Kyoto always makes tourists around the world captivated by its ancient beauty. Joining these Kyoto best tours will help you feel the full appeal of this place. What has prepared for your upcoming exciting visit to Kyoto? Let’s check out the list of 13 Best tours in Kyoto to Explore the Thousand-Year-Old Capital of Japan including best day tours in Kyoto and guided tours in Kyoto in this article!
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Kyoto is one of the famous tourist destinations in Japan, with a long history, diverse culture and beautiful natural landscapes. For those who love independent travel, planning your own trip to Kyoto will be an interesting experience but can also be difficult.
To help you avoid those troubles, Klook has compiled 13 best Kyoto tours for those who want to explore this ancient city on their own. These suggestions not only help you save time but also ensure a wonderful vacation with more comfort and convenience than ever. Let’s explore the diverse Kyoto tours below!
Best tours in Kyoto: Cheap Kyoto Tours for Self-Guided Groups
If you are looking for cheap Kyoto tours but still want to experience the full range of activities, do not miss the Kyoto tour suggestions from Klook below. For those with limited budgets, these tours will be a great choice to explore the city.
Arashiyama, Kinkakuji and Nara Park Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
Arashiyama, Kinkakuji and Nara Park Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto will be an exciting sightseeing trip for those who want to explore the famous places of Kyoto and Nara. The tour will take you to Arashiyama, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and bathe in Onsen hot springs. Next, visit Kinkakuji Golden Temple, Nara Park to see the lovely sika deer, visit important historical sites.
Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, Nara Park Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
Miyama, Ine Bay & Amanohashidate Painting Village Tour from Osaka
Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, the Miyama, Ine Bay & Amanohashidate Painting Village Tour from Osaka – a journey to explore Northern Kyoto will take you to Miyama village – a beautiful countryside 30km north of central Kyoto.
Kyoto Miyama Light-up, Amanohashidate Tour from Osaka
You will sail past Ine no Funaya – a coastal town famous for its traditional wooden boathouses, enjoy a buffet lunch at Amanohashidate Brewery and the last impressive stop of the trip – the picturesque sandbar of Amanohashidate in the middle of the sea. This is part of the Tango-Amanohashidate-Oeyama Quasi-National Park and is considered “one of the three wonders of Japan”.
Kyoto Geisha Districts Tour
Kyoto Geisha Districts Tour will take you to explore the most important historical spots of the city. When you arrive at Miyagawacho, you will experience the art of geisha dancing and learn more about the geisha profession.
In the Gion district, you will have the opportunity to listen to the gentle melodies of geisha practicing music and admire the ornate bridges. The final stop of the trip will be the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto and a shrine where celebrities and geisha are engraved on the red pillars.
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
What are you waiting for? Join the extremely hot Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto in Nara Prefecture. This is an ideal trip for the weekend and you can depart right from Osaka. This itinerary will take you to explore the most famous places on Honshu Island, with many pick-up points at VIP Villa Namba and Kyoto VIP Lounge.
You will admire the unique changes from bustling urban areas to lush green forests, bringing a peaceful feeling of the countryside. The tour program includes Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkakuji Temple in Kyoto, Nara Park and Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara. Finally, you will return to the departure point in Kyoto or Osaka.
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour(Optional upgrade to Wagyu “Kobe Beef” lunch)
Popular Kyoto Tours on Klook
Here is a list of the most popular Kyoto Tours on Klook. With a scientific tour schedule, going through many attractive places will definitely leave you with beautiful and unforgettable memories!
Kyoto Discovery Day Tour
Relax and forget about the complicated detailed planning! The Kyoto Discovery Day Tour will take you to explore most of Kyoto’s famous places within 9 hours.
Kyoto Day Tour from Kyoto or Osaka
Experience the city’s rich historical heritage through its ancient, peaceful temples and majestic imperial architecture such as Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace and Sanjusangen-do Temple. Immerse yourself in the flow of hundreds of years with these wonderful experiences!
Kyoto Temples and Shrines Day Tour from Osaka
Kyoto Temples and Shrines Day Tour from Osaka is a trip to rediscover the traditional side of Kyoto. First is Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine – a shrine dedicated to the god of rice and sake with thousands of spectacular orange torii gates. Next is Kiyomizu-dera, where you can enjoy a traditional lunch or buy food at the shop along the way to the temple.
Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera, Kinkaku-ji Day Tour
Next stop is Kinkaku-ji Zen Temple, also known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’, with its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf. The final stop of the day is the picturesque Arashiyama with its picturesque Togetsu-kyo Bridge and bamboo forest path. Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs before heading back to Osaka!
Arashiyama Sagano Scenic Tram and Hozugawa River Rafting Day Tour from Osaka
Explore the picturesque lands of Arashiyama and Sagano on the Arashiyama Sagano Scenic Tram and Hozugawa River Rafting Day Tour from Osaka. You will be taken to the Arashiyama Tourist Area by tram to enjoy the stunning sights such as the Togetsukyo Bridge over the Hozu River and the beautiful bamboo forest garden. Afterwards, experience the thrill of rafting down the Hozugawa River!
