Included activities
Private Tour of Kyoto Highlights
Explore the famous shrines of Kyoto, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. At the scheduled time, meet your guide and travel by public transport to the attractions on your itinerary. Begin with a visit to Kinkakuji Temple, a Zen shrine known for its stunning gold leaf-covered façade. Overlooking a large pond and surrounded by lush vegetation, this temple makes for a picturesque sight. Next, stop by Ryoanji Temple, which is home to one of the most famous Zen rock gardens in the country. There is a pond, a network of walking trails, and a restaurant on the grounds. You will then visit Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, built to appease a vengeful spirit. Located in the Kamishichiken district, the oldest geisha neighborhood of the city, this temple is popular with students.
(Duration: 4 hrs; Time: 0900 or 1300 hrs; Private activity; Pick up: Hotel & Drop off: City centre; Shared transfers (public transport); Fitness level: moderate, please note that people with physical limitations can participate as long as they have someone to provide assistance; Please wear comfortable walking shoes)
Group Tea Ceremony in Machiya House
Immerse yourself in the art of the Japanese Tea ceremony. Make your own way to the Machiya House, a wooden town house, where the ceremony will be held. Note the ancient Japanese aesthetics and the interior design of the house. Get dressed in a beautiful casual kimono and sit down on tatami mats before you meet your host, who will demonstrate the ceremonial preparation and serving of the tea. Learn about the various types of tea and the tools used to prepare them. The ceremony is not just about drinking tea but also a spiritual practice that has been influenced by Zen Buddhism. Learn the rituals involved and discover how every movement has a meaning. In the process, you will come to understand what the act of serving tea to guests means in Japan.
(Duration: 1.5 hr; Time: 1000/1330 hours; Shared activity; Group size: max 6 ppl; No transfers; Meals included: tea ceremony; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy; All entrance fees are included; Min age: 5)
Group Home-Style Cooking Lesson in Kyoto
Learn how to cook some authentic Izakaya dishes and immerse yourself in Japanese dining culture. An Izakaya is a casual Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and food items which are meant to be shared. In the afternoon, make your way to the cooking studio located in central Kyoto. Meet your Japanese chef and, after a short introduction, try your hand at making some of the dishes that have made this cuisine so popular, the world over. Watch your chef and follow along as you learn to make dishes such as teriyaki chicken, okonomiyaki, and maybe even sushi. Enjoy the specialities you prepared in a typical Izakaya pub atmosphere. Then, head back to the kitchen to cook some more delicious food to add to your repertoire. Savor these dishes too, as you dine with your host and gain insight into Izakaya culture.
(Duration: 3 hrs; Time: 1400 hrs; Shared activity; Group size: max 8 ppl; No transfers; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)
Private Tour: Samurai Sword Dance Experience
Learn the way of the sword! This is your opportunity to come face to face with the history and lifestyle of the feared samurai warriors of ancient Japan. Study the Bushido code they lived by, learn about the strict requirements of etiquette and honor they survived under and take up your katana, the famous samurai sword, to learn the basics of Kenbu, the highly stylized sword dance that samurai used in practice as a concentration tool, under the watchful eyes of a proficient Kenbu master.
(Duration: 2.5 hrs; Time: 1445 or 1615 hrs; Shared Activity; Transfers not included; Fitness level: Easy)
What to do in Nara on your own
Here are our recommendations on what to do in Nara on your own: Take in the sights and sounds of Japan’s first permanent capital at your own pace. You could begin the day with a leisurely stroll around the historic Nara Park that is home to iconic landmarks. Visit Todaiji Temple, which houses the country’s largest bronze statues of the Buddha. Walk around Daibutsuden Hall and see the numerous smaller Buddha idols. Stop at the museum on the premises and browse the collection of religious art. Nearby is the Kasuga Taisha shrine, distinguished by its sloping roof and famed for the hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshippers. Later, check out Kofukuji Temple, with its five-storied pagoda, and the exquisite collection of Buddhist art at the National Treasure Museum. Then, make your way to the Nara National Museum to see more displays of Buddhist scrolls, paintings and ceremonial objects. The sprawling Nara Park is also home to over 1,000 free-roaming deer that are considered sacred. You could make time to feed them special crackers that are available for sale around the park. The city’s erstwhile merchant district of Naramachi and the Yoshikien Garden, with its three uniquely themed Japanese gardens, are also worth visiting.
(Duration: Half day or Full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Transfers, entrance fees, and meals are not included; Fitness level: easy; Choose from our recommendations what best suits your interests and pace; Please note that you may not be able to do all recommended activities)
Explore Kyoto’s Food Scene on your own
If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend exploring Kyoto’s interesting food culture. Stop by Sushi Hayashi to sample ‘edomae’, a modern Tokyo-style sushi, and Kyoto sushi made with fresh seafood and other ingredients. Pair your meal with sake and wine at this restaurant which is located within easy reach of Demachiyanagi Station. For kaiseki, a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner, head to Noguchi Tsunagu which is close to Gion-Shijo Station. Do not miss the signature dish, Kyoto-style nikusui, a soup made by simmering beef in dashi broth. Satisfy your tempura cravings at Enyuan Kobayashi, also within walking distance of the station. Kamoryori Tabuchi, located halfway between Marutamachi and Niho-mae Stations, specializes in duck delicacies. At Torisho Sai, situated near Nijo Castle, relish charcoal-grilled yakitori made with Hinai-Jidori chicken. Finally, there is Nakatsuka, minutes from Karasuma Oike Station, which plates up innovative cuisine in a tranquil ambiance.
(Duration: half/full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)