Kyoto

Kyoto’s Best-Kept Secrets: A Hidden Gems Discovery

Hidden Gems • 3 hours 5.0 (683)

Kyoto’s Best-Kept Secrets: A Hidden Gems Discovery

Uncover Kyoto’s hidden side with peaceful temples, serene gardens, and quiet canals, all curated to reveal the city’s authentic, crowd-free charm.

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

Step away from the tourist trails and discover Kyoto’s quieter, more intimate side. From the mystical forest of Shimogamo Shrine to the tranquil Zen gardens of Konchi-in and the serene Okazaki Canal.

Key highlights

Discover quiet shrines, tranquil gardens, and serene canals far from the crowds
Wander Kyoto’s tucked-away paths and learn the stories behind its hidden gems.
Explore ancient sites with your host’s insights into Zen principles and local traditions
Connect with the city’s rhythm through peaceful, lesser-known locations loved by locals.
Your host will adapt the journey to your pace, creating a meaningful and personal experience.

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

3 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Private and personalized walking experience

3 hours with a host

Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

Food and drink

Transportation costs

Tickets to any attractions

Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Demachiyanagi Station, 32-1 Tanaka Kamiyanagichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8205, Japan

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

Demachiyanagi Station, 32-1 Tanaka Kamiyanagichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8205, Japan

Step Into Tadasu noMori Forest at Shimogamo Shrine

Explore an ancient forest and shrine steeped in Kyoto’s history.

Kyoto’s Best-Kept Secrets: A Hidden Gems Discovery

Start at Shimogamo Shrine, nestled within Tadasu no Mori forest. As you walk under the towering trees, hear the soft flow of the Kamo River that runs through the grounds. Explore hidden sub-shrines and learn how this UNESCO World Heritage Site has been a spiritual sanctuary for over 1,200 years.

Find Zen Serenity at Konchi-in Temple

Discover timeless beauty at a hidden Zen temple and its serene garden.

A short train ride takes you to Konchi-in, a peaceful sub-temple of the Nanzenji complex. Here, you’ll find the exquisite crane and turtle garden, a masterpiece of dry landscaping that symbolizes prosperity. Stroll through the temple grounds, taking in the architecture and natural surroundings.

Enjoy the Okazaki Canal & Heian Shrine’s Gardens

Walk a quiet canal path and discover Heian Shrine’s hidden back gardens.

End your journey with a peaceful stroll along the Okazaki Canal, a tranquil waterway lined with cherry trees and bridges. Watch as locals fish or enjoy leisurely walks, creating a calm atmosphere. Then, visit the back gardens of Heian Shrine, a serene retreat filled with ponds, and seasonal blooms.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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recommended by 99% of travelers on google

recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

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What travelers think of this experience

Cynthia, Mar 2025

Ryuki was a great guide. He obviously loves his city, and enjoyed sharing it with us. We learned so many interesting facts and tidbits about the city. It was a great way to start our trip! Ryuki was thoughtful and perceptive about our preferences and responsive to what we wanted to do.

Cynthia, Mar 2025

Our guide was friendly, full of great information and interesting tidbits. He shared beautiful locations on our walking tour, and was very responsive to our interests and needs. He made our first day exploring Kyoto fascinating, and set us up for further exploration on our own.

Philip, Mar 2025

Kenta was an excellent guide. It helped that he was a native English speaker. He tailored our itinerary to the things that we wanted to see and gave us just enough background at each place we visited. He was very flexible about our meeting place and time and helpful in getting the right train back to Osaka. Highly recommended.

Akanksha, Mar 2025

Our experience with Nisa as our guide was awesome! She was knowledgeable as well as flexible to adjust the tour according to our requirement and preference. We were able to cover a lot our time while having so much fun. Recommended for sure!!!

Donna, Feb 2025

Mia was wonderful and showed us around . The weather wasn’t on our side as it snowed most of the tour but she still did a fantastic job.

Marco, Feb 2025

Walking trough the Kyoto city for 3hs is amazing , our guide was well prepared and we have saved a lot time instead of turning around. We kindly recommend.

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

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.

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.

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!

What kind of stories and insights will my host share?

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.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Your host can adjust the plan with indoor alternatives.

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.