Unique things to do in Kyoto

"Experience KENDO" offers authentic BUSHIDO ("WAY OF SAMURAI") learning experience through the lecture and basic motions of the traditional martial arts, KENDO ("WAY OF SWORD"). Tomoyoshi, the instructor, will give you a short lecture on how the ancient swordsmanship of SAMURAI later developed into KENDO. He will share ancient SAMURAIS' heroic stories, including his great-grandfather, Yoshishige Hayashi. He will also share the controversial influence of BUSHIDO values on this nation and his family into extremism, especially during the period of WW2. He will end his story on how redemption came and led him to the current inner peace and the life of a pacifist. After the lecture, you will wear all the KENDO armors and will learn the basic KENDO movements. In the end, you will get to do the KENDO match with each other. Upon completing the workshop, you will receive a beautifully designed “Certificate of Experience”. Tomoyoshi will teach you everything in English. Q&A is always welcomed. Photo-taking is freely allowed. His wife, Tomoko, who also has rich Kendo experience will assist ladies and children in any necessary way. It is a very safe activity but exciting enough to meet your adventurous expectation. We are confident that this is one of the best workshops you can find of this kind!

We will share a course-meal ranging from modern to traditional Japanese food across 4-6 food stands and restaurants. I have chosen these vendors to talk about quality food and rich food culture that represent Kyoto. Throughout the evening, we will try many kinds of foods different from what other Japanese cities offer with other foodies! - Other things to note Please let me know if you have food restrictions or allergies at least a week before. I might not be able to fully accommodate restrictions as it is a group experience. - This experience is run by either myself or another trusted local guide. - I update my tour availability by the 3rd week for next month. Even if you don't see availability, please check back later.

Kyoto is famed for its shrines and temples, which are full of countless unique stories that will astonish you, making you fall in love with and connect yourself to their ancient history. I am deeply fascinated by the tales and traditions hidden among the streets and behind the sliding doors of Gion. The mysterious world of Geisha can seem exclusive and challenging to discover, so on my tour I will reveal the history, rituals, and nuances of the art-form as well as the entertainers who adhere to this traditional lifestyle, while simultaneously providing other interesting facts and a deeper understanding of Kyoto through the secret or small details that are often hard to notice for visitors and locals alike. ･Tour begins near the Kamogawa river and stop by the statue of Izumo no Okuni, she originated Kabuki theatre and inspired Geisha culture. ･In Gion, you’ll learn of the lives of Geisha. ･Visiting local shrines and temples, from overlooked to popular ones, you'll learn their basics and unique stories. ･Tour ends with seeing an apprentice Geisha, Maiko. At the beginning you'll have tea break, lunch or dinner, talking with and asking her questions. ･At the end you'll see her performance, the art of Geisha. Other things to note: Please note that I always try to avoid canceling, but in some cases, like a typhoon, it’s needed.

Nara was Japan's first capital 1300 years ago. Discover old city Nara & real Japan. We visit 3 world heritage sites, Nara park and hidden jem. We meet at Kintetsu Nara station of Kintetsu railway at 9:30 AM. (1)Begin the tour with the statue of Gyoki. (2)Enjoy walking shopping street and explore Nara famous food and Nara souvenir. (3)Enjoy Yomogi-Mochi at famous sweets shop (4) Kohfukuji Temple(world heritage) (5)Nara Park Visit places only locals know. I explain the habit of visiting temples and shrines and how Japanese pray, the difference between temples and shrines. Explore the basis and background they have. (6)Sagiike pond (7)The shrine with the Japanese Shinto deities of love (8)Kasuga Taisha shrine (world heritage) (9)break for lunch at a nice Japanese Udon restaurant. Lunch fee is not included. Cash is required. (10) If time permits, I will do a quick Origami lesson. (11)Todaiji-Temple Great Statue of Buddha (world heritage)　Admission fee is required. (cash only) Tour ends at Nandaimon Gate of Todaiji-Temple. You can walk or take a bus to the station. If you need any questions about how to get back to the station, I can give you the instructions. Notes: There will be a lot of walking on this tour. I recommend you come wearing comfortable walking shoes

