Seasonal Highlights • 4 hours 5.0 (24)

Kyoto in pink: Experience the cherry blossom season like a local

Join a local for an authentic cherry blossom experience. Discover secret sakura spots, enjoy a traditional picnic, and immerse in the beauty of hanami

Visit on the 15th, 21st and 25th of the month to catch one of the flea markets and grab amazing bargain kimono, ceramics, handicrafts etc.

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Join a local for authentic cherry blossom viewing, a beloved Kyoto spring tradition.
  • Explore Maruyama Park's serene paths surrounded by stunning sakura.
  • Visit quieter spots in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden away from tourist crowds.
  • Experience traditional hanami picnicking under cherry trees.
  • Hear cultural stories revealing the deep significance of sakura season.
  • Discover lesser-known yet breathtaking spring viewing locations.
  • Create lasting memories connecting with Kyoto's vibrant seasonal traditions.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

A traditional Japanese picnic (bento box, shared sushi platter, Japanese sweets, two drinks)
4 hours with a local host
Walking experience

What’s not included

Food and drinks, other than the ones included above
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

FamilyMart; Kyoto Gion - Your host will be waiting in front of the convenience store

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to delve into Kyoto's celebrated hanami tradition, the Japanese custom of enjoying cherry blossoms in their full glory, just like the locals do. Your host, deeply acquainted with Kyoto's hidden gems, will guide you through a serene journey of sakura discovery, away from the usual tourist paths.

 

Your adventure begins at Maruyama Park, renowned for its expansive cherry blossoms. While it’s a popular spot, your host knows the secret trails leading to tranquil corners where you can admire the blossoms in a peaceful ambiance. It’s here that you’ll first experience hanami, appreciating the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms in a serene setting.

 

Next, you'll meander to Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a quieter, less-explored locale where cherry trees bloom in graceful solitude. This spot offers a serene retreat from the city's bustle, allowing you to fully immerse in the beauty and tranquility of the sakura season.

 

The journey then takes a delicious turn at the Daimaru depachika. A depachika, or underground food market, is a culinary treasure trove where your host will assist you in selecting the perfect obento. These lunch boxes are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, often incorporating sakura-themed delicacies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

 

Armed with your chosen obento, your host will lead you to a peaceful spot within the park or a nearby hidden gem for a quintessential hanami picnic. Under the canopy of cherry blossoms, you'll savor your meal and listen to your host’s stories and insights. This experience is not just about enjoying the cherry blossoms but also understanding the deep cultural significance behind this cherished Japanese tradition.

 

Throughout this experience, you'll connect with Kyoto’s heart and soul during its most magical season. It’s an authentic, immersive dive into the city’s springtime allure, far beyond the reach of any ordinary sightseeing tour. You'll walk away not just with memories, but with a profound understanding and appreciation of Kyoto’s hanami culture.

 

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
Michael_Chodrow_Kyoto_BR-1216013399

Michael_Chodrow_Kyoto_BR-1216013399

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Charmed in Gion

Charmed in Gion

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

A Table Full of Stories

A Table Full of Stories

New Friends in Old Streets

New Friends in Old Streets

Tempura & Togetherness

Tempura & Togetherness

The Fox Shrine Crew

The Fox Shrine Crew

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Soft Steps & Serene Views

Soft Steps & Serene Views

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

Wandering through a forest of giants

Wandering through a forest of giants

A day filled with culture and laughter

A day filled with culture and laughter

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

 Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Walking through these thousand torii gates

Walking through these thousand torii gates

A Ryokan-Style Feast

A Ryokan-Style Feast

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Matcha Dreams Come True

Matcha Dreams Come True

Cocktails with a view

Cocktails with a view

A walk through time

A walk through time

Rural charm and cultural calm

Rural charm and cultural calm

A peaceful pause with Kannon

A peaceful pause with Kannon

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What travelers think of this experience

Fiona Apr 2025

Guide Afifa did a great job, she really personalised the tour for me and found me pink cherry blossoms as I'd asked! She took me to some cool places and really brought the history of the Gion district to life for me, I really enjoyed her choice to take me to Nishiki market to get food for hanami picnic, and I loved the hanami picnic experience by the river, though the park would have been a fab alternative as well if river was not an option.

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Harry Apr 2025

Ada was incredibly helpful setting up the tour beforehand. She researched places for us to go and was very thoughtful about trying to make the tour excellent. On the tour itself she was very professional but also just nice to chat to. We really appreciated how knowledgeable she was about Japan and had a great time learning about Japanese history and culture.

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Keanne Apr 2025

She went above and beyond. She accommodated our interests and was so sweet. English was amazing too!

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Inderjit Apr 2025

Though we had a bit of a misunderstanding about the meeting point it all worked out well in the end

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Robert Apr 2025

A group of 5 of us were fortunate enough to have booked the City Unscripted Tour and it was a terrific decision! Being able to see the city of Kyoto and walk the streets and sights with a local made it such an informative and educational experience. With Alex as our guide, we were able to walk at our own pace, ask questions, stop at sights we were most interested in and it was truly like getting a tour from a close friend! Yes, there are larger tour groups, but if you want a truly one of a kind personal tour experience I highly recommend The Private Kyoto Tour with a Local and ask for Alex to be your guide!

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Robert Apr 2025

Great guide. Personalized the tour and gave good information.

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