Kyoto

Kyoto, Your Story: A Full-Day of Icons, Culture & Hidden Gems

Flexible Full-Day Discovery • 8 hours 5.0 (414)

Kyoto, Your Story: A Full-Day of Icons, Culture & Hidden Gems

Your perfect Kyoto day, tailored to you. Explore icons, hidden gems & culture with a local host shaping a flexible experience around your interests.

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

Your Kyoto, thoughtfully planned yet flexible. Wander serene temples, artisan streets, and hidden gems with a local host who curates every stop to match your pace, interests, and desire for discovery.

Key highlights

Crafted for you: A customizable day blending Kyoto’s iconic landmarks with hidden corners
Quiet charm: Explore scenic paths, Zen temples, and historic streets
Cultural immersion: Engage with Kyoto’s traditions, from artisan shops to serene temples & gardens
Unscripted moments: Your host adapts the day to your interests
Explore Kyoto’s rich culture, from morning tranquility to golden-hour reflections at day’s end

What to know before you go

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

At a glance What’s included Things to know

8 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience May use public transport for long distances

Eco-friendly & local Supports local businesses and low-impact travel

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, Exit 7

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

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, Exit 7

Start Your Day with Tranquility at Yasaka Shrine

Begin with calm and beauty at Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park.

Kyoto’s Icons and Hidden Gems: A Full Day Tailored to You

Start your morning at Yasaka Shrine, entering through a quiet side path that bypasses the crowds. Marvel at its lantern-lit beauty before wandering into Maruyama Park, where hidden trails and a serene pond provide a peaceful start, enhanced by the soft glow of the morning light.

Step Back in Time on Ishibei-koji Alley

Wander Kyoto’s atmospheric cobblestone alley untouched by time.

Stroll through Ishibei-koji Alley, lined with historic machiya houses and offering an ambiance of old Kyoto charm. This peaceful escape feels like stepping into the past, perfect for quiet reflection or capturing timeless photos.

Discover Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka Slopes

Explore Kyoto’s iconic slopes, uncovering quiet detours along the way.

Your host guides you along these famous streets, steering you to tucked-away alleys, quiet teahouses, and craft shops. Browse Kyoto’s traditional goods while savoring the charm of less-crowded paths, revealing a more intimate side of these historic slopes.

Find Serenity at Kodaiji Temple and Bamboo Grove

Immerse yourself in the peace of Kodaiji Temple’s Zen gardens.

Visit Kodaiji Temple, where artful gardens and an intimate bamboo grove create a serene retreat. Your host will guide you to a hidden lookout behind the temple for breathtaking views of Kyoto’s cityscape and surrounding hills, a perfect balance of history and tranquility.

Pause for a Relaxed Lunch

Recharge with a lunch reflecting Kyoto’s rich culinary heritage.

Take a break to enjoy Kyoto’s flavors—perhaps soba, yudofu, or Kyoto-style sushi—at a local eatery. Your host will recommend options to suit your tastes, ensuring this mid-day pause feels as curated as the rest of your journey.

Stroll the Scenic Philosopher’s Path

Walk a serene canal path, with hidden treasures along the way.

Follow the Philosopher’s Path, where cherry blossoms line the tranquil canal. Stop at Honen-in Temple, a moss-covered gem many visitors miss, and browse artisan shops or chat with locals. This scenic walk blends nature, history, and Kyoto’s quiet charm.

Discover the Elegance of Nanzenji Temple

Explore Nanzenji’s Zen gardens and its hidden aqueduct.

Visit Nanzenji Temple to admire its grand Sanmon gate and serene Zen gardens. Stroll beneath the red brick aqueduct—a unique, tucked-away architectural treasure—and experience this harmonious blend of natural and historic beauty.

End with Sunset Along Shirakawa Canal

Conclude with golden-hour beauty by Shirakawa Canal.

Return to Gion for a reflective walk along Shirakawa Canal, where willow trees and traditional machiya houses frame the shimmering water. At sunset, this hidden corner glows with tranquility, providing the perfect farewell to Kyoto’s timeless charm.

Optional Evening Stop: Yasaka Pagoda at Night

Experience Yasaka Pagoda’s serene beauty illuminated at night.

If you’d like, extend your journey with a visit to Yasaka Pagoda, where its nighttime glow transforms the area into a peaceful, magical scene. Stroll adjacent alleys to soak in the quiet elegance of Kyoto under the stars.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google

recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

What travelers think of this experience

Robert, Feb 2025

We are particularly interested in history, culture, religion and food. Milo took us, via bus, train, subway, and foot to several significant shrines, neighborhoods, and pedestrian areas. We discussed politics and current events along with history. It was a most enjoyable and rewarding day.

Roxanne, Jan 2025

Great tour with a great local tour guide.

Annalyce, Jan 2025

We had an amazing time with our guide Alvin. The itinerary he came up with was perfectly timed, and he had so much knowledge about the history and lore/legends. He talked anime and video games with my husband, which was nice. It really felt like we were being shown around by a friend. Also, I am sure he could have walked circles around us but he was very intuitive when it came to setting the pace. I never felt like he was walking too fast or had issues keeping up, and I am not what anyone would call athletic. Also, he took GREAT photos of us.

Rene, Jan 2025

We had a great time, Alex knows almost everything and made our stay in Kyoto unforgetable.

Andrew, Jan 2025

Best tour guide in Japan so far!

Heath, Jan 2025

Bita was a great host. She was very knowledgeable and showed great patience.

SEE ALL REVIEWS

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Can I request a specific host?

You can request a host, but since most hosts have other commitments, we can't guarantee they'll be available. However, we carefully match you with a host based on your interests and preferences, making it feel like exploring with a friend rather than a stranger.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can I mix different themes in one experience?

Absolutely! Whether you want a blend of food, history, local culture, or nightlife, your host will seamlessly weave them together into one immersive experience.

Can I request specific places to visit?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

How does my host personalize this experience?

After booking, you'll receive a questionnaire that captures your travel style, interests, and any specific requests. Your host will use this to tailor your experience, ensuring it reflects what excites you most.