Let’s make Vegan Ramen and Gyouza with Japanese cooking teacher,Sakiko ■Schedule Introduction Cooking demonstration and hands on cooking Lunch Time (Itadakimasu, Bon Appetit) ■Menu ・Ramen-Learn how to make Ramen soup from the scratch ・Gyoza We make vegan dashi (broth) and ramen soup using vegan dashi. And make gyoza filling, wrap with gyoza wrapper, and fry. ■Instructor Sakiko-the former Sushi chef at Disney Land in the U.S 【Notice】 The ramen noodle is premade. I use the dried noodle not include egg and any animal product. The gyoza wrapper is also premade. We don't make gyoza wrapper from starch. I will give you the recipe so you can recreate Ramen and Gyoza at your home country! Other things to note Please let me know If you have any allergy or you want to eat only gluten free food. And I take pictures during the lesson so let me know if you do not want to be in pictures.

This is a 3-hour 30-minute hiking lead by locals. Lunch included. You will have an opportunity to experience the holy mountain of Fushimi through an alternative route. We provide two slots. 9:00am - 13:00pm / 9:30am - 13:30 pm The latter is for busy season. This experience includes: 1) Sightseeing of the main shrine and thousands of red gates, with an explanation of their history and cultural background. 2) Easy walking through a peaceful bamboo and cedar tree forest path, visiting authentic holy spots (worship stones & waterfall) and a factory. 3) Going up a forest route to the summit shrine (20 min). The summit is 233m high, and I will show you around the shrine. 4) Photo-shooting part. On the way down, I will show you lots of photogenic spots that are usually less crowded. 5) Snack & drink, and the breathtaking panorama view of Kyoto city from the viewpoint. 6) Lunch at the best soba restaurant in Fushimi. Yummy Japanese noodle soba and inari sushi. vegan options are available. Showing local street food stands. Other things to note: Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a hands-free backpack for hiking. The paths are well-organized, but you will go up/down some stairs. The time schedule may differ depending on your walking speed.

Welcome to my experience! :-) There are two parts in this experiences: Kimono dressing and Photoshoot. [ Kimono dressing (40-60 minutes) ] Reach the kimono shop at least 1 to 2 hrs BEFORE the SCHEDULED TIME of photoshoot Select the right Kimono ■ A professional kitsuke sensei will help with wearing the Kimono ■ Then a professional stylist will help with hair styling ■ Kimono upgrade/Make-up service is available with additional fee (decide at the shop) [ Photoshoot ] ■ We meet at the Kimono shop ON the SCHEDULED TIME ■ Walk around Kyoto Gion area ■ As we walk together, I will suggest some suitable spots for photoshoot ■ I will take photo group by group ■ Don’t worry about posing as I will guide you along the way ■ After the photoshoot, you can wear the kimono until 6pm [ About photo ] ■ 10 edited full resolution photos per participant ■ all unedited JPEG 200-400 photos, send within 7 days via cloud drive [ Note ] ■ You can always ask me if I can open the schedule for you if it’s not listed ■ Kimono upgrade is available with extra fee. We also provide full scale package for half/full day casual or pre-wedding photoshoot at any locations within Japan. Please contact me for details. Other airbnb photoshoots experiences in Kansai area: ■ Kyoto Gion ■ Kyoto Gion with Kimono ■ Kyoto Fushimi Inari ■ Kyoto Fushimi Inari with Kimono ■ Kyoto Arashiyama ■ Nara ■ Osaka

this is like one stone two birds, sightseeing + experience. you come to Fushimi Inari station by Keihan-line or Inari station by JR-line. then enjoy hiking in the mountain about 60 minutes to the meditation place . I explain about meditation for 10 minutes, then chanting the mantra of Inari shrine. it takes 20 minutes . counting meditation 10 minutes breathing meditation 10 minutes photo shooting after meditation. Other things to note there are lockers or place for your baggage near stations. only 5 bathroom so better try to go when you would see it.

