Japan · TEMPLES AND SHRINES IN KYOTO

15 Temples and Shrines in Kyoto to Plan a Day Around

65 tours  ·  ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.9 average  ·  from $18

Every Japan itinerary has one slot too few. These 15 temples and shrines in Kyoto earn theirs, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes instead of an evening.

[Kyoto & Nara Day Tour] Sagano Scenic Railway & Nara Park & Fushimi Inari Taisha Thousand Torii Gates & Togetsukyo Bridge & Bamboo Grove & Kimono Forest (Departing from Osaka) - Fushimi Inari: a walk beneath thousands of gates
Day Trips, Day Trips in Kyoto, Kimono and Cultural Dress, Kimono Experiences in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Temples and Shrines, Temples and Shrines in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences

[Kyoto & Nara Day Tour] Sagano Scenic Railway & Nara Park & Fushimi Inari Taisha Thousand Torii Gates & Togetsukyo Bridge & Bamboo Grove & Kimono Forest (Departing from Osaka)

1.[Kyoto & Nara Day Tour] Sagano Scenic Railway & Nara Park & Fushimi Inari Taisha Thousand Torii Gates & Togetsukyo Bridge & Bamboo Grove & Kimono Forest (Departing from Osaka)

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 10,942 reviews · 9 hours · from $45Our pick

Travel from Osaka or Kyoto for a guided day among Nara’s deer, Fushimi Inari’s red gates, and Arashiyama’s bamboo paths and bridge. The day runs about nine hours, with an optional Sagano Scenic Railway ticket package. Guides vary; names include Cicy, Carter, Rex, and Sarah.

“We had an absolutely fantastic day tour, and it was entirely thanks to our incredible guide, Rex, and our wonderful driver! Rex was the perfect tour guide-exceptionally kind, patient, and attentive to everyone in the group. He kept us well-organized, provided clear and helpful updates throughout the day, and ensured we never felt rushed at any of the beautiful stops. He even went above and beyond with thoughtful gestures like taking great photos for us and giving us lovely postcards as a souvenir. His energy and warmth made the whole trip so memorable! Our driver also deserves a huge thank you. We felt completely safe and comfortable the entire day.…”

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Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour - Kiyomizu-dera and the classic Kyoto view
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Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour

2.Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 4,316 reviews · 510 minutes - 9 hours · from $122

See Kyoto’s major temples, shrines, bamboo grove, and Golden Pavilion in one well-organized day by coach with an English-speaking guide.

“It was excellent. At Chan was a fabulous guide. She provided excellent information, was engaging and was present and aware of everyone. The places we went to were all very interesting and enjoyable. Highly recommend this tour.”

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu - Finding Sakaguchian on foot
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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

Kyoto Nara Day Trip │ Kiyomizu-dera Temple + Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine + Nara Park (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto) - Kiyomizu-dera: temple views and old Kyoto lanes
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Kyoto Nara Day Trip │ Kiyomizu-dera Temple + Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine + Nara Park (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)

4.Kyoto Nara Day Trip │ Kiyomizu-dera Temple + Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine + Nara Park (Departing from Osaka/Kyoto)

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,408 reviews · 9 hours · from $44

This full-day group trip links Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera district and Fushimi Inari with Nara Park and Todai-ji. You travel by shared vehicle, then explore each stop on your own. Guide language depends on the package you choose. Temple entry, lunch and other personal costs are extra, and the return is to Osaka, not Kyoto.

“For Shine: Thank you so much Shine!! We're the ones from Group 12, Row 7 - 3 persons who had the tour , Oct. 6, 2026. We had such a wonderful experience and we're so happy that you were the one who guided us. You explain things and the places we're going to visit so clearly. Thank you! Marilou S. and Joey S. and Atty.Arce”

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple - The purification ritual and its meaning
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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available) - From Tofukuji toward the mountain
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Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

6.Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,750 reviews · from $63Top rated

Escape Kyoto crowds on a guided 7km forest hike to Fushimi Inari, with bamboo, quiet shrines, castle views, and expert local help.

“After a day in Kyoto, we started to tire of the tourist crowds, so this small group tour was absolutely brilliant. Our guide N. was knowledgeable and ever so nice. The hike was easy and as we approached the Tori gates from the back, we avoided other people right to the end. N was also an expert at taking super arty photos of us esp in the bamboo forest. Can’t recommend the tour enough.”

