Unique things to do in Kyoto

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.

Don’t get caught standing in a crowd of tourists trying to get a good photo. We provide a personal hiking experience. This is the ONLY tour at Fushimi Inari which goes off paved paths, onto actual forest trails. We know of hidden bamboo groves and beautiful evergreens around Fushimi Inari Shrine. Local trails lead us to the main shrine with thousands of red torii gates, and we know of secluded trails that lead to old and hidden alters. We will begin at Tofukuji Station and wander into a quiet neighborhood, visiting small shrines on the way to the mountain. Then take a trail to see a wonderful bamboo grove, and connect to the main path filled with the famous vermilion torii gates. We will reach the summit of the mountain, which is covered in the ​shrine alters and then venture back down the mountain on a forested trail, visiting smaller shrines on the way to another bamboo grove. This will lead us to the most famous area of Fushimi Inari, perfect for a memorable photo. We will finish at the main shrine at the base of the mountain, where you can enjoy some local street food before you continue your adventure in the wonderful city of Kyoto. Please understand that this is a hike, not a normal walk, so it will require some effort. We will not recommend joining if you have trouble walking or not in a good condition.

Recently matcha green tea has become very popular all around the world. As you may know, matcha plays a very important role in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. However, learning about Japanese tea ceremony means much more than just learning to make matcha. Let's find the concept and philosophy behind this performing art. At first, you will learn the basic concepts and ideas of tea ceremony. You will also learn how to behave in a tea room and appreciate its decoration. Next, you'll watch a demonstration of "the way of tea". We think you will enjoy the quiet and serene atmosphere. And now let's make your own tea! We will tell you how to drink it, and also serve you a specially selected Japanese cake. Come, step into the world of profound spirituality and set your soul free, and let's have fun together!! Other things to note * Please arrive on time. We cannot allow latecomers to join a session once it has started. * The average number of participants is 6-7 people, but please note the maximum count is 12 people.

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 that highlight Kyoto's rich culture. Other things to note: - Please let me know if you have food restrictions or allergies at least a week beforehand. 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.

Top rated Japan night life here where even close enough from Kyoto ! "Let's get away from TOURIST TRAP like Doutonbori/Namba area and dive into deep local side ! Please read detailed guest review to get to know more about my tour! 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 Dotonbori area in Osaka, HERE is for YOU who want to glimpse what a real local night life is. 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! 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 my favorite taste which something "adventurous" and Japanese mom's cooking, sure fire food like seasonal sashimi, 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’m music, movies and nature lover. Other things to note Food and drinks are NOT included in the tour fee. Average cost is about 6000 Yen in TOTAL 3 restaurant. Vegetarian friendly! LGBTQ friendly!

" 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 book lovers, we are happy to offer another class FOR BOOK LOVERS, class including FULL experience like Embossing ( please check another workshop of tsutomu ! - If you'd try Japanese Original book style , we reommend STAMPBOOK class. ( please check another workshop of tsutomu ! - If you are the family, we are very welcome. Under 5years old children might be difficult to have standard corse. In that case, KIMONO SKETCHBOOK class would be better ( please check another workshop of me, yoko !

Experience what it feels like to be a local! This 3-hour experience focuses on standing izakayas in Kyobashi, a neighborhood filled with small, local favorite restaurants and izakaya. Eat and drink like a local in these hidden gems while interacting with friendly Osaka locals! With me as your local host, you will be encouraged to try old-school izakaya foods and interact with locals in a way that you otherwise wouldn't. Unlike the other 'regular' food tours, you will be the one to choose which dish you'd try and order them by yourself in Japanese! We will go to 2-3 standing izakayas, and they have no English signs or menus. By the end of the tour, you'll be able to order your own next round of food and drinks! Come with me to eat and drink like locals, with locals. **PLEASE READ BELOW BEFORE BOOKING** FOOD/DRINKS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE (For drinks and food, it’s usually in the range of 1000 to 2500 yen pp/place.) Please know that the experience will be taken place in STANDING izakayas and they are SMOKING-FRIENDLY. This experience is NOT for those who have many food restrictions or are very specific about the dishes they want.

