Tour with a Local: Private Custom Izakaya Experience

You’ll spend the night bar hopping through the historic Gion district with one of our hosts. This neighborhood has been entertaining locals for centuries, so you can imagine they’ve perfected the craft. There’s no more authentic way to experience Kyoto’s nightlife than by visiting a few traditional izakaya (bars)! With paper lanterns and quaint wooden houses to set the scene, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into another time (or maybe that’s the sake talking). Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.
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based on 2 reviews
See Details → Duration :3 hours
From $198.61
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[Kyoto Street Shot] Recording every wonderful moment of travel with shutter (free kimono experience)

・The staff are female photographers who can speak at least two kinds of languages. ・Original kimono rental free, limited quantity! ・We will take you to the recommended spots such as according to the season, such as cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, and take the best shot that you can leave just at that moment. -Free kimono rental for 2 people (hair set and makeup are charged separately) -Course length: approx. 1 hour for kimono dressing, approx. 1 hour shooting -Location: Gion Shirakawa, Tatsumibashi, Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, etc. -Important information- ・ Kimono can be added on site. The fee is based on the situation at the site (from 4000 yen) ・ Free kimono rental does not include hair set and makeup. Hair set 1800 yen / person, simple makeup 3000 yen / person, full makeup 5000 yen / person. ・ Please arrive at least one hour before kimono dressing. ・ We will provide all unmodified photos taken during the service time. The edited photo data will be sent by email two to three weeks later. ・ Shooting location may be changed depending on weather or congestion. (Example: Shirakawa) ・ If you wish to travel by a taxi or shoot in a place where an entrance fee is required, you will be responsible for the cost, including the cost of the photographer. ・ The service limits to sightseeing shooting only, not includes wedding photography. email:info@trimemo.com TEL:+819066624909
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based on 10 reviews
See Details → Duration :1 hours
From $216.71
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Walking Tour - Osaka Castle and River Cruise from Osaka or Kyoto

This tour is accompanied by a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter. See Osaka, the commercial center of western Japan, on this wonderful 1-day round-trip tour departing from Kyoto! Visit some of Osaka's most iconic sights, and experience both traditional and modern Osaka. Enjoy panoramic views of Osaka at the Floating Garden Observatory at the top of the Umeda Sky Building, which is also popular among international travelers for its unique architecture. Be in awe of Osaka Castle's grandeur. Revel in the superb scenery from the castle tower. Take a riverboat cruise for a breathtaking view of Japan's water city, Osaka.
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based on 7 reviews
See Details → Duration :9 hours
From $110.33
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2 Hours Tour in Historic Gion: Geisha Spotting Area Tour

This is a 3 hours walking tour in the historic area of Gion that is well known for preserving the old architecture. In Gion, you can see the traditional houses, tea houses and old streets of Gion. What makes this tour unique? 1- Within 2 hours, you can experience the historic and cultural essense beauty of of Kyoto historic area of Gion in a private tour. 2- This tour is a walking private tour and can be customized based on your request. 3- Understanding the culture and life in Japan from a foreign prospective. Tour itinerary is planned to cover the top spots of Gion. Itinerary is shown here, however, you can still customize it in arrangement with the guide. 17:00 Meeting at the pickup place (or in Gion area). 17:30 Izumo no Okuni statue and Kaboki drama explanation 18:00 Shinbashi street, Geisha and Maiko explanation, Chionin temple gate 18:30 Maruyama Park and Yasaka shrine 18:45 Hanamikoji Street, Teahouse, Geisha and Maiko spotting areas 19:00 Pontocho and tour finish
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based on 3 reviews
See Details → Duration :2 hours
From $350
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Kyoto Sweets & Desserts Tour with a Local Foodie: Private & Custom

Join one of our hosts to immerse yourself in the delicious world of traditional Japanese wagashi - sweet confections. Japanese culinary pursuits are precise and packed with extraordinary flavor, and wagashi is no different. Visit Nishiki Market, a food market as well as a traditional tea house to find the staple ingredients of Kyoto’s cuisine and try some of the yummy sweets. You won’t know whether you should devour or Instagram these beauties. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.
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See Details → Duration :3 hours
From $171.53
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Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle Walking Tour

This luxurious tour introduces all the important spots in Kyoto in one day: you can get to know the faith of the commoners of Japan, the characteristic food of Kyoto, the residence of the shogun, the palace of the Emperor, and also take a stroll through the geisha street. With this tour, you can deeply understand the lives and thoughts of the people of Kyoto and Japan.
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based on 7 reviews
See Details → Duration :7 hours
From $111.92
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Kyoto Private Photoshoot Experience with a Professional Photographer

Spend an hour strolling through Kyoto with a professional photographer to capture the best possible images of your tour. You'll learn about local monuments and get a photo shoot with your loved ones; this activity is kid-friendly and can accommodate your groups. After the session, you'll receive professional quality images that you can cherish. ・Local photographer guide takes photos of you and your group in Kyoto ・Receive edited images via email after the session ・Perfect souvenir of your trip
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based on 2 reviews
See Details → Duration :1 hours
From $259.4
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Private 1 Day Kyoto Tour Including Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Golden Pavillion

This tour is to explore a castle, temples, Japanese gardens, and near natural landscape in Kyoto. You can learn more about the fresh information of each spot from your guide; ・Nijyo-jo Castle (World Heritage): only castle still left in Kyoto, where you can see gorgeous paintings on the wall & doors. This place also marks the event that the last Shogun returned the governing power to the Emperor, which is called Meiji Restoration. ・Kinkaku-ji Temple (World Heritage): It is known as the Golden Pavilion. Besides the pavilion, you can see the Japanese garden, Mirror pond, tea house, and worship hall. ・Arashiyama district: one of the most pleasant, scenic district in the north-western Kyoto with Tenryu-ji Temple, renowned as an original Japanese-style garden (World Heritage), and Togetsu-kyo (moon crossing bridge) Bridge over the picturesque Katsura river, including Bamboo Groves. Monkey park is popular in recent years.
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See Details → Duration :8 hours
From $210.14
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Kyoto Private Photo Shoot & Tour

Contact for the time and locations of your choice. snapkyoto (ig) 1. A professional photographer captures your Kyoto memories and the next day you will receive 50 stunning images to share with family/friends. No need for camera/selfie stick. 2. Learn about the history, culture and the people of Kyoto and Japan. No need to worry where to go and what to see. I'll take care of it all. You just enjoy the sites. This is one hour shoot but if you want a longer shoot, get in touch. ig snapkyoto. I also offer Half-Day (3 hrs) in two locations & Full-Day (6 hrs) in 3 or 4 locations which cover Kyoto's Top 2 & Top 4 highlights below (additional fee): -Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, -Fushimi Inari -Gion Geisha -Higashiyama -Golden Pavilion Portfolio: please check snapkyoto my Instagram.
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based on 22 reviews
See Details → Duration :1 hours
From $262.68
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Private City Kickstart Tour: Kyoto

Receive a warm welcome to Kyoto on a private tour that will kick off your time in the city in the best way possible! In only 90 minutes, a local guide will get you acquainted with Kyoto to help you enjoy the rest of your stay to the fullest. Discover where to find Kenninji temple and Yasaka Shrine, and how to explore them away from the crowds. And what about that unique family owned restaurant or that amazing local hotspot? We got you covered; the local guides are experts in the subject! Forget about touristy traps; on this city kickstart tour, your guide will point you in the right direction. Private City Kickstart Tour: Kyoto is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.
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based on 8 reviews
See Details → Duration :1 hours 30 minutes
From $64.25