Kyoto Arashiyama Scenic Train & Hozugawa River Boat Ride Day Trip (From Osaka / Kyoto)
The tour will take you through waterfalls, bamboo forests and endless green rice fields. This will be a great journey to immerse yourself in exciting activities, relaxing to the fullest all day long.
Day tours in Kyoto: Exciting Kyoto Food Tours
“Food is the key to enlightenment” – This will definitely be a dream paradise for food lovers! Countless food tours in Tokyo will immerse in the unique culinary culture of the locals!
Enjoy Lunch and Dinner with Maiko
If you want to explore traditional Japanese culture and enjoy unique cuisine in a solemn space, choose the Enjoy Lunch and Dinner with Maiko Tour, you will meet Maiko – traditional Japanese makeup and performing artists.
Experience with Maiko in Kyoto
In addition, you can also enjoy a variety of dishes, the essence of Japanese cuisine prepared and beautifully decorated by professional chefs. Along with that is the traditional dance and musical instruments of Maiko, giving you a unique and interesting experience.
Experience Traditional Tea Ceremony in Kyoto
The Traditional Tea Ceremony in Kyoto is a great opportunity for you to learn about Japanese tea culture and experience a traditional tea ceremony in the quiet space of a tea temple in Kyoto. You will be guided in detail by a professional tea ceremony professor, participate in the tea making process and learn how to drink tea and eat traditional sweets.
Tea Ceremony Class Experience in Kyoto
In addition, you also have the opportunity to admire the tea temple with beautiful architecture and eye-catching natural landscape, this is a peaceful and gentle destination for the soul in the middle of the noisy, bustling city.
Experience How to Make Matcha Tea in Kyoto
Experience how to make and enjoy matcha tea – An interesting activity for those who love tea and want to explore the unique art of making Matcha tea in Japan. You will be seated in a prime location with a panoramic view of the Kamogawa River and hear many interesting stories about tea. A Japanese tea expert will guide you in detail on how to make tea so that you can fully enjoy the delicious tea flavor.
Uji Half-day Cultural & Local Food Tour
First, you will visit the tea garden and learn how to choose the best tea leaves to use. Then, the expert will guide you on how to grind the tea leaves into powder and how to make Matcha tea by hand. They will guide you step by step, explain the effects of each step, how to enjoy Matcha tea and give advice on choosing good quality Matcha tea.
Sake Tasting Experience and Sake Brewery in Kyoto
Sake Tasting Experience and Sake Brewery in Kyoto is an interesting activity for those who want to learn about the art of making and enjoying Japanese-style sake. You will have the opportunity to visit a sake brewery and learn about the production process. Finally, you will be guided on how to enjoy sake and have the opportunity to try many types of Kyoto’s signature sake.
Kyoto Insider Sake Tasting and Brewery Experience
Kyoto Walking Tours for Active Travelers
Klook’s walking tours are not only designed to be simple and comfortable, but also have longer visiting times, allowing you to freely explore, admire the scenery, take photos and buy souvenirs.
Kyoto Family Walking Tour with Locals
Full Family Day Walking Tour in Kyoto with a Local
Experience Kyoto in a relaxed and enjoyable way with the Kyoto Family Walking Tour with Locals. This activity will give you a great experience when going to the famous but no less mysterious attractions of the city with knowledgeable locals, they will help you better understand the culture and landscape of Kyoto.
Kyoto Half-Day Walking Tour – Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market and Gion
This 3.5-hour Kyoto Half-Day Walking Tour – Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market and Gion takes in four of Kyoto’s most famous sites: Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, Gion and Yasaka Shrine. The tour will be guided by a friendly and professional local, giving you a better understanding of Kyoto’s unique history and culture.
Half Day Walking Tour of Kyoto – Kiyomizu Temple, Gion and Nishiki Market
You will explore the unique Nijo Castle with its Western and Eastern architecture, enjoy street food and specialties at Nishiki Market, and stroll around the Gion district famous for its traditional Japanese art. Finally, admire the beautiful architecture and learn about Japanese religious beliefs at Yasaka Shrine.
Kyoto – Japan is always an attractive destination with many interesting places to visit and experiences. The coming months are a great time for you to take a fun “trip” to the Land of the Rising Sun. Don’t miss out on the latest exclusive offers, always updated regularly and exclusively for you.
Before departure, don’t forget to book a 4G Sim or rent a wifi device for the whole group to always stay connected to the Internet during your stay in Japan. Book a hotel at least 2 months in advance to ensure you find a satisfactory room type!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Kyoto you can refer to
- Limousine Bus Transfers between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka or Kyoto
- Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (1 Day/2 Days, Kyoto Pick Up)
- Randen + Subway 1 Day Pass
- Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
- Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
- Sagano Romantic Train One-Way Ticket (Saga or Kameoka Departure)
- Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train Day Tour
- Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Kyoto: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
- Amanohashidate & Miyama One Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
- JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
- Kimono Rental in Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple
- One Day Kimono Rental
- Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka
- Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Kyoto
- 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
- 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
- JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)
Are you finding more top things to do in Kyoto, read more: Kyoto blog (Kyoto travel blog) — The fullest Kyoto travel guide blog for a budget trip to Kyoto, Japan for the first-timers. And Kyoto 3 day itinerary — How to visit Kyoto in 3 days & what to do in Kyoto in 3 days perfectly?
