Top 15 Walking Tours In Kyoto, Japan - Updated 2024

Anaanya
Anaanya 
Updated
| 7 min read

Tokyo, the most technologically able and busy capital of Japan, has a lot to offer to its tourists and visitors. Japan is a mix of the modern and the traditional, from its high-rise buildings to its beautiful historic temples, from the luxurious Michelin-star restaurants to the delicious and unique street food. A city in Japan that you must visit to really understand everything Japan has to offer is Kyoto. The city has plenty of accommodations such as tatami hotels for a pleasant stay. Another great option is a luxury ryokan. Also, one of the best ways to really explore Kyoto is through one of the city’s many famous walking tours. After all, isn’t walking around the city the best way to explore the city, understand the culture, try the amazing street food, and imbibe the vibe? Scroll down to find a list of the top walking tours in Kyoto, Japan.

1. Night walk in Gion: Kyoto's Geisha District (from USD 12.0)

This cheap walking tour in Kyoto invites you to experience the enchanting allure of Kyoto’s historic Gion district after the sun sets. This night adventure unveils the mystique and elegance of the traditional geisha culture.

As you stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional houses and lantern-lit alleys, you’ll get a glimpse of the elusive geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) gracefully gliding through the district. Your guide will share captivating stories and insights into the geisha traditions, including their arts, performances, and unique way of life.

byFood Experience

Gion tour with a Kaiseki meal in Kyoto at night

Embark on this captivating Gion tour at night, where every step reveals a tapestry of flavours and history. As you traverse the picturesque streets of Gion, the aura of ancient Japan comes alive. The tour takes you on a journey through time, unveiling the mystique of Kyoto’s evenings, where traditional tea houses and wooden houses create an ethereal atmosphere.

The pinnacle of the adventure is the Kaiseki meal, a symphony of dishes that embody the essence of Kyoto’s culinary artistry. The 10-course meal is followed by servings of green tea and Japanese desserts. This walking tour is bound to leave you with memories as rich as the flavours experienced.

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night walk in gion: kyoto's geisha district

Night Walk in Gion: Kyoto's Geisha District

Duration: 100.0 minute

1391 reviews

Gion Tour with Kaiseki Meal in Kyoto at Night

Duration: 3hours

6 reviews

2. Gion walking tour by night (from USD 9.0)

Known as the city’s most famous Geisha area, this walking tour is the best for people who want to discover the wonders of the Gion streets at night. This tour will basically help you understand and learn about the Geisha culture and ways. You can even see where the movie Memoirs of Geisha was filmed! Make sure to have your camera ready so you can capture some pictures of all the Geisha’s walking around. This tour is approximately two hours long, so it is a good way to spend one night in Kyoto.

byFood Experience.

Nishiki Market and Gion Tour

Step into a world of culinary and cultural delights with the Nishiki Market and Gion Tour in Kyoto. Your journey begins at the vibrant Nishiki Market, a bustling hub of flavours where stalls overflow with fresh produce and delectable treats. As you traverse the market’s lively lanes, you’ll fall in love with the beating heart of Kyoto’s daily life.

Transitioning to the enchanting Gion district, the tour takes you through history-rich alleys, revealing the allure of traditional architecture and the possibility of glimpsing a geisha. Seasoned guides will share their knowledge of Kyoto’s heritage and cuisine while you taste a wide range of iconic dishes.

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Gion Walking Tour by Night

Duration: 1 hour 40 minutes

330 reviews

Nishiki Market and Gion Tour in Kyoto

Duration: 3hours

4 reviews

3. Private half- or full-day walking tour (from USD 265.65)

walking tours in kyoto | private half- or full-day walking tour
Source: www.klook.com

Led by a knowledgeable expert, this guided tour in Kyoto ensures an intimate and immersive experience as you uncover the city’s rich heritage. Discover iconic landmarks such as the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its vibrant red torii gates, and the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a tranquil oasis of towering bamboo. Delve into the ancient traditions at the Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji Temple with its captivating rock garden.

Your guide will provide fascinating insights into Kyoto’s storied past, from its imperial history to the Zen Buddhism philosophy. With a customizable itinerary and private transportation, this half- or full-day walking tour offers a memorable and unforgettable journey through the cultural heart of Kyoto.

