Exploring Kyoto: Top Tours and Activities to Experience
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  • Writer's pictureJacqlyne
    • Mar 17
    • 7 min read

Exploring Kyoto: Top Tours and Activities to Experience

Step back in time to a world of emperors and geishas in Kyoto. This city isn't just a history buff's paradise. Beyond the serene shrines and traditional streets, Kyoto offers a surprising experiences. From rustling through bustling Nishiki Market and indulging in local delicacies to witnessing captivating geisha performances and venturing into hidden bamboo groves, Kyoto promises an enchanting blend of the past and present. So, pack your walking shoes, embrace the city's unique charm, and get ready to discover the rop tours and activities that will transform your Kyoto trip into an unforgettable journey through time!


If multiple attractions catch your eye, you may want to get the Klook Pass for access to multiple experiences. If you'll be traveling across Japan for an extended period, the Japan Rail Pass is something to consider.


Disclaimer

Part of the job of a travel agent is to save clients time and money. I looked through hundreds of tours and picked out the best tours to book in various categories that are both the best in quality and price.


Prices listed below are subject to change. Rates are typically discounted for larger groups and children, so use the links provided to see the exact cost for your specific scenario and book what is of interest to you.

Tour of Kyoto

On this tour of Kyoto, you'll discover the main monuments of the former capital of Japan and learn about its rich history.


Duration

2.5 hours

Availability

Everyday at 9:30 am and 2:30 pm

Price

Free!

Alternative


Nishiki Market Food Tour

Indulge in the delights of Japanese cuisine on this food tasting tour of Nishiki Market and discover Kyoto's charming Ponto-chō district, known for its geisha houses.


Duration

2 hours

Availability

Everyday at 9:30 am

Price

$47 per person

Alternative


Guided Bar Tour

Have an unforgettable night out in Kyoto with the guidance of a local. Visit 3 hidden hotspots only locals know about, for a glimpse into the Japanese nightlife in cultural capital of Japan.


Duration

3 hours

Availability

Everyday at 7 pm

Price

$40 per person

Alternative

Kyoto Tower

Enjoy a unique look at Kyoto city from 100 meters up at the Kyoto Tower observation deck. Get a new angle on sightseeing famous sights such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Toji Temple and Chion-in Temple, and even as far as Osaka! Enjoy the building's amenities including souvenir shops, restaurant, sky lounge and public bath house during your visit.


Duration

At your leisure

Availability

Everyday from 11 am - 9 pm

Price

$6 per person


Toei Kyoto Studio Park

TOEI Kyoto Studio Park is the only theme park in Japan where you can observe the filming of period dramas (jidaigeki films). Here you can walk freely around the film set. This set depicts a street from the Edo period, and is used to shoot more than 200 films per year. Enjoy the atmosphere of ancient Japan by taking in a ninja show maybe even dressing up as a geisha or samurai.


Duration

At your leisure

Availability

Everyday from 10 am - 5 pm

Price

$16 per person


Samurai Ninja Museum

Fans of samurai and ninja history won’t want to miss wielding a real katana sword while in Kyoto. From the Heian period through the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate, samurai and ninja roamed Kyoto’s streets. Get an immersive tour of these heroes’ history as a professional guide leads you through the Samurai and Ninja Museum. Your hands-on experience includes wearing samurai armor, wielding katana and ninja stars, and posing with replica swords.


Duration

1 hour

Availability

Everyday from 9:30 am - 5 pm

Price

$27 per person

Alternative

Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace

Visit one of Kyoto’s world famous UNESCO World Heritage sites Nijo Castle and Ninomaru Palace. Learn about the history of Japan as you wander around the castle and palace’s vast grounds. Be in awe at the beauty of the blooming flowers during the Nijo Castle Sakura Festival.


Duration

At your leisure

Availability

Everyday from 8:45 am - 5 pm

Price

$9 per person

Alternative


Kinkakuji & Kiyomizu Temple & Fushimi Inari Shrine

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Kyoto on a day trip from Osaka. Visit three of Kyoto's most famous landmarks: the glistening Kinkakuji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its iconic veranda, and the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famed for its endless red torii gates.


