Menu Inside Japan Tours
About Us
[email protected] Tel: + 44 117 244 3380(Bristol, UK)
Make an Enquiry
  • Download a brochure
  • About us
    • About Us
    • Brochures
    • Contact Us
    • Accreditation
    • Sustainability
    • Partner Testimonials
    • Press Coverage
    • Company News
    • Careers at InsideJapan
    • Travel Agents
    • Client Log In
  • Reviews
    • All Trip Reviews
    • Independent Reviews
  • Experiences
    • All Experiences
    • Insider Experiences
  • Trip Themes
    • All Trip Themes
    • Honeymoons
    • Family
    • Skiing & Winter Sports
    • Diving
    • Active
    • Accessible Travel
  • Useful Info
    • Destinations in Japan
    • Travel Tips
    • FAQs
    • Japanese Culture
    • When To Travel
  • Destinations in Japan
  • Travel Tips
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Brochures
    • Contact Us
    • Accreditation
    • Sustainability
    • Partner Testimonials
    • Press Coverage
    • Company News
    • Jobs at InsideJapan
    • Travel Agents
    • Tailormade Groups
    • Client Log In
  • Japanese Culture
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Small Group Tours
  • Self-Guided Adventures
  • Exclusive Private Journeys
  • Australia Flag flag Australia
  • USA Flag flag USA

Not in the UK?

You can change your location here.

    Explore our summer Small Group Tours in Japan

    • Home
    • Destinations
    • Kinki
    • Kyoto
    Print
    • Regions in Japan
    • Hokkaido
    • Tohoku
    • Kanto
    • Chubu
    • Kinki
      • Amanohashidate
      • Arima Onsen
      • Ayabe
      • Chikatsuyu-oji
      • Hikone
      • Himeji
      • Hongu
      • Ine
      • Ise
      • Kansai Airport
      • Kashikojima
      • Kawayu Onsen
      • Kii-Katsuura
      • Kii-Tanabe
      • Kinosaki Onsen
      • Kobe
      • Koguchi
      • Kyoto
        • Lake Biwa
        • Miyama
        • Mount Koya
        • Nachi
        • Nara
        • Nonaka
        • Ohara
        • Osaka
          • Shirahama
          • Takahara
          • Totsukawa Onsen
          • Yoshino
          • Yunomine Onsen
        • Chugoku
        • Shikoku
        • Kyushu
        • Okinawa

        Search for a Trip

        Download your brochure today

        Explore our latest brochure for Japan holiday inspiration

        • Download a copy

        Kyoto Kyoto - Japanese

        There is nowhere more special than Kyoto. It is home to everything associated with traditional Japan: striking temples, mysterious geisha, sacred tea ceremony, Zen rock gardens, imperial palaces, refined cuisine, ornate kimono, bamboo groves, street-corner shrines and lively festivals.

        Kyoto Map

        “I spent two years living in Kyoto, and still haven't visited every UNESCO site! My top tip: don't limit yourself to the well-trodden path. Ask a local guide to reveal Kyoto's secret shrines and gardens. There are still many magical places that aren't swarming with tourists.”

        After all the hype you'll hear about Kyoto before you arrive (from us as much as anyone), on first glance the city may not live up to expectations. For many travelers, Kyoto holidays begin upon arrival at Kyoto Station, a gleaming ode to futuristic architecture designed by Hiroshi Hara, before being swept out past tacky Kyoto Tower, drab concrete shops and karaoke bars. But Kyoto is Japan's seventh-largest city, not a tiny rural village, and it is the juxtaposition of modern, urban life against the time-honoured traditions that make this one of the most fascinating of Asian cities.

        Kyoto was founded in 794 as Japan's capital and the home of Emperor Kanmu. Situated in a flat plateau, surrounded on three sides by mountains and bisected by the River Kamo, the city was laid out as a grid system in the tradition of Tang China. As the city fell prey to the inevitable evils of overcrowding, plagues and natural disasters; a plethora of temples and shrines with their attendant rituals and festivals - designed to placate the spirit world - were born. Many of these rituals survive largely unchanged to this day, and you can see them being played out on their appointed date every year.

