Shape your half-day in Kyoto with iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and serene paths—crafted by your local host to match what excites you most
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes
Matsumoto Kiyoshi Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi, 103-2 Hashimotochō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8011, Japan
Discover Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park through serene back paths.
See MoreExperience Kyoto’s iconic streets with hidden detours.
See MoreImmerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Kodaiji’s gardens.
See MoreTrusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.
Nisa was a wonderful guide! She was super friendly and knowledgeable and she chose wonderful spots to tour! We enjoyed the old temples and shrines she brought us to and took pictures with us and was super patient as we shopped and took pictures. A wonderful tour with Nisa!
Show moreIt was amazing, gave very good inside info. Really knew his history. Answered all of our questions. Took us to amazing shops typical from the area. Loved the tour highly recommended. Excellent photographer.
Show moreOur tour guide, Milo, was absolutely fantastic. So knowledgeable, friendly, and invested in sharing the culture and information. Very welcoming and showed us the not-so-touristy areas of Kyoto which was fabulous.
Show moreOur Kyoto tour with Toshi and City Unscripted was fantastic! My 11-year-old son and I had a blast. The itinerary was packed, but Toshi managed the timing perfectly, getting us to Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Temple!), Arashiyama, and Nishiki Market all before our finish time. Toshi was an excellent guide – friendly, professional, and super patient, especially with my son. He really made the tour special for him. The bamboo forest in Arashiyama was a definite highlight, and my son was mesmerized by the Golden Temple. We highly recommend Toshi and City Unscripted for a fun and memorable Kyoto experience! Five stars!
Show moreOur Kyoto tour with Toshi and City Unscripted was fantastic! My 11-year-old son and I had a blast. The itinerary was packed, but Toshi managed the timing perfectly, getting us to Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Temple!), Arashiyama, and Nishiki Market all before our finish time. Toshi was an excellent guide – friendly, professional, and super patient, especially with my son. He really made the tour special for him. The bamboo forest in Arashiyama was a definite highlight, and my son was mesmerized by the Golden Temple. We highly recommend Toshi and City Unscripted for a fun and memorable Kyoto experience! Five stars!
Show moreWe were eager to learn more about Japanese history and Tom was the perfect match for us. He is really knowledgable and engaging. He did a good job of weaving in stories throughout the tour to make everything more entertaining and digestible.
Show moreNo. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! Whether you want a blend of food, history, local culture, or nightlife, your host will seamlessly weave them together into one immersive experience.
We don’t do generic tours. Every experience is crafted around you, ensuring a unique, personal, and authentic way to explore the city. You won’t just see the sights—you’ll connect with the people and stories that bring the city to life.
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.
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!
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.
Of course! Your experience is flexible, so you can explore at your own pace and make changes along the way.
Each host has their own personal relationship with the city. You'll experience the city through their eyes—hearing stories about places they love, discovering hidden gems, and learning what makes their city special in a way that goes beyond a typical tour.
That’s up to you! Some experiences include visits inside attractions, while others focus on the city's culture and atmosphere, which can be hard to truly experience without someone who knows the city inside out.
Unless stated otherwise, food and drinks are not included. Your host will take you to great spots where you can order what you like and pay as you go.
No, if you and your host decide to stop for food or drinks during your experience, you don’t need to cover your host’s expenses—your host will take care of their own.
Yes! You'll receive a questionnaire right after booking where you can note any dietary requirements, and your host will tailor the experience accordingly.
This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.
No, unlike traditional food tours, our hosts are free to take you to their personal favorite spots rather than fixed locations. This means your food experience will always be unique, with authentic and unbiased recommendations from someone who knows the local food scene best.
Your host can adjust the plan with indoor alternatives.
We can tailor the experience to be as active or relaxed as you like—just let us know what suits you best!
Yes! If you’re interested in day trips or exploring beyond the city, let us know in the post-booking questionnaire, and your host will design an itinerary that takes you to incredible places off the usual tourist path.
Cities take on a completely different character after dark—whether it’s quiet lantern-lit streets, lively food stalls, or buzzing nightlife, your host will show you the best of the city at night.
Absolutely! Many night experiences blend food, drinks, and cultural spots for a unique evening adventure.
Yes! Your host will guide you through safe and exciting areas so you can enjoy the city stress-free.
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.
Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.