This is an excellent chance for visitors to get a firsthand look into the world of the samurai. Get a glimpse into the philosophies of bushido, the way of the warrior, and try your hand at wielding a real katana. Afterwards, practice some inward reflection with Zen meditation, used by the samurai to calm their minds during battle. -Form Practice- Before being given a real blade it is important to master the basics. We will begin our training using wooden practice swords and instruct you on the proper grip, posture, and form. -A Real Katana (Japanese sword)- After learning the basics, the next step is to wield a real katana, and use it to cut though a goza mat. We will place this target on a special stand and you can put your sword skills to the test. -Zen (meditation)- The course wraps up with an experience of Zen meditation. Through this deep meditation, you will be able to dissipate some of the excitement from practicing with the sword, and also learn ways in which Zen meditation can assist you in your daily life. -Other things to note- * You are allowed to take photos and videos anytime anywhere during the experience. * We do offer private bookings, please contact us through our website.

First I explain a little about what is special about “Akahada-yaki”. Then I hand over the raw clay to guests for appreciation and touching.Imagine this clay will be given life and become a work in your daily life! Have in your mind a image of your own design. Eg. If you participate with your partner, making same teacups for each other might be a memorable experience! I will also advise for your design from easiness of making or solidity in use. When design is finished, then we start building and shaping by wheel throwing. (See my demonstration!) It’s really a fun to turn a wheel! You can either concentrate in your work, or get more inspiration watching at my works in the gallery. Final step is to scrape and write your name at the bottom of your work. That’s how it works! And let’s have a tea break and Japanese sweet over imagining the finished condition of your work. I will dry and bake your work, then duly pack it , which takes 4 months (or longer in high seasons) in total till dispatching for shipment. (International shipment cost should be additionally paid at the class. For some countries shipment may not be possible, please ask.) About the cost or acceptability of international shipment of your completed pottery to your country, please check with us beforehand.(For some countries we reccommed to use more costly Fedex service for safety.)

You can learn deeply about "SAMURAI" through this experience. Learn about kendo and swords. Wear proper training gear and wield a real sword like a samurai. The experience of handling a sword correctly and cutting things will be an unforgettable experience for the rest of your life. This experience includes: 1. Learn the basics of kendo 2. Practice kendo techniques with special uniforms and equipment,take photos and videos as you like 3. Learn to use a real Japanese sword 4. Cutting rolled tatami mats with a real sword Our client's teacher, Kengo is a skilled Kendo player who started Kendo at the age of 3 and won 3rd place in the Japan tournament. I am very confident in my Kendo skills and knowledge. You can learn about the culture of the Samurai through this experience. The main event of the experience is cutting tatami mats using a Japanese sword. Please rest assured that Kengo will provide careful guidance. We will also be happy to help with video and photo shoots. If you have any questions about the experience, please feel free to contact us. This facility is not a gymnasium, so strenuous exercise is not possible. Instead, you can enjoy beautiful gardens and historic buildings. Children under the age of 15 are not allowed to use real swords in this experience.

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.

Welcome to Kyoto, Japan! Let’s dive into and discover Kyoto's kaleidoscope of sights and sounds. Explore as many as 12 attractions in the city on this full day tour. We take you to the must-see sights and also show you the hidden gems of each location. Let’s stroll the city on foot and by metro like a local for the day. Transportation and the street in the area are very complicated, even for the Japanese. However, all our guides were born and raised in Japan, have lived for a long time close to the area, and are well-trained expert locals. So, we can take you to so many places, at the best time, within a limited timeframe. We recommend you join our tour on your first day in Kyoto. Because, you can learn not only about sights, but also about Japanese history, culture, society, ways of thinking, values and even about local etiquette, how to take public transportations, our everyday life. But above all, the best part of travelling is good food. This tour will take you to some of the best-known restaurants you should not miss when you are in the area, as well as hidden gems recommended by locals. 【Places to visit】 JR Saga-Arashiyama station at 8:50 Arashiyama, Randen Tram Line, Ryoan-ji Temple, Sushi-go-round (lunch, Ramen, Kara-Age, Beer), Kinkakuji Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-zaka slope, Kiyomizu Temple, Sanneizaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Gion area, Gion shopping street