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Kyoto Kimono Rental Experience (Optional Exquisite Hair Styling/Japanese Makeup/Photography) (Ookini Kiyomizu-dera Main Store) - Choosing a kimono without losing half the morning
Kimono and Cultural Dress, Kimono Experiences in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Temples and Shrines, Temples and Shrines in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto Kimono Rental Experience (Optional Exquisite Hair Styling/Japanese Makeup/Photography) (Ookini Kiyomizu-dera Main Store)

7.Kyoto Kimono Rental Experience (Optional Exquisite Hair Styling/Japanese Makeup/Photography) (Ookini Kiyomizu-dera Main Store)

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,700 reviews · from $18Best value

At Ookini’s Kiyomizu-dera shop, choose a kimono or yukata, get dressed with help from a professional dresser, and head out toward Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, and Gion. Plans vary: some include hairstyling, while makeup and photography are optional extras. Free return options can save you a trip back to the shop.

“The shop is located near Kiyomizu-dera Temple, making it very convenient to visit Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka, and Sannenzaka after getting dressed in a kimono. There are many kimono styles in the shop with a truly wide selection, communication with the staff was easy, and the overall experience was wonderful.”

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Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour - Nara Park: an hour with the sacred deer
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Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour

8.Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,275 reviews · 9 - 10 hours · from $52

Review of a $52 Kyoto and Nara day tour featuring deer, Fushimi Inari’s torii gates, Arashiyama bamboo forest, and guided bus travel.

“amazing bus tour with the guide Christine 🤗The places we visited were interesting and Christine is very nice (she even helped me pick my own kimono ☺️) and a good guide!! I recommend it, we had so much fun and going by bus makes it comfortable.”

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Kyoto Kimono Rental Experience (Optional Elegant Hairstyle/Japanese Makeup/Photography) (Ookini Kimono Rental Yasaka Shrine Gion Store) - Choosing a kimono without rushing
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Kyoto Kimono Rental Experience (Optional Elegant Hairstyle/Japanese Makeup/Photography) (Ookini Kimono Rental Yasaka Shrine Gion Store)

9.Kyoto Kimono Rental Experience (Optional Elegant Hairstyle/Japanese Makeup/Photography) (Ookini Kimono Rental Yasaka Shrine Gion Store)

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,091 reviews · 30 mins · from $18

At Ookini Kimono Rental’s Yasaka Shrine Gion shop, choose a kimono or yukata, get help dressing, and add a hairstyle, makeup, or photo session if you wish. The shop is close to Yasaka Shrine and handy for exploring Gion and nearby sights. The basic visit takes about 30 minutes; return options can include another store or your Kyoto hotel.

“The photographer will take you to unique scenic landmarks for the photoshoot and will guide you on how to pose.”

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Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkeys, or Secret Sake Brewery - Walking beneath Arashiyama’s bamboo
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Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkeys, or Secret Sake Brewery

Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour - Starting at Tenryu-ji Temple
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Kyoto: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour

Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari Shrine w/Lunch - Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: beautiful, brief, and busy
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Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari Shrine w/Lunch

12.Osaka/Kyoto: Arashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari Shrine w/Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 754 reviews · from $61

Visit Arashiyama, Nara Park, and Fushimi Inari in one busy day, with air-conditioned transport and a traditional Kyoto lunch included.

“we woke up late and our guide instructed us what to do. overall a great experience for someone that wants to do a flash tour of the places. the Kobe beef was amazing and also the place was quite traditional. highly recommended for the activities and Veggie our guide”

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Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari Guided Tour - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before the crowds
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Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari Guided Tour

Kyoto: Nijo, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before the crowds
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Kyoto: Nijo, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari

14.Nijo, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 699 reviews · from $51

Kyoto highlights in one day: Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari with a bilingual guide.

“We had a wonderful (and sweaty!) time on this all day tour with Paula and her driver, Nishimura-san. She was a great tour guide and balanced out giving good information with allowing us to explore on our own. I highly recommend going on thiRead more”

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Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch - Tofukuji Temples and the Meaning of Space
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Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch

15.Kyoto Zen Meditation & Garden Tour at a Zen Temple with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 441 reviews · from $110

Practice zazen with a monk, visit Kyoto’s Zen temples and gardens, and enjoy a Buddhist lunch on this small-group tour.

“This tour offered a truly unique experience. We thoroughly enjoyed walking through the serene Zen temples and admiring the beautifully maintained Zen gardens. A highlight was meeting a Zen monk who introduced us to the practice Read more”

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New in Temples and Shrines in Kyoto

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★ 5.0Otagi Nenbutsu Temple and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest TourFrom $6937 reviews
★ 5.0Kyoto Magical Night English Tour: Gion & Fushimi Inari ShrineFrom $2697 reviews
★ 5.0Kyoto Early Bird English Tour: Fushimi Inari & Gion(Private opt)From $99139 reviews
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★ 5.0Kyoto Guided Walking Tour: Secret Zen Garden and Fushimi InariFrom $7817 reviews
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Every kind of day in Japan

Grouped by what you would actually be doing that afternoon.

On foot

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Out of the city

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