The 15 best things to do in Kyoto (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour

   Outty Ranking96

   [Highlights] ・Chance to Spot a Geisha ・Visit a 1,000-Year-Old Shrine ・See Edo-Period Townhouses ・Explore quiet lanes and hidden gems ・Get Local Tips & Recommendations We begin at Gion Shirakawa, a scenic riverside lined. Peak Performance at 96/100, 5.0/5 from 3,941 traveler reviews, 2h from $19, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

   Outty Ranking96

   Winner of TripAdvisor's "Best of the Best 2025" (Top 3 in Japan). Don't just take a photo with a crowd—experience the true silence of Fushimi Inari. This 3-hour hidden hiking tour takes you off the beaten path to explo. Peak Performance at 96/100, 5.0/5 from 1,938 traveler reviews, 3h from $72, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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3. 

   3. Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option

   Outty Ranking96

   Immerse yourself in the charm of Kyoto’s Gion district and experience the quiet art of Japanese craftsmanship. In this intimate one-hour workshop, you’ll design and craft your own pair of wooden chopsticks under the guid. Peak Performance at 96/100, 5.0/5 from 1,661 traveler reviews, 1h from ¥1,000, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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4. 

   4. Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion

   Outty Ranking96

   Craft Your Own Chopsticks from Raw Wood Begin with simple wooden blanks and transform them into beautiful, functional chopsticks using a traditional kanna (Japanese hand plane). Feel the grain of the wood as you careful. Peak Performance at 96/100, 5.0/5 from 4,381 traveler reviews, 1h from $7, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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5. 

   5. Kyoto Arashiyama Walking Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys, Garden & Secrets

   Outty Ranking96

   Explore Arashiyama on a small-group walking tour with an English-speaking guide. Walk through the Bamboo Forest, visit Tenryu-ji’s garden, cross Togetsukyo Bridge and see the monkeys and Kyoto views at Monkey Park Iwatay. Peak Performance at 96/100, 5.0/5 from 1,798 traveler reviews, 5h from $49, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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6. 

   6. Kyoto Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night

   Outty Ranking96

   MOST UNIQUE GHOST TOUR. After visiting Fushimi Inari and wandering through Gion, most travelers think they’ve seen Kyoto. But when night falls, the city feels different. This Ghost Tour takes you into the Bamboo Forest. Peak Performance at 96/100, 5.0/5 from 1,527 traveler reviews, 2.2h from $43, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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7. 

   7. Kyoto Ring Making Workshop: Craft a Vintage Japanese Coin Ring

   Outty Ranking96

   What makes this workshop special is the material itself: you'll work with real vintage Japanese coins, each one decades old and full of history. Unlike typical souvenir shopping, you'll create something with your own han. Peak Performance at 96/100, 5.0/5 from 2,172 traveler reviews, 1h from ¥2,000, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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8. 

   8. Kyoto Samurai Experience

   Outty Ranking95

   What Makes Kyoto Samurai Experience Unique This is more than just sword training—it’s a rare chance to step into the living history of the samurai. Set in a 260-year-old samurai residence, the experience is deeply roote. Peak Performance at 95/100, 5.0/5 from 1,472 traveler reviews, 1.8h from $116, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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9. 

   9. 10 Must-see Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour

   Outty Ranking95

   If you have only one day in Kyoto and want to see all the top 10 must-see spots of Kyoto, this tour is the best for you. A professional local guide shows you the best, comfortable and convenient way to the spots. And yo. Peak Performance at 95/100, 5.0/5 from 1,379 traveler reviews, 8h from $187, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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10. 

    10. Kyoto Traditional Kintsugi Workshop in Gion with Gold Repair Art

    Outty Ranking95

    Uncover the beauty of imperfection in a Kintsugi workshop nestled in Central Kyoto. This hands-on experience invites you to transform broken ceramics into art using traditional urushi lacquer and real gold powder. Guided. Peak Performance at 95/100, 5.0/5 from 1,641 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $18, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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11. 

    11. Sushi Making in Kyoto! Same-day bookings welcome!

    Outty Ranking94

    Top-Rated ★★★★★ Experience! ★ Perfect for beginners, families, couples, and food lovers! ★ ■ What You'll Experience ■ ・ Learn about the history of Japanese cuisine & sushi ・Learn How to Make Perfect Sushi Rice! ・ H. 90+ Club at 94/100, 5.0/5 from 1,105 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $46, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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12. 

    12. Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto

    Outty Ranking94

    Ramen Factory is the only restaurant in the world where you are able to make original ramen by your hand and enjoy its deliciousness. You will do... -Making Noodles -Draining Noodles -Mixing the Soup -Roasting Chic. 90+ Club at 94/100, 5.0/5 from 2,656 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $128, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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13. 

    13. Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour

    Outty Ranking93

    This is an 8 kilometer E-biking ride that visits famous attractions as well as hidden gems in Kyoto such as the Kinkakuji, Daitokuji Temple Complex in order to visit the Koto-in and Zuiho-in, Imamiyajinja and the Kitanot. 90+ Club at 93/100, 5.0/5 from 2,092 traveler reviews, 3.8h from $113, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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14. 

    14. Kyoto Early Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide

    Outty Ranking93

    Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular destinations, so sightseeing can be very crowded during the day. In this tour, we start early to beat the crowds and visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkakuji, and Arashiyama. ⬇︎ PLEASE. 90+ Club at 93/100, 4.9/5 from 2,005 traveler reviews, 5h from $81, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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15. 

    15. World Heritage Kyoto & Nara Uji Authentic Matcha Experience

    Outty Ranking93

    Discover Nara's must-see landmarks on the deluxe coach tour and try to make Matcha tea at Uji in Kyoto, the birthplace of matcha. We will drive pass Fushimi Castle and Heijokyo Palace on the way to Nara. We will visit To. 90+ Club at 93/100, 4.9/5 from 2,648 traveler reviews, 8.5h from $126, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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