Sagano Tours and Activities

Take control of your Kyoto sightseeing and visit only the sights you wish to see on this private walking tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour lets you customize a half-day or full-day itinerary. Opt to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or to stray from the beaten path to see an alternative side of Kyoto. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Kyoto’s traditional neighborhoods and scenic parklands are ideal for exploring by bike. On this tour, save time by cycling around the city and visit five of Kyoto’s most popular attractions in one day. Enjoy stunning views of the Golden Pavilion and the Kiyomizu Temple; pose for photos by the red torri gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine; and hop off to stroll around the Bamboo Forest and explore the geisha district.

Discover Kyoto on a customized half-day tour with your own private guide who shares the best of the city. You can visit famous destinations like Golden Pavilion or Fushimi Inari Shrine, or explore districts like Gion or Higashiyama. After booking your tour, you’ll receive a short questionnaire that allows you to be matched with a like-minded guide for your visit to Kyoto.

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.

This tour covers every part of the bamboo forest. By rickshaw and on foot! The first stop after cruising through the bustling main street is the bamboo forest. Enjoy the vivid green bamboo as your guide pulls you along the path reserved for rickshaws only, away from other visitors. Have your camera or mobile phone ready to take pictures. You don’t want to miss this. After passing by the Nonomiya Shrine you will enter the second part of the bamboo forest, which is designed like a little park. Here we can take great group pictures with the stunning green bamboo in the background. On the way to the third and last section of the bamboo forest, you will pass by a well-kept scene from the Edo period The third part of the bamboo forest can only be accessed on foot, so our guide will park the rickshaw within walking distance and then guide you to the most famous and impressive part of the bamboo forest. (To avoid the crowds here, we recommend starting the tour before noon)

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. 

Have a spiritual experience missed by most visitors to Japan on this tour from Kyoto. Journey outside of the city into the picturesque surroundings of the Hozu river, surrounded by mountains and bamboo groves. Visit ancient Buddhist temples and enrich your experience of Japan's spiritual side with a guided Zen meditation session with a resident monk. Afterward enjoy a traditional matcha green tea ceremony.

-Immerse yourself in solitude in the mesmerizing nature of Arashiyama. Saga-Toriimoto district is a national preservation district where you feel like you are stepping into the past. Our local guide will explain the history and culture of the area. -Visit the world famous, must-visit bamboo grove and Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO world heritage and immerse yourself in it's rich history. Afterwards we will enter through more well-known spots in Saga-Arashiyama, visiting UNESCO world heritage temples and the very famous bamboo grove. -Indulge in an authentically traditional meal, and learn with your palate the rich food culture of Kyoto. After walking and visiting the temple, you must be ready for lunch! let's have beautiful Kyoto-style lunch! Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

Exploring the historic city of Kyoto with a local guide gives you an experience you won’t get by following a guidebook itinerary. Discover local neighborhoods, see iconic attractions, and get recommendations from a guide who creates a personalized route based on your interests and needs.

Enjoy a late start and absolutely fall in love with Arashiyama on this amazing afternoon tour! Take a trip back in time where the very roads you ride were sub-temples of our World Heritage Tenryuji Zen Temple followed by a short hike up to the impressive panoramic view of Kyoto from Iwatayama Mountain and the accompanying Iwatayama Monkey Park. You will even experience some bamboo forest viewing and visits to some local shrines and temples not frequented by the crowds of tourists.

Hop aboard a traditional rickshaw for a journey through the atmospheric streets of beautiful Kyoto. With your guide, this tour is an easily customized ride. Enjoy the serene shrines of west Kyoto’s Arashiyama neighborhood, discovering its picturesque Bamboo Grove and charming neighborhood. Then, experience a Japanese Foot Spa in a quiet location close to the center of Arashiyama. Choose from two popular choices for your unique foot-bath followed by a thorough lower leg and foot massage. Enjoy Japanese hospitality and atmosphere as you enjoy a drink of your choice along with Japanese snacks.

Explore the sights of Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari on this full-day, private minivan tour based out of Osaka. In Arashiyama, you'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tenryuji, known for its beautiful architecture, gorgeous classic gardens, and lovely vistas. Then it's on to the world famous bamboo grove. Picture time! Afterwards, we slip away to the quiet, rarefied environs of the Okochi Sanso estate for gardens, architecture, and a matcha tea break too. Much more to see and stroll about in Arashimaya before we head to the awe-inspiring, ever-popular Fushimi Inari, where thousands of red gates ("torii") snake up the mountain. We'll talk about the significance and sites as we make our way up the holy pathway, but it's a private tour, so we only go as high as you want! While not included, we are happy to suggest a lunch stop along the way. This tour can be customized, so do feel free to consult with us if you've something special in mind that we don't cover on the standard tour.

Enjoy the highlight of Arashiyama, the bamboo forest, at an unique vantage point from the comfortable seat of the traditional rickshaw. Sit back and relax as your guide navigates carefully and safely through the traffic as you pass by other iconic sights of Arashiyama such as the Togetsukyo Bridge, the river side with Mt Arashi, charactaristic neighbourhoods and townhouses. Venture north to a quiet and traditional neighbourhood along a pilgrim path leading up the mountain. Get off the rickshaw to enjoy the preserved, traditional houses and landscape at your own pace. Visit one of those Machiya houses (Archive Hall) from the inside. Your guide will continue to explain the sights to you as you make your way to the comical and unique Otagi-Nenbutsuji Temple. On your way back to the rickshaw, stop at one of the thatched tea house for a cup of matcha or traditional sweets (optional). Back on the rickshaw head to your preferred finishing location.

