Join a MagicalTrip tour, proud winner of Tripadvisor’s Best of the Best Award, led by a professionally trained MagicalTrip Certified Guide. Start your day with a peaceful stroll through Kyoto’s historic Gion district, efficiently exploring hidden gems with your local guide. Then head to Nishiki Market, the “Kitchen of Kyoto,” a lively spot with over 400 years of history. Savor 7 delicious tastings of local favorites, from long-loved street snacks to unique Kyoto specialties, while hearing fascinating stories you won’t find in any guidebook. With expert guidance, you’ll discover more in less time and enjoy an authentic taste of the city, all while our support team ensures a seamless experience from start to finish.

Take a tour of Kyoto's famous Gion district and learn all about the mysterious geisha traditions of the area. Your local guide will tell you about the traditions from an insider perspective about Geisha culture. At the same time you'll explore Gion's beautiful streets, temples, shrines, and shops, for a comprehensive overview of historic Kyoto. The mysterious world of Geisha can seem exclusive and challenging to discover, but on my experience ･In the first half we will walk in Gion and discuss the living traditions, their lifestyle and history. ･In the second half we will meet an apprentice geisha, Maiko. First we will talk with and ask her questions. Also we will watch her dancing, having one of these, a cup of tea or lunch or dinner together. *Picture and filming of Geisha is fine but not allowed to post it in public.

Join our tour to explore the Gion district and witness a captivating Geisha show performed by a Maiko, Geisha Apprentice. You will have the time to ask questions, play a traditional Japanese game with the Geisha Apprentice. Children under the age of 6 cannot join the tour Meeting Point: Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni Kawabatacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0076, Japan When booking, please provide a phone number reachable during your stay in Japan and on WhatsApp. If you are a travel agent please enter the guest’s number, not the agency’s. This is so we can have a smooth interaction with guests before the tour, and provide clear information beforehand.

Begin by meeting your instructor and learning about the traditional Kumi-ki Art (wood joinery) technique. Hear about the history of Izumo timber, known as the “Land of the Gods,” and its significance in Japanese craftsmanship. Next, start crafting your coaster. Combine wooden parts using the time-honored joinery method, guided by your instructor. Enjoy the natural aroma and warmth of the wood as you work. Finish your coaster by fixing the pieces with adhesive. Admire your completed piece, a perfect, memorable souvenir from your trip.

Meeting Time: 10:50 Start Time: 11:00 Duration: 90 minutes Enjoy a hands-on soba noodle making experience. After a brief explanation, you will make soba noodles from scratch, then enjoy your freshly made noodles and relax with time to eat and chat. The experience ends at 12:30.

Discover the profound spiritual significance of Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. This guided tour invites you to explore the intertwining of sacred space, ritual, and mythology on your journey into the realm of the gods. Starting either at the shrine or Izumo-shi Station, you’ll learn about Shinto beliefs while participating in traditional rituals, including hand purification. As you walk through serene landscapes, stories of deities and ancient architecture unfold, enhancing your understanding of Izumo's unique place in Japanese culture. Reflect on your experience as you conclude your pilgrimage back at the starting point. - Immerse yourself in the spiritual landscape of Izumo Taisha - Participate in traditional rituals, including hand purification - Learn about Shinto beliefs and the significance of the surrounding nature - Explore the myths surrounding Ōkuninushi and other deities in Japanese culture

To truly experience a city, you must deep dive into its culture, and there's no better cultural tradition to explore in Kyoto than through geishas and their traditions. On this private tour, get a cultural awakening as you learn more about geishas and the traditions and why this is such a unique part of the city's character. Learn from its history to the present influence that still lingers in Kyoto as you visit the Minamiza Theatre, Maruyama park and more. Thanks to this cultural experience, you'll be able to see Kyoto from a different perspective - the way the locals live it every day! Withlocals Treasures of Kyoto Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local products and preventing over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.