We will visit the best of Osaka in one day. The iconic streets, mythical temples, must-seen places and all those historical and popular things that turn Osaka into the best of Japan and specially a place beyond description. We'll start in the mythic shinto shrine with the legendary drum bridge that inspired the all famous writer Kawabata, Summiyoshi Shrine. Then, we'll jump into the old electric train to Tennoji, where we'll visit the first buddhist temple in Japan, Shitennoji and a traditional japanese garden hidden just next to the tallest building in the country. We will walk to the heart of japanese sub-culture, Nippon-bashi and Namba, visit the hidden Hozen-ji temple and cross Dotonbori to the fashion districts of Amemura and Shinsaibashi. Between the modern and high buildings in Umeda and the old style district of Nakazakicho, we will enter the place where the famous story of Monzaemon, "The Suicide Lovers of Sonezaki" was born, the Ohatsu shrine. At Tenjinbashisuji, the longest commercial street in Japan, we will find the kitchen of Japan, and the popular 10th century shrine, Temmangu. We'll finish in one of the most iconic places here, the Osaka Castle where i will share all kind of stories and samurai gossips. In every place i will show you where to find the most delicious local food and where the enjoy the best beer and the nicest japanese sake. By the way, during our experience i will be taking photos for you with my camera because it always happen that you never appear in your journey photo-album. Those photos are a gift for you to remember that the best of Osaka is you. Other things to note This city became my home and i want to share how special it is, but don't forget every tour is unique because you make it unique.

Thanks for checking out and welcome to my experience! :-) [ On the day ] ■ We meet at the meeting point on the scheduled time. I will send you a google map link. ■ Walk around Kyoto Gion area. ■ As we walk together, I will suggest some suitable spots for photoshoot. ■ I will take photo group by group. ■ Don’t worry about posing as I will guide you along the way. [ About photo ] ■ 10 edited full resolution photos per participant ■ all unedited JPEG 200-400 photos, send within 7 days via google drive [ Note ] ■ You can always ask me if I can open the schedule for you if it’s not listed ■ Other locations (Fushimi Inari, Kamogawa or any other locations) ■ Children below 2 years old can join for free. Please present his/her passport for age verification during the photoshoot. ■ The tour does not included paid location, if you wish to enter paid attraction, kindly pay for my entrance fee We also provide full scale packages for half/full day casual or pre-wedding photoshoot at any locations within Japan. Please contact me for details. Other things to note Other photoshoots in Kansai Kyoto Gion http://bit.ly/2JRpEF3 Kyoto Arashiyama http://bit.ly/34wdxVC Kyoto Gion with Kimono http://bit.ly/2qpIkVC Kyoto Fushimi Inari with Kimono http://bit.ly/381AKAg Nara http://bit.ly/2NglvfN Nara with Kimono http://bit.ly/32xQfyT Osaka http://bit.ly/34pOUKe

