All Kyoto Tours & Excursions in 2025
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Top Attractions in Kyoto
Take a journey through time in Kyoto, where tradition blends harmoniously with modernity. Curated Kyoto tours immerse you in the rich culture of this ancient capital, from the tranquil Zen rock garden of Ryoan-ji Temple to the majestic torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. You can savor matcha in a traditional tea ceremony, bar-hop around Pontocho, explore the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, or marvel at the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji on expert-led Kyoto tours that show you the best of the timeless Japanese city.
People Also Ask
Learn about Japanese culture, see iconic temples, and sample local food on these top-rated Kyoto tours, which past travelers have raved about:
Yes, guided tours in Kyoto are worth it. Expert-led excursions can introduce you to the charms of history-rich Kyoto, from its captivating geisha district to important Shinto shrines and celebrated temples. Kyoto tours also provide exclusive immersive experiences, such as samurai sword training and ramen cooking classes that you can’t do on your own.
Per one customer who booked the Perfect Kyoto 1-Day Bus Tour, “Great tour and exceptional guide—thank you Harry! Wouldn’t have seen as much as we did without this tour. Harry has great knowledge of the history in Kyoto.”
The prices of Kyoto tours differ depending on the length of the excursion, included activities, and the group size. Short immersive group experiences in Kyoto—such as an authentic Japanese tea ceremony or a traditional Washi papermaking class—can cost as little as US$25. Private half-day city walking tours start at about US$70. On the other end of the spectrum, private customized tours by car—or private day trips outside Kyoto—can cost upwards of US$800 or more.
On the lower end of the price range, you can book tours such as Fushimi Inari Shrine: Explore the 1,000 Torii Gates on an Audio Walking Tour for US$8 per person. Download the audio tour to your smart device and listen to historical and cultural narration as you explore the must-see Fushimi Inari Shrine independently. Pricier options include VIP experiences such as Enter the Unseen: A VIP Monk-Guided Experience at Kiyomizu-dera, for around US$2,000 per group (up to four people). On this half-day tour, get private access to normally off-limits parts of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and learn more about Buddhism and the temple from your monk guide, who is accompanied by an interpreter.
Kyoto tours showcase the best of this ancient city. On city sightseeing tours, visit Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha), famous for its thousands of (highly Instagrammable) red gates, as well as the 14th-century Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Other things to see on Kyoto tours include the geisha district of Gion, the Nishiki Market shopping area, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho).
Consider an all-day tour to visit as many attractions and landmarks as possible. For example, on the Private Kyoto Tour With a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalized you see Kennin-ji Temple, Yasaka Shrine (Gion Shrine), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha), and more, and you also have time to explore the atmospheric Pontocho Alley, Gion, and Kiyamachi Street.
Try to spend at least three days in Kyoto. That will give you enough time to see the most important city landmarks, sample a variety of restaurants (or take a food tour), and enjoy at least one immersive experience, such as a calligraphy, cooking, papermaking, or archery class.
If you want to see Kyoto’s gorgeous cherry blossoms, the best time to visit is late March and early April. Another great month for Kyoto travel is October, when temperatures are mild and you’ll catch some vibrant fall foliage. However, spring and fall are popular travel times, so expect pricier hotel rooms—summer and winter are much better suited for budget travel.
According to travelers, these are the best attractions in Kyoto:
- Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha)
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- Pontocho Alley
- Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Arashiyama Park
View Viator’s guide to all the best attractions in Kyoto.
There are tons of great trips to take from Kyoto. According to traveler reviews, these are the best day trips to book right now:
- World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience
- 1 Day Hiroshima and Miyajima Tour by Bullet Train From Kyoto
- Nara 8-Hr Private Tour—Kyoto Dep. With Licensed Guide
- Kyoto & Nara Day Trip—Golden Pavilion & Todaiji From Kyoto/Osaka
- Ancient Capital Tour: Kyoto and Nara Highlights from Kyoto/Osaka
View all of Viator’s top Kyoto day trips.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great time in Kyoto. Here are some of the best Kyoto activities under US$25:
There are tons of Kyoto activities to enjoy in the fresh air. Here are some of the top outdoor tours to book right now:
- Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
- Hidden Kyoto E-Biking Tour
- Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto Plus Lunch
- Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour—Bamboo, Monkeys, Temple & Secrets
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Hidden Gems Bike Tour (Early Bird)
View all of Viator’s top outdoor activities in Kyoto.
According to travelers, these are the top museums and cultural attractions in Kyoto:
- Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
- Kyoto International Manga Museum
- Kyoto National Museum
- Toei Kyoto Studio Park (Toei Uzumasa Eigamura)
- Kinshi Masamune Horino Memorial Museum
View all of Viator’s museum tickets and passes in Kyoto.
Couples will find plenty of romantic tours in Kyoto. Here are some of the top activities to book now, according to previous travelers:
- Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
- Private Kyoto Tour With Government-Licensed Guide and Vehicle (Max 15 Persons)
- Your Private Vacation Photography Session in Kyoto
- Beautiful Photography Tour in Kyoto
- Private & Custom Kyoto Walking Tour—Your Travel Companion
View all of Viator’s top romantic tours in Kyoto.
Kyoto has enough activities to entertain every member of your family. Here are some of the top kid-friendly tours to book now, according to previous travelers:
- Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
- Hidden Kyoto E-Biking Tour
- Private Kyoto Tour With a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems, Personalised
- Samurai School in Kyoto: Samurai for a Day
- Ninja Hands-on 2-hour Lesson in English at Kyoto—Elementary Level
- Samurai Sword Experience (Family Friendly) at SAMURAI MUSEUM KYOTO
View all of Viator’s top family-friendly tours in Kyoto.