The 6 Best Lunch Experiences in Kyoto

1.Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto plus Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,087 reviews · from $106Our pick

Ride about 13 miles through Kyoto with a guide such as Mayko, Julian, Quinn, Indra, or Jay. Visit Nishi Honganji, Kitano Tenmangu, Kinkakuji, former imperial grounds, and Gion, with lunch, water, a Cannondale bike, and temple admission included.

“This was one of the best bike tours of a major city I have done in a while. Our guide Karl was fantastic: personable, witty and most importantly very knowledgable about the sites we visited. One of our best days in Kyoto!”

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2.Arashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari Shrine w/Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 754 reviews · from $61Best value

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Osaka or Kyoto to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Nara Park, Todai-ji, and Fushimi Inari Shrine. English- or Chinese-speaking guides such as Gary, Nick, Eric, and Mike lead the day. Lunch includes Kobe beef or pork shabu-shabu, or vegetarian curry.

“we woke up late and our guide instructed us what to do. overall a great experience for someone that wants to do a flash tour of the places. the Kobe beef was amazing and also the place was quite traditional. highly recommended for the activities and Veggie our guide”

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3.Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 441 reviews · from $110

Walk through Tofukuji’s temple district with guides such as Yutaka or Hikari, learn about Zen and Shinto, practice zazen with a monk, and share a traditional Buddhist lunch. The four-and-a-half-hour tour has a maximum of seven people and ends near Chishaku-in Temple.

“It was a excellent zen experience with japanese garden and temple. I learned about zen and Buddha and Buddhism. Also vegetarian lunch was a excellent choice”

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4.4.5-Hour Kyoto Bike Tour with Lunch and UNESCO Zen Temples

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · from $99

Ride through Kyoto with an English-speaking MagicalTrip guide, visiting Kennin-ji and Nanzen-ji, passing Heian Shrine, and cycling beside the Kamogawa River. Your $99.10 fee includes a bike, helmet, temple admission, photos, and a traditional Kyoto lunch with vegetarian options available.

“I had a great day biking around Kyoto with Yusuke! I wasn’t expecting it to be a private tour but that was a nice surprise because I could go at my own pace. Yusuke was a super friendly and knowledgeable guide - he made sure I was comfoRead more”

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5.Nara History Guided Half Day Bus Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 114 reviews · 6 hours · from $77

Travel from Kyoto to Nara for a six-hour guided outing with Todaiji entry, Kasuga Taisha, Nara Park deer, and a Japanese-style lunch. Guides such as Yuko, Tammy, Emiko, Aki, and Sachi have led recent departures. Expect group transport, plenty of walking, and no large luggage.

“Such a good experience. Emiko-san was very knowledgeable and was happy to answer all of the group's questions. We took the train from Kyoto to Kintetsu-Nara and then took a small private bus around Nara. The sites we visited (Todai-ji, Kasagutaisha Shrine, the deer) were all amazing. The weather was bad but Emiko-san made the day very interesting and educational.”

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6.Zen Meditation and Garden Tour at a Temple with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 86 reviews · 4h 30m · from $107

Meet your English-speaking guide at Tofukuji Station for a small-group walk through Kyoto temples and gardens. Learn Zen basics, practice zazen for an hour with a monk, and finish with shojin ryori. Guides may include Yutaka, Eri, Louis, or Tammy.

“we really enjoyed our day and tour guide "Yutaka", was a very relaxing day making special memories. very informative as d helpful. I would recommend this tour if you want to immerse yourself in traditional culture.”

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