You can make a reservation to participate in the tea ceremony experience in our studio, enjoy the 60-minute service and immerse yourself in the unique Japanese culture tour. The Tea Ceremony experience in ANKOAN kicks out your fatigue in the journey. While tasting the welcome tea made by Yuka, you can talk about the tea ceremony and whatever. Then move to another layer of matcha tearoom, watching the process of making Matcha tea and tasting Matcha and delicious Wagashi. At this time, you’d better observe the teacher's action for making matcha carefully. Do you know why? Because you will experience to make mathca personally later on. But don't worry, the teacher will be around you to instruct and explain, so that you can fully experience the fun of making Japanese matcha. At the same time, we can share what we see and what we feel, such as "how do Japanese people live?", "how did Japanese culture come into being?” and so on. With the experience of matcha, we, from different cultures, can get closer to each other in the process of communication, which is the highlight of tea ceremony experience in ANKOAN. And then, please get down to tasting the matcha made by yourself, which contains Japan's profound culture, and end this pleasant experience. In addition: you can take pictures indoor freely. Other things to note ＝Business Hours＝ 10:00-18:00 ＝Off Day＝ December 31st to January 3rd ※We will be closed for attending lectures abroad or domestic activities. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Information Honmachi classroom until June 2023. Reservations from July 2023 will be at a different location. Add two classrooms. Prices tend to be high in the world, but the Japan price of our classroom has not changed from the past. In the January 2023 issue of Nagomi, a tea ceremony at a temple in Kyoto, which our classroom will hold in February, was published in tea ceremony magazine. Many customers have made reservations for May 2023. The current, we received an offer of a cultural experience in our classroom from the world's most rated five-star hotel. The tea ceremony masters in our classroom are tea masters with very difficult tea ceremony qualifications. In January 2021, Japanese culture precious wood was nominated for the Travel & Hospitality Awards. In March 2021,Japanese culture precious wood was selected as the winner of the Travel & Hospitality Awards Learning Experience of the Year in Japan. In the classroom experience . 1.Wear a kimono and take it home 2.Tea ceremony by qualified tea master 3.Wear a kimono and take it home and Tea ceremony In this experience . (1)A lecture by a highly qualified tea master. (2)Tea ceremony The guidance of the person in charge can only experience here.Other things to note There is an additional charge if you are late　for the experience time.There is an additional charge for the kimono experience.Advance reservation system.

We meet in Shinsekai area, an old neighborhood of Osaka, walk around the area then head toward the Minami area, Osaka's southern city center, including world-famous "Dotonbori". Osaka is well known as the food capital of Japan, or kitchen of Japan, and you will see why once you get here. There are so many restaurants all over the city, and all kinds! I'll show you not only the variety of foods Osaka can offer but also the history of the area, Japanese culture, tradition and everyday life of local people. I'd recommend you to take my walking tour at your earliest convenience once you arrive Osaka, since I'll talk a lot about what you can do here as well as restaurant recommendations. This will be an excellent activity for you to familiarize yourself to this amazing city, and also Japan over all. I'll try my best to let you have a good time while you're in my beloved city!! I'm looking forward to showing you the best of my Osaka!! Please note this is not food tour, meaning no food is included in my tour. But Osaka as a food capital of Japan, I talk a lot about food in my tour. Even though the time is limited, you are welcome to grab something quick to eat during my tour too!!

Close enough from KYOTO ! Guarantee the best price and quality/quantity! Please read detailed guest review to get to know more about my tour! "One of the tapas bar is historical 80 YEARS OLD classic Japanese tapas bar! Point 1. Experience of this bar crawl will walk around deep side of Osaka, If you’re looking for "off the beaten path" munchies experience beyond Namba or Doutonbori area in Osaka, HERE is for YOU who wanna glimpse what a real local night life is. Point 2. Let me take you to three SPECIAL standing bar which most of them are originally opened as "liquor store" turned out to be a "Tapas Bar". Great things that we will have quality food/drinks as very reasonable price! Average cost is about 6000 Yen ($44/€41ish) in TOTAL 3 restaurant. Point 3. You will encounter a bunch of flavorful food/drinks surrounded by full of local. You will be fit in well to local life without language barrier. I'll order your favorite taste which something "adventurous" and sure fire food like seasonal sashimi or variety of meat and veggies. If you find your favorite sake, you can buy a bottle in order to have your souvenir! Let's enjoy the night out together like a local. besides, I would like to talk about culture differences! I am music, movies and nature lover. Other things to note Food and drinks are NOT included in the tour fee. Vegetarian friendly! LGBTQ friendly!