Don’t get caught standing in a crowd of tourists trying to get a good photo. We provide a personal hiking experience. This is the ONLY tour at Fushimi Inari which goes off paved paths, onto actual forest trails. We know of hidden bamboo groves and beautiful evergreens around Fushimi Inari Shrine. Local trails lead us to the main shrine with thousands of red torii gates, and we know of secluded trails that lead to old and hidden alters. We will begin at Tofukuji Station and wander into a quiet neighborhood, visiting small shrines on the way to the mountain. Then take a trail to see a wonderful bamboo grove, and connect to the main path filled with the famous vermilion torii gates. We will reach the summit of the mountain, which is covered in the ​shrine alters and then venture back down the mountain on a forested trail, visiting smaller shrines on the way to another bamboo grove. This will lead us to the most famous area of Fushimi Inari, perfect for a memorable photo. We will finish at the main shrine at the base of the mountain, where you can enjoy some local street food before you continue your adventure in the wonderful city of Kyoto. Please understand that this is a hike, not a normal walk, so it will require some effort. We will not recommend joining if you have trouble walking or not in a good condition.

You will experience the Japanese art of tea ceremony (sado), Japanese calligraphy (shodo), wearing kimono in a real Japanese family home. This is a very relaxed activity for those interested in Japanese art, family life, meditation or simply if you want to avoid bad weather outside. You will also get to learn about family life in Japan. We are a bilingual family (English-Japanese), so you don't need to worry about having any language problems. Our house is quite large, so there is plenty of space for you to relax and enjoy the following activities: (1) Enjoy tea ceremony (sado) in a Japanese tatami room, where you sit on the floor. It is a form of meditation, immersing yourself in the act of preparing, serving & drinking matcha green tea (with a sweet) in an authentic environment. (2) Try out a kimono from a selection or colours and patterns. We will help you put on the kimono. You will feel how tight and how uncomfortable, yet beautiful it is to wear one. (3) Then try Japanese calligraphy (shodo), which is another form of art & mediation. You can write Chinese characters, Japanese hiragana, idioms, haiku and much more to exercise your fingers. Other things to note Ask for availability on other time/date or larger group? Our local station is 18 mins from Osaka Station by JR Train (260yen/free for JR Pass) and 23 mins (30 mins local train) from Kyoto Station (460yen/free for JR Pass). Our house is a short walk to the station.

Recently matcha green tea has become very popular all around the world. As you may know, matcha plays a very important role in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. However, learning about Japanese tea ceremony means much more than just learning to make matcha. Let's find the concept and philosophy behind this performing art. At first, you will learn the basic concepts and ideas of tea ceremony. You will also learn how to behave in a tea room and appreciate its decoration. Next, you'll watch a demonstration of "the way of tea". We think you will enjoy the quiet and serene atmosphere. And now let's make your own tea! We will tell you how to drink it, and also serve you a specially selected Japanese cake. Come, step into the world of profound spirituality and set your soul free, and let's have fun together!! Other things to note * Please arrive on time. We cannot allow latecomers to join a session once it has started. * The average number of participants is 6-7 people, but please note the maximum count is 12 people.

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 that highlight Kyoto's rich culture. Other things to note: - Please let me know if you have food restrictions or allergies at least a week beforehand. 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.

