Kyoto · MORNING
The 15 best morning tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
See Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Kinkaku-ji before the crowds with an English-speaking guide.
“Genki, our Guide (6 November 25) was superb 👌. His knowledge was vast and he politely catered to each of our needs. Thank you so very much. Genki is a first class asset to Kyoto and the tourism industry 👏. Thanks again, Lenny and Vicki Fewtrell.”
See Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkakuji before the crowds on a guided Kyoto walking tour using trains and buses.
“The tour was great. It was a bonus to get to the Fushimi-inari shrine first thing so we could take our time enjoying the shrine. Seeing the bamboo forest in the snow was magical! There was a glitch getting to the Kinkaku-ji shrine by bus, but Koi managed it well by getting a taxi for us instead. The Shrine was very busy because of the novelty of the snow, but it was worth the trip. Koi was friendly and helpful and we enjoyed the tour.”
Explore Nara before the crowds on a small-group morning walk to Kofuku-ji, Kasuga Shrine, Nara Park, and Todai-ji.
“It’s a great experience. Our guide Momoka is excellent. She is very good in explanation and showing us around. It’s very leisure and not rush. Really enjoy the trip and would recommend others to take this day trip.”
See Nara’s Great Buddha, sacred deer, and Kasuga Taisha on a guided half-day trip from Kyoto with coach transport and Wi-Fi.
“Sakura was very well versed in English with a happy disposition. She gave interesting information and great advice to keep our crakers in our pockets while feeding the deer or else they will gather around us... show your hands to let the deer know you have NO crakers... watching other visitors I was so glad to have this titbit of information”
See Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji, and Kyoto Imperial Palace on a practical four-hour morning tour with transport and an English-speaking guide.
“Amazing gardens of the imperial palace was the highlight. The golden pavilion was also a special visit. KC was a great guide full of information.”
Cook sushi, tempura, teriyaki chicken, and miso soup in a small Kyoto class, then enjoy your handmade bento lunch for $67.
“Amazing small class :) Loved every minute of it. They catered well to vegetarians. Would do it again in a heartbeat”
See Arashiyama before the crowds on a guided bike tour with bamboo, temples, rice fields, local streets, and a small group of eight.
“We had a really fun bike tour with Ray. He was very knowledgable on the area and taught us a lot about the culture and language in Japan. We went to the bamboo forest and some beautiful temples. Would highly recommend this tour.”
Make seasonal washi paper in a tiny Kyoto studio with English-speaking instructors, then take home handmade cards, a mat, lantern, or panel.
“The class was more than what I expected. Not only did we get to make the paper, and lay out flower and leaves on the paper, but we also got a history of how the traditional paper making process is like. The couple who ran the class were super nice, and they explained everything well. I would recommend this class to anyone, especially since you get a nice souvenir you made yourself to take home!”
Cycle Kyoto’s geisha districts, Imperial Palace, and Kamo River with a private guide on a flexible three-hour e-bike tour.
“We enjoyed a half day e-bike tour around some of the beautiful places of Kyoto with an experienced guide and at a comfortable pace. The day was very hot but an easy ride with the battery powered bike.”
Beat Kyoto’s crowds on an early Fushimi Inari tour with a local guide, quiet torii paths, mountain views, shrine lore, and a unique souvenir.
“Teppei is such a beautiful human being that just radiates light and kindness. we were lucky to have him just for the 2 of us, making this a private 5 star tour. learned a lot about deities and torii, and fended off adversity at the various shrines. Thank you Teppei from the bottom of my heart and my son's bottom too.”
Beat Kyoto’s crowds on a three-hour Gion walk with Kiyomizu-dera, Yasaka Shrine, historic lanes, and guides who bring the city to life.
“Hiro was a superb guide with so much information and great depth of knowledge. Will definitely take this tour again.”
Beat Kyoto’s crowds with a private four-hour tour, a licensed English-speaking guide, and your choice of two or three major sights.
“Yoshi our guide was very knowledgeable and happy to answer all sorts of questions about life in Japan and its culture. Having a local guide means seeing things you might not find by yourself and this was the most memorable part of our two days in Kyoto. Would highly recommend.”
Ride Kyoto before the crowds on a small-group e-bike tour from Kyoto Station, with Fushimi Inari, Gion, Nanzen-ji, and Heian Shrine.
“I really enjoyed the ride and the beautiful scenery. My guide was very nice and paciente. Highly recommended”
Ride Kyoto at its quietest on a five-hour e-bike tour to Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, and Kiyomizu-dera with temple fees included.
“I had an amazing time with Rin on the ebike tour - luckily all the other guests dropped out so I was able to pick his brain on all the history at Kiyomizu-Dera, Senbon Torii, and Sanjusangendo. Also Rin is a great photographer so I got a ton of amazing pictures”
Visit Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama with an English-speaking guide, red torii gates, bamboo paths, temple culture, and a small group.
“Very informative on local customs and traditions. Very adaptable and will go out of the way to help.”
![[2.3km / 1.43mi] Kyoto East Early Morning Walking Tour - Kiyomizu-dera gives the walk its main anchor](https://8.kyototourreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2-3km-1-43mi-kyoto-east-early-morning-walking-tour.jpg)
