Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below
Overview
Explore Kyoto’s traditional townhouse culture on this walking-focused city tour.
Visit Tondaya and Hachikuan, beautifully preserved machiya that showcase classic Kyoto architecture and craftsmanship.
If open, step inside the historic Sugimoto Residence, one of the city’s largest merchant houses, offering a glimpse into old Kyoto life.
The tour also includes free time for lunch at Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s famous food street filled with local specialties.
This experience is perfect for travelers interested in architecture, history, and authentic local culture, all within easy reach of Kyoto Station.
What's included
Public Transportation fee
Admission Fee
Hotel Pickup
National Licensed English Speaking Guide. Please let us know if you prefer any other languages.
Personal Expenses
(apx. 10-20 USD)
What to expect
1h · Admission ticket included
Tondaya is a beautifully preserved Kyoto machiya townhouse that offers a glimpse into traditional merchant life.
Visitors can explore elegant tatami rooms, inner gardens, and seasonal decorations while learning about Kyoto’s customs, festivals, and daily life passed down through generations.
It provides an authentic and intimate cultural experience in the heart of the city.
Hachikuan
1h · Admission ticket included
Hachikuan is a beautifully preserved Kyoto machiya townhouse where visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture in an intimate setting.
The house features classic wooden architecture, tatami rooms, and a peaceful inner garden that reflects everyday life in old Kyoto.
At Hachikuan, guests can enjoy hands-on cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies or seasonal workshops, offering a deeper understanding of Kyoto’s refined aesthetics and hospitality.
Its quiet atmosphere provides a perfect escape from the city’s bustle and a rare glimpse into traditional townhouse living.
Nishiki Market
1h
Nishiki Market is a lively shopping street in the heart of Kyoto, often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen.”
Stretching over 400 meters, the market is lined with shops selling fresh produce, traditional sweets, pickles, seafood, and local specialties unique to Kyoto cuisine.
Visitors can enjoy tasting street food, browsing artisanal ingredients, and experiencing the everyday food culture that has supported Kyoto life for centuries.
It’s an ideal place to enjoy lunch and immerse yourself in the flavors and atmosphere of the city.
1h · Admission ticket included
Sugimoto Residence is one of Kyoto’s largest and best-preserved traditional machiya townhouses, offering a rare glimpse into merchant life of the Edo period.
Once home to a prosperous kimono wholesaler, the residence features elegant tatami rooms, inner gardens, wooden architecture, and seasonal decorations that reflect Kyoto’s refined lifestyle.
Walking through the house feels like stepping back in time, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere, aesthetics, and daily rhythms of historic Kyoto.
This facility is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. If you would like to visit on other days, please go elsewhere.
Meeting and pickup
Pickup details
The guide will be waiting for you at your hotel lobby with your name sign.
Please inform about your pick up details in advance.
Additional information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