Kyoto is the most famous tourist destination in Japan with plenty of wonderful sights to see. Here we offer a luxurious tour early in the morning that enables you to visit six of the most iconic tourist attractions in Kyoto comfortably and efficiently while avoiding the crowds.

Accompanied by a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual guide, explore the area of Arashiyama and Sagano, where aristocrats once unwound in their villas more than 1,000 years ago. The highlights of this tour include the scenic countryside views from Togetsukyo bridge; Tenryu-ji temple with its beautiful traditional gardens; the enchanting world from within the Bamboo Grove; and Jojakko-ji Temple with its breathtaking green moss. During the tour you will also visit some secret spots unfamiliar to the usual tourists. Enjoy the walk and delicious food while learning about Japanese culture and history. Our guides are looking forward to arranging a tour that’s best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Take in the highlights of Kyoto in one day with a guide who shares insights into the city’s history and culture. Stroll through the picturesque Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and visit three important temples and shrines: Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji temple—known for its Zen garden, and Fushimi Inari shrine—known for rows of bright orange torii gates. You’ll also walk into the Gion district where you might see a geisha.

TOUR LIMITED from March 27th through April 11th  ****************************************************************  Spend a perfect spring morning in Arashiyama. Visiting the refreshing bamboo forest and the Daikakuji Temple with its exquisite cherry blossoms. ************************************************************  Please understand that we are unable to guarantee the that the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom. The dates are selected based on previous years and this year’s estimates.  ************************************************************

Explore Kyoto, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, accompanied by one of our nationally-licensed, experienced multilingual guides, who will help you efficiently enjoy a four-hour tour, introducing both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient city. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel, or anywhere else at your convenience, and will take you to a number of Kyoto's famous spots. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will arrange a tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

This is a small group highlight Kyoto Walking Tour. (8 hours) If you join a big group tour, you can't talk with a guide. But this tour is more like a private tour. The maximum is 8 people. (Minimum 2) You can talk with a local professional guide easily. You can choose the course from the West or East. *Tue, Thu, Sun only【East Kyoto Highlight course】 9:00 Meetup in JR Kyoto Station < Fushimi Inari Shrine (Thousand gates) < Sanjusangen-do (Temple with 1001 Kannon Buddha) < Lunch Time < Kiyomizudera Temple and its area < Gion District (Geisha area) 17:00 Finish *Mon, Wed, Sat only【West Kyoto Highlight course】 9:00 Meetup in JR Kyoto Station < Arashiyama Area (Bamboo forest, Togetsukyo Bridge) < Ryoanji Temple (Famous Rock garden) < Lunch Time < Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavillion) < Nijo-jo Castle 17:00 Finish **Caution** 1. The transportation fee, entrance fee, Lunch is NOT included in the price. 2. We can organize a tour over 2 people. If you are a solo, we need to cancel the tour.

Kyoto is the most famous tourist destination in Japan with plenty of wonderful sights to see. Here we offer a luxurious tour early in the morning that enables you to visit three of the most iconic tourist attractions in Kyoto. Enjoy the treasures of the former capital in a relaxing atmosphere thanks to fewer tourists compared to ordinary day-time tours. Be an early bird and avoid the crowd.

Spend the day with one of our hosts and visit 1500 temples - wait, just kidding, that would be impossible in a day. You’ll explore the city, experiencing a taste of what makes it so unmissable. Walk through its enchanting, historic streets and marvel at the traditional wooden architecture. Discover iconic attractions like the Golden Pavilion, the Kinkaku-ji Temple or explore areas like the geisha district of Gion. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

In this tour, you will enjoy Japanese nature including animals and landscape at the foot of Mt. Arashiyama which is located on the west side of Kyoto and famous for its scenic beauty. Once this district was open only to the nobles. Located not so far from central Kyoto, this natural environment has been very well maintained up to the present day. That’s why you can interact with wild monkeys very closely. In the afternoon, you will visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple), one of the most famous Zen temples in Japan that you won’t forget for the rest of your life.

This two-day tour takes you to the famous tourist spots of the two cities representing Western Japan. In Kyoto, you will visit a temple and a castle built by shoguns from different eras, a summer resort area loved by nobles, and a geisha district. In Osaka, you will visit the castle, which was once built by an all-time samurai hero, and the entertainment district and shopping area, which are being frequented by common people. Through this tour, you can experience the culture and history different from Tokyo, and enjoy local specialties of these areas for lunch.

This is a private VIP tour and gives you an insider preview to the exquisite area of Arashiyama. You will visit the world famous Bamboo Forest, stroll through the quiet neighborhoods of Saga Arashiyama, followed by exclusive access into one of the most intriguing temples in the area. Exclusive access means you will enter a temple that is typically inaccessible to both tourists and locals and it will be only you and your guide. Your temple visit will include a tea ceremony and a Zen meditation session with an actual Zen Buddhist priest. Your certified guide will be there to bridge the gap and allow you to ask in depth questions about the meaning behind Buddhism, Zen, and Kyoto itself. Your tour continues and takes you to a scenic path and a centuries old restaurant. Here you can reflect on the day and sit down to the sound of water and nature as you indulge on Kyoto cuisine at it's finest. This once in a lifetime experience is sure to be your highlight of not just Kyoto but Japan.