Unique things to do in Kyoto
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Unique things to do in Kyoto

Book unforgettable activities hosted by locals on Airbnb.

Top-rated activities

Japanese tea ceremony experience in ANKOAN, KYOTO
You can make a reservation to participate in the tea ceremony experience in our studio, enjoy the 60-minute service and immerse yourself in the unique Japanese culture tour. The Tea Ceremony experience in ANKOAN kicks out your fatigue in the journey. While tasting the welcome tea made by Yuka, you can talk about the tea ceremony and whatever. Then move to another layer of matcha tearoom, watching the process of making Matcha tea and tasting Matcha and delicious Wagashi. At this time, you’d better observe the teacher's action for making matcha carefully. Do you know why? Because you will experience to make mathca personally later on. But don't worry, the teacher will be around you to instruct and explain, so that you can fully experience the fun of making Japanese matcha. At the same time, we can share what we see and what we feel, such as "how do Japanese people live?", "how did Japanese culture come into being?” and so on. With the experience of matcha, we, from different cultures, can get closer to each other in the process of communication, which is the highlight of tea ceremony experience in ANKOAN. And then, please get down to tasting the matcha made by yourself, which contains Japan's profound culture, and end this pleasant experience. In addition: you can take pictures indoor freely. Other things to note =Business Hours= 10:00-18:00 =Off Day= December 31st to January 3rd ※We will be closed for attending lectures abroad or domestic activities. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
Don’t get caught standing in a crowd of tourists trying to get a good photo. We provide a personal hiking experience. This is the ONLY tour at Fushimi Inari which goes off paved paths, onto actual forest trails. We know of hidden bamboo groves and beautiful evergreens around Fushimi Inari Shrine. Local trails lead us to the main shrine with thousands of red torii gates, and we know of secluded trails that lead to old and hidden alters. We will begin at Tofukuji Station and wander into a quiet neighborhood, visiting small shrines on the way to the mountain. Then take a trail to see a wonderful bamboo grove, and connect to the main path filled with the famous vermilion torii gates. We will reach the summit of the mountain, which is covered in the ​shrine alters and then venture back down the mountain on a forested trail, visiting smaller shrines on the way to another bamboo grove. This will lead us to the most famous area of Fushimi Inari, perfect for a memorable photo. We will finish at the main shrine at the base of the mountain, where you can enjoy some local street food before you continue your adventure in the wonderful city of Kyoto. Please understand that this is a hike, not a normal walk, so it will require some effort. We will not recommend joining if you have trouble walking or not in a good condition.
Tea ceremony in Kyoto Townhouse
Recently matcha green tea has become very popular all around the world. As you may know, matcha plays a very important role in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. However, learning about Japanese tea ceremony means much more than just learning to make matcha. Let's find the concept and philosophy behind this performing art. At first, you will learn the basic concepts and ideas of tea ceremony. You will also learn how to behave in a tea room and appreciate its decoration. Next, you'll watch a demonstration of "the way of tea". We think you will enjoy the quiet and serene atmosphere. And now let's make your own tea! We will tell you how to drink it, and also serve you a specially selected Japanese cake. Come, step into the world of profound spirituality and set your soul free, and let's have fun together!! Other things to note * Please arrive on time. We cannot allow latecomers to join a session once it has started. * The average number of participants is 6-7 people, but please note the maximum count is 12 people.
