Kyoto

New Year traditions and hidden cultural gems: Kyoto edition

Festivals & Local Celebrations • 3 hours 5.0 (6)

New Year traditions and hidden cultural gems: Kyoto edition

Immerse yourself in Kyoto's New Year traditions with serene shrines, scenic streets, and authentic insights at vibrant local markets

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

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.

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

3-4 New Year’s food tastings at Nishiki Market

3 Hour hosted experience

Immersive walking experience

Private and tailored experience

What’s not included

Tickets to any attractions other than what has been listed

Transportation costs

Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Imahie Shrine Main Entrance

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

Step into the heart of Kyoto’s New Year season with a journey that captures the city’s traditions through serene rituals, picturesque streets, and the vibrant energy of its iconic market.

Your day begins at Imahie Shrine, a lesser-known treasure where Kyoto’s spiritual and cultural roots run deep. Participate in New Year’s customs by writing your hopes for the year on ema or discovering your fortune through an omikuji. As you admire the shrine’s seasonal touches, like kadomatsu and shimekazari (New Year’s decorations), you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s reverence for the New Year.

From there, wander through the peaceful Shinbashi Dori, a picturesque street that feels like stepping back in time. Adorned with shimekazari and other decorations, this street not only offers a stunning backdrop for photos but also reveals stories of how these traditions ward off evil and invite good fortune. Your host will share insights into these practices, making the experience as enriching as it is beautiful.

Finally, the vibrant Nishiki Market offers an explosion of flavors and festive energy. Taste New Year delicacies like hanabira mochi or Kyoto-style tsukemono (pickles), and chat with vendors whose family traditions often stretch back generations. Along the way, you might happen upon a festive moment, like a mochitsuki demonstration, that brings Kyoto’s holiday spirit to life. Keep in mind, however, that some shops may be closed on January 1st and other New Year’s holidays.

Throughout the experience, your host will share stories and insights into the importance of New Year’s traditions in Japan—from spiritual practices to culinary customs—giving you a richer appreciation of this special time.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Phyllis, Mar 2025

Wonderful tour guide in a beautiful city!! Cherry blossoms, snacks, sites, culture, history, pictures and more..

Caroline, Mar 2025

Great tour seeing all the Kyoto sights, fun to talk to - very good English -, able to coordinate spontaneous wishes like suddenly wanting to rent a kimono, good at taking pictures, made us a beautiful video auf the day!!

Stephanie, Mar 2025

Hiro was an amazing tour guide and catered the entire trip to our preferences. We had delicious food and he took us through the earliest parts of Kyoto. Felt like we were in a movie. So lovely! Will hire him again for a future tour.

Ramon, Mar 2025

Great experience from start to finish. Toga was insightful, kind and accommodating. He took us to more hidden gems in Kyoto, really appreciated the opportunities to see the less trafficked areas of Kyoto. Genuine and authentic tailored experience was great!!!

Chris, Mar 2025

Alvin was prepared, he was responsive to our requests and he was incredibly helpful in having us have a perfect experience during our tour. I would highly recommend him for anyone looking for a tour in Kyoto!

Margo, Mar 2025

Oulan shared most interesting aspects of Japanese culture and engaged us in conversation that made the entire experience memorable. We really enjoyed his personality and personable attention to our needs, for example coffee needs, bathroom breaks, shopping and very helpful ways to navigate on short distance subway rides. He was a perfect and most accommodating guide!

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