In this 120-minute activity, you will wear the proper training gear and hold real katana swords to train just like the samurai did. The experience of handling a katana correctly and cutting through objects will be something you will never forget. The content of this experience 1. Getting dressed in the training gear 2. Learning how to draw and sheath the katana safely 3. Learning how to swing the katana correctly 4. Cutting rolled tatami mats with a real katana 5. Watching the master's katana performance Why Choose Us 1. An instructor with 20+ years of training Many facilities have undertrained instructors who can only teach tourists. Your instructor here has over 100 students nationwide and over 20 years of training experience. 2. The venue is a real dojo We are not a tourist spot but a real dojo where more than 20 students train regularly. 3. Everything is interpreted in English perfectly Shogo from the YouTube “Let’s ask Shogo (1.7M subs)”, who is a student of this dojo himself, will interpret everything in English perfectly.

Top rated Japan night life here where even close enough from Kyoto ! "Let's get away from TOURIST TRAP like Doutonbori/Namba area and dive into deep local side ! Please read detailed guest review to get to know more about my tour! 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 Dotonbori area in Osaka, HERE is for YOU who want to glimpse what a real local night life is. 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! 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 my favorite taste which something "adventurous" and Japanese mom's cooking, sure fire food like seasonal sashimi, 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’m music, movies and nature lover. Other things to note Food and drinks are NOT included in the tour fee. Average cost is about 6000 Yen in TOTAL 3 restaurant. Vegetarian friendly! LGBTQ friendly!

" 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 book lovers, we are happy to offer another class FOR BOOK LOVERS, class including FULL experience like Embossing ( please check another workshop of tsutomu ! - If you'd try Japanese Original book style , we reommend STAMPBOOK class. ( please check another workshop of tsutomu ! - If you are the family, we are very welcome. Under 5years old children might be difficult to have standard corse. In that case, KIMONO SKETCHBOOK class would be better ( please check another workshop of me, yoko !

Experience what it feels like to be a local! This 3-hour experience focuses on standing izakayas in Kyobashi, a neighborhood filled with small, local favorite restaurants and izakaya. Eat and drink like a local in these hidden gems while interacting with friendly Osaka locals! With me as your local host, you will be encouraged to try old-school izakaya foods and interact with locals in a way that you otherwise wouldn't. Unlike the other 'regular' food tours, you will be the one to choose which dish you'd try and order them by yourself in Japanese! We will go to 2-3 standing izakayas, and they have no English signs or menus. By the end of the tour, you'll be able to order your own next round of food and drinks! Come with me to eat and drink like locals, with locals. **PLEASE READ BELOW BEFORE BOOKING** FOOD/DRINKS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEE (For drinks and food, it’s usually in the range of 1000 to 2500 yen pp/place.) Please know that the experience will be taken place in STANDING izakayas and they are SMOKING-FRIENDLY. This experience is NOT for those who have many food restrictions or are very specific about the dishes they want.

Please find out this tour on IG #travel.japan_together Let's enjoy bar hopping tour at Kyoto city center!! We're exploring "Kawaramachi" and "Kiyamachi" areas, where local Kyoto people enjoy drinking. We will take you to real local bar and izakaya, difficult to find for foreigners. Also take you to some deep & hidden places you never know. This experience is not just for local foods and drinks, give you the opportunity to connect with local people. Cannot wait to show you guys around my city!! We will eat during the tour, so you don't need to eat before the tour. Let's enjoy food and drink like local! If you have special request related to place, food, date and so on, we can organize the tour up to your requests. ＜What's included＞ ○ 3 hours with a local guide ○ Admission fee is free ✖️ Alcoholic Beverages ✖️ Dinner ※We split the total amount, and 99 yen or less will be rounded up to make accounting smoother. ※If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know in advance.

