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Cultural tour activities in Kamo River

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Top-rated cultural tours

View our most highly rated experiences, loved by guests.

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 2066 reviews

Explore Kyoto in a Kimono

Choose a kimono, get styled, and explore Kyoto's historic streets. ＊Please note that we cannot dress pregnant women

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 219 reviews

Kyoto Gion Walk with Local: Culture & Geisha World

Explore Gion with Michael’s local guide team, from Shirakawa and geisha culture to historic temples, shrines and Nene no Michi. Discover the stories and traditions behind Kyoto’s iconic district.

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 96 reviews

Kyoto Arashiyama Chopstick Making Workshop

Create your own wooden chopsticks in a hands-on workshop in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. Learn about the cultural significance of chopsticks in Japan and take home a unique souvenir.

4.94 out of 5 average rating, 2488 reviews

Learn tea ceremony in traditional Kyoto townhouse

Recently matcha tea has become popular all over the world. Matcha plays a very important role in a traditional tea ceremony. However, learning it means much more than just learning to make matcha.

4.85 out of 5 average rating, 1481 reviews

Kyoto: Izakaya Bar Crawl with Local Guide

Discover Kyoto’s hidden nightlife with a local guide. Explore traditional izakaya and cozy bars, enjoy Japanese food and drinks, and experience the authentic atmosphere of Kyoto after dark.

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 595 reviews

Prepare matcha in a 100-year-old house

Discover the traditional tea ceremony in a historic Kyo-machiya, a 100-year-old townhouse.

4.97 out of 5 average rating, 1669 reviews

Experience kyoto's tea culture

Join me for a unique tea ceremony and learn about our culture through the art of matcha.

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 303 reviews

Kimono Photoshoot in Kyoto Gion

We are photography studio and based in Kyoto with more than 14 years of experiences. For casual, pre-wedding, or other types of photoshoot in other locations, message us. Ins: boonchenglimphotography

4.93 out of 5 average rating, 974 reviews

Cycle and Discover the real face of Kyoto

Discover Kyoto’s real face on a relaxed-paced bike ride and meet locals. Fun way to get around and avoid crowds. E-bikes available. Join with a child? Please read the policy and inquire in advance.

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 374 reviews

Traditional Kyoto Kimono Experience

Would you like to step into the world of traditional Japanese culture through an authentic kimono dressing experience in the centre of Kyoto? Choose your favorite kimono from our carefully selected collection, and we will dress you in the traditional way using professional techniques. Kyoto is a city that is friendly to people wearing kimonos, so you can go out to various places and return by 8 pm. This experience is perfect for couples, friends, and solo travellers who want to enjoy Kyoto in a special way.

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Immerse yourself in Japanese traditional culture: experience the three arts of Kodo (incense ceremony), Sado (tea ceremony) and Kado (flower arrangement), with Kodo Sanpin Oeda-ryu Monko (incense appreciation), matcha and Kado Nageire (flower arrangement)

Enjoy an authentic and fun experience of the essence of Japan's traditional cultures of the Way of Incense, the Way of Tea, and the Way of Flowers. The Way of Incense is a tradition that began in the Muromachi period, where aristocrats would identify the scents of aromatic woods. In the Mishima Oeda school of Kodo, you will experience the essence of a Koseki (incense ceremony) by arranging flowers according to the theme of the day's Kumiko (a game of identifying scents), smelling the incense, and enjoying tea after identifying the scents. Enjoy a moment of Japanese culture as you arrange flowers, smell the fragrance of incense wood, and savour matcha tea.

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Traditional Tea Ceremony in a Kimono in Kyoto

Dress in a traditional kimono, join a host trained in classic matcha ceremony for a detailed look at its manners and steps, then pause for composed photos.

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Speak Japanese & Explore Arashiyama

Learn beginner Japanese at a café, then explore Arashiyama. Visit a shrine, walk through the bamboo grove, learn about culture, and practice ordering food in Japanese.Japanese Level: Absolute Beginner

5 out of 5 average rating, 1 reviews

Tea Ceremony in a 120-Year-Old Kyoto House

Experience Japanese tea culture in a Kyoto townhouse over 120 years old, located on Ninen-zaka Slope near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. We introduce the basic etiquette, such as the history of the tea ceremony and tea, how to behave in a tea room, and how to handle tea bowls, in a way that is easy for beginners to understand. In addition to matcha, you will compare sencha and hojicha, which are made from the same tea plant, and learn about the differences in aroma and flavour due to the production methods. Finally, use a bamboo whisk to prepare matcha yourself and enjoy it with seasonal Japanese sweets.

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Sumo Show & Full Course of Wagyu Beef or Tuna - Kyoto Food and Culture Experience Tour

This is a tour where you can enjoy a sumo show and challenge along with an authentic Wagyu beef or tuna set menu. First, the MC will give an explanation of the history of sumo, and then the wrestlers will appear and recreate their training. Next, watch the sumo wrestlers compete in three matches. Finally, everyone who wishes to can take part in a sumo challenge. After the show, you can enjoy a Wagyu beef or tuna set meal with all-you-can-drink for 2 hours. * The 7:15 pm plan starts with the meal and then moves on to the show.

5 out of 5 average rating, 1 reviews

Kyoto: Custom-Made Japanese Samurai Replica Sword

Craft your own Japanese replica sword in a hands-on workshop in Kyoto. Cast the blade, choose your scabbard and handle, and learn about the history of Japanese swords.

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Kyoto’s "8 Million Gods" Bike Adventure

Experience a side of the ancient capital most tourists miss. This 3-4 hour cycling journey skips the "tourist traps" to visit 10 remarkable shrines with quirky, modern-day powers.

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Understanding Zen: Zazen meditation, a hidden famous garden, a legendary tea master, and wabi-sabi

This tour offers an experience of authentic zazen meditation and the profound Japanese culture at a historic temple in Kyoto. The host, who specialises in Japanese history, will provide a clear explanation of the temple's historical background and the essence of Zen philosophy. You will spend a quality moment forgetting about everyday life, practising zazen to regulate your breathing and mind in the main hall, a traditional Japanese building. Afterwards, we will stroll through the alleys of Kyoto together. We will offer you a special experience that goes beyond superficial sightseeing, where you can enjoy the stories of history and the depth of culture with all five senses, combining intellectual curiosity with a sense of calm.

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Traditional Japanese Games for Families in Kyoto

AriHana Kyoto is an indoor playground offering cultural activities in Kyoto. Families can enjoy traditional Japanese play, like origami, together at their own pace.

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Katsuo-ji, Arashiyama & Kinkaku-ji from Kyoto

Explore Katsuo-ji, Kimono Forest, Arashiyama Bamboo, Nonomiya Shrine, and Golden Pavilion on this full-day sightseeing tour. Includes English guide and transport.

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