Top Kyoto Classes & Workshops

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.

As for Japanese words or a phrase for your writing on this occasion, we have a lot of kinds in kanji character in advance for your reference so that you may choose anyone from them that you want to have a try to! Of course,you can take it away your own calligraphy to your home in arranged and covered with beautiful Japanese traditional paper! If you already have your favorite words in mind that you wish to do with, you can also have a chance for it. (*Please contact us before you get to our place)

There are many samurai-themed attractions in Kyoto but this tour lets you feel like a real samurai. Wear traditional clothing or armor and use a real samurai sword to cut tatami mats—a traditional way of testing sharpness and swordmanship.

Kyoto is known for its ancient traditions and magnificent craftsmanship, and on this experience, you’ll learn the basics of pottery from highly skilled pottery artists. You won’t have to worry about bringing anything with you as all materials and equipment are provided. If you’ve never tried pottery before, you’ll be put at ease, as your instructor will demonstrate, then assist you in your own pottery experience. Choose what object you make, pick custom glazes, and you can even choose to have your pottery delivered to you.

Kids and adults alike will love this Ninja experience in Kyoto. It’s informative, it’s fun, and it’ll give you some cool ninja skills to show friends at home. No need to buy anything in advance as ninja costume rental is included. You’ll learn how to throw ninja weapons, have a photo shoot, and go on a treasure hunt. The day will also be enriched by going on a tour around the Kyoto Samurai and Ninja Museum.

Learn the traditional Japanese paper craft of origami in the friendly atmosphere of Kyoto! Create tiny paper cranes, seasonal flowers and more, with help from your expert instructor. You can take it away your own Origami and our original booklet with how-to-make! If you have big number of people,we can make your class in private.Please ask us!

Why don’t you make your own unique souvenir of Kyoto. For yourself, for your loved ones, you can make personalized cup or bowl. And you can choose the color you like. We’ll bake your work. It takes about 3weeks. But don’t worry, we’ll ship it to your doorstep.your work will pleasantly surprise you and remind you of your travel.

Discover the culture behind ‘Izakaya’ Japanese dining which is similar to pub food in the other countries during a 3 to 3.5-hour cooking class with dinner in Kyoto. Learn five or six of the popular home dishes during a session with a master chef before preparing and eating your own izakaya-style creations. It’s the perfect chance to explore the country’s cuisine beyond the typical sushi and teriyaki offerings. Your izakaya cooking session also includes all ingredients, an instructor and an apron.

Ramen is one of the world’s most popular meals, but few people have mastered the art of home-cooked noodles. During this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare the perfect bowl of soupy ramen, from blending ingredients to cutting the noodles using hand-forged Japanese knives. After you’ve mastered the basics, sample your freshly prepared meal, along with ginger chicken and salad. Workshops include a complimentary craft cocktail.

-Visit Kyoto's major sake brewery district and the Kyoto Sake Museum- you'll learn the rich history of Gekkeikan and the brewery process of sake by observing sake exhibits. Three kinds of sake tasting are offered. After deepening your knowledge of sake, feel free to stroll around the area and visit the cultural and historical spots, such as liquor stores and Teradaya. - Enjoy Kyoto's local sake samplings!- Deepen your knowledge of sake and appreciate the different aromas and flavors between the 18 of them brewed in Fushimi, Kyoto. -Be a little tipsy- Stop by one of Kyoto's shrines, and get refreshed by drinking exquisite Japanese groundwater at the end of the tour 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!

Sightsee through Kansai’s most scenic areas, seeing iconic landmarks in Nara and Kyoto in one day, without the hassle of changing trains or getting lost. With pickup times in either Osaka or Kyoto, board a convenient tour bus to visit the 1000 vermilion gates of Fushimi-Inari Shrine, scenic Nara Park, beautiful Arashiyama, and more.

Get an excellent introduction to the cuisine of Kyoto on this small-group guided tour of the city's best food spots. Start at the deliciously vast 400-year-old Nishiki Market, nicknamed 'Kyoto's Kitchen,' where over 130 food shops and stalls beckon your taste buds. Stroll through the market with the guide, learning about the history of food in the city and taste many dishes unique to Kyoto, including pickled vegetables, fried fish cakes, Japanese pike conger eel, mochi and Japanese omelet. After the market, visit a shrine dedicated to the god of education.

