Kyoto · TOURS

The 15 Best Tours & Day Trips in Kyoto

162 tours  ·  from $16

Everything with a guide, a bicycle or a minibus attached, in one list. The 15 below are the ones worth a whole day, priced and timed, with the rest of the catalogue underneath.

PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour - Sanjusangendo offers a quieter interior stop
1-Day Tours, Kyoto Bus Tours, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour

1.PERFECT KYOTO 1-Day Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13,518 reviews · from $129Our pick

Start near Kyoto Station at 7:50 a.m. and spend 8 to 9 hours visiting Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari. Guides such as Sakura, Mai, At-Chan, and Nagomi lead the day, with multilingual audio on the coach and an optional buffet lunch.

“I had a wonderful time on this tour to see places like The Golden Pavilion, Sanjusangen-do Temple, and other temples and the Shrines. At-Chan was our very informative tour guide and we learned a lot from her. Thank you At-Chan for everything and our Japanese Lunch Buffet was the bomb!!!”

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Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour - Sanjusangen-do and its remarkable wooden hall
1-Day Tours, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Tours, Fushimi Inari Tours, Golden Pavilion Tours, Kyoto Bus Tours, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour

2.Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,316 reviews · 510 minutes - 9 hours · from $122

Spend nine hours visiting Kyoto highlights with an English-speaking guide such as Den, At-Chan, Sakura, or Tommy. The route covers Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangen-do, Arashiyama, Tenryuji, Kinkakuji, and Fushimi Inari, with coach transport, entry tickets, Wi-Fi, and optional buffet lunch.

“We just finished a tour of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. From start to finish, the organization was seamless, allowing us to take in all the beauty of the city without any stress. The highlight of our day was undoubtedly our guide, Den. She was incredible—knowledgeable, professional, and so engaging. She shared fascinating insights at every stop that really made the history of the temples and shrines come to life. Also, a special mention for the food: it was delicious! The lunch spot chosen was authentic and high-quality, which made the day even more special. If you are looking for a smooth, insightful, and…”

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Kyoto Geisha Walking Tour: Gion District & Hidden Gems - Starting beside Hotel Alza Kyoto
Gion District Tours, Kyoto Geisha & Maiko Experiences, Kyoto Tours, Kyoto Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Kyoto Geisha Walking Tour: Gion District & Hidden Gems

3.Kyoto Geisha Walking Tour: Gion District & Hidden Gems

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,273 reviews · 2 hours · from $25

Walk through Gion with English-speaking guides such as Michael, Anton, Yuri, or Ikuro. Learn how geiko and maiko fit into Kyoto life, see machiya houses, Kennin-ji, Hokan-ji Pagoda, and Chion-in, then receive practical food and sightseeing tips.

“Michael was excellent and very knowledgeable of the history of Kyoto and all things Geisha (Geiko)”

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Kyoto: Gion Magical Night Walking Tour with Geisha Trivia - Leaving Minamiza Theatre for Hanamikoji
Evening Experiences, Gion District Tours, Kyoto Geisha & Maiko Experiences, Kyoto Night Tours, Kyoto Tours, Kyoto Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Kyoto: Gion Magical Night Walking Tour with Geisha Trivia

4.Gion Magical Night Walking Tour with Geisha Trivia

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,393 reviews · 1h 40m · from $24

Walk from Kyoto’s Minamiza Theatre through Hanamikoji and Gion with an English-speaking guide such as Hina, Shino, Masami, or Sho. Learn geiko and maiko customs, see illuminated shrines and a pagoda, and follow quieter lanes in a group of up to 10.

“It was an excellent tour and we learnt loads from our guide Masami. It was great to be able to see Gion at night without the crowds!”

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Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - Stories of Geisha - Pontocho Alley, Kyoto’s narrow evening corridor
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Kyoto: Gion Geisha District Walking Tour – Stories of Geisha

5.Gion Geisha District Walking Tour – Stories of Geisha

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,187 reviews · 2 hours · from $20

Walk from Kyoto Shijo through Pontocho and Gion with a local guide such as Yuki, Nami, Yukari, or Deborah. Over two hours, you’ll hear how geiko and maiko train, visit Yasaka Shrine and Gion Corner, and may spot them heading to appointments.