【New release at a special price】 Kyoto city is full of tourist spots, it's a kind of amusement park itself. But the transportation is so complicated even for Japanese people. Then tourists may visit 5-6 tourist spots in one day. But through this experience, we will take you to the most popular tourist spots in Kyoto, in one day! You have a chance to take photos of very beautiful scenery though this tour. 【Where to visit】 1. Meet in front of the Exit of JR Saga-Arashiyama station at "8:50" 2. Arashiyama: Beautiful bamboo forest and Japanese forested mountain 3. Ride the Randen Tram Line: Cute local small tram 4. Ryoan-ji Temple: The stone garden became famous because Queen Elizabeth visited here and praised it 5. Lunch: Eat at a Sushi-go-round (Sushi, Ramen, Kara-Age, Beer, Mochi too) 6. Kinkakuji Temple: You can't miss this place. The famous "golden temple" 7. Fushimi Inari Shrine: The No.1 sightseeing spot chosen by overseas tourists! The 1,000 red torii gates lining the path are spectacular 8. Sanjusangendo: The sight of 1,000 Buddhist statues lined up is a sight to behold 9. Kiyomizu Temple: The most popular tourist spot for Japanese tourists. The wood stage does not use a single nail 10. Sanneizaka: Souvenir shops lined up this pedestrian road 11. Yasaka Pagoda: A major symbol of Kyoto 12. Gion area: This is the beauty of historical city, Kyoto 13. Gion shopping street

"Experience KENDO" offers authentic BUSHIDO ("WAY OF SAMURAI") learning experience through the lecture and basic motions of the traditional martial arts, KENDO ("WAY OF SWORD"). Tomoyoshi, the instructor, will give you a short lecture on how the ancient swordsmanship of SAMURAI later developed into KENDO. He will share ancient SAMURAIS' heroic stories, including his great-grandfather, Yoshishige Hayashi. He will also share the controversial influence of BUSHIDO values on this nation and his family into extremism, especially during the period of WW2. He will end his story on how redemption came and led him to the current inner peace and the life of a pacifist. After the lecture, you will wear all the KENDO armors and will learn the basic KENDO movements. In the end, you will get to do the KENDO match with each other. Upon completing the workshop, you will receive a beautifully designed “Certificate of Experience”. Tomoyoshi will teach you everything in English. Q&A is always welcomed. Photo-taking is freely allowed. His wife, Tomoko, who also has rich Kendo experience will assist ladies and children in any necessary way. It is a very safe activity but exciting enough to meet your adventurous expectation. We are confident that this is one of the best workshops you can find of this kind!

We will share a course-meal ranging from modern to traditional Japanese food across 4-6 food stands and restaurants. I have chosen these vendors to talk about quality food and rich food culture that represent Kyoto. Throughout the evening, we will try many kinds of foods different from what other Japanese cities offer with other foodies! - Other things to note Please let me know if you have food restrictions or allergies at least a week before. I might not be able to fully accommodate restrictions as it is a group experience. - This experience is run by either myself or another trusted local guide. - I update my tour availability by the 3rd week for next month. Even if you don't see availability, please check back later.

For years I’ve been hearing that Kyoto doesn’t have a great nightlife so people should stay in Ōsaka if they are looking for excitement & then do day trips from there to Kyoto & Nara. People who actually don’t know Kyoto say these things. Kyoto has a very vibrant & exciting nightlife. Kyoto has become overrun with tourists over the past few years but you can still manage to find places that aren’t crowded with tourists & that’s my goal for your experience with me. We will go to places that are intimidating to enter for people who don’t speak Japanese. The places where most tourists will walk by & wonder what’s served there. First, we will go to a “tachnomi” or “stand up bar” where many people gather after work for drinks & small dishes. After that, we will squeeze into a tiny bar where locals sometimes sing karaoke songs & often strike up a conversation with new faces because everyone is seated together. The owner or “mama” will definitely visit with us & I’ll translate everything. Finally, we will head to another tiny bar that is set off of a narrow alley lined with historic buildings in the heart of Kyoto’s nightlife scene. I can direct you where to go from there as it’s near the nightlife district!

