Things to Do in Kyoto This Spring
Spring is a lovely time to visit Kyoto—flowers are in bloom, the parks and temple gardens come to life after the winter, and the temperatures are warm. Cherry-blossom-viewing parties ( hanami ) are a popular local pastime and a fun way to experience Japanese culture and nature. Here are a few other must-do activities to enjoy in Kyoto this spring.
- Take a city tour to visit must-see sights such as the Golden Temple, Kiyomizu-dera, and the Arashiyama district.
- Learn about the traditional art of the tea ceremony from a tea master.
- Dip into Japanese history by training like a samurai at a samurai school.
- Relax on a sightseeing rickshaw tour of the bamboo forests of Sagano.
- Get an intimate perspective of Kyoto’s historic neighborhoods—such as famous Gion—on a guided walking tour.
- Gain some new cooking skills by taking a Japanese-cooking class, many of which include market or neighborhood tours beforehand.
- Experience the best of Kyoto’s drinking and dining scene on a nightlife tour.
- If you’re in Kyoto when the cherry trees bloom, don’t miss a local cherry-blossom-viewing party.
- Dress in traditional Japanese clothing and have some special souvenir photos taken on a professional photo shoot.
5 Tours and Activities
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Kyoto Rickshaw Tour
110
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.
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From
$45.79
Price varies by group size
From
$45.79
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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Samurai School and Show in Kyoto: Samurai for a Day
86
Prepare for battle as you learn the skills of the samurai during this 1- or 2-hour class studying the basic techniques of these ancient Japanese warriors. Take the 1-hour session, providing an introduction to the basics of the samurai art, or choose the 1.5-hour course, practicing more complex movements using a sword and folding fan. When your class ends, enjoy a photo session with your samurai costume and receive a certificate of completion. This samurai session also includes an English-speaking guide and instructor and a 'tenugui,' a traditional Japanese towel.
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From
$93.37
From
$93.37
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Lonely Planet Experiences: Small-Group or Private Kyoto Walking Tour
57
Experience the glowing lanterns and lively atmosphere of Kyoto after dark on this evening walking tour with a small group. Experience the ancient Japanese capital after dark as you stroll the city’s serene back streets and visit city landmarks like Yasaka Shrine, the Pontocho restaurant district, and a ‘tachinomiya’ stand and drink shop for included food and drink samples.
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From
$105.05
Price varies by group size
From
$105.05
Price varies by group size
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Kyoto Private Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized, See the City Unscripted
9
It can be daunting as a first-time visitor to Japan to cope with language barriers and navigate around a new place. On this Kyoto half-day tour, take the stress out of travel planning by having a local host plan your day. Explore one or two neighborhoods of your choice, walking past multiple top attractions and learning about Japanese culture from your guide. By traveling with a local, you learn about hidden secrets off the beaten track that tourists wouldn’t usually visit.
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From
$112.41
Price varies by group size
From
$112.41
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Kyoto Geisha Tour, Gion With A Local: 100% Personalized & Private 3 Hours
1
For outsiders, Japanese culture can be difficult to grasp but this guided tour offers the chance to get a locals' eye view of one of the most traditional of Japanese settings. Accompanied by a guide, stroll through the historic streets of Kyoto's Gion district, famed for its scenic cobbled streets lit by paper lanterns, traditional architecture, and association with geiko and maiko culture. Visit Pontocho alley, one of Japan's oldest nightlife areas, and stroll by geisha teahouses as your guide offers insights into local culture.
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From
$84.31
Price varies by group size
From
$84.31
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More