When are you travelling?
Recommendations
Art & Culture Classes
Art Classes
Craft Classes
Music Classes
Painting Classes
Pottery Classes
Arts & Design
Architecture Tours
Art Tours
Museums
Culture
Archaeology Tours
Costume Dress Up Experiences
Cultural Tours
Fashion Tours
Historical Tours
Museums
Photography Tours
Plantation Tours
Religious Tours
Pop Culture
Ghost Tours
Street Art Tour
Shows & Performances
Concerts
Dance Shows
Family-friendly Shows
Fashion Shows
Nightlife
Shows
Theater Shows
Traditional Wellness
Spas
Active & Outdoor Classes
Archery Classes
Fitness Classes
Martial Arts Classes
Sports Lessons
Swordsmanship Classes
Yoga Classes
Art & Culture Classes
Art Classes
Craft Classes
Music Classes
Painting Classes
Pottery Classes
Food & Drink Classes
Cooking Classes
Wine Making Workshops
Wellness Classes
Yoga Classes
Coffee & Tea
Coffee & Tea Tours
High Tea
Desserts & Sweets
Chocolate Tours
Dining Experiences
Breakfast
Brunch
Dinner
Lunch
Restaurants
Food & Drink Classes
Cooking Classes
Wine Making Workshops
Food Tours
Culinary Tour
Street Food Tours
Wine Tastings
Wine, Beer & Spirits
Bar Tours
Beer & Brewery Tours
Sake Brewery Tour
Sake Tasting
Wine Making Workshops
Wine Tastings
Active & Outdoor Classes
Archery Classes
Fitness Classes
Martial Arts Classes
Sports Lessons
Swordsmanship Classes
Yoga Classes
Extreme Sports
Shooting Ranges
Fun & Games
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Eco Tours
Natural Attractions
Nature Walks
On the Ground
Bike Rentals
Hiking Tours
Motorcycle Tours
Mountain Bike Tours
Pedicab Tours
Running Tours
Scavenger Hunts
Shooting Ranges
Holidays
Lantern Festival
New Years
Spring Break
Valentine's Day Events
Seasonal
Cherry Blossom
Weddings & Celebrations
Honeymoon Packages
Romantic Tours
Attractions & Museums
Museum Tickets & Passes
Natural Attractions
Religious Sites
Shows & Performances
Concerts
Dance Shows
Family-friendly Shows
Fashion Shows
Nightlife
Shows
Theater Shows
Cruises & Sailing
Ports of Call Tours
Shore Excursions
How to Get Around
Bike Rentals
Bike Tours
Bus Tours
Car Tours
E-Bike Tours
Luxury Car Tours
Motorcycle Tours
Mountain Bike Tours
Pedicab Tours
Public Transportation Tours
Rail Tours
Rentals
Self-guided Tours
Tuk Tuk Tours
Walking Tours
Water Tours
Private and Luxury
Sightseeing Tours
Adventure Tours
City Tours
Night Tours
Private Sightseeing Tours
Skip the line Tickets
Tours by Duration
Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Half-day Tours
Layover Tours
Multi-day Tours
Overnight Tours
Services
Photo Shoots
Shopping Tours
Transfers
Airport & Hotel Transfers
Transportation
Private Drivers
Transportation Rentals
Transportation Services
Price
Duration
Time of Day
RatingClear
Specials
How to Get Around in Kyoto
Kyoto is a fairly compact city, making it easy to explore and navigate without a car. Public transit, biking, and walking are all great options, and taxis are plentiful, though fairly expensive. See below for your best options for getting around Kyoto.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Start your visit with a hop-on-hop-off-bus trip to get your bearings. Grab a seat on the upper level of an open-top, double-decker bus for the best views of top attractions such as Kinkakuji Temple and Kyoto Imperial Palace. Audio guides in different languages provide additional insight into points of interest.
Public Transit
Kyoto’s public transit network comprises trains, subways, and buses. Six intercity and intracity train lines serve Kyoto, and the city’s two subway lines run north–south and east–west. The bus network is extensive and covers just about everywhere in town.
Walking Tours
Kyoto is a great city to explore on foot, whether you want to wander around the central sightseeing districts or hike in the surrounding hills, and walking tours are popular. Some cover several sights within walking distance of each other, while others focus on a specific area or interest.
Biking Tours
Kyoto’s flat terrain, relatively simple layout, and typically pleasant weather make it ideal to explore on two wheels. Join a guided bike or e-bike tour, or opt for a rental bike to explore the city on your own. Many popular attractions offer designated bike parking, though it may be more difficult to park in the city center.
Rickshaw Tours
For a unique perspective, explore Arashiyama or Higashiyama on a guided tour in a traditional Japanese rickshaw. Rides typically last from 20 to 120 minutes and include the Bamboo Grove and temples and shrines of Arashiyama or the historic wooden buildings and stone alleyways of Higashiyama.