“had a great trip with manny on 13/11. he was well informed and kept everything interesting and fun, a highly experienced guide. i learnt so much which i would not have known otherwise! highly recommended!”

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Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour - Kinkakuji, Kyoto’s famous golden introduction
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Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour

6.Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,843 reviews · from $116

Join NORU for a 3-hour-45-minute morning or afternoon e-bike ride through northern Kyoto. Guides such as Yuta, Michael, Sean, Henry, and Shizuka lead small groups to Kinkakuji, Daitokuji, Kitano Tenmangu, Koto-in, and Zuihoin, with temple history, Zen insights, quiet lanes, and a tea stop.

“An incredible experience! Definitely get to see some lesser known hidden gems. Our guide Yuta was fantastic, really paints the picture for you when you’re at each stop. He was incredibly patient and made sure everyone was taken care of and had a great time!”

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Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings) - Pontocho: Narrow Lanes and a Second Meal
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Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings)

7.Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,762 reviews · from $163

Spend 3.5 hours eating through Gion and Pontocho with a small group of up to seven. Expect Kyoto vegetable dishes, local specialties, drinks, and sake tastings, plus stories about geisha districts, architecture, and Kyoto life from guides such as Jimmy, Emma, Rika, and Yuki.

“Ok experience. The guide was knowledgeable about the area. Too much politics were discussed for my taste,”

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Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available) - The three-hour route from Tofukuji
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Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

8.Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,750 reviews · from $63

Join a small group of up to seven for a roughly three-hour hike from Tofukuji to Fushimi Inari. Guides such as Naru, Hina, Yuko, and Matt lead forest paths, bamboo groves, quiet shrines, and the famous torii gates, often approaching from the less crowded upper side.

“We met Yuko on one of the hottest (and very humid) days of the year to hike the Hidden Trail. She had mosquito repellent for me and right off the bat, I knew she was going to be a good guide. The other 5 individuals didn't show so we got her to ourselves and could move quickly on such a warm day. The trail is awesome but it's definitely something you need a local to show you. She knew the history of the area and all the fun facts. Yuko had a fun personality and is a ball of energy scrambling up those technical trails. It was a highlight of…”

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Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised - Kennin-ji and the art of a Zen temple
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Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised

9.Private Kyoto Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,543 reviews · from $102

Spend 2 to 5 hours with a private Kyoto host, choosing between famous sights such as Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari, quieter temples, food stops, and old neighborhoods. Your host contacts you before the tour, then adjusts the route and pace to suit your interests.

“We had a great day with Afifa. She was very warm and welcoming. She contacted us long before our arrival to set up a convenient meeting place and to learn about our interests for the day. We left most of the itinerary up to her and we werRead more”

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Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour - The Stories of Geisha - Starting near Shijo and the Izumo-no-Okuni statue
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Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour – The Stories of Geisha

10.Kyoto Gion Geisha District Walking Tour – The Stories of Geisha

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,441 reviews · from $25

Spend about two hours walking from Shijo to Yasaka Shrine through Gion, stopping at Tatsumi Bridge, Hanamikoji Street, Minamiza, and more. Your guide explains geiko and maiko life, Kyoto history, and the quiet codes of the flower districts. Groups are capped at 15, and guides may include Ben, Nami, Shin, Kenji, or Melanie.

“This was a great way to spend am evening in Kyoto. Our guide Adrian gave us an insightful and entertaining tour showcasing the history of the geisha. Highly recommend.”

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Kyoto: Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide - Fushimi Inari before the torii gates fill
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Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide

11.Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English-Speaking Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,427 reviews · from $68

Start early with a guide such as Genki, Aya, Arisa, or Haruki, then use Kyoto’s trains and buses to reach Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Kinkaku-ji. The 5 to 6 hour route suits first-time visitors who want major sights, local transit help, and a calmer morning.

