Japan · TEMPLES AND SHRINES IN KYOTO
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.
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.”
Review of Kyoto’s 45-minute tea ceremony in Kiyomizu, with matcha making, a historic garden, practical tips, pricing, and family advice.
“Friendly, beautiful, very informative. Our whole family, including kids 9 and 13 had a great time. Highly recommended.”
Join a 70-minute matcha ceremony at Kyoto’s Jotokuji Temple, learn its rituals, make your own tea, and enjoy a calm, intimate cultural experience.
“We had the most incredible experience and cannot recommend enough!”
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.”
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.”
Explore Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, Zen temple, gardens, river views, and macaques on a five-hour Kyoto walking tour with local guides.
“Best tour ive been on so far. Interesting and stunning scenery. Would highly reccomend. Guide was interesting and instructions were easy.”
Review of Kyoto’s Arashiyama tour with Tenryu-ji, bamboo forest, matcha, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Monkey Park Iwatayama.
“Wonderful tour. Loved it. Sofia was very informative and attentive. We had a very good time. Definitely worth it.”
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”
See Kyoto’s top sights in one day, from Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji to Fushimi Inari, with bilingual guidance and bus transport.
“Fantastic tour. guide was excellent, loads of information provided”
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”
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”
Practice zazen with a Zen abbot, learn the art of matcha, and enjoy a 400-year-old garden at Kyoto’s Jusho-in Temple.
“Wonderful experience in a lovely temple (and beautiful grounds). The two meditations were challenging in the best way, the tea experience was really unique and my husband and I loved telling everyone about it when we got back. the photos were a really nice touch and came out beautifully - they're such a special memory to take home with us.”
Dress in a Kyoto kimono, learn tea ceremony etiquette, make matcha, and enjoy a small-group cultural experience near Daitoku-ji.
“Was the best. From beginning to end. Experience of dressing up in kimono and participating in tea ceremony was magical. Even my teenage boys loved it. Highly recommend if in Japan. Mera (sorry if spelt incorrectly) was so informative and attentive. Thank you!”
Escape Kyoto’s crowds on a 3-hour Fushimi Inari hike through bamboo groves, forest trails, quiet altars, and the famous torii gates.
“Perfect ! Our guide Hina was kind and compétent … Thank you!”
Explore Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, temples, private garden, matcha tea, bridge, shops, and monkey park on a five-hour Kyoto walking tour.
“Brilliant tour that captures a lot of the local area and great photo ops. Our tour guide Karim was excellent and kept the group in a great mood. If you’re visiting during the summer month into September the walk to the monkeys can be an uphill struggle for the unfit 50 somethings like myself but worth the trip even in about 33 degrees.”
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