KYOTO
Kyoto’s most-loved days out.
The 15 most popular tickets tours in Kyoto. What each one involves, how long it runs, what it costs, and who you book with.
Flexible Kyoto hop-on hop-off bus with open-top views, 7-language audio, and convenient stops at top sites like Nijo, Kinkakuji, and Kiyomizu.
Most Popular“Starting point was easy to spot. And each drop off was close to the temples.”
Grind tencha into matcha at Chazuna in Uji, then learn brewing with an instructor. Explore interactive tea exhibits in about 1 hour.
Skip the lines at Kyoto’s Samurai Ninja Museum for a 1-hour guided, hands-on intro to samurai and ninja culture, with armor and shuriken.
“Raito was a great guide! We learned a lot sbout Samouraïs and Ninja, and had a lot of fun throwing shurikens!”
Get Kyoto’s skyline views from the Nidec Kyoto Tower observation deck, spotting Kiyomizu and Toji from up high for about $5.
Kyoto’s GEAR non-verbal theatre delivers 90 minutes of close-up robots, magic, dance, and emotional storytelling for all ages.
“Absolutely amazing show, the actors were all so expressive and charismatic and the choreography was brilliant. Easy to follow as there is no dialogue. I recommend this to anyone staying in Kyoto.”
Kyoto Samurai Sword Experience at the Samurai Ninja Museum: Iaido with a safe replica, ninja star throwing, and museum tour ticket included.
“Riku provided the best experience I’ve encountered thus far on my Japan Visit. I feel like I went through actual training to become a Samurai. I am grateful for the knowledge this museum had to offer. Thank you also to Riu for taking us on a guided tour and allowing us to interact with the…”
See Kyoto’s non-verbal GEAR show at a tiny black-box theatre with projection mapping, LED costumes, and top-tier physical performers.
“This was a fantastic, modern show with no dialogue (so our lack of Japanese skills made no difference). There were lots of special lighting effects and great performances by 5 very talented actors. It was a lot of fun and really well done - we very much enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone…”
Watch Kembu sword-performance in downtown Kyoto, then try moves and take photos with performers holding a sword and fan.
“Be prepared to be spellbound - I’m not sure if these people are actors or if they actually train in the art of the samurai or both but it was like watching small segments in a live opera but no singing! The narrator comes in and introduces the scRead more”
Toei Kyoto Studio Park gives you a full day in Edo Japan with Jidaigeki sets, samurai or ninja costumes, hero character attractions, and filming chances.
Kyoto Railway Museum ticket gives you 53 real trains, hands-on simulators, train interior access, plus a steam locomotive ride and roundhouse turntable.
“Fun and interactive museum”
KITSUNE Kyoto is a late-night club with two themed floors, top DJs, and drink-included ticket options, plus special entry rules for visitors.
“Balada top”
Kyoto Aquarium ticket in Umekoji Park: dolphin shows, penguins, ancient giant salamanders, and a satoyama countryside scene for one day.
“My son and I thought we would only be here a couple of hours but that stretched out to a few more. So much to see and so well presented - all time favourite was the jelly fish aquariums with the seals a close second. Excellent souvenir shop. Worth every cent, thank you.”
Guided Kyoto visit to Kinkaku-ji and Ninna-ji with tickets, small group access, monk chanting, and a sutra-hall ritual in about 3 hours.
“Amazing tour with behind the scenes look at Buddhist life and artifacts. Great explanations about Japanese religions.”
Cheap Uji Matcha Tea Museum ticket: touch tea in digital exhibits, learn Uji history, and snap photos at the matcha spot.
Enjoy a calm hour at Kyoto’s Old Mitsui Shimogamo Villa with a mobile ticket, garden views, and included matcha on tatami.
“Calming experience. Insight to the traditional architecture. Well preserved and cared for house. Not much English translation available other than the standard leaflet. Tea on the living room looking out over the garden made it feel like we were alone and living history.”
Every district, every season, and every way to see the old capital.