KIMONO & PHOTOSHOOT in KYOTO GION
Welcome to my experience! :-) There are two parts in this experiences: Kimono dressing and Photoshoot. [ Kimono dressing ] ■ Arrive kimono shop 1.5-2 hrs BEFORE the SCHEDULED TIME of photoshoot ■ Select the right Kimono ■ A professional kitsuke sensei will help with wearing the Kimono ■ Then a professional stylist will help with hair styling ■ Kimono upgrade/Make-up service is available with additional fee (decide at the shop) [ Photoshoot ] ■ We meet at the Kimono shop ON the SCHEDULED TIME ■ Walk around Kyoto Gion area ■ As we walk together, I will suggest some suitable spots for photoshoot ■ I will take photo group by group ■ Session length is normally 90 min (Except for single participant non-private session - 60 min) ■ After the photoshoot, you can wear the kimono until 6pm [ About photo ] ■ all unedited JPEG 200-400 photos, send via cloud drive (within 1-5 days) ■ 10 edited full resolution photos per participant [ Note ] ■ You can always ask me if I can open the schedule for you if it’s not listed We also provide full scale package for half/full day casual or pre-wedding photoshoot at any locations within Japan. Please contact me for details. Other airbnb photoshoots experiences in Kansai area: ■ Kyoto Gion ■ Kyoto Gion with Kimono ■ Kyoto Fushimi Inari ■ Kyoto Fushimi Inari with Kimono ■ Kyoto Arashiyama ■ Nara Park ■ Osaka Castle
Kyoto Foodie Night Tour
We will share a course-meal ranging from modern to traditional Japanese food across 4-6 food stands and restaurants. I have chosen these vendors to talk about quality food and rich food culture that represent Kyoto. Throughout the evening, we will try many kinds of foods that highlight Kyoto's rich culture. Other things to note: - Please let me know if you have food restrictions or allergies at least a week beforehand. I might not be able to fully accommodate restrictions as it is a group experience. - This experience is run by either myself or another trusted local guide. - I update my tour availability by the 3rd week for next month. Even if you don't see availability, please check back later.

Explore local traditions

Inside of Fushimi Inari - exploring and lunch with locals
This is a 3-hour 30-minute hiking lead by locals. Soba noodle Lunch is included. You will experience the holy mountain of Fushimi through an alternative off-beaten path. This experience includes: 1) Sightseeing of the main shrine and thousands of red gates, with an explanation of their history and cultural background. 2) Easy walking through a peaceful bamboo and cedar tree forest path, visiting authentic holy spots (worship stones & waterfall) and a factory. 3) Going up a forest route to the summit shrine (20 min). The summit is 233m high, and I will show you around the shrine. 4) Photo-shooting part. On the way down, I will show you lots of photogenic spots that are usually less crowded. 5) Snack & drink, and the breathtaking panorama view of Kyoto city from the viewpoint. 6) Lunch at the best soba restaurant. Vegan options are available but tell us IN ADVANCE. Other things to note: Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a hands-free backpack for hiking. The paths are well-organized, but you will go up/down some stairs. The time schedule may differ depending on your walking speed.
Nara Cycling along River into DeerPark
It's beautiful & fresh cycling along the river, which no tourists visit, and we go through local Japanese neighborhood districts, which are beautiful, cozy, and quiet. Especially hidden gems in Nara, cycling along the Saho river, which only local people visit :) With fewer tourists, no cars, and no stress, you'll get a relaxed feeling from a busy Osaka/Kyoto stay. And in Nara park, beside the crowded and busy Todaiji-big Buddha (600yen entrance fee), few people go up to Nigatsudo hall on the hill. This is because the view from the Nigatsu-do hall is just breathtakingly beautiful. But you've got to ride your bicycle up there. So it's a little bit of exercise. We can feed the deer in Nara park while we go cycling around. I'll get the deer crackers for you :) And I'll take some lovely group photos of you while cycling. I'm an excellent selfie photographer! From Nigatsudo hall to the station, it's all the way downhill. But it's an easy way back! We'll get our raincoats and walk around the park if it rains hard. (We ride buses between the station and the park.) There is a sake brewery in town, and we can try Sake tasting if you want. (500yen Extra charge) Other things to note Please make sure that you can ride bicycles very well. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for cycling. Please bring your cap or hat to prevent health problems caused by heat strokes.
