Services

Curated Kyoto is your connection to Kyoto. We are dedicated to sharing a unique way to experience Kyoto through personalized experiences, travel itineraries, collaborations, and media offerings. This modern city, rich in tradition and culture, is presented from a perspective that allows you to make the most of it. Whether you're seeking a serene temple in the mountains with a breathtaking view or looking to enhance your brand’s event in Kyoto, Curated Kyoto provides expert curation to elevate your experience in the city.

There’s a difference between simply visiting Kyoto and truly experiencing it with all your senses. That difference is Sara Aiko.

Denis Dekovic - ADIDAS Creative Director / Designer



I had been following Sara on Instagram and was consistently fascinated by her impeccable taste, thoughtful curation, and the quiet elegance of everything she shared. When I began planning our trip to Kyoto, I reached out — and the experience she crafted was beyond anything I could have imagined. Her recommendations were refined, insightful, and deeply attuned to our interests. Some of the experiences she curated opened up subtle, meaningful gateways into Japanese culture — moments that felt both intimate and unforgettable. It was a journey shaped not only by beauty, but by understanding.

— Veronika B., Founder & Director, NIKA Project Space



As first-time visitors to Japan, Kyoto quickly became my family and I's favorite stop. Sara Aiko's culturally rich and exclusive recommendations made the experience feel really special, unique and it was all very effortless. Sara is deeply connected to the true essence of Kyoto and she is truly one of its best-kept secrets.

Verky Baldonado, Senior Director, TV/Film, i am OTHER



Sara Aiko has channelled her artistic passions as a cultural curator for her company Curated Kyoto, where she offers personalised insider experiences and consultations, connecting people and brands through her networks. She has been on Condé Nast's Travel Specialist list since 2021.

-BBC

CONSULTATION


$499 USD | 45 Minutes


Feeling overwhelmed by endless Kyoto recommendations?

Wondering if that glossy magazine restaurant is really worth it or how to uncover temples, ateliers, and experiences that truly speak to you? As tourism has surged, it’s become harder to access the city’s quiet, authentic side.


At Curated Kyoto, we offer private consultations for independent travelers seeking insider guidance to craft a seamless, meaningful journey through Kyoto and beyond tailored precisely to your needs. My goal is for you to leave the session feeling confident in your plans, equipped with knowledge you can trust, and assured you won’t miss what makes Kyoto truly shine.


In this 45-minute session, you’ll receive:


  • Expert insight from Sara Aiko, Condé Nast Traveler Specialist
  • Honest, thoughtful advice on where to stay, what to experience (or skip), cultural etiquette, and flow
  • Personalized recommendations rooted in years of cultural curation and deep local knowledge
  • Follow-up summary notes within 48 hours
  • Option to upgrade to a fully curated itinerary (additional fee)

Perfect for travelers who love to plan independently but want peace of mind, trusted guidance, and access to Kyoto’s hidden side—far from the crowds.

ITINERARIES


Are you searching for the Kyoto hidden behind the guidebooks? Whether this is your first visit, and you want to experience the city’s serenity and beauty at their best, or you’re returning for a deeper exploration, your journey deserves to be thoughtful and meaningful.


At Curated Kyoto, I open my little black book sharing exclusive access, trusted recommendations, and cultural insight that most visitors will never discover. From start to finish, this self-guided itinerary is crafted with intention and tailored to your pace, preferences, and the season, allowing you to move through the city with confidence and ease.


This isn’t something you’ll find in a guidebook or generated by AI. Rooted in years of lived experience, trust-based relationships, and a refined eye for cultural and aesthetic detail, each journey reveals Kyoto’s true essence.

Note: There is also the option to include a trusted guide in your itinerary.

Please contact me at here

Kyoto holds extraordinary creative potential but it’s not easily accessed. Its most inspiring spaces, collaborators, and cultural experiences are built on trust and often remain hidden to outsiders.


Through bespoke programs, intimate gatherings, and product collaborations with artisans, we bridge the gap between your world and Kyoto bringing your brand’s vision to life, infused with the city’s essence.


We not only know the city intimately we also speak the language of brands. With a background in creative direction, we translate your goals into experiences and collaborations that feel both authentic to Kyoto and aligned with your brand’s identity. Our strength lies in bridging heritage and modernity, luxury and culture, East and West, to create collaborations that resonate on every level.


Kyoto’s devotion to beauty, creativity, and hospitality is legendary. Here, it’s within the little details that beauty quietly reveals itself, planting a seed of inspiration for you, your brand, and your clients.

Let’s start the conversation here


We’ve partnered with global names including Estée Lauder, Chanel, Pharrell Williams, Madonna, Kid Cudi, Adidas, Tatcha, Leica Australia, and more.


Our services include:


  • Cultural programming
  • Experience concepts for luxury hotels
  • Event design
  • Product collaborations
  • Content creation & concept development