You will dive right into the most iconic paths of Kyoto’s Gion district. You will discover the local lifestyle of the Geishas district and experience another side of Kyoto, off the beaten tracks. I will tell you more about the history of these back alleys and secrets streets. Find out what everyday life looks like here in Kyoto, and how people live in the traditional "Machiya", the iconic wooden houses of Kyoto. I will also take you to my favorite local craft shops and introduce you to their lovely owners. Other things to note It is a walking tour, please wear confortable shoes.

＼Special discount for groups & early birds!／ You've got some time on your arrival or leaving day in Kyoto? If so, my tour is perfect for you! Easy walk from Kyoto sta to Gion main area. You'll discover a lot of charms of Kyoto within 4 hours. Here are 3 things you'll get from my tour: 1. Survival Japanese lesson for traveling! I prepared a handy pocket-size handout, which we'll practice together while we're walking. From the perspective of a professional Japanese teacher, I picked up very useful expressions and phrases for travel conversation. You'll immediately be able to use them and you can enjoy communication with local people during your trip! 2. Explore and feel the local! We'll walk a lot during the tour, please be ready for it;-) I'd like to show you not only historical places but also more hidden places where locals usually go, secret photo spots, and riverside alleys. Also, I'll introduce my favorite Izakaya (Japanese style pub), Kyoto craft beer, coffee shops etc. 3. Traveling tips in Kyoto & Osaka! I'm originally from Osaka and I was giving tours in Osaka before, so you can ask me anything about Osaka. I'll share basic manners and rules in Japan, things you can do/shouldn't do. 【Tour Route】 Kyoto Sta > Kyoto tower Bldg. > Higashi honganji temple > Kamo riverside > walk through local alleys > finish in main area ※The expense for your meal is NOT included.

Kyoto is famed for its shrines and temples, which are full of countless unique stories that will astonish you, making you fall in love with and connect yourself to their ancient history. I am deeply fascinated by the tales and traditions hidden among the streets and behind the sliding doors of Gion. The mysterious world of Geisha can seem exclusive and challenging to discover, so on my tour I will reveal the history, rituals, and nuances of the art-form as well as the entertainers who adhere to this traditional lifestyle, while simultaneously providing other interesting facts and a deeper understanding of Kyoto through the secret or small details that are often hard to notice for visitors and locals alike. ･Tour begins near the Kamogawa river and stop by the statue of Izumo no Okuni, she originated Kabuki theatre and inspired Geisha culture. ･In Gion, you’ll learn of the lives of Geisha. ･Visiting local shrines and temples, from overlooked to popular ones, you'll learn their basics and unique stories. ･Tour ends with seeing an apprentice Geisha, Maiko. At the beginning you'll have tea break, lunch or dinner, talking with and asking her questions. ･At the end you'll see her performance, the art of Geisha. Other things to note: Please note that I always try to avoid canceling, but in some cases, like a typhoon, it’s needed.

Nara was Japan's first capital 1300 years ago. Discover old city Nara & real Japan. We visit 3 world heritage sites, Nara park and hidden jem. We meet at Kintetsu Nara station of Kintetsu railway at 9:30 AM. (1)Begin the tour with the statue of Gyoki. (2)Enjoy walking shopping street and explore Nara famous food and Nara souvenir. (3)Enjoy Yomogi-Mochi at famous sweets shop (4) Kohfukuji Temple(world heritage) (5)Nara Park Visit places only locals know. I explain the habit of visiting temples and shrines and how Japanese pray, the difference between temples and shrines. Explore the basis and background they have. (6)Sagiike pond (7)The shrine with the Japanese Shinto deities of love (8)Kasuga Taisha shrine (world heritage) (9)break for lunch at a nice Japanese Udon restaurant. Lunch fee is not included. Cash is required. (10) If time permits, I will do a quick Origami lesson. (11)Todaiji-Temple Great Statue of Buddha (world heritage)　Admission fee is required. (cash only) Tour ends at Nandaimon Gate of Todaiji-Temple. You can walk or take a bus to the station. If you need any questions about how to get back to the station, I can give you the instructions. Notes: There will be a lot of walking on this tour. I recommend you come wearing comfortable walking shoes