Photoshoot in Kyoto Gion
Thanks for checking out and welcome to my experience! :-) [ On the day ] ■ We meet at the meeting point on the scheduled time. I will send you a map link. ■ Walk around Kyoto Gion area. ■ As we walk together, I will suggest some suitable spots for photoshoot. ■ I will take photo group by group. ■ Don’t worry about posing as I will guide you along the way. ■ Session length is normally 90 min (Except for single participant non-private session - 60 min) [ About photo ] ■ all unedited JPEG 200-400 photos, send via cloud drive (within 1-5 days) ■ 10 edited full resolution photos per participant [ Note ] ■ You can always ask me if I can open the schedule for you if it’s not listed ■ Children below 2 years old can join for free. Please present his/her passport for age verification during the photoshoot. ■ The tour does not included paid location, if you wish to enter paid attraction, kindly pay for my entrance fee ■ This photoshoot is intended as casual travel photography for your own private usage only We also provide full scale packages for half/full day casual or pre-wedding photoshoot at any locations within Japan. Please contact me for details. Other airbnb photoshoots experiences in Kansai area: ■ Kyoto Gion ■ Kyoto Gion with Kimono ■ Kyoto Fushimi Inari ■ Kyoto Fushimi Inari with Kimono ■ Kyoto Arashiyama ■ Nara Park ■ Osaka Castle
Kyoto Pro Photo Shoots & Tours
"Contact Host" button to request a 'time' of your choice, or on IG at snapkyoto. Last Minute is OKAY. I check my phone 24/7, almost :) Group Discount 20-35% This photoshoot includes: +50 stunning professional photos (within 24 hours) +A deep tour of Kyoto's culture, history, people etc. +A pleasant guide, maybe the funniest in Kyoto :) Best Light: (1) Sunset, (2) Cloudy Days, (3) Rainy & (4) Sunny (5) Nighttime *rainy days are good for photos but heavy shower or stormy days are no good. We can reschedule. +This booking is 1 Hour for the old Gion/higashiyama area, but you can request another must-see area, like: Fushimi Inari, Golden Pavilion, or Arashiyama Bamboo Forest etc. Or combine with a longer photo tour (addtional fee required): *3 Hours covering half of Kyoto (2 main areas) *6 Hours covering the whole Kyoto (4 main areas) *3 Hours Photo Bicycle Tour (biking+photos+tour) For more info & Portfolio: "snapkyoto dot com" @snapkyoto (ig)
Exploring Kyoto's Hidden Charms Through Bohemian Photograph
Embark on a soul-stirring journey, capturing the timeless play of light and shadow in the ancient capital. Freeze those beautiful moments with Mimir's lens, creating lasting memories. Each frame tells a story of captured nostalgia. Customize your own 2-3 hour off-the-beaten-path adventure. For two or more individuals, we can provide traditional Kyoto machiya or Japanese-style home indoor shooting locations (advanced notice required). Props available: fans, umbrellas, sunglasses, masks, and more. Services available in English, Chinese, and Japanese. A few things to keep in mind: 1. Punctuality is key. 2. While Mimir suggests some fantastic locations, your input is more than welcome. 3. Dressing up a bit can add a touch of magic to your photos. 4. Questions about the schedule or locations? Feel free to shoot Mimir a message. 5. Interested? Drop him a private message first! Avoid placing direct orders.

Most popular in Kyoto

Off The Beaten Path Local Craft Sake Bar Crawl
Top rated Japanese night life here where even close enough from Kyoto ! Please read detailed guest review to get to know more about my tour! "Let's get away from TOURIST TRAP like Doutonbori/Namba area and dive into deep local side ! Experience of this bar crawl will walk around deep side of Osaka, If you’re looking for "off the beaten path" munchies experience beyond Namba or Doutonbori area in Osaka, HERE is for YOU who want to glimpse what a real local night life is. Let me take you to three SPECIAL standing bar which most of them are originally opened as "liquor store" turned out to be a "Tapas Bar". Great things that we will have quality food/drinks as very reasonable price! You will encounter a bunch of flavorful food/drinks surrounded by full of local. You will be fit in well to local life without language barrier. I'll order my favorite taste which something "adventurous" and Japanese mum's cooking, sure fire food like seasonal sashimi, variety of meat and veggies. If you find your favorite sake, you can buy a bottle in order to have your souvenir! Let's enjoy the night out together like a local. besides, I would like to talk about culture differences! I’m music, movies and nature lover. Other things to note Food and drinks are NOT included in the tour fee. Average cost is about 6000 Yen in TOTAL 3 restaurant. Vegetarian friendly! LGBTQ friendly!