        Today, Kyoto is home to more than 2,000 temples and shrines, including an amazing 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kyoto culture; a unique tapestry of influences from imperial nobility, samurai warriors, silk traders and Zen Buddhists; is still fiercely defended by Kyotoites - and thankfully, as it was not bombed during World War Two, a great many of its important historical buildings have been preserved to this day.

        Given its status as the standard-bearer for Japanese culture and history, it is not really surprising that Kyoto attracts more than 40 million visitors a year. Packed with must-see sights, from the rock garden of Ryoan-ji to the Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji, from the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple to the "nightingale floors" of Nijo Castle; you will find that here it is impossible to escape the tour bus crowds. Yet for those who make the effort, Kyoto's narrow streets are packed with hidden beauties - exquisite gardens and little-known temples - that are quiet and peaceful even at the height of the tourist season. This blend of iconic landmarks and secluded spots makes it an exceptionally romantic location, ideal for a Japan honeymoon.

        For example, take the back exit from Kiyomizu-dera and you'll find yourself alone in the ancient and majestic cemetery which clings to the mountainside. Sanjusangendo is another less-visited treasure. The main temple hall is filled with 1,001 shining gold statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. There's always a chance to flee the crowds at Fushimi Inari, where thousands of torii shrine gates make a labyrinth of bright red tunnels along the mountain paths.

        Then there are the places where the real heartbeat of Kyoto is found: Nishiki Market, where old ladies in kimono barter for mysterious ingredients; city centre sento bathhouses; and the tiny lantern-lit temples set amongst the shops in the Sanjo arcades. Kyoto is there to be uncovered and discovered, and once you have scratched the surface, it is a city sure to draw you back time and time again.

        Make an Enquiry

        For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380

        • Accommodation
        • Experiences
        • Weather & Climate

        Recommended Accommodation in Kyoto

        Over the past few years the range of accommodation available in Kyoto has improved greatly. There are some fabulous boutique hotels at all price ranges as well as the big established names - or why not try a traditional ryokan inn? You are in the capital of history and culture after all.

        • Yoshimizu Ryokan Image
          Kyoto
          Yoshimizu Ryokan

          Budget

        • The Screen Image
          Kyoto
          The Screen

          Superior

        • Vista Premio Kyoto Kawaramachi Image
          Kyoto
          Vista Premio Kyoto Kawaramachi

          Moderate

        • Mitsui Garden Shijo Image
          Kyoto
          Mitsui Garden Shijo

          Moderate

        • Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto Image
          Kyoto
          Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto

          Deluxe

        • Genji Kyoto Image
          Kyoto
          Genji Kyoto

          Superior

        Experiences in Kyoto

        In keeping with its position as the capital of culture, Kyoto offers more experiences than any other city. There is of course the traditional sightseeing - but the way to really get beneath the surface is to visit artisans, take part in tea ceremony, enjoy cooking experiences & much more besides.

        • Full day private guide and driver service in Kyoto Image
          Full day private guide and driver service in Kyoto

          Read more >

        • Full day private guide service in Kyoto Image
          Full day private guide service in Kyoto

          Read more >

        • Wedding kimono Image
          Wedding kimono

          Read more >

        • Nishiki market  Image
          Nishiki market

          Read more >

        • Insider Experience: Sacred Mount Hiei Image
          Insider Experience: Sacred Mount Hiei

          Read more >

        • Private audience with a <i>maiko</i> Image
          Private audience with a maiko

          Read more >

        • Traditional townhouse visit Image
          Traditional townhouse visit

          Read more >

        • Kyoto's love stones  Image
          Kyoto's love stones

          Read more >

        • Ninja training school Image
          Ninja training school

          Read more >

        Weather in Kyoto

        The Climate Guide for Kyoto, Japan is perfect for planning your holiday. Monthly weather averages give the best indication of what the weather is usually like for every month of the year including figures for temperature, rainfall and sunshine.

        Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
        Max Daytime Temperature (°C) 6 6 10 17 21 25 29 30 25 20 14 9
        Min Night-time Temperature (°C) -2 -2 1 6 11 16 20 21 17 11 5 1
        Hours of Sunshine (Daily) 3 4 5 5 6 5 5 6 4 5 4 4
        Hours of Daylight (Daily) 10 11 12 13 14 14 14 13 12 11 10 10
        Heat and Humidity Discomfort None None None None None None Moderate High Low None None None
        Days with some Rainfall 25 24 23 17 16 19 19 18 19 16 18 22
        Monthly Rainfall (mm) 106 100 123 130 145 218 228 137 209 116 99 86
        UV Index (Maximum) 3 4 6 8 9 10 11 10 8 6 3 2
        Make an Enquiry

        For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380

        Tour Gallery

        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image
        • Gallery Image

        Make an Enquiry

        For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380

        Make an Enquiry

        For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380

        • View our Gallery > Kyoto Gallery
        • Video Gallery > Watch video Kyoto Video Gallery

        Featured trips including Kyoto

        • Traditional Japan

          Self-Guided Adventure

          Traditional Japan (Deluxe)

          • Tokyo
          • Kanazawa
          • Shirakawago
          • Takayama
          • Matsumoto
          • Kyoto
          • Tokyo

          Enjoy the very best in traditional Japanese hospitality as you discover old Japan through a range of exclusive experiences on this deluxe 14-day trip.

          14 nights: from US$16324 pp (twin share) Read more >

          View more Self-Guided Adventures

        • Spring Elegance

          Small Group Tour

          Spring Elegance (IJT Classic)

          • Tokyo
          • Matsumoto
          • Takayama
          • Kanazawa
          • Kyoto
          • Hakone
          • Tokyo

          From neon cityscapes to towering mountains and back, Spring Elegance provides an excellent balance of superb experiences and value for money.

          13 nights: US$7938 Read more >

          View more Small Group Tours

        • Traditional Japan

          Self-Guided Adventure

          Traditional Japan (Classic)

          • Tokyo
          • Kanazawa
          • Shirakawago
          • Takayama
          • Matsumoto
          • Tsumago
          • Kyoto
          • Tokyo

          A classic 14-night adventure introducing the traditional side of Japan, from Japanese-style inns to time-honoured cuisine and ancient temples.

          14 nights: from US$5292 pp (twin share) Read more >

          View more Self-Guided Adventures

        Inside Japan Accommodation Styles

        Style Facts

        Contact us

        • GB Inside Japan UK office

          + 44 117 244 3380
        • US Inside Japan US office

          + 1 303 952 0379
        • AUS Inside Japan Australia office

          + 61 7 3186 8800
        • JAP Inside Japan - Japan office

          + 81 52 253 6068

        ABTA: Travel with confidence ASTA: American Society of Travel Agents Click for the Business Review of Inside Japan Tours, a Japan Specialist Tour Operator in Boulder CO ATOL: Air Travel Organisers Licensing ATAS AFTA AITO: Association of Independent Tour Operators ABTOT: The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust JATA logo ACTA logo

        Download a brochure or enquire today

        If you'd like any help or want to know more about Japan, feel free to either enquire today, give our Japan travel experts a call, or why not download our beautiful Japan brochure.

        Download a brochure Make an enquiry
        • Home
        • Contact Us
        • About Us
        • Brochures
        • Accreditation
        • Testimonials
        • Reviews
        • Sustainability
        • Modern Slavery Statement
        • Latest Trip Features
        • Small Group Tours
        • Self-Guided Adventures
        • Exclusive Private Journeys
        • Experiences
        • Trip Themes
        • Travel Agents
        • Blog
        • Travel Tips & Advice
        • When To Travel
        • FAQs
        • Culture
        • Destinations
        • Press Coverage
        • Company News
        • Careers at InsideJapan
        • Cookie Policy
        • Privacy Policy
        • Terms and Conditions
        • Site Map

        Connect with InsideJapan

        Choose your currency

        • GBP
        • EUR
        • AUD
        • USD
        • CAD
        Trustpilot

        Sign up for our newsletter

        Sign me up Client log in

        InsideJapan Tours

        Get beneath the surface

        Award-winning, innovative and fun group tours, tailormade trips and cultural experiences throughout Japan.