3-hour refreshing bike ride and a 1-hour town walk. This tour is perfect for families. Bike Part: You'll ride a lovely bike to explore the hidden gems of Kyoto that are off the beaten path. This efficient tour lets you feel the wind and air of Kyoto while experiencing nature and open sky. We'll begin with a peaceful riverside road, stopping at a hidden shrine to try some pure natural spring water. Then we'll visit the huge Imperial Palace and a famous Zen temple before passing through some university campuses and peaceful residential areas. We'll arrive at Shimo-gamo Shrine (a UNESCO World Heritage site) to enjoy its primitive forest and beautiful buildings. Next, we'll ride down to a unique river junction point and follow the scenic and refreshing lighted-up riverside back. Walk Part: After returning the bikes, we'll take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful entertainment area of Gion or Pontocho. You'll visit main "Flower Towns" (places of Geisha) and see the amazingly photogenic streets. We'll explain the unique culture and system of Geisha. If you're lucky, you may even spot a beautiful Geisha. Dinner Recommendation: During the walking part, we'll introduce many good restaurants and bars according to your requests. Note Rain or Shine experience. The destinations are one of the examples.

Let’s make Vegan Ramen and Gyouza with Japanese cooking teacher,Sakiko ■Schedule Introduction Cooking demonstration and hands on cooking Lunch Time (Itadakimasu, Bon Appetit) ■Menu ・Ramen-Learn how to make Ramen soup from the scratch ・Gyoza We make vegan dashi (broth) and ramen soup using vegan dashi. And make gyoza filling, wrap with gyoza wrapper, and fry. ■Instructor Sakiko-the former Sushi chef at Disney Land in the U.S 【Notice】 The ramen noodle is premade. I use the dried noodle not include egg and any animal product. The gyoza wrapper is also premade. We don't make gyoza wrapper from starch. I will give you the recipe so you can recreate Ramen and Gyoza at your home country! Other things to note Please let me know If you have any allergy or you want to eat only gluten free food. And I take pictures during the lesson so let me know if you do not want to be in pictures.

Enjoy the way locals eat at restaurants not listed in the guidebooks and hear stories about Kyoto from the locals. This is a true Kyoto experience, a fun blend of dining and sightseeing. This tour is led in English by a local Japanese guide. 【Foods & Drinks are included】 First, we will toast at a modern beer bar! Then, enjoy "delivery food" from a popular nearby restaurant together. It is typical in Kyoto to order delivery instead of going all the way to the restaurant. Next, enjoy walking through beautiful Gion at night. A local guide will explain the history of Kyoto and its geiko and maiko. What exactly do geiko do? What kind of people comes to the party? The second restaurant is a sushi restaurant. Cheers to sake! Enjoy beautiful sushi made by artisans in a restaurant loved by locals. Afterward, we will visit Ponto-cho, Kyoto's largest concentration of izakaya (Japanese-style pubs). Ponto-cho is located on the banks of the Kamo River and is a beautiful area to take pictures. We will explore the nightlife of Kyoto through a maze of pathways. Finally, we will visit a famous udon or ramen restaurant. We recommend curry udon and tonkotsu ramen. In Japan, it is customary to have a "shime" dish at the end of a drinking session, and Kyoto's famous "shime" dish is udon. After eating many dishes and walkking in Gion , you will see what Kyoto is really all about!

Session 1 " Book Binding Workshop" 1. select book cover ( you can choose from our collection of old kimono textile / old cloth textile / varieties of fabrics ) 2. stitch the interior pages of the book by hand 3. cut the edge of the book to size 4. measure the book cover & other materials 5. set and arrange all paper and make book cover 6. assemble the interior of the book and book cover 7. press by hot iron with candle 8. use pressing tools to press book 9. glue on the cover of the book Session 2 ” Embossing ”　 1. choose one or two words from Name/ Date/ Kyoto. Or, one line of your expression like poem or philosophy. 2. choose letter style from letter presses ( Western or Japanese/ Kanji -old Chinese characters ) 3. design to set letter press on the back page of your book cover 4. practice the technic of embossing several times 5. try to emboss with golden leaf ( silver / other colors ) please check photos for each process. -finish Other things to note This course is best suited for adults and families with kids over 13 yrs. old. If you’d like to enjoy a more family oriented class please choose our other course Traditional Kyoto Style Bookmaking.