Kyoto Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl
Please find out this tour on IG #travel.japan_together Let's enjoy bar hopping tour at Kyoto city center!! We're exploring "Kawaramachi" and "Kiyamachi" areas, where local Kyoto people enjoy drinking. We will take you to real local bar and izakaya, difficult to find for foreigners. Also take you to some deep & hidden places you never know. This experience is not just for local foods and drinks, give you the opportunity to connect with local people. Cannot wait to show you guys around my city!! We will eat during the tour, so you don't need to eat before the tour. Let's enjoy food and drink like local! If you have special request related to place, food, date and so on, we can organize the tour up to your requests. <What's included> ○ 3 hours with a local guide ○ Admission fee is free ✖️ Alcoholic Beverages ✖️ Dinner ※We split the total amount, and 99 yen or less will be rounded up to make accounting smoother. ※If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance.
Complete Kyoto Tour in One Day, Visit All 12 Popular Sights!
Welcome to Kyoto, Japan! Let’s dive into and discover Kyoto's kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. Explore as many as 12 attractions in the city on this full day tour. We take you to the must-see sights and also show you the hidden gems of each location. Let’s stroll the city on foot and by metro like a local for the day. Transportation and the street in the area are very complicated, even for the Japanese. However, all our guides were born and raised in Japan, have lived for a long time close to the area, and are well-trained expert locals. So, we can take you to so many places, at the best time, within a limited timeframe. We recommend you join our tour on your first day in Kyoto. Because, you can learn not only about sights, but also about Japanese history, culture, society, ways of thinking, values and even about local etiquette, how to take public transportations, our everyday life. But above all, the best part of travelling is good food. This tour will take you to some of the best-known restaurants you should not miss when you are in the area, as well as hidden gems recommended by locals. 【Places to visit】 JR Saga-Arashiyama station at 8:50 Arashiyama, Randen Tram Line, Ryoan-ji Temple, Sushi-go-round (lunch, Ramen, Kara-Age, Beer), Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-zaka slope, Kiyomizu Temple, Sanneizaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Gion area, Gion shopping street
Osaka Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl
Please find out this tour on IG #travel.japan_together Bar hopping tour at Dotonbori & Uranamba area. "Uranamba" is the area many local Osaka people enjoy drinking. We will take you to real local bar and izakaya, difficult to find for foreigners. Also take you to some deep & hidden places you never know. This experience is not just for local foods and drinks, give you the opportunity to connect with local people. Cannot wait to show you guys around my city!! We will eat during the tour, so you don't need to eat before the tour. Let's enjoy food and drink like local! If you have special request related to place, food, date and so on, we can organize the tour up to your requests. <What's included> ○ 3 hours with a local guide ○ Admission fee is free ✖️ Alcoholic Beverages ✖️ Dinner ※We split the total amount, and 99 yen or less will be rounded up to make accounting smoother. ※If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance.
Samurai Training with Modern-day Musashi
In this 120-minute activity, you will wear the proper training gear and hold real katana swords to train just like the samurai did. The experience of handling a katana correctly and cutting through objects will be something you will never forget. The content of this experience 1. Getting dressed in the training gear 2. Learning how to draw and sheath the katana safely 3. Learning how to swing the katana correctly 4. Cutting rolled tatami mats with a real katana 5. Watching the master's katana performance Why Choose Us 1. An instructor with 20+ years of training Many facilities have undertrained instructors who can only teach tourists. Your instructor here has over 100 students nationwide and over 20 years of training experience. 2. The venue is a real dojo We are not a tourist spot but a real dojo where more than 20 students train regularly. 3. Everything is interpreted in English perfectly Shogo from the YouTube “Let’s ask Shogo (1.7M subs)”, who is a student of this dojo himself, will interpret everything in English perfectly.

