Kyoto is famous for its Buddhist temples, gardens, imperial palaces, traditional wooden houses, kaiseki dining, and geisha. Blessed with one of the most distinct cultures on the planet, Japan is home to several unique and defining arts, and nowhere else can you find so many Japanese art forms in one place as in the ancient capital of Kyoto.
Kyoto is one of the most culturally rich cities in the world and the place most travelers dream of when envisioning Japan. It is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, was the capital of Japan for over a thousand years, and remains the heart and soul of traditional Japan. Today, it is a large modern city but retains many of its long-established traditions; it is teeming with beautiful and well-preserved pockets where time seems to move more slowly.
On this exclusive ‘The Way of Kyoto’ Hosted tour we will learn about, well, ‘The Ways’ of Kyoto! The culture of green tea, Sado (茶道), the art of incense appreciation, Kodo (香道), and the art of flower arranging as an art form, Kado (華道), better known as ikebana. We will taste our fill of wagashi (Japanese sweets) and seek out the artisans of Kyo-yaki, the general term for pottery created in Kyoto. We will discover an array of delights at a fantastic craft market, visit incredible gardens & temples, wander the famous Nishiki market and the fabulous boutique stores of the surrounding area, and take a day out in the country to visit the stunning Miho Museum.
Along the way, we will also enjoy various culinary specialities, including Kyozushi (Kyoto sushi), Obanzai Ryori (the traditional home-style cooking of Kyoto), ramen, and kaiseki.
This tour is all about the best of Japanese art and craft, food, and amazing local shopping experiences. We will be exploring Kyoto behind the scenes and learning from local specialists, artisans, and makers.
This incredible tour is perfect for first-time or returning visitors to Japan, for those looking for a quick, but in-depth, taste of Japanese culture in an amazing city, or for returning visitors who feel the need to have an immersive deep-dive into an incredible culture.
