Plan Status:
CULTURE/
EXPERIENCE
Kyoto Time of Craft and Elegance(2 guests)
Kyoto
5hours
A Day of Elegance in Kyoto – Tea, Kimono, and Living Traditions Step beyond sightseeing and discover the true heart of Kyoto through its living traditions. This one-day private tour is led by Ryotaro Miyashita, a fourth-generation member of a kimono artisan family and a certified local guide. You will begin with a Yabunouchi-style tea ceremony at Kyogofuku Miyashita, where the spirit of ichigo-ichie — treasuring each encounter — comes to life. Afterward, visit artisan studios in Kyoto to witness the timeless beauty of Nishijin weaving, Yuzen dyeing, and other crafts that continue to shape Japan’s cultural identity. To complete your day, your guide will take you to the most beautiful and meaningful place of the day — it may be a serene temple, a seasonal garden, or a hidden spot known only to locals. Travel comfortably by private taxi while your guide shares stories and insights into Kyoto’s history, craftsmanship, and aesthetic values. This experience is limited to one group per day, ensuring a relaxed and deeply personal journey. Join me to experience Kyoto not as a tourist, but as a friend invited into the city’s elegant, living heritage.
Highlights
・Experience an authentic Yabunouchi-style tea ceremony at a historic kimono shop. ・Visit artisan workshops in Kyoto to see the beauty of Nishijin weaving, Yuzen dyeing, and other crafts. ・Be guided to the most beautiful and meaningful place of the day, chosen specially for you. ・Travel comfortably by private taxi, with English interpretation and cultural insights throughout. ・Learn about Kyoto’s living traditions from a 4th-generation kimono family deeply rooted in the city’s culture. ・Enjoy a personalized, one-group-per-day private tour designed for depth, calm, and authenticity.
Max Number of Guests
2 People
Itinerary
9:00 AM – Tea Ceremony at Kyogofuku Miyashita Meet your guide, Ryotaro Miyashita, at his family kimono shop in Kyoto. Begin your journey with a serene Yabunouchi-style tea ceremony, an intimate introduction to Kyoto’s refined spirit and the philosophy of ichigo-ichie — treasuring each encounter. 10:00 AM – Depart from Kyogofuku Miyashita After the tea ceremony, travel by private taxi to visit Kyoto’s traditional artisan area. 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM – Visit to Artisan Workshops Explore carefully selected craft studios such as Nishijin weaving or Yuzen dyeing. Meet the artisans, observe their techniques up close, and experience how Kyoto’s timeless beauty is created by hand and heart. 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM – Visit to the Most Beautiful Place of the Day To complete your day, your guide will take you to the most beautiful and meaningful place of that day — a tranquil temple, a seasonal garden, or a hidden local spot chosen based on the season and atmosphere. 1:30 PM – End of Tour The tour concludes at your next destination within Kyoto city. Your guide will assist with directions or taxi arrangements if needed.
Meeting Point
Kyogofuku Miyashita
39 Higashifukunokawacho Okazaki Sakyoku Kyoto city
What To Bring
Please bring or wear socks, as you will enter tatami rooms during the tea ceremony.
Precautions
Please arrive on time. The tour starts promptly at 9:00 AM at Kyogofuku Miyashita. This is a private tour limited to one group per day. Some artisan studios may change depending on availability or the season. Please wear or bring clean socks, as you will enter tatami rooms during the tea ceremony. The tour will proceed even in light rain, but may be adjusted in case of severe weather. Please follow your guide’s instructions when entering traditional spaces to ensure safety and respect. Personal purchases, hotel pickup/drop-off, and travel insurance are not included. Please note that the tour duration is approximately 4.5 hours, though it appears as 5 hours on this page due to system limitations. Lunch is not included in this tour.
Not Allowed:
Please do not take photos or videos inside artisan studios without permission. Please do not touch tools, fabrics, or artworks unless invited by the artisan. Smoking, eating, or drinking (except during the tea ceremony) is not allowed during the tour. Please refrain from loud conversations or phone use inside traditional spaces. Participation under the influence of alcohol is not permitted.
About Host
"Hello, my name is Ryotaro Miyashita, and I was born and raised in Kyoto, a city where tradition quietly lives in everyday life. My family has run a kimono shop for four generations, and through this heritage, I grew up surrounded by the colors, textures, and philosophy of Japanese craftsmanship. Today, I carry on this legacy by sharing the beauty and spirit of Kyoto with visitors from around the world. As a certified local tour guide, I offer private, story-driven tours that connect travelers with Kyoto’s living traditions. My tours are not about sightseeing alone — they are about encounters. Guests can visit artisan studios, discover the refined art of Nishijin weaving or Yuzen dyeing, and experience the calm heart of Yabunouchi-style tea ceremony at my family’s store, Kyogofuku Miyashita. Through these experiences, I hope guests feel the harmony between craftsmanship, nature, and mindfulness that defines Kyoto’s soul. I believe every encounter is ichigo-ichie — a once-in-a-lifetime moment. That is why I welcome each guest personally, with sincerity and respect, creating a journey that feels both intimate and timeless. Whether you are interested in Japanese aesthetics, kimono culture, or simply wish to see the authentic side of Kyoto, I would be honored to guide you through this city I call home. Let us explore Kyoto not as tourists, but as friends sharing in its quiet elegance and enduring traditions."
Available Days
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
155,000JPY
Per Group
Cancellation Policy:
Full refund for cancellations made 7 days or more before the tour date. 50% refund for cancellations made 3 to 6 days before the tour date. No refund for cancellations made within 48 hours of the tour start time or for no-shows. In case the tour cannot be held due to severe weather or unforeseen circumstances, a full refund or rescheduling will be offered at the discretion of the organizer.