Activities near top attractions

Dotonbori3,588 locals recommend
Osaka Castle Park3,465 locals recommend
Nijo Castle1,725 locals recommend
Kiyomizu-dera1,521 locals recommend
Umeda Sky Building1,337 locals recommend
Kyoto Station1,291 locals recommend

All activities near Kyoto

Kyoto Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl
Please find out this tour on IG #travel.japan_together Let's enjoy bar hopping tour at Kyoto city center!! We're exploring "Kawaramachi" and "Kiyamachi" areas, where local Kyoto people enjoy drinking. We will take you to real local bar and izakaya, difficult to find for foreigners. Also take you to some deep & hidden places you never know. This experience is not just for local foods and drinks, give you the opportunity to connect with local people. Cannot wait to show you guys around my city!! We will eat during the tour, so you don't need to eat before the tour. Let's enjoy food and drink like local! If you have special request related to place, food, date and so on, we can organize the tour up to your requests. <What's included> ○ 3 hours with a local guide ○ Admission fee is free ✖️ Alcoholic Beverages ✖️ Dinner ※We split the total amount, and 99 yen or less will be rounded up to make accounting smoother. ※If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance.
Japanese tea ceremony experience in ANKOAN, KYOTO
You can make a reservation to participate in the tea ceremony experience in our studio, enjoy the 60-minute service and immerse yourself in the unique Japanese culture tour. The Tea Ceremony experience in ANKOAN kicks out your fatigue in the journey. While tasting the welcome tea made by Yuka, you can talk about the tea ceremony and whatever. Then move to another layer of matcha tearoom, watching the process of making Matcha tea and tasting Matcha and delicious Wagashi. At this time, you’d better observe the teacher's action for making matcha carefully. Do you know why? Because you will experience to make mathca personally later on. But don't worry, the teacher will be around you to instruct and explain, so that you can fully experience the fun of making Japanese matcha. At the same time, we can share what we see and what we feel, such as "how do Japanese people live?", "how did Japanese culture come into being?” and so on. With the experience of matcha, we, from different cultures, can get closer to each other in the process of communication, which is the highlight of tea ceremony experience in ANKOAN. And then, please get down to tasting the matcha made by yourself, which contains Japan's profound culture, and end this pleasant experience. In addition: you can take pictures indoor freely. Other things to note =Business Hours= 10:00-18:00 =Off Day= December 31st to January 3rd ※We will be closed for attending lectures abroad or domestic activities. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
Don’t get caught standing in a crowd of tourists trying to get a good photo. We provide a personal hiking experience. This is the ONLY tour at Fushimi Inari which goes off paved paths, onto actual forest trails. We know of hidden bamboo groves and beautiful evergreens around Fushimi Inari Shrine. Local trails lead us to the main shrine with thousands of red torii gates, and we know of secluded trails that lead to old and hidden alters. We will begin at Tofukuji Station and wander into a quiet neighborhood, visiting small shrines on the way to the mountain. Then take a trail to see a wonderful bamboo grove, and connect to the main path filled with the famous vermilion torii gates. We will reach the summit of the mountain, which is covered in the ​shrine alters and then venture back down the mountain on a forested trail, visiting smaller shrines on the way to another bamboo grove. This will lead us to the most famous area of Fushimi Inari, perfect for a memorable photo. We will finish at the main shrine at the base of the mountain, where you can enjoy some local street food before you continue your adventure in the wonderful city of Kyoto. Please understand that this is a hike, not a normal walk, so it will require some effort. We will not recommend joining if you have trouble walking or not in a good condition.