        • Conde Nast Awards Travel Specialists
        • Conde Nast Awards Readers' Choice
        • World's Best Awards
        • Afar Awards
        • TTG Travel Awards
        • Travel & Leisure Awards
        • TTG Luxury Travel Awards
        • Magellan Awards
        • Sunday Times Travel Awards
        • Wanderlust awards
        • Travvy Awards
        • Best travel specialists
        • Guardian Travel Awards
        • Guardian Travel Awards
        • Independent Travel Awards
        • Tour Grand Prix
        Travel Agents Client Log In

        Interested in Southeast Asia?

        Craft bespoke Asia holidays with InsideAsia Tours.

        InsideAsia Tours
        Inside Travel Group Ltd, Electricity House, Quay Street, Bristol, BS1 4TD, UK
        Tel. UK (0)117 244 3380 Email [email protected]
        © 2025 Inside Travel Group Ltd.
        wilddogdesign.co.uk Powered by AMO

        Search for your trip

        Sign up to our newsletter

        If you're interested in Japan, you will love our newsletter. Sign-up and we'll bring a little bit of the magic of Japan to your inbox as well as letting you know about our latest Japan travel experiences, exclusive promotions and insider specials!

        Trustpilot

        + 44 117 244 3380

        Your details

        ** When you opt-in to receive communications from Inside Travel Group Ltd. you are agreeing to us sending you marketing about the different trips and services we offer from our two brands, InsideAsia and InsideJapan. You can opt-out at any time via a link on our emails. You can read all about how we look after your data in our privacy policy

        Your personal information is kept confidential at all times

        This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

        Make an enquiry

        Ready to plan your Japan cultural adventure?

        Tell us more via the form below, and one of our expert travel consultants will be in touch to design a trip that fits you perfectly. We'll ask the right questions to understand your travel style, then put together a full package proposal including accommodation, transport and authentic local experiences.

        Or, give us a call and we'd love to talk through your ideas.

        Trustpilot

        + 44 117 244 3380

        Your Trip

        We don't believe in a one size fits all approach, so please provide us with as much relevant information as possible to help us plan your perfect holiday!

        Almost there!

        How can we contact you about your enquiry?

        We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

        Your details

        Your address

        Look up address Enter address manually

        We send all our proposals by email and it's usually the best way for us to send you ideas and information about your trip and to answer your questions.

        It would be great to have the chance to speak on the phone so we can get the best possible understanding of what you're looking for (and because we all love talking about Japan!)

        ** When you opt-in to receive communications from Inside Travel Group Ltd. you are agreeing to us sending you marketing about the different trips and services we offer from our two brands, InsideAsia and InsideJapan. You can opt-out at any time via a link on our emails. You can read all about how we look after your data in our privacy policy

        Your personal information is kept confidential at all times

        This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

        Download our latest brochure

        Complete this simple form and we'll email you a link to download our latest brochure, packed full of Japan travel inspiration.

        Trustpilot

        + 44 117 244 3380

        Your Trip

        Almost there!

        Just let us know who you are and you'll receive the brochure links in the next couple of minutes.

        Your details

        ** When you opt-in to receive communications from Inside Travel Group Ltd. you are agreeing to us sending you marketing about the different trips and services we offer from our two brands, InsideAsia and InsideJapan. You can opt-out at any time via a link on our emails. You can read all about how we look after your data in our privacy policy

        Your personal information is kept confidential at all times

        This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

        Email Form

        You can email us using the below form. We would also love to chat about your travel plans and are happy to talk if you have any questions, so feel free to give our local office a call.

        Trustpilot

        + 44 117 244 3380

        Your Enquiry

        Your details

        We send all our proposals by email and it's usually the best way for us to send you ideas and information about your trip and to answer your questions.

        It would be great to have the chance to speak on the phone so we can get the best possible understanding of what you're looking for (and because we all love talking about Japan!)

        ** When you opt-in to receive communications from Inside Travel Group Ltd. you are agreeing to us sending you marketing about the different trips and services we offer from our two brands, InsideAsia and InsideJapan. You can opt-out at any time via a link on our emails. You can read all about how we look after your data in our privacy policy

        Your personal information is kept confidential at all times

        This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

        RE