Explore the treasures of Kyoto
Kyoto is old-world Japan, perfectly preserved and elegant – yet contemporary and liveable
The many peaceful shrines and temples, the graceful cobblestone streets which Geisha glide over from appointment to appointment, the magnificent gardens and natural wonders of Kyoto are the stuff of Japanese legend.
Our luxurious Kyoto tours will whisk you away to a gentler time, where you can feel the soul of Japan in all the architectural details and in nature. Nestled amongst three mountains, the city of Kyoto is famed for its Gion district, the home of the elusive Geisha.
Boasting over 1,000 Buddhist temples - architectural masterpieces often accompanied by equally stunning Zen Gardens - it is the four kilometres of vermillion torii gates making up the Fushimi-Inari Shinto shrine that really captures the spirit of Kyoto.
Our Kyoto tours spend three days in the city and surrounding areas allowing you to completely immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, explore the ancient culture and traditional ways of life as well as sampling some of the nation’s finest cuisine on offer.
Combining the ease of luxury travel with authentic cultural experiences, our Kyoto tours include the must-see destinations of Tokyo, Osaka and the rural beauty of Hakone and the Five Lakes District at the foot of the magnificent Mt Fuji, as well as the wonderful surprises of magical Miyajima, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Takayama, Nagoya and the exciting seaside port of Fukuoka.
Select your own experience from our Kyoto tours, 17 Day Essential Japan or 15 Day Japan Unveiled itineraries.
The difference is Scenic
Enjoy a luxurious experience in Kyoto with Scenic.
The Scenic experience combines the ease of luxury travel with a selection of hand-crafted itineraries made up of our signature Enrich experiences and Freechoice activities providing the Scenic traveller with exclusive access to some of Japan’s hidden secrets.
All accommodation, rail journeys, transfers, Freechoice dining experiences and even gratuities are included in our Kyoto tours.
Experience the streamlined efficiency and world-class comfort on the Shinkansen bullet train, travelling in Business Class. Stay in the opulent world-class Conrad Tokyo and Hilton Osaka hotels, and our Scenic Special Stays in other destinations are all of the highest standard all remarkable for their iconic status, heritage, character and location.
Destinations and experiences
Stroll along the glorious, cherry blossom-lined Philosopher’s Walk and cross the famous Shibuya city crossing known as ‘The Scramble’, and everything in-between on one of our Kyoto tours.
Step off your luxurious Shinkansen train ride into the historic city of Kyoto, home to many World Heritage-listed sites including the beautiful Philosopher’s Walk and the Fushimi Inari Shrine made up over 10,000 vermillion torii gates and featured in the movie ‘Memoirs of a Geisha’. A meditative stroll through these gates reveals stunning countryside and offers many photographic opportunities.
Take a day excursion to Nara to visit the Todaji Temple and see native deer roam about Nara Park before a sake tasting and a visit to a sake museum. Enjoy an elegant Kyomai traditional dance performance in the Gion District. Marvel at Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Pavilion and wander through the peaceful Zen Garden at Ryoanji Temple. Dress in a traditional kimono to participate in the time-honoured Japanese traditional tea ceremony, an exclusive Enrich experience.
In Tokyo, explore the historic buildings of the Yanaka and visit Sensoji, the oldest Buddhist temple in Asakusa before taking a luxurious scenic cruise along the Sumida River. Breathe in the sacred Imperial Shinto Meji Shrine. Stroll along the ever-changing scenery and crowds of the Omotesando Walk or relax in the picturesque Shinjinku-Gyoen Garden before doing some shopping at the teeming Shinjinku entertainment district. We Enrich your experience of Tokyo by a dinner cruise on a yakatabune, an old-fashioned houseboat where you will enjoy the bright lights of the city from Tokyo Bay.
In the lovely Five Lakes District, your Kyoto tours include a gentle cable-car ride up to the eerily beautiful Owakudani geothermal area. A cruise along Lake Ashinoko with the glorious Mt Fuji as a backdrop is simply breathtaking.