Experience Kyoto

First time in Kyoto and a bit overwhelmed? Or have you seen all the highlights already and are ready for a deep dive?

No matter how much you know about Kyoto and its 1200 years of history, a guided tour is always a good idea. You can choose among countless tours that are tailored exactly to your personal preferences and needs: on foot, on a bicycle or with a luxuriously airconditioned van; whether the most popular sights, tranquil gardens, or Kyoto's nightlife... the choice is yours

The best choice, if we may say so ourselves, are our very own Dark History Walks. Relive Kyoto's darkest hours - and its heroes - with our experienced guides.

A day in Kyoto is made truly special by the perfect outfit: a traditional Japanese kimono. Make the best of your visit to Kyoto and feel like a princess - or samurai while you're here. Indulge yourself and visit one of the many kimono rentals all over Kyoto that offer a large variety of different packages: From very affordable few hours rental to exclusive whole day tours around Kyoto with your personal photographer and everything in between. Highlights are getting styled as a geisha or samurai, wearing a real wedding outfit, or spending 45 minutes to get dressed in a fantastic junihitoe, a Heian-style 12-layered kimono.

Kyoto Kimono Rental RIKAWAFUKU offers everything from trendy and affordable kimono styles to authentic traditional attire.

The Japanese word for any kind of alcohol is o-sake, showing the importance of the drink for the culture here. Made from rice and deeply connected with the gods of Shinto, sake (or nihonshu in Japanese) is one of the things you absolutely must try when in Japan. And the best way not to get overwhelmed by all the different types of sake made by literally hundreds (if not thousands) of Japanese sake breweries is by going to a sake tasting. Learn how sake is made, try a variety of sake made all over Japan, and discover your personal favourite to take home.

The most popular drink in Japan is, by the amount that is consumed, green tea. It is served in restaurants when you sit down at your table and you can find it in every convenience store as a quick summer refreshment. The pinnacle of green tea culture, however, is a proper tea ceremony where a cup of matcha - powdered green tea - is prepared by a tea master in an elaborate ceremony. Watch carefully how your tea is made directly in the bowl - every movement is strictly prescribed and has a reason - and enjoy the calm surroundings of the room while sipping the tea with a traditional sweet.

There are a number of public events where matcha is served, you will find them in our event calendar. Alternatively, you can go for a private experience. If it's your first time, it might be best to bring along a Japanese friend who can help you with the proper etiquette even the guests have to observe.

Kodai-ji Temple: Almost every month, there is a special themed tea ceremony at Kodai-ji. Furthermore, private options are available for groups of more than 7 people or in a small tea room for 2 - 6 people. All tea ceremonies require a prior reservation under 075 - 561 -9966 (in Japanese only).

Since we're on the topic of calm surroundings, how about calming your mind too? Modern life can be tough, and sometimes even a vacation may not be enough to leave it all behind. Take an extra break within your break and take part in a meditation practice. Many of the Zen temples in Kyoto provide regular opportunities to spend some time doing zazen (sitting meditation). There are different types of offers, ranging from full-scale retreats to short individual lessons. There are many free lessons available, and don't worry: You will be welcome even as a beginner! Pro Tip: Wear loose clothing and bring shawls, water etc. as required.
In our calendar, you can find a selection of free zazen experiences you don't need a reservation for. Here are a few other options, see the websites for details. (Information below as of February 2026)

Chishakuin Temple holds an Ajikan Meditation Gathering, a special one-hour meditation practice of Shingon Buddhism, every 12th day of the month at 11:00 and 14:00. Reservations required through the page above; 500 yen per person, 15 people max.

Daisen-in Temple has Japanese zazen classes every Saturday, Sunday and 24th of each month at 16:30 - 17:45 (includes tea at the end). Reservations required on the website above or under 075 - 491 8346; 1500 yen per person.

Ryosoku-in Temple offers a Japanese zazen class of 90 min. at various dates and times. Reservations required (online); 2000 yen per person.

Shunko-in Temple offers an English zazen class with tea experience and temple tour (almost) daily. Reservations required (online); fees upon request.

With your mind relaxed from zazen, your body should follow! Nothing is better for that than taking a hot bath in a Kyoto onsen or sento. An onsen is (most often) a hotel with hot mineral baths, the healthy water coming directly out of the ground. Onsen are often very luxurious and offer bath amenities like soap, shampoo, towels and a yukata to wear on the premises. Although Kyoto is not a hot-spot for onsen (excuse the pun), there are around 15 onsen hotels, some of which expect an overnight stay, while others cater to day visitors as well or even exclusively.

A sento is a traditional public bath, and they can still be found in many neighbourhoods. Sento are recognisable by their curtains which show a hiragana yu, meaning "hot water". Enter, strip, and take a thorough shower before getting into the hot tubs. Some sento have a variety of tubs with different temperatures or special ones like "electric tubs". You must bring your own body wash, shampoo and towels, but there is nothing more authentic than stepping in the tub with the locals.