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. 

Sushi is a staple of Japanese cuisine and enjoyed all around the world, but there’s nowhere better to try it than Japan. On this tour, learn the secrets of making sushi with a class at the Umemori Sushi School in Kyoto and get hands-on as you cook the shari (rice), grill the seaweed, and practice rolling maki (sushi rolls). Create an array of delicious sushi, which you can enjoy with traditional udon noodles, or upgrade and learn to make dashi rolls and tempura too.

Sake—traditional rice wine—is Japan’s most famous drink and Kyoto’s Fushimi District is renowned for its sake production, home to over 30 breweries. On this tour, find out how sake is made, discover the many varieties, and learn which sake suits each occasion. Sample seven different sakes, accompanied by tasty Japanese snacks, and leave with a cheat sheet to help you order your favorite sakes while in Japan.

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.

-Stroll around Kyoto's classic district, Gion, before enjoying breakfast Start out the tour by enjoying morning air while walking through Gion. A local tour guide will take you around the serene and quaint morning town of Kyoto. -Experience Kyoto's "one-of-a-kind" breakfast at Nishiki Market known as the "Kitchen of Kyoto." Nishiki market has over 400 years worth of history which has been loved and recognized by locals as the "Kitchen of Kyoto" for a long time. According to the name, "Kitchen of Kyoto," it implies that Nishiki Market is rich with famous gourmet cuisine of Kyoto. -A passionate guide will teach you fun facts about Kyoto A local and knowledgeable guide will provide you with valuable information that you cannot gain from an ordinary sightseeing tour. 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!

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.

The Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshop, theory and practice, is conducted by licensed tea masters and is unique in Kyoto. It is set in the Grand Tea Room inside the Jotokuji Temple just 3 minutes walk from Gojo station, or 15 minutes walk from Kyoto station. The ceremony starts with a tour of the Temple followed by the explanation of the history and cultural importance of the Japanese Tea Ceremony. It is educational and enable you to understand the modesty of the Japanese character. The artistic ceremony is performed by the licensed Tea Master and many visitors refer to it as mesmerising. You will then practice the making of the matcha tea by yourself under the guidance of the Tea Master. You will receive a souvenir certificate of attendance after about two weeks.

Fans of samurai and ninja history won’t want to miss wielding a real katana sword while in Kyoto. From the Heian period through the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate, samurai and ninja roamed Kyoto’s streets. Get an immersive tour of these heroes’ history as a professional guide leads you through the Samurai and Ninja Museum. Your hands-on experience includes wearing samurai armor, wielding katana and ninja stars, and posing with replica swords.

Rather than just visiting Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most popular temples, make contact with traditional Japanese culture during a ceramics session. You’ll learn about the centuries-old craft of kiyomizu-yaki (pottery making), and use an electric potter’s wheel to shape your own original, handmade cup. Plus, the option to ship your souvenir to your home country removes the hassle of transporting fragile goods. 

Let's experience "Kano Musubi" with traditional Japanese Kumihimo braids! "Kano Musubi" is a knotting method of famous Kumihimo braids. "Kano Musubi" forms the shape of Chinese character "叶" which means that a wish comes true. Having such a lovely meaning, "Kano Musubi" is often used to close the opening of amulet cases given at the shrines. Select two colors each for you braid and stone. After completion, you can use it as a bag ornament or a key chain. As our cheerful staff will guide you carefully, beginners are welcome as well!

Discover the techniques behind Shodo calligraphy by having an art class in Kyoto. You won’t have to worry about buying paint, brushes, or paper, as all equipment is provided. You’ll learn the link between calligraphy and meditation, and the history of this beautiful art. Your tutor will teach you how to write your name in calligraphy, and you’ll have the opportunity to take photographs too.

*Create fantastic memories of your trip to Japan *Opportunities for taking photographs will be highlighted throughout *Special experience of Japanese culture *Enjoyable experience with children *Learning about the history of Japanese culture