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Private Kyoto Half Day/Full Day Walking Tour with English/Japanese-speaking Guide - Klook

4. Kyoto Arashiyama and Sagano walking food tour (from USD 110.0)

This walking tour is the best for all the foodie lovers and culture enthusiasts. Around three-and-a-half hours long, this walking tour of Arashiyama and Sagano takes you to visit the ninth century Togetsukyo bridge and the 14th-century Tenryu-Ji temple, both of which are world-famous. During the walk, you can enjoy delicacies and treats like rice crackers, leek pancakes, fried yuba cake and much more. Since this is usually a small group tour, you can ask your guide lots of questions to really understand the history of each monument. You will love walking through the beautiful bamboo forest, no wonder it is one of the best walking tours in Kyoto.

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Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour

Duration: 3 hours

103 reviews

5. Fushimi Inari hidden hiking tour (65 USD)

walking tours in kyoto | fushimi inari hidden hiking tour
Source: Magical Trip

Burn some calories as you make your way to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine. This tour of the hiking trails near Kyoto allows you to explore the lesser-known paths and trails going to the summit and discover hidden gems such as a secluded bamboo forest and smaller shrines. The fact that this tour only includes a small group of travelers will make your trip extra special. Of course, you will spend time at the main shrine at the base of the mountain where your guide will happily take photos of you and/or your group against the thousand tori gates. Whether you’re traveling with friends or family or alone, this trip will surely feel like a private tour and here you will have an intimate discovery of Kyoto because it steers away from mainstream tourist paths.

Fushimi Inari hidden hiking tour

Duration: 3 hours

Price: 65 USD

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6. Kyoto Arashiyama insider walking tour (75 USD)

walking tours in kyoto | kyoto arashiyama insider walking tour
Source: Magical Trip

If you’re in Kyoto and would like to explore it like a local, there’s no better way than to have a guide who has been born and raised here. On this personalized walking tour, your local guide will show you the beauty of Arashimaya, famous for its “instagrammable” bamboo grove. But first, you will visit Saga-Toriimoto for a glimpse into the traditional way of living. It is now a national preservation district and here you can purchase local artifacts as a souvenir. After that, you will then walk to the world-famous UNESCO world heritage site of Tenryu-ji, taking beautiful photos and simply immersing in the beauty and freshness of this natural bamboo haven. Finally, you will then have an authentic Kyoto-style lunch which is already included in the total tour package that lasts for about four hours.

Kyoto Arashiyama insider walking tour

Duration: 4 hours

Price: 75 USD

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7. Evening in Kyoto Pontocho Food Tour (from USD 164.0)

As the sun sets, the city transforms, and your steps lead you deeper into Kyoto’s vibrant nightlife. Step into a world of culinary discovery with the byFood Evening in Kyoto Pontocho Food Tour.

Accompanied by a local guide, you will walk the enchanting Pontocho Alley, a pathway where echoes of history harmonize with modern vibes. The journey becomes a symphony of flavours as you sample an array of meticulously chosen, time-honoured classics such as Sumi Yakiniku (grilled meat and seafood skewers) and handmade noodles.

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Evening in Kyoto Pontocho Food Tour

Duration: 3hours

5 reviews

8. Half day small-group Kyoto cultural tour (from USD 50.0)

If you really want to understand the traditions of Japan, view the historic monument in the city of Kyoto and visit the famous temples, then this is one of the most fulfilling walking tours of Kyoto. In this four-hour tour, you get to do it all. You get to stroll through the Geisha district of Gion, shop at the local souvenir shops, enjoy the peace of the Zen Garden and admire the beauty of the Tokufuji temple. Think of this tour as your one-stop shop to explore Kyoto as a local!

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Kyoto Cultural Half-Day Small-Group Tour with Geisha District

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

500 reviews

9. The alternative Fushimi Inari walking tour (from USD 57.0)

This four-hour tour is a must do on every cultural enthusiast’s list! If you want to understand the history behind the various temples and shrines in Japan, then you will absolutely love this educative tour of Fushimi Inari. Fushimi Inari Is basically the head shrine of the god Inari, which is located at the base of Mt Inari. From seeing Zen gardens and forest bathing sites, from hearing folklore and stories about temples and Gods and Goddesses, this tour will keep you mesmerized. In fact, you will even get to see sites which most of the public do not get to visit.