“The tour was brilliant and would thoroughly recommend. Our guide Suzuka was amazing. She was incredibly knowledgeable and very helpful with negotiating our way around Kyoto during the tour. I had travelled to Japan for business but had a free day. The tour gave me a chance to soak up the culture of Japan without the pressure of planning how to visit the key sites.”

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Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide - How the six hours are best used
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Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

12.Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,369 reviews · from $155

Choose 3 to 4 Kyoto sights with a government-licensed English-speaking guide, then move between them on foot and by public transport. Your day might include Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle, Gion, Arashiyama, or Uji. Guides such as Yuka, Rie, Yasu, and Kazuhiko have tailored routes to suit families, seniors, and first-time visitors.

“Very flexible to chose the places you want to go and advice on what makes sense. Noriko-san was very helpful and informative.”

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Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Tour (7 Tastings + Brunch) - Two hours inside Kyoto’s kitchen
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Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Tour (7 Tastings + Brunch)

13.Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Tour (7 Tastings + Brunch)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,355 reviews · from $68

Start near Shijo Bridge, walk through Pontocho and Nishiki Tenmangu, then spend most of three hours tasting Kyoto specialties in Nishiki Market. Guides such as Yuki, Yusuke, Chie, and Hikaru add food tips, culture, and history before a restaurant brunch.

“The first half was spent walking to Nishiki Market. It was interesting but we had heard much of this information already from other tours. Nishiki market was fun, but very crowded. We spent about 45 minutes there and then had lunch at a restaurant outside the market. Good tour but not all Nishiki market.”

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Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour - Nara Park and the deer of the old capital
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Tours, Fushimi Inari Tours, Kyoto Bus Tours, Kyoto Tours, Nara Day Trips, Osaka Day Trips, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour

14.Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,275 reviews · 9 - 10 hours · from $52

See Nara Park, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Arashiyama in one 9 to 10-hour bus tour from Osaka or Kyoto. English and Chinese-speaking guides such as Amy, Willa, Christine, and Fiona lead the day, with free time for bamboo, temples, food, and photos.

“Our Kyoto tour was truly unforgettable, and a huge part of that was our incredible guide. Not only were they deeply knowledgeable, but the way they shared Kyoto’s history and stories made every temple, street, and moment come alive. On top of that, she was unbelievably kind and thoughtful, even surprising us with delicious Hokkaido rice biscuits along the way (which were so good!). Add to that a great sense of humor, perfectly timed jokes, and an easygoing vibe, and the entire tour felt warm, relaxed, and full of laughs. If you’re looking for a guide who combines history, heart, and humor, Amy is the one. Kyoto felt richer, more…”

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Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens & Secrets - Nonomiya Shrine and the Bamboo Forest
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Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens & Secrets

15.Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Gardens & Secrets

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,216 reviews · from $65

Spend 5 to 6 hours exploring Arashiyama with guides such as Teri, Marie, Mari, and Aron. Visit Nonomiya Shrine, Tenryuji, Okochi Sanso Garden, the Bamboo Forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Monkey Park. Expect a small group, plenty of walking, and a steep 20 to 25 minute climb.

“Teri was very knowledgable and offered excellent context and feedback on everything we visited. This was a wide and varied tour, which didn’t just cover a walk through the bamboo forest and monkey park but also offered context and historical background around all of the shrines and temples along the way. Teri also managed to control the schedule very well and we finished on time which allowed me to stick to my own schedules after the tour was supposed to end. This was a perfect tour, with a perfect guide. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Kyoto.”

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Gion District Tours50Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Tours27Fushimi Inari Tours19Kyoto Tea Ceremonies35Kyoto Food Tours15Kyoto Walking Tours52
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Explore Kyoto

Pick a lane, a temple or a tea room.

The lanes

GionHigashiyamaWalking ToursNight WalksRickshaw Rides

Temples and shrines

Fushimi InariKiyomizu-deraKinkaku-jiNijo CastleZen Sitting

Tea and food

Tea CeremoniesMatchaNishiki MarketCooking ClassesSake Tastings

Out of town

NaraOsakaUjiSagano RailwayPrivate Car Days