Tea ceremony in Kyoto Townhouse
Recently matcha green tea has become very popular all around the world. As you may know, matcha plays a very important role in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. However, learning about Japanese tea ceremony means much more than just learning to make matcha. Let's find the concept and philosophy behind this performing art. At first, you will learn the basic concepts and ideas of tea ceremony. You will also learn how to behave in a tea room and appreciate its decoration. Next, you'll watch a demonstration of "the way of tea". We think you will enjoy the quiet and serene atmosphere. And now let's make your own tea! We will tell you how to drink it, and also serve you a specially selected Japanese cake. Come, step into the world of profound spirituality and set your soul free, and let's have fun together!! Other things to note * Please arrive on time. We cannot allow latecomers to join a session once it has started. * The average number of participants is 6-7 people, but please note the maximum count is 12 people.
KIMONO & PHOTOSHOOT in KYOTO GION
Welcome to my experience! :-) There are two parts in this experiences: Kimono dressing and Photoshoot. [ Kimono dressing ] ■ Arrive kimono shop 1.5-2 hrs BEFORE the SCHEDULED TIME of photoshoot ■ Select the right Kimono ■ A professional kitsuke sensei will help with wearing the Kimono ■ Then a professional stylist will help with hair styling ■ Kimono upgrade/Make-up service is available with additional fee (decide at the shop) [ Photoshoot ] ■ We meet at the Kimono shop ON the SCHEDULED TIME ■ Walk around Kyoto Gion area ■ As we walk together, I will suggest some suitable spots for photoshoot ■ I will take photo group by group ■ Session length is normally 90 min (Except for single participant non-private session - 60 min) ■ After the photoshoot, you can wear the kimono until 6pm [ About photo ] ■ all unedited JPEG 200-400 photos, send via cloud drive (within 1-5 days) ■ 10 edited full resolution photos per participant [ Note ] ■ You can always ask me if I can open the schedule for you if it’s not listed We also provide full scale package for half/full day casual or pre-wedding photoshoot at any locations within Japan. Please contact me for details. Other airbnb photoshoots experiences in Kansai area: ■ Kyoto Gion ■ Kyoto Gion with Kimono ■ Kyoto Fushimi Inari ■ Kyoto Fushimi Inari with Kimono ■ Kyoto Arashiyama ■ Nara Park ■ Osaka Castle
Experience Kimono in Kyoto
First, choosing a kimono ♫ From among our collection, choose your favorite kimono. After deciding on your kimono, it is time for accessories!From obi to bags to other various accessories, you create your own unique kimono style! Our staff will help advise you on kimono styling and assist you in choosing the perfect accessories for your kimono!Hair-styling is free! Hair accessories are also free! I also gift you with a pair of tabi, or special socks to wear with kimono, as a memory of your trip!(October through May only) I conduct all hair-styling and kimono-dressing in a private room, so you will be able to relax and enjoy your privacy while getting ready.From choosing your kimono and obi to personal recommendations of the best places to visit in Kyoto, our staff will help advise you on where and how to go. After everything is done, it`s finally time to explore the streets of Kyoto!I ask that you return your kimono by 17:00. During the summer months, I will prepare Yukata. There are also men's kimonos and kimonos / yukatas for children over 4 years old. Enjoy the city of Kyoto with your family. Fitting+hair styling takes approximately 20~30 minutes per person. After styling, you are free to explore Kyoto! *As makeup is not included, please do it yourself. We are unable to dress pregnant women for health and safety reasons.
Complete Kyoto Tour in One Day, Visit All 12 Popular Sights!
