The BEST Kyoto Tours And Things To Do In

In 2023, travelers visiting Kyoto will be thrilled to discover a stack of exciting tours and activities to explore the city’s rich culture and history.

Imagine embarking on a serene journey through the Shinto shrines or unraveling the mysteries of the captivating Buddhist temples. One can even partake in a traditional tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple, seeing the beauty of Japanese traditions.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there! Kyoto also offers day trips to neighboring attractions like Nara and Hiroshima, allowing visitors to expand their horizons.

With informative workshops, food and culture tours, and private customized walking tours with local insiders, Kyoto truly has it all. Plus, with the added benefit of free cancellation, planning and securing the perfect Kyoto experience has never been easier.

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Quick Takeaways

Traditional attractions in Kyoto include visiting teahouses, exploring Shinto shrines, discovering Buddhist temples, and experiencing a tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple.
Recommended activities in Kyoto include trying local food and drinks, joining walking tours, taking day trips to nearby attractions, engaging in family-friendly activities, and enjoying sightseeing on wheels.
Top-rated tours in Kyoto include workshops or classes like tea ceremony experiences, full-day bus tours to UNESCO and historical sites, day trips to Kyoto and Nara from Osaka or Kyoto, food and culture tours in Gion, and the Gion Night Walking Tour to discover hidden gems.
Other activities in Kyoto include hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours, day trips to explore the top highlights of Kyoto, visiting Hiroshima and Miyajima on a train and bus tour, enjoying private customized walking tours with local insiders, and experiencing the Gion Cultural Walking Tour with a Geisha performance.

Not for you? Here's a few more great tours and experiences nearby.

Traditional Attractions

Visitors to Kyoto can explore a stack of traditional attractions, including traditional teahouses and Shinto shrines. Traditional teahouses are an integral part of Japanese culture and offer visitors a chance to experience the art of tea ceremony. These teahouses, often nestled in serene gardens, provide a tranquil escape from the bustling city.

The tea ceremony, known as ‘chado’ or ‘sado,’ is a highly ritualized and meditative practice that involves the preparation and serving of matcha, a powdered green tea. It’s a unique opportunity to witness the grace and precision of the tea masters.

Plus, Kyoto is home to numerous Shinto shrines, which are sacred spaces dedicated to the worship of Shinto deities. These shrines, with their striking architecture and serene ambiance, offer visitors a chance to enjoy the spiritual traditions of Japan.

Recommended Activities

Exploring Kyoto’s vibrant culinary scene and joining walking tours to discover the city’s hidden gems are highly recommended activities for visitors.

Kyoto is known for its delectable local food and drinks, and trying them is a must-do experience. From savoring traditional Kyoto cuisine like kaiseki and yudofu, to indulging in street food delights such as takoyaki and matcha-flavored treats, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Plus, joining a walking tour is a fantastic way to take in the rich history and culture of Kyoto. These tours often take visitors to famous landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, as well as lesser-known spots like charming backstreets and hidden gardens.

The city also offers diverse family-friendly attractions, such as the Kyoto Railway Museum and the Kyoto International Manga Museum, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Top-Rated Tours

One of the top-rated tours in Kyoto is a workshop or class that offers a tea ceremony experience. This immersive activity allows visitors to learn about the intricate art of tea preparation and experience the tranquility of a traditional Japanese tea room.

Along With the tea ceremony, there are several other popular tour packages in Kyoto that showcase the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. These include full-day bus tours that take visitors to UNESCO and must-visit historical sites, such as the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the historic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.

Another highly recommended tour is a day trip to Kyoto and Nara, where visitors can explore ancient temples, majestic gardens, and encounter friendly deer in Nara Park.

With so many top-rated tours to choose from, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring the wonders of Kyoto.

Other Activities

A variety of unique and exciting activities await travelers in Kyoto, offering them a chance to delve deeper into the city’s cultural and historical treasures.

Apart from the traditional attractions and top-rated tours, there are several other activities that shouldn’t be missed.

One option is to take a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour in Kyoto, which allows visitors to explore the city at their own pace and discover hidden gems along the way.

