What your Experience could look like
- This bespoke New Year-themed experience immerses you in the heart of Kyoto’s cherished traditions, offering a mix of tranquility, discovery, and cultural depth.
- Visit the peaceful Imahie Shrine, a hidden gem away from the crowds. Here, you can take part in traditional rituals like writing ema (wish plaques) or drawing an omikuji (fortune slip), experiencing the spirituality of Kyoto’s New Year traditions
- Admire the shrine’s seasonal decorations, including kadomatsu (pine and bamboo arrangements symbolizing prosperity), which reflect Japan’s deep cultural connection to the New Year season.
- Stroll along Shinbashi Dori, a scenic street lined with preserved wooden buildings. Its quiet ambiance and timeless charm make it the perect spot to reflect and take photos.
- Learn about New Year decorations like shimenawa (sacred ropes) adorning doorways. These symbolic ornaments, meant to ward off evil spirits, highlight the spiritual importance of the season in Japan.
- Dive into the vibrant energy of Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s culinary hub during the New Year season. Taste seasonal treats like hanabira mochi and browse unique ingredients used in osechi ryori (New Year feast boxes).
- Engage with family-run vendors who proudly share the stories behind their specialties, offering you a deeper appreciation of Kyoto’s rich culinary heritage.
- If you’re lucky, you might catch a festive moment like a mochitsuki (rice-pounding) demonstration, adding a layer of spontaneity to your visit.
Explore beyond the ordinary with locals who bring cities to life
Explore cities through the eyes of locals who know hidden gems and landmarks. Your journey blends history, culture, and authentic stories, personalized to your interests.
Personalized and Adaptable
Your experience is crafted around your interests—whether you’re uncovering hidden gems or iconic sites. Flexible itineraries adapt to what excites you most, reflecting your preferences
Friendship Over Formality
Our hosts are locals, eager to share their city with you in a way that’s genuine and relaxed — more like wandering with a friend than a guide.
Immersive Experiences Across Many Themes
Whether it’s food, history, or art—our flexible themes let you explore what excites you. Each journey is thoughtfully crafted to match your unique interests
Photos taken by our hosts and guests
Travelers having fun right now!
Reviews
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Kenta did SUCH a great job planning our tour today! We were feeling a bit overwhelmed at the thought of trying to navigate so many places on our trip to Japan, so we decided to hire private tours in the major cities we are visiting for the first days. No regrets on this decision whatsoever! Kenya was very relaxed and easy to talk to. He showed us some amazing highlights that were more off the beaten path, unique and no crowded at all! He told us some amazing history and really helped lay the ground work for our trip so we can see what we’d like to do for the rest of our trip. He also gave us some really amazing food recommendations as well. We’re ready to explore more of the city now! Thank you Kenta!
January 2025
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Finding sights we would have unlikely discovered and insight to local culture. Learning the differences between the different buddism and seeing the temples that contrast. It was nice of the fire department to put on a show as well.
January 2025
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During our visit to Kyoto, we chose to do a private walking tour, and it turned out to be the best decision! Our guide, Toshi, was fantastic—his deep knowledge of the city's history and culture really brought the experience to life. He answered all our questions and made sure we enjoyed a perfect balance of cultural insights and historical context as we explored Kyoto. It was the ideal way to wrap up our two-week adventure in Japan. I highly recommend this tour to anyone traveling to Kyoto!
January 2025
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Jose gave us a great tour of Kyoto. Thank you again
January 2025
Important Details for Your Day