Welcome to Kyoto, Japan! Let’s dive into and discover Kyoto's kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. Explore as many as 12 attractions in the city on this full day tour. We take you to the must-see sights and also show you the hidden gems of each location. Let’s stroll the city on foot and by metro like a local for the day. Transportation and the street in the area are very complicated, even for the Japanese. However, all our guides were born and raised in Japan, have lived for a long time close to the area, and are well-trained expert locals. So, we can take you to so many places, at the best time, within a limited timeframe. We recommend you join our tour on your first day in Kyoto. Because, you can learn not only about sights, but also about Japanese history, culture, society, ways of thinking, values and even about local etiquette, how to take public transportations, our everyday life. But above all, the best part of travelling is good food. This tour will take you to some of the best-known restaurants you should not miss when you are in the area, as well as hidden gems recommended by locals. 【Places to visit】 JR Saga-Arashiyama station at 8:50 Arashiyama, Randen Tram Line, Ryoan-ji Temple, Sushi-go-round (lunch, Ramen, Kara-Age, Beer), Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-zaka slope, Kiyomizu Temple, Sanneizaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Gion area, Gion shopping street
Samurai Training with Modern-day Musashi
In this 120-minute activity, you will wear the proper training gear and hold real katana swords to train just like the samurai did. The experience of handling a katana correctly and cutting through objects will be something you will never forget. The content of this experience 1. Getting dressed in the training gear 2. Learning how to draw and sheath the katana safely 3. Learning how to swing the katana correctly 4. Cutting rolled tatami mats with a real katana 5. Watching the master's katana performance Why Choose Us 1. An instructor with 20+ years of training Many facilities have undertrained instructors who can only teach tourists. Your instructor here has over 100 students nationwide and over 20 years of training experience. 2. The venue is a real dojo We are not a tourist spot but a real dojo where more than 20 students train regularly. 3. Everything is interpreted in English perfectly Shogo from the YouTube “Let’s ask Shogo (1.7M subs)”, who is a student of this dojo himself, will interpret everything in English perfectly.
Kyoto Foodie Night Tour
We will share a course-meal ranging from modern to traditional Japanese food across 4-6 food stands and restaurants. I have chosen these vendors to talk about quality food and rich food culture that represent Kyoto. Throughout the evening, we will try many kinds of foods that highlight Kyoto's rich culture. Other things to note: - Please let me know if you have food restrictions or allergies at least a week beforehand. I might not be able to fully accommodate restrictions as it is a group experience. - This experience is run by either myself or another trusted local guide. - I update my tour availability by the 3rd week for next month. Even if you don't see availability, please check back later.
Learn Sashiko, Japanese traditional folk embroidery
In my workshop, you will make one SASHIKO coaster of your own. You can choose your favorite pattern from various samplers, and I’ll teach how to stitch from scratch. You can also choose the color of thread and fabric to make your original one. All the tools and materials (threads, fabric and the needle) will be provided. You don't have to bring anything but your creativity! There are mainly two methods in sashiko; Moyou-zashi and Hitome-zashi. My workshop is specialized in Hitome-zashi technique. It uses grid lines as a guide to stitch. After stitching horizontal lines all the way, we add the vertical lines or diagonal lines(depends on the pattern). You will be just amazed how the beautiful pattern emerges as you stitch. Both the beginners and the experienced embroiderers are welcomed since you can choose the pattern to make. Please come and join me to experience Japanese beautiful folk embroidery.
Samurai Sword Experience in Kyoto / Family & Kid Friendly
Put on a traditional samurai outfit and wield a katana just like a real samurai! This is the only samurai sword experience in Kyoto where you get hands-on experience, unlike costume play. The Samurai & Ninja Museum Kyoto is a unique, experience-based museum that lets you get up close and personal with history. Our special Samurai Sword Experience for Kids and Families lets you and your family become modern-day samurais-in-training for a day! An absolute must for anyone passing through the ancient capital city of Kyoto. This family friendly experience museum is guaranteed to please any and all who enter. Whether an avid samurai and ninja fan, a martial artist or even just a passing interest in Japan's fascinating history, there is something for everyone. This experience offers not just a fully guided tour of the museum (In English) but also great activities to enjoy. The whole activities take about 1 and a half hours. This tickets includes: ・Wearing a Hakama or traditional Japanese outfit ・A hands on lesson about how to use the samurai sword ・How to have an appropriate posture, how to attack and how to wield a katana. ・A guided tour of Samurai and Ninja Museum of Japan Kyoto ・Wearing a samurai outfit and samurai helmet ・Ninja weapons trial
Traditional Kyoto-style Bookmaking
" Book Binding Workshop" 1. select book cover ( you can choose from our collection of old kimono textile / old cloth textile / varieties of fabrics ) 2. stitch the interior pages of the book by hand 3. cut the edge of the book to size 4. measure the book cover & other materials 5. set and arrange all paper and make book cover 6. assemble the interior of the book and book cover 7. press by hot iron with candle 8. use pressing tools to press book 9. glue on the cover of the book -finish- Other things to note: - If you are book lovers, we are happy to offer another class FOR BOOK LOVERS, class including FULL experience like Embossing ( please check another workshop of tsutomu ! - If you'd try Japanese Original book style , we reommend STAMPBOOK class. ( please check another workshop of tsutomu ! - If you are the family, we are very welcome. Under 5years old children might be difficult to have standard corse. In that case, KIMONO SKETCHBOOK class would be better ( please check another workshop of me, yoko !
