Kyoto was Japan’s capital up until 1868 and is among the 10 largest cities in the country. The city nestles on Honshu Island and is well known for its many traditional Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, imperial palaces, and beautiful gardens. Kyoto has been destroyed over the centuries by various fires and wars, but still retains its historic and traditional attractions. The city is also famous for the traditional formal kaiseki dining and geisha, or female entertainers, are often seen in the district of Gion. Scroll below to read up on some of the top Magical Trip tours in Kyoto, Japan, prior to your visit to this beautiful and iconic city.
1. Kyoto UNESCO historical walking tour (75 USD)
One of the best ways to view the attractions of any city is by taking a walking tour, heading to the top locations. Kyoto has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to visit, including the Stone Gardens and Temple of Ryoan-Ji, the Golden Pavilion, and the Ninnaji Temple. At Ryoan-Ji, visitors can learn more about the art of Zen, while at the Ninnaji Temple, details of Japanese emperors can be learned. At the beautiful Golden Temple, visitors can learn about Japan’s rich history and experience some of the traditional cultures, including Matcha tea and the art of Shakyo (sutra copying).
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Price: 75 USD
2. Kyoto bar hopping nightlife tour in Pontocho (65 USD)
This fun tour takes visitors into the backstreets of Pontocho in Kyoto for a three-hour pub crawl. Visit a hole-in-the-wall izakaya bar on Pontocho Street, which tourists never normally find. Enjoy a cold draft beer or drink sake at a sake standing bar, while enjoying small plates of yakitori or sashimi. All the while learning about the lively Kyoto nightlife from the guide. Visitors will also get to play some local games or enjoy quizzes, just like the locals do.
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Price: 65 USD
3. Fushimi Inari hidden hiking tour (50 USD)
This enjoyable tour takes visitors to the beautiful Fushimi Inari shrine by hiking along a secret trail through a bamboo forest. The small shrine is normally hidden from tourists and access via the mountain path making the journey even more special. After visiting the shrine, visitors then return to the main road in the mountains of Fushimi Inari and explore a number of tourist spots on the way.
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Price: 50 USD
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4. Kyoto night foodie tour (99 USD)
This is the ultimate tour for visitors who consider themselves foodies. The family-friendly tour takes you through the Gion area of Kyoto with its old traditional buildings and the occasional geisha walking by. Visit an old Japanese house that contains a restaurant that tourists normally would never find. Here, guests experience seasoned Kyoto appetizers, like obanzai, or a traditional oden stew, all in typical Japanese surroundings. Then it’s on to the second stop, where sake can be enjoyed along with platters of the local obanzai. Experience the perfect pairings with a Kikizake and enjoy Shio-koji fried chicken. Round off the meal in a bar, tasting local liquor along with a matcha dessert.
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Price: 99 USD
5. Kyoto sake brewery & tasting tour (79 USD)
This fascinating tour takes visitors around the Fushimi District of Kyoto, which is the main sake brewery district. The first stop is the Kyoto Sake Museum, where guests can learn about the history of Gekkeikan and the brewery process while viewing fascinating exhibits. Three types of sake are available for tasting and after enjoying the visit, visitors head out to stroll around the surrounding streets to visit some of the historical and cultural attractions, including Teradaya and liquor stores. End off the tour at one of the shrines and freshen up with delicious Japanese groundwater.
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Price: 79 USD
6. Kyoto tea ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera temple walking tour (82 USD)
This enjoyable tour takes you to the special streets of Kyoto (Kiyomizu-zaka) to enjoy their atmosphere from times gone by. Pass Japanese sweet shops, teashops and sundried food stores, while watching Geisha and Maiko walking past. In Kiyomizuzaka, visit the colorful temple of Yasakakoshindo, with its unique method of worship. Here worshippers take a colorful ball and write their wish on it, hanging it in the temple. Next head to Kiyomizu-Dera and enjoy traditional local snacks in a number of eateries here. Visit the famous temple here and enjoy the amazing views of Kyoto. Round off the tour with a traditional tea ceremony and learn how to make traditional matcha.
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Price: 82 USD
7. Nishiki market breakfast walking food tour (36 USD)
This is one of the best ways of enjoying breakfast, by heading out early into Gion and walking the quiet streets, which are normally bustling later in the day and evening. Visitors then enjoy a traditional breakfast at Nishiki Market, which is dubbed locally as the “Kitchen of Kyoto. The market offers the rich gourmet cuisine of Kyoto and visitors can enjoy a traditional breakfast made up of four or five delicious dishes. The guide provides information about the history and culture of Kyoto along the way.
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Price: 36 USD
8. Kyoto historical highlights cycling tour with the Golden Pavilion (77 USD)
This enjoyable tour allows you to visit historic sites in Kyoto while riding a bicycle from place to place. The first stop is Nijo Castle and Seimei Shrine, where you will learn the traditions of praying, followed by a visit to the iconic Golden Pavilion. Then head through the old Geiko district of Kamischichiken and visit the Imperial Palace. Lunch is served at a Japanese tea house, where a variety of soba dishes are served along with desserts, matcha, and mocha. Round off the trip by visiting a pretty Japanese garden and browse the souvenir shop close by.
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Price: 77 USD
9. Kyoto Zen meditation & garden tour at a temple (62 USD)
This tour allows you to relax and chill out, getting rid of the stresses of normal everyday life, while learning all about Zen meditation. A local guide takes you to Tofukuji where you will learn all about Zen meditation with a monk. Find out about the correct posture and breathing method in a quiet temple to feel true serenity. Follow this up by visiting a beautiful Japanese Zen garden and then head to the main temple of Tofukuji to experience even more Zen.
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Price: 62 USD
Experience the real Kyoto on these great local tours
Find out about all the special places where tourists would never normally go while experiencing the history and tradition of the city. Taste the delicious local cuisine in the restaurants and local markets and try out a Japanese pub crawl. This is the best way to experience the city of Kyoto in Japan and take home many great memories.
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