Kyoto
Top 8 must-sees: magical Kyoto
Iconic Sights & Hidden Gems • 8 hours
5.0
(32)
Top 8 must-sees: magical Kyoto
Visit some of Kyoto's top sites in a day, from the Kinkakuji temple and Fushimi Inari gates to the Nishiki market, and a sprinkle of hidden gems
What makes this experience special
Key highlights
- Get to know the real Kyoto with your host (a city local) and avoid the tourist traps, whilst still seeing the highlights!
- See six to eight of the city's most famous attractions in one day - although 3000 temples and 1700 shrines are too many even for us
- Discover the main attractions as well as the hidden gems that are tucked away nearby
- Eat and drink authentic Japanese food by picking up street food recommended by your host or stopping by at a local eatery
- Get tips from your host regarding exciting places to visit during the rest of your stay
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
8 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Private and personalized experience
8 hours with a host
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
What’s not included
Food and drink
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
Meeting point
The host will be waiting you at Matsumoto Kiyoshi Kyoto Shijo KawaramachiCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat 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 mostWhat you’ll do
See six to eight sights that put Kyoto on any traveler’s bucket list, like the wood-built streets of Higashiyama and the city’s nearby geisha district, Gion, where you’ll find lantern-lit izakaya and street entertainment. Explore ancient architecture – from the Kyoto Imperial Palace to hilltop Kiyomizu-dera – and see those less-frequented, like Yasaka Pagoda and its secret upstairs viewpoint.
For a history lesson in central Kyoto, head to Fushimi and Nishijin – the old sake brewing and weaving districts – and visit the centuries-old Nishiki Market for the best street food. You’ll experience Kyoto’s popular pastimes with your host–from watching the Kamo River sunset to taking a 30-minute train ride north to the Kurama onsen, Japan’s natural hot springs.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
Surrounded by centuries of tradition
Night Lights & Lantern Legends
Charmed in Gion
Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections
Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera
Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto
Morning Light & Timeless Streets
Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around
Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way
Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine
A Table Full of Stories
New Friends in Old Streets
Tempura & Togetherness
The Fox Shrine Crew
Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins
Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company
Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections
Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates
Big smiles and even bigger stories
Soft Steps & Serene Views
From ancient torii gates to new friendships
A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city
Wandering through a forest of giants
A day filled with culture and laughter
Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades
Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm
A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley
The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.
Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope
Pagoda Postcard Vibes
Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted
Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto
Walking through these thousand torii gates
A Ryokan-Style Feast
Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove
Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari
Matcha Dreams Come True
Cocktails with a view
A walk through time
Rural charm and cultural calm
A peaceful pause with Kannon
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What travelers think of this experience
Jonathan
Apr 2025
Kenta was outstanding. Hugely insightful and interesting on each of the locations we visited and great at getting the best out of each site (such as avoiding the crowds sometimes). A nice blend of the obvious main attractions and a couple of the lesser known places worked really well. Excellent lunch location in the market too! Kenta was so easy to get along with, attentive to our pace and interests, and hitting just the right balance of talking and letting us look around on our own. Faultless as a guide - but more importantly, really helpful and friendly too. Thank you Kenta! Very highly recommended!
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Jonathan
Apr 2025
Kenta was outstanding. Hugely insightful and interesting on each of the locations we visited and great at getting the best out of each site (such as avoiding the crowds sometimes). A nice blend of the obvious main attractions and a couple of the lesser known places worked really well. Excellent lunch location in the market too! Kenta was so easy to get along with, attentive to our pace and interests, and hitting just the right balance of talking and letting us look around on our own. Faultless as a guide - but more importantly, helpful and friendly too. Thank you Kenta! Highly Recommended!
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Bryce
Mar 2025
We had a wonderful experience exploring Kyoto with Austin! He was very knowledgeable and friendly and planned the perfect itinerary for a full day with our teenage boys. Highly impressed!
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Alison
Mar 2025
Highly recommend booking with Alex Oberti, it was like being shown around Kyoto by a friend. He was so knowledgeable about the history and the best eats around town.
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Alison
Mar 2025
A tour with Alex Oberti is like having a friend show you around his home town. He was so knowledgeable about the rich history of numerous spots, so kind and generous with his time (he told us to text him if we need any further recommendations while we are in town). We had a couple of sceptics in our group on whether a tour was a worthwhile investment but Alex added so much value, kept everyone engaged and gave “the navigators” of our group a day off.
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Marianne
Jan 2025
Toga is fantastic! A day with him as our guide made us fall in love with Kyoto. He is very knowledgeable about the sites, thoughful in planning and kind in manner. He even provided recommendations for our following days in Kyoto and Tokyo.
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