9 Tours and Activities
Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour
Cycle past a mix of Kyoto’s most-famous sights and its lesser-known secrets during this half-day ‘Hidden Kyoto’ bike tour. Take a 4.9-mile (8-kilometer) ride that starts by winding past iconic Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkakuji, Koto-in, and Kitano Tenmagu. You’ll continue ‘off the beaten path,’ discovering intimate Zen gardens and charming backstreets known only to locals.
…More
From
USD87.88
From
USD87.88
Gion Walking Tour by Night
Discover Kyoto’s magical Gion district, which is known for being the city’s Geisha area. Don't worry about language barriers, as a guide is there to help you translate and explain the difference between maiko, geiko, and other Japanese words. The unmarked narrow streets of Gion can make it easy to get lost at night, but this is not a problem with a guide to navigate and lead the way. Upgrade to a longer, private tour for a closer look at Geisha culture.
…More
From
USD9.58
Price varies by group size
From
USD9.58
Price varies by group size
Bike Tour Exploring North Kyoto plus Lunch
Active travelers will love the opportunity to explore the northern parts of Kyoto by bike. Your local guide will make sure you don’t get lost, and will show you to back alleys and hidden corners that you might miss otherwise, as well as some of the famous attractions that shouldn’t be missed. Cycle on comfortable bike, and enjoy an authentic Japanese lunch to refuel.
…More
From
USD95.20
From
USD95.20
Private Highlights of Kyoto Tour
Immerse yourself in the cultural and architectural splendor of Kyoto on this private tour, ideal for first-time visitors. Choose from two different routes, both of which cover major Kyoto attractions including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple, and explore the city with a personal guide. On the northwest-bound route, you’ll visit the Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Food Market, and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama Park. Alternatively, the southeast course covers the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, and the Gion area. Receive undivided attention from your guide on this private tour.
…More
From
USD167.58
Price varies by group size
From
USD167.58
Price varies by group size
Kyoto Rickshaw Tour
Step into an authentic Japanese rickshaw for the ride of a lifetime, through some of the most scenic and historic districts in Kyoto, Japan. You have the option of exploring the verdant Bamboo Grove and impressive shrines of west Kyoto’s Arashiyama district or the intriguing wooden buildings and stone alleys (maybe even spotting a geisha or two) in Kyoto’s famed Higashiyama area, all with a knowledgeable local guide and rickshaw driver. This authentic, customizable Kyoto adventure is a fun introduction to this beautiful city.
…More
From
USD43.94
Price varies by group size
From
USD43.94
Price varies by group size
Kyoto Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour with Bamboo Forest
Take a tour of the Kyoto bamboo forest by rickshaw, and on foot, to explore every part of it. First you’ll be pulled by your guide through the green bamboo on a path reserved for rickshaws. Then pass by Nonomiya Shrine and stop for photos at a little park. The last leg is on foot, where you’ll walk to an impressive part of the forest. Early morning is best to avoid the crowds.
…More
From
USD95.93
Price varies by group size
From
USD95.93
Price varies by group size
Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour
Spend some time getting acquainted with the food and culture of two historically important and beautiful districts of Kyoto on this guided walking tour. Stroll over the ninth-century Togetsukyo bridge and make stops to sample local snacks. After a visit to the 14th-century Tenryu-ji temple, head to a beautiful bamboo garden and indulge in some traditional Japanese sweets. This tour of Arashiyama and Sagano is a great way to get to know Kyoto.
…More
From
USD110.00
From
USD110.00
Kyoto Sagano Bamboo Grove & Arashiyama Walking Tour
Wander among peaceful bamboo groves and elegant mountain temples of rural Japan as you explore the fascinating areas of Arashiyama and Sagano near Kyoto during this 4-hour walking tour. Meander among the bamboo groves of Sagano before checking out the ancient 14th century Tenryu-Ji Temple and the secluded Jojakko-Ji Temple, hidden among the forest. Finish with a trip across the iconic Togetsukyō Bridge. Your morning walking tour also includes pickup from select hotels in Kyoto, a guide and all entrance fees.
…More
From
USD78.36
From
USD78.36
Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour by Public Transportation
Travel through Kyoto like a local during this full-day private tour, which uses exclusively public transportation. Tick off the city’s most unmissable attractions in a single day of sightseeing, from bamboo groves and ancient temples to Shinto shrines and rock gardens. Enrich your visit with detailed explanations from your own personal tour guide.
…More
From
USD183.08
Price varies by group size
From
USD183.08
Price varies by group size
- Kyoto Temple Guide
- Best Gardens in Kyoto
- Nara Tours from Kyoto
- Top 5 Foods
- Sake Tasting in Kyoto
- How to Experience Cherry Blossom Season in Kyoto
- Things to Do in Kyoto This Spring
- Things to Do in Kyoto This Fall
- Things to Do in Kyoto This Winter
- Top Shopping Spots in Kyoto
- How to Get Around in Kyoto
- Sightseeing on a Budget in Kyoto