Another possibility is to embark on a day trip to explore the top highlights of Kyoto, where travelers can visit lesser-known spots that are off the beaten path.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, a private customized walking tour with a local insider is highly recommended. This allows visitors to gain insider knowledge and learn more about the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Additional Tours and Experiences

There are a variety of additional tours and experiences that offer travelers in Kyoto the opportunity to further enjoy the city’s cultural and historical wonders. Here are three options worth considering:

Unique cultural experiences: Kyoto is known for its rich cultural heritage, and there are tours that allow visitors to delve deeper into this aspect. From traditional arts and crafts workshops to samurai sword demonstrations, these experiences provide a chance to learn about Japan’s customs and traditions firsthand.
Private tea ceremonies: Kyoto is famous for its tea ceremonies, and participating in one is a must-do activity. Some tours offer private tea ceremonies, allowing you to enjoy the serene ambiance and savor the intricate flavors of matcha tea in a more intimate setting.
Customized walking tours: If you prefer a more personalized experience, consider booking a private customized walking tour. With a local guide, you can explore the city at your own pace, visiting the attractions that interest you the most and learning about their historical and cultural significance.

These additional tours and experiences offer a deeper, more immersive understanding of Kyoto’s cultural heritage, making your visit to the city even more memorable.

Directions for Booking

To book your Kyoto tour or experience, simply choose from the wide selection of options available and follow the easy online booking process.

Booking your Kyoto tour is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few simple steps. Once you have decided on the tour or experience you want to book, click on the ‘Book Now’ button and you’ll be redirected to the booking page.

Here, you’ll be asked to provide your personal information, such as your name and email address. You’ll also have the opportunity to select any additional services or add-ons that you may want to include in your booking.

Once you have completed all the necessary information, you’ll be prompted to choose your payment method. We offer a variety of payment options, including credit card, debit card, and PayPal. Simply select the option that’s most convenient for you, enter your payment details, and click on the ‘Confirm Booking’ button to finalize your reservation.

It’s as easy as that! So don’t wait, book your Kyoto tour or experience today and get ready to explore the best of what this beautiful city has to offer.

Policy on Free Cancellation

The policy on free cancellation allows customers to easily modify or cancel their Kyoto tour or experience without incurring any fees. This cancellation policy offers several benefits to travelers, ensuring a stress-free booking experience.

Here are three reasons why the free cancellation policy is advantageous:

Flexibility: With free cancellation, customers have the flexibility to change their plans without worrying about financial penalties. Whether it’s due to unexpected circumstances or a change in preferences, travelers can modify or cancel their Kyoto tour easily and conveniently.
Peace of Mind: The free cancellation policy provides peace of mind to travelers, knowing that they’ve the option to cancel if needed. It reduces the risk of losing money in case of unforeseen events or last-minute changes in travel plans.
Easy Booking Process: The free cancellation policy simplifies the booking process, making it hassle-free for customers. They can make reservations with confidence, knowing that they’ve the freedom to cancel or modify their Kyoto tour without any additional charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Water Activities or Boat Tours Available in Kyoto?

Yes, there are water activities and boat tours available in Kyoto. Visitors can enjoy jet skiing on the river or take river cruises to admire the city’s scenic beauty from a different perspective.

Can I Visit the Bamboo Forest in Kyoto on a Guided Tour?

Yes, visitors can explore the bamboo forest in Kyoto on a guided tour. These tours offer the opportunity for bamboo forest photography and also include exploring the beautiful Arashiyama area.

Are There Any Traditional Arts and Crafts Workshops Available in Kyoto?

Yes, there are traditional pottery workshops and Kyoto silk weaving classes available in Kyoto. These workshops offer hands-on experiences where visitors can learn and create their own unique traditional crafts under the guidance of skilled artisans.

Is It Possible to Visit Mount Fuji on a Day Trip From Kyoto?

Yes, it is possible to take a day trip to Mount Fuji from Kyoto. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the iconic mountain and explore the cultural heritage of Kyoto through traditional crafts.

Are There Any Hot Springs or Onsen Experiences Available in Kyoto?

Hot springs in Kyoto offer the best onsen experiences. Visitors can relax in the healing waters and enjoy the serene surroundings. Some popular options include Arashiyama Onsen and Kurama Onsen, both known for their tranquil atmosphere and rejuvenating properties.