Duration

11 hours

Availability

Everyday at 8:30 am

Price

$43 per person

Alternative

Amanohashidate & Ine Funaya

Experience Japan's natural beauty and unique culture on this day trip from Osaka to Amanohashidate and Ine Funaya in Kyoto. This day trip will bring you rich natural scenery and unique cultural experiences. You'll enjoy stunning views of Amanohashidate and experience the secrets of Kyoto at Ine Funaya. You will bring back many wonderful memories and unique experiences during this short trip


Duration

9 hours

Availability

Everyday at 8:30 am

Price

$51 per person

Hot Spring & Hiking Tour at Mt. Kurama

Enjoy a special day in a gem of an area just north of Kyoto city. Hike to the top of Kurama Mountain for a nice workout, taking in the natural beauty along the way.


Duration

6 hours

Availability

Monday - Saturday at 9:45 am

Price

$94 per person

Alternative


Fu Fu No Yu Onsen

Immerse yourself in Japan’s bathing culture in this relaxing onsen experience at the Fu Fu No Yu Onsen in Kyoto. Take a dip in the onsen’s therapeutic waters and relieve your body of stress and soreness. Enjoy the onsen’s nice open air baths, small zen garden, steam room, sauna and cold plunge bath


Duration

At your leisure

Availability

Everyday from 12 pm - 10 pm

Price

$16 per person

Alternative


Micro Pig Cafe Experience

Meet adorable micro pigs at the popular Mipig Cafe for a unique experience. Enjoy a drink and special, mipig-designed donut while you play with a handful of the cute little creatures. Grab the opportunity to hold them and take memorable photos to share on your Instagram feed. Enjoy a laid-back experience amidst the busyness of Kyoto.


Duration

1 hour

Availability

Everyday at 10 am

Price

$29 per person

Ninja Experience Cafe

Put on your Ninja costume and become a Ninja! Have fun learning few tricks and unique moves such as the shuriken and blowgun during your ninja training Taste special ninja food in Ninja Cafe & Bar. This experience is indoors, so it can be enjoyed comfortably even on rainy days!


Duration

1 hour

Availability

Everyday, every hour from 10 am - 7 pm

Price

$35 per person

Alternative

Samurai Performance

Learn the art of the Samurai warriors at a show in Kyoto. Be amazed at the grace and techniques of a traditional sword dance that celebrates the ancient culture of Japan's warrior class.


Duration

1 hour

Availability

Everyday at 4:45 pm

Price

$34 per person

Alternative


Local Home Visit and Japanese Calligraphy Class

Discover the traditional art form of Japanese calligraphy, dating back to the 5th century, and learn how to write beautiful kanji. Take home your own unique masterpiece.


Duration

1 hour

Availability

Everyday at 1 pm, 3:30 pm and 5 pm

Price

$52 per person

Alternative

Tea Ceremony & Japanese Garden

Attend a 500-year-old traditional tea ceremony tasting a master's tea with a sumptuous sweet and a chance to brew your own matcha.


Duration

45 mins

Availability

Everyday from 10 am - 4 pm

Price

$33 per person

Alternative


Privately Guided Photoshoot

Meet your guide and head to Yasaka Pagoda and its sloped streets and learn some history of the area. You'll then walk along the historical streets of Ninenzaka. Finally, you'll walk through Maruyama Park to get wonderful shots with a backdrop of nature & ponds.


Duration

1 hour

Availability

Everyday at 7:30 am, 11:30am and 1pm

Price

$80 per person

Alternative


Kyoto Aquarium

Visit the Kyoto Aquarium and discover the marine lifeforms that can be found in the prefecture’s bodies of water. Besides the local aquatic life, it also houses many other species of fish that can be found all over the world. Interactive events are often held inside. You’ll surely have a fun time learning all about the wonders of the sea You’ll also have the opportunity to watch a dolphin show and even feed adorable penguins romping around.


Duration

At your leisure

Availability

Everyday from 10 am - 6 pm

Price

$16 per person


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Hi there! I'm Jacqlyne. Welcome to my Blog!

 

I'm a Certified Travel Agent, who can save you all the time and stress of planning travel on your own. I can also save you hundreds to thousands of dollars on a trip! I have planned everything from solo, birthday, bachelor, bachelorette, honeymoon and destination wedding trips. I have helped clients with family trips to Disney, cruises, month long trips across Europe and much more. I have a perfect 5 star rating from past clients. I would love to help you see the world, so reach out to me for your next trip to learn how I could assist you. You'll never go back to planning travel how you use to again!

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