Kyoto & NEARBY TOURS
5 Best Kyoto Day Tours
Famous for its beautiful gardens, ancient temples and stunning cherry blossom trees, Kyoto is a must-see for any traveller to Japan! Located on the island of Honshu, this majestic city was once known as the capital of Japan, and maintains its reputation as the country’s historical heart. Traditions from years past run deep within the veins of Kyoto and its locals, and the only way to truly experience it is with an open mind and heart.
For visitors who don’t know where to begin, we’ve rounded up some of the best one-day Kyoto tours to undertake on your trip. Whether you’re after a full-day tour with a private guide, or want to venture out on your own, here are some of the best thing to see and do in Kyoto.
1 – Visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
If you only have limited time, the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is an absolute must-see on your one-day Kyoto tour. The main shrine of the Shinto god of rice, Inari, Fushimi Inari-taisha is known for being the widest spread shrine in Japan, with around 32,000 sub-shrines located around the country.
You probably know the Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine for its signature red gates leading to the centre of the temple. These vibrant gates, known as Senbon torii, have lined the paths of Fushimi Inari-Taisha since the Edo period, and are a major cultural point for the Japanese people.
This beautiful shrine is incredibly popular with tourists, and quickly becomes crowded during the day. If you’d like to avoid the rush, make sure to get an early start so you can truly appreciate the tranquillity of this beautiful tribute to the old Japanese gods.
For the foodies, take a walking food tour through the Nishiki market and Gion to experience traditional Japanese cooking at its finest.
2 – Find your inner peace on The Philosopher’s Walk (Tetsugaku No Michi)
Kyoto is a city of temples and shrines, so it makes sense that philosophers of old would come to this glorious place to contemplate the meaning of life and the universe. The Philosopher’s Path, located just 30 minutes from the Fushimi Inari-taisha temple, is a delicate stone path weaving through the gardens the Kyoto is so famous for.
During the warmer months, the Philosopher’s Path is the perfect walking track, surrounded by traditional Japanese architecture and old cherry trees in full bloom. Unlike the temples and shrines Kyoto is known for, the Philosopher’s path is usually very quiet, and the perfect place to find some tranquillity after a busy day of exploring. Take in the Ginkaku-ji Temple, a magnificent pavilion built after the death of shogun Ashikaga Yoshima in 1490. Stroll through the beautiful moss garden surrounding Ginkaku-ji, then take in the wonders of the old city below.
3 – Explore the Arashiyama District
Kyoto one-day tours don’t just stop in the city. Just a short taxi-ride from the Philosopher’s Path lies Kyoto’s Arashiyama District. Named for the Arashiyama Mountain, this district is known for its magnificent bamboo groves and stunning views over the Japanese landscape.
Yet another tranquil spot with Kyoto’s boundaries, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is the most famous attraction in this breathtaking natural feature. The path is quite narrow, and during the warmer months is densely populated with tourists – make sure to visit during the early morning to really experience the beauty and solitude of this unique Kyoto location. For those who don’t feel like walking, you can take a rickshaw tour with an experienced guide to teach you about the cultural significance of the area.
Stroll through the groves, and you’ll find the Tenryuji Temple and Sogenchi Garden waiting at the end of the path. With a tranquillity pond and well-maintained sand garden, you’ll find peace strolling amongst these traditional Japanese
4 – Museum Hop in the Nakagyō- Ward
While Japan is steeped in tradition and history, the recent cultural trends mean that it is firmly planted in the 21st century. Step away from the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and journey to the Nakagyō Ward. Meaning ‘central capital ward’, this business district is perfect for tourists looking to shop, eat or find entertainment. The centre of museums and galleries, you’ll find all kinds of tributes to different Japanese culture in this district.
Samurais and ninjas have captured the hearts of pop-culture, so it only makes sense to visit the Samurai & Ninja Interactive Museum and Show during your one-day tour to Kyoto. This unique establishment focuses on the history behind the legends, and allows visitors to participate in interactive activities like throwing stars and using blow-dart guns.
After sating your thirst for Samurais, consider taking a look into Japan’s wilder side with the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Showcasing some of this contemporary art form, the comic books are worth a look even if you don’t speak the language.
5 – Monkey Park Iwatayama
Day tours in Kyoto can take you to museums or traditional temples, but you’d be remiss not to see the incredible Monkey Park Iwatayama!
Located in Arashiyama, not too far from the bamboo groves, Monkey Park Iwatayama is easily accessible by train or bus from central Kyoto, and boasts around 120 Japanese macaques. While the monkeys are hand-fed by humans, they retain many wild behaviours, so make sure that you don’t look them in the eyes during your visit – they may see this as a challenge.
Follow the uphill hike to the park’s entrance at the base of Iwatayama, enjoying the incredible view during your journey. Bright blue skies that stretch for miles over the distant horizon will captivate your mind, before a snow-monkey steals your lunch! Feed these over-eager primates with chunks of fresh fruit bought from the park, though make sure not to let them grab your fingers.
A visit to Monkey Park Iwatayama will take around 1-2 hours, though it’s worth staying longer if you are around Kyoto for longer than a single day. Between the incredible views and interactions with wild macaques, you’ll want to hang around for as long as possible!
One-Day Tours for Everyone in Kyoto
Kyoto is a city of many extremes – from historical majesty to modern art, there is no part that won’t fascinate and delight. While you may only have one day in Kyoto, make sure to cram it full with as many of the unique sights that this incredible city has to offer.
Other Popular Tours in Kyoto