It's beautiful and fresh cycling along the river, which no tourists visit. We also go through local Japanese neighborhood districts, which are beautiful, cozy, and quiet. Especially hidden gems in Nara, cycling along the Saho river, which only local people visit :) With fewer tourists, no cars, and no stress, you'll feel relaxed from a busy Osaka/Kyoto stay. In Nara Park, beside the crowded and busy Todaiji-big Buddha (600 yen entrance fee), a few people visit Nigatsudo Hall on the hill. This is because the view from the Nigatsu-do hall is breathtakingly beautiful. But you've got to ride your bicycle up there, so it's a little bit of exercise. While we cycle around Nara Park, we will see many deer. There are 1,200 deer in the park. And I'll take some lovely group photos of you while cycling. I'm an excellent selfie photographer! It's downhill from Nigatsudo Hall to the station, but it's easy to return! If it rains hard, we'll get our raincoats and walk around the park. (We ride buses between the station and the park.) There is a sake brewery in town, and we can try Sake tasting if you want. (500yen Extra charge) Other things to note Please make sure that you can ride bicycles very well. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for cycling. Please bring your cap or hat to prevent health problems caused by heat strokes.

Enjoy the freshly caught sashimi platter and Japan's only "Wagyu" tasting course with a wide variety of carefully selected sake in Osaka's high-class restaurant district. Learn from a seasoned Japanese chef with easy-to-understand explanations on how to properly select fresh fish for sashimi, how to tell apart each cut of Wagyu beef and how to pair them with a variety of amazing sake. Fresh seasonal vegetables, fried rice and Japanese pickled vegetables are included. Located in Osaka’s premiere restaurant and night life district, enjoy a night on the town at Teppanyaki Toyota. While on my tour, I will carefully explain and walk you through each dish and give you a better understanding of each cut’s characteristics and my creative thought process when designing these dishes. How to select sake and pair them with a Wagyu beef and fishes is essential to the overall enjoyment. So that I will explain the points of "Sake"choice. It is generally said that sake goes well with meals, and I would like you to experience a more compatible marriage on this tour.

A cycling tour through Kyoto city should be more than just a simple ride-around, we take you deep inside. Our 9 km tour is focused on experiencing, exploring, and discovering Kyoto’s best-kept secrets, all in a short riding distance from our shop. Tranquil and contemplative Zen gardens, magnificent temples and shrines, we have carefully curated a tour that offers uniquely contrasting environments showcasing Kyoto’s distinctive history, culture, design, and craft. We have 3 departure times, 9am, 9:30, and 1pm. You must arrive 15 minutes before your departure. If you are late and miss the tour it's non-refundable. If you plan on arriving right at the departure time you may miss the tour so please plan ahead. The tours are usually 3 hours and 45 minutes. Our tour starts and finishes at our shop in north-western Kyoto city. This is a boutique journey, designed for those who seek a more in-depth understanding of Kyoto’s landscape. It features a visit inside the famous Golden Pavilion, but also takes time to stop and relax at other unique meditative Zen Gardens that are off the beaten path. Other things to note Please arrive 15 minutes before departure. Late/no-shows are non-refundable. Most guests take a taxi to our shop. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes for a fantastic day on the bike. I will cancel and refund tours due to heavy rain, storms, or inclement weather.

This is an excellent chance for visitors to get a firsthand look into the world of the samurai. Get a glimpse into the philosophies of bushido, the way of the warrior, and try your hand at wielding a real katana. Afterwards, practice some inward reflection with Zen meditation, used by the samurai to calm their minds during battle. -Form Practice- Before being given a real blade it is important to master the basics. We will begin our training using wooden practice swords and instruct you on the proper grip, posture, and form. -A Real Katana (Japanese sword)- After learning the basics, the next step is to wield a real katana, and use it to cut though a goza mat. We will place this target on a special stand and you can put your sword skills to the test. -Zen (meditation)- The course wraps up with an experience of Zen meditation. Through this deep meditation, you will be able to dissipate some of the excitement from practicing with the sword, and also learn ways in which Zen meditation can assist you in your daily life. -Other things to note- * You are allowed to take photos and videos anytime anywhere during the experience. * We do offer private bookings, please contact us through our website.