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The Alternative Fushimi Inari Walking Tour

Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes

10. Expert-led private Nishiki Market food tour (from USD 258.0)

This is one of the best walking tours in Kyoto for foodies as well as food enthusiasts who like to try new cuisines. This walking tour of the Nishiki Market will allow you to sample all of Kyoto’s local food. This three-hour tour is great in the afternoon or around lunchtime – think of it as a walking lunch! During this, you will learn about the four main types of Japanese food and Japanese cuisine. This tour is always led by food experts, so budding chefs will also really enjoy this.

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Kyoto Nishiki Market Private Walking Tour with Scholar Guide

Duration: 3 hours

3 reviews

11. Expert-led private tour of Kyoto: Shinto and Buddhism (from USD 218.0)

If you follow Buddhism or are at least intrigued by the religion, then you must go for this tour. At this tour, you will have a local religious scholar as your guide – is there a better way to learn about Buddhism and the practices of Shintoism? This tour will make you visit the Yasaka Shrine, the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple and the streets of historically famous Gion, all while the religious scholar is imparting knowledge. You will also get to see and learn about the daily rituals and activities of the Buddhist monks during this three-hour tour.

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Kyoto Shintoism and Buddhism Private Scholar-led Walking Tour

Duration: 3 hours

1 review

12. Expert-led private tour of Kyoto's gardens and landscapes (from USD 213.0)

Another one of the best walking tours in Kyoto for nature lovers, this three-hour tour will make you visit some of the most exquisite and elaborate creations of nature. You will get to visit the mirror pond in Kinkaku-Ji, stroll through the famous Zen Buddhist gardens and as well as the Karesansui Garden, check out the water and rock features at Ninna-Ji Temple. This tour will also help you understand the thought and design behind the intricate gardens in Japan.

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Kyoto Gardens and Landscape Private Scholar-led Walking Tour

Duration: 3 hours

6 reviews

13. Private tour: Kyoto photo shoot and sightseeing

private tour: kyoto photo shoot and sightseeing
Source: www.viator.com

Do you want to document your visit to Kyoto without the hassle of carrying your own camera? Then this is the perfect Kyoto city tour for you. While you walk around the city and explore the streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, a professional photographer will be taking pictures of you. This is basically a private tour, where you can visit tourist attractions like the Kiyomizu Temple or buy souvenirs at the local shops. At the end of this four-hour tour, the photographer will hand you an SD card full of your memories!

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Private Tour: Kyoto Photoshoot and Sightseeing with Photographer Guide

3 reviews

14. hour guided walking tour (from USD 20.0)

Think of this walking tour as one of the best walking tours in Kyoto to check out all the cities hidden spots. From hidden temples to small and local shops, from artisanal handicraft shops to Shinto shrines, this guided tour will help you explore Kyoto like a local. You can even shop for souvenirs and nicknacks at some shops which are not accessible to the public. This tour also includes a break for Japanese style tea.

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5-Hour Guided Walking Tour - Walk in Kyoto, Talk in English

Duration: 5 hours

10 reviews

15. Sagano Bamboo Grove and Arashiyama walking tour

If you are a nature lover, then this is definitely one of the most amazing walking tours in Kyoto for you! This five-hour tour is a combination of walking and touring by boat. During this tour, you get to visit the UNESCO-listed Tenryū-Ji Temple as well as the Jojakko-Ji, walk around nature at the Sagano Bamboo Grove and roam around the Zen gardens. After all the sight-seeing, the tour organizes a lunch cruise during which you can try some of the amazing local food. Don’t forget to charge your phone battery for lots of pictures, because the sights are beautiful!

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Arashiyama with Sagano Grove, Tenryu-ji plus Lunch Cruise

Duration: 5 hours

5 reviews

Get your walking shoes on

Excited to visit the beautiful city of Kyoto? These sightseeing tours in Kyoto will help you explore the insta-worthy sites and streets!

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Frequently asked questions about walking tours in Kyoto

1. What are the top tourist attractions in Kyoto?

If you would like to explore Kyoto on foot during your stay here, you can keep in your itinerary of sightseeing some of the top tourist attractions such as Fushimi Inari Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and Ryoan-ji Temple by availing this private half- or full-day walking tour.

2. Which places provide the best hidden gems for walking tours in Kyoto?

If you would like to discover some of the hidden gems during your walking tour in Kyoto, you can take advantage of this Fushimi Inari hidden hiking tour and witness a secluded bamboo forest and smaller shrines.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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A freelance content writer by profession, Anaanya is an avid traveller whose main goal in life is to visit as many new places as possible. Anaanya enjoys travelling, not just because of her love...Read more

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