Kyoto - Tours and Excursions

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For most visitors to Japan, the historic city of Kyoto is firmly on the itinerary. That is no surprise, because Kyoto, the surrounding mountains and the nearby city of Osaka make these tours in Kyoto a must-see on any trip to Japan.

Exciting Excursions and Tours for Kyoto

You can explore many of Kyoto’s sights on foot or by using public transportation. Highlights such as Kinkaku-ji, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, or the Gion district can be visited on your own or with one of the popular guided tours in Kyoto. This way you will learn even more about the city and the history of Kyoto.

Below, we present 5 interesting excursions and tours for Kyoto.

Accommodation In Kyoto – Our Hotel Tip

We have two recommendations for Kyoto. The first is the Seibido Inn. There, you can stay in traditional Japanese rooms. They are very minimally furnished with futon beds, but they still have a TV, refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi. You can read about our experience in the Seibido Inn review.

If you prefer a normal hotel, we recommend the Kyoto Inn Gion The Second. The rooms come with a standard bed, table, TV, Wi-Fi, etc. There is also a lovely breakfast, and the location is perfect for exploring Gion on your own.

You can find even more inspiration for other hotels in Kyoto here.

1. Kyoto: 2-hour Small-Group Historical Walking Tour

This historical walking tour of Kyoto starts at the red gate of the Yasaka Shrine, which is also the first stop of the tour. Here you will learn a lot about the history of the Shintō shrine, which was built as early as 656 and is considered one of the largest in Japan.

The tour continues through Maruyama Park to the 5-story pagoda of Hōkan-ji Temple. This is one of the most photographed sights in Gion. There you will be able to view the temple up close and visit the basement.

Finally, you will visit Kiyomizu Dera Temple. A highlight is the main hall built on a hillside, but the view over the Gion district is also impressive. On the grounds, there are several halls and buildings of this popular temple to see, which attracts a good 5 million visitors annually, before the tour comes to an end.

You can book the Kyoto: 2-hour Small-group Historical Walking Tour here.

2. Welcome to Kyoto: Private Tour With a Local

Do you want to experience the life of locals on one of the Kyoto tours? Then a private walking tour with a local is the best choice. This way, you can really immerse yourself in everyday life in the Japanese city and get plenty of insider tips.

Ask questions about Kyoto’s attractions, get the best recommendations for restaurants, and learn how to get around the city using public transportation. This way you are not just another tourist who only looks at the famous highlights of the city. On the contrary, you get to know local life and can feel like a local for a day.

Book the tour Welcome to Kyoto: Private Tour With a Local here.

3. Kyoto: Cultural-Culinary Walking Tour Nishiki Market and Gion

Japan offers many culinary delights, but many visitors often stick to well-known dishes like ramen or sushi. You can discover that Japanese cuisine has much more to offer on this Kyoto culinary walking tour Nishiki Market & Gion with a visit to the popular market.

Sample snacks, an okonomiyaki, Kobe or Wagyu beef freshly grilled on a skewer, or various kinds of deep-fried tempura. A guide will show you some highlights and make every foodie’s heart beat faster.

Afterwards, you will head to the Gion district, where you will learn a lot about geisha culture. You can also try some Japanese sweets and one or two types of sake. A slightly different kind of tour through historic Kyoto.

You can book the Kyoto: Cultural-Culinary Walking Tour Nishiki Market & Gion here to enjoy Japanese cuisine to the fullest.

4. Kyoto: Half-Day Tour Including Golden Pavilion

This Kyoto tour takes you in half a day to two important landmarks of Kyoto. First, you will visit Nijō Castle, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. This is where the last shogun (a military leader of the samurai) handed power over to the emperor.

The castle complex consists of several structures, including some ruins such as the Honmaru Goten Palace. You can also visit the Ninomaru Palace and other beautiful Japanese garden areas on-site.

Following that, you will head to the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji. The complex in the northwest of Kyoto attracts many visitors, most of whom come for the hall of relics decorated with gold leaf. It is a fantastic photo spot right by the lake and beautiful in every season. We thought it was gorgeous! You can also explore many other great spots on the grounds of the temple, whose official name is Rokuon-ji.

Book the Kyoto: Half-Day Tour Including Golden Pavilion here.

5. Kyoto: Private Rickshaw Tour – Arashiyama and Bamboo Forest

After arriving by train in Arashiyama, your guide for the Kyoto: Private Rickshaw Tour – Arashiyama and Bamboo Forest will be waiting for you at the Togetsukyo Bridge. Depending on which of these Kyoto tours you choose, this excursion can last from 45 minutes up to 3 hours.

On a traditional wooden rickshaw, you will set off to explore the Arashiyama district with its historic sites, such as Nonomiya Shrine or the Rakushisha Hut. The highlight, and the reason most visitors come, is the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. These huge and tall bamboo plants are truly fascinating and make for a beautiful photo opportunity. Despite the many visitors, we were very impressed by this natural beauty.

To take part in one of these Kyoto excursions, you can book the Kyoto: Private Rickshaw Tour – Arashiyama and Bamboo Forest here.

Kyoto: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Kyoto in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Kyoto.

How to Get to Kyoto

There are various ways to travel to Kyoto. The first is by plane. However, the city does not have its own airport, meaning you must travel via Osaka International Airport (domestic flights only) or Kansai International Airport (international flights), which is also in Osaka. From there, you continue by taxi or train to Kyoto. You can find flights and prices best on Skyscanner.

The most commonly used option for traveling to Kyoto is the train. The Shinkansen bullet train and regional trains from countless cities in Japan (e.g., Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Hiroshima, etc.) run to Kyoto. For longer distances, the Shinkansen is worth it; otherwise, you should also consider regional trains. Availability and schedules can be found on 12go.asia.

Info: If you’re staying in Japan for a little longer, a Japan Rail Pass is worthwhile. It includes some Shinkansen bullet trains and many other trains. Individual tickets are relatively expensive, but if you’re traveling for two weeks or more, the Japan Rail Pass definitely pays off, and you can save a lot of money. Highly recommended!

Did you take part in any tours or excursions in Kyoto? Do you have any recommendations for a tour that you particularly enjoyed? Leave us your feedback in the comments.