My class will be held by request. Please message me in advance if you need to make a reservation. You can experience Japanese Tea Ceremony in our authentic Japanese style local home. We have very authentic tea room for aiming to let to people know our tea culture more deeper in correct way. I teach tea ceremony and ikebana for the locals as well, so my reservation slots are limited. Also many Japanese and students visiting my class . You will learn Japanese tea history, How to participate in the tea ceremony,then you will watch demonstration and learn how to make matcha. I am a licensed teacher from the Omotesenke School Of Tea in Kyoto. I can help you understand the significance of the Way of Tea, and welcome all your questions. *You can not enter my home during the session. *We can introduce kimono rental shop nearby if you needed. *Please let me know if you would like to use the chair in advance. *Please bring your socks,we also have socks in pay(500JPY) * You can take your pictures during the class.(please don’t take video) * The class lasts for about 60 minutes(in 4people). * Only participants for experience are available to enter tea ceremony room. * Please come to our place no later than 5 minutes before the experience. * Please be sure to check the location and time carefully before you come to class.

Our scooter tour allows you to operate your own scooter while our personable and well-informed local guide takes you to some of the most amazing places in this ancient city. You will visit the most beautiful historic landmarks which you normally cannot reach by public transportation such as buses or trains. We will deliver our scooter or scooters to wherever you or you and your travel companions are staying here in the city of Kyoto. Our tour guide will meet you at the time of the delivery and go over some basic, but very important, Japanese traffic laws that drivers need to be fully aware of while also going over some basic operation and safety tips on how to use the scooter. Then, you and your guide will head off into the historic old capital city of Kyoto to explore places in a way that you've probably never experienced before. Of course, remember to stay on the left side of the street! Just keep an eye on your tour guide who will patiently and happily guide you along while taking you along Kamogawa (Duck River) which winds its way through the old capital city. You will be visiting many historic landmarks along the way including one called Tanukidani Fudo. After a nice day visiting some of the lesser-known, but all the same very impressive landmarks, you will return to your hotel and leave your scooter. Other things to note We will deliver our scooter or scooters to wherever you or you and your travel companions are staying here in the city of Kyoto.

" Book Binding Workshop" 1. select book cover ( you can choose from our collection of old kimono textile / old cloth textile / varieties of fabrics ) 2. stitch the interior pages of the book by hand 3. cut the edge of the book to size 4. measure the book cover & other materials 5. set and arrange all paper and make book cover 6. assemble the interior of the book and book cover 7. press by hot iron with candle 8. use pressing tools to press book 9. glue on the cover of the book -finish- Other things to note If you are the family, we are very welcome. Under 5years old children might be difficult to have standard corse. In that case, embossing class would be better ( please check another workshop of mine!

Do you want to meet local people and experience the traditional craftsmanship and design of Kyoto? Do you want to explore hidden places, not so crowded with tourists? Do you want information about real life in Kyoto? I created this guided exploration for you. I invite you to walk with me in downtown Kyoto, where I'll show you hidden gems and unique places related to traditional craftsmanship and local lifestyle. You will meet the artisans and shop owners, and enjoy many interesting stories and information about the city and how people are living in Kyoto. I will guide you to several places and shops during the two-and-a-half-hour walk. You may enter a secret garden, meet the 18th-generation artisan of a famous family, visit the people who created the golden cover of the Kinkakuji (Golden temple), hear legends and stories about the interesting history of downtown and the traditional arts. Meanwhile, we will also try some tasty traditional Kyoto style sweets. This is not a classic historical walk; I will introduce you to Kyoto's people for discussion, and to share our experience about real life in Kyoto. We are going to small, local places.