The Kyoto City Council for the Vitalization of Onsen Tourism lists all Kyoto onsen according to location and the type of healing water you can find there.

The Kyoto Prefectural Cooperative of Public Bath-house Operators offers a sento how-to including a list of all sento in Kyoto city and Kyoto prefecture.

Please note: Small neighbourhood sento in particular may not allow people with tattoos to enter. Please ask beforehand.

Kyoto is famous for the special weaving technique called Nishijin-ori, which is used to make the most exquisite (read: expensive) obi of Japan. Making a real Nishijin pattern with many colours requires long training and intricate machines. But don't worry: you can try weaving a simple decorative piece yourself! Whether you are a beginner or an experienced weaver, you can take home a truly unique piece of Kyoto's traditions.

There are many other methods for making beautiful textiles, like dyeing, painting or printing. In Kyoto, many different classes are available that cover a wide range of techniques, time constraints, and budgets. Choose your favourite technique and type of souvenir (scarf, handkerchief, bag,...) and make a unique accessory or gift to remember Kyoto forever!

Another major traditional industry of Kyoto is its pottery and ceramics. A number of great ceramic artists have established themselves in Kyoto (for example the Raku Family or Kawai Kanjiro) and Kiyomizu ware with its colourful designs is known and loved by connoisseurs all over the world. What better place to make your own tea cup? Experienced artists will guide you every step of the way. (Firing your bowl may take time, but international shipment is often available. Please ask beforehand.)

Bamboo is everywhere in Japan and it has been used for centuries to create a variety of household goods and even the houses themselves. This versatile material lets you make baskets, chopsticks, and tea scoops for the Japanese tea ceremony and many other things. Bamboo is easy to work with and experienced artisans will help you to create your own eco-friendly souvenir.

In the humid summers of Japan, folding fans are an important accessory for men and women alike. They are so popular that many famous painters have created designs specifically for fans. And so can you. Let your muse run wild and create your personal fan for summer in one of the many workshops offered. (The final assembly of the fan may take several weeks, but international shipping may be available. Please ask beforehand.)

Shakuhachi and other flutes, biwa (lute), shamisen (a three-stringed guitar), koto (zither) and wadaiko (drums of all sizes) are just a few of the music instruments unique to Japan. You can catch short performances as part of events in shrines and temples, and of course, there are full-scale solo recitals and concerts practically daily. Take the time for a relaxing evening or afternoon and experience music that will remind you of Japan forever.

Of course, the best experiences are hands-on, and many professional musicians in Kyoto offer classes for short-term visitors. Obviously, mastery of any instrument takes many years, but who knows, you might be back for more and end up studying traditional music in Japan. Stranger things have happened...

Cormorant fishing, where fishermen use black cormorants to catch river fish just after sunset, is an ancient hunting technique, dating back about 1300 years. In Japan, there are only 13 places left where you can watch cormorant fishing, and two of them in Kyoto, in Arashiyama and in Uji. During the summer months you can go on a boat tour and watch local fishermen in traditional clothing catch fish with their birds. Special packages are available where the day's catch is prepared in a nearby restaurant afterwards so you can round off the experience by trying the fish for yourself.

A great way to relax and take in the scenery at the same time is a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. It takes you from Arashiyama to Kameoka along the Hozugawa river, a stunning gorge that is especially beautiful in spring and autumn. Bring your partner or enjoy a solo ride in the lovingly restored old trains that evoke times long past. Train lovers shouldn't miss the diorama in the train museum at the Saga station.

See the English website of the Sagano Romantic Train for photos and other info, and to book tickets.

Once in Kameoka, you can return on the Hozugawa river that you just saw from the train. This waterway was used to transport wood and other goods to Kyoto, and is now the scene of the popular Hozugawa River Cruise. Traditional low boats that are steered with oars and bamboo poles bring you back to Arashiyama, passing along the rapids of the gorge and beautifully changing scenery. The best times for this family-friendly tour are in summer and autumn, where the boats operate once per hour.

Check out the English website of the Hozugawa River Cruise for more details and to get tickets.

Want more river rides? Then try the Lake Biwa Canal, an old commercial waterway that connects Kyoto and Otsu on Lake Biwa since 1890. Originally built to cheaply transport goods to Osaka, it quickly became an attraction for local tourists, especially during the seasons of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In 2018, the Lake Biwa Canal was reopened, and little boats take passengers from Kyoto to Otsu and back again. Take a unique trip through the quietest parts of Kyoto and along fantastic natural sights in the most beautiful seasons of Japan.

Prior reservations are required. See the English website of the Lake Biwa Canal Cruise for details.