Best Tours and Activities in Kyoto

Kyoto Top Tours: Unique and Special Things to Do in Kyoto!

Let’s make your trip in Kyoto more special and memorable! There are various fun activities and tours for tourists in the ancient city Kyoto, including traditional cultural experiences and sightseeing city tours. Trying activities are a great opportunity for foreign visitors to learn and immerse in Japanese culture.

In this article, I would like to introduce some of the best tours and activities in Kyoto, which will surely upgrade your trip to more memorable one. So let’s check them out 🙂

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.


1. Fushimi Inari Hidden Hidden Hiking Tour

Photo by Magical Trip

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is arguably the most famous tourist destination fascinating visitors with its vermilion torii gates tunnel. Around the torii gates at the shrine is extremely crowded among tourists, but there is a hidden path at the shrine site where visitors can enjoy the serine nature and pleasant atmosphere away from the crowds. This hiking tour takes you to an adventure off the main route and learn the deep history of Kyoto with a local guide!

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2. Kimono Tea Ceremony Experience

Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya allows visitors to comfortably change into a traditional yukata and kimono before engaging with the traditional ceremony. Given the fact that Kyoto City sometimes may get too hot or too cold, this is a great option for those who want to wear kimono only indoors and take pictures in front of various backdrops. Maikoya was listed as the only tea ceremony facility in Japan to receive the 2018 Tripadvisor Travelers Choice award.

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3. Bar Hopping

Looking to for deeper experience in Kyoto? Let’s explore the nightlife then! Enjoy local bar/Izakaya hopping and drink with locals 😉 Kyoto Bar Hopping Nightlife Tour by Magical Trip will help you explore hidden izakaya bars in the backstreets of Kyoto and view the different sides of Kyoto after dark.

4. Samurai Knife Making

Make your own quality Japanese knife guided by a Samurai swordsmith master, Asano Taro, who is certified by the Japanese government and is one of the few genuine Japanese swordsmiths still practicing his craft today. This is one of the most rare and special activities in Japan. The venue is located in Gifu Prefecture, which is only 30 mins away from Kyoto city.

5. Maiko Makeover

Must-try activity for every girls 😉 Maiko (Geisha apprentice) girls are Kyoto’s icon who are beautifully dressed in traditional make-up and costumes. How about becoming one of them and walking down the historic street in home of the Geisha, Gion District, Kyoto!

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6. Samurai and Ninja Experience

The interactive Samurai & Ninja Museum has been rated as one of the best museum experiences. The experience based museum offers samurai shows, samurai sword cutting experiences, ninja training courses and historic tours every hour. A great activity option for couples and families with many experiences and tours to chose from.

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7. Cooking Class

cooking-class-image
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Cooking class is one of the most popular indoor activities among tourists today, and various cooking classes are held across the country including Kyoto. From classic Sushi to unique Ramen noodle making, you can pick and learn how to make your favourite Japanese dish. Not only learning the cooking, but also you can have a great moment by spending time with a local teacher, learn about Japanese food culture and take the secret recipes back home! Check out the link below and find the best cooking class in Kyoto for you!

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8. Private Tour in Kyoto

If you are in Kyoto for a short time, or want to visit as many as spots in one day, this private tour is a great option to spend your time wisely! This amazing 7 hours tour is guided by an English speaking guide with a small group, and allow you to visit Kyoto’s must-see spots and learn about their rich history only in one day!

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9. Local Food Tour

Explore the deep food culture of Kyoto by joining a popular guided tour! Kyoto Night Foodie Tour by Magical Trips offers an extraordinary food experience for a night. Visit a hidden restaurant in Gion district and enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine with delicious Sake. Stroll down the picturesque streets of Gion by night and take a lot of photos 🙂

10. Visit Saihoji a.k.a. Moss Temple

One of the hardest UNESCO World Heritage sites to enter in Japan, the Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple, Saihoji only takes a limited number of visitors daily with advance reservations. The temple is also called Kokedera (Moss Temple) and known for its beautiful and pleasant moss garden.

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11. Dine at a Michelin Starred Restaurant

Kyoto is possibly the best city to indulge yourself with traditional Japanese cuisine including Kaiseki dishes. There are several high-end restaurants in the city including Michelin starred ones where guests can have the best dining experience in Japan. Here is the list of best Michelin star restaurants in Kyoto today.


Make your trip to Kyoto the most memorable one! Japan Wonder Travel offers the best private tours across Japan including Kyoto. You can see the best highlights and explore the city in depth in one day! Check out the link below and see various kinds of private tours offered in Kyoto today!

▶Kyoto 8h Private Custom Highlight Tour with Licensed Guide

▶Kyoto Arashiyama Best Spots 4h Private Tour with Licensed Guide


Hope you have enjoyed the list! Kyoto is a tourist center of Japan with hundreds of tourist attractions. But these activities can upgrade your trip even more special ones for sure!

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Written by

"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have spend almost a decade living and exploring countries across the world. Based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling with my readers. I hope my stories help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