Hidden Kyoto E-Biking
A cycling tour through Kyoto city should be more than just a simple ride-around, we take you deep inside. Our 9 km tour is focused on experiencing, exploring, and discovering Kyoto’s best-kept secrets, all in a short riding distance from our shop. Tranquil and contemplative Zen gardens, magnificent temples and shrines, we have carefully curated a tour that offers uniquely contrasting environments showcasing Kyoto’s distinctive history, culture, design, and craft. We have 3 departure times, 9am, 9:30, and 1pm. You must arrive 15 minutes before your departure. If you are late and miss the tour it's non-refundable. If you plan on arriving right at the departure time you may miss the tour so please plan ahead. The tours are usually 3 hours and 45 minutes. Our tour starts and finishes at our shop in north-western Kyoto city. This is a boutique journey, designed for those who seek a more in-depth understanding of Kyoto’s landscape. It features a visit inside the famous Golden Pavilion, but also takes time to stop and relax at other unique meditative Zen Gardens that are off the beaten path. Other things to note Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. Late/no-shows are non-refundable. Most guests take a taxi to our shop. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes for a fantastic day on the bike. I will cancel and refund tours due to heavy rain, storms, or inclement weather.
Inside of Fushimi Inari - exploring and lunch with locals
This is a 3-hour 30-minute hiking lead by locals. Soba noodle Lunch is included. You will experience the holy mountain of Fushimi through an alternative off-beaten path. This experience includes: 1) Sightseeing of the main shrine and thousands of red gates, with an explanation of their history and cultural background. 2) Easy walking through a peaceful bamboo and cedar tree forest path, visiting authentic holy spots (worship stones & waterfall) and a factory. 3) Going up a forest route to the summit shrine (20 min). The summit is 233m high, and I will show you around the shrine. 4) Photo-shooting part. On the way down, I will show you lots of photogenic spots that are usually less crowded. 5) Snack & drink, and the breathtaking panorama view of Kyoto city from the viewpoint. 6) Lunch at the best soba restaurant. Vegan options are available but tell us IN ADVANCE. Other things to note: Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a hands-free backpack for hiking. The paths are well-organized, but you will go up/down some stairs. The time schedule may differ depending on your walking speed.
Kyoto Samurai Experience
This is an excellent chance for visitors to get a firsthand look into the world of the samurai. Get a glimpse into the philosophies of bushido, the way of the warrior, and try your hand at wielding a real katana. Afterwards, practice some inward reflection with Zen meditation, used by the samurai to calm their minds during battle. -Form Practice- Before being given a real blade it is important to master the basics. We will begin our training using wooden practice swords and instruct you on the proper grip, posture, and form. -A Real Katana (Japanese sword)- After learning the basics, the next step is to wield a real katana, and use it to cut though a goza mat. We will place this target on a special stand and you can put your sword skills to the test. -Zen (meditation)- The course wraps up with an experience of Zen meditation. Through this deep meditation, you will be able to dissipate some of the excitement from practicing with the sword, and also learn ways in which Zen meditation can assist you in your daily life. -Other things to note- * You are allowed to take photos and videos anytime anywhere during the experience. * We do offer private bookings, please contact us through our website.
  1. Airbnb
  2. Japan
  3. Kanto Region
  4. Kyoto