Japan · TEMPLE & SHRINE TOURS IN KYOTO
One country, a rail pass and never quite enough days. These 15 temple & shrine tours in Kyoto earn their slot, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to know before you commit.
See Kyoto’s top temples, bamboo forest, Golden Pavilion, and Fushimi Inari in one guided day by comfortable coach.
“Our tour guide Den started and ended with the brightest smile. She gave us so much insight on the history of the temples and shrines we visited. I highly recommend this tour and hopefully you will get to experience the brightness that Den brought to our day!”
Review of Kyoto’s 45-minute tea ceremony in Kiyomizu, with matcha making, a garden setting, practical tips, and value advice.
“Very nice tea ceremony, with a short explanation beforehand. Small grp of 10 ppl. Nice view into the garden.”
Learn matcha rituals at Kyoto’s Jotokuji Temple in a calm 70-minute tea ceremony with an English guide, sweets, and hands-on practice.
“Must-have activity in Kyoto to temporarily getaway from the hustle of tourist spots. Truly authentic and zen atmosphere to not only learn about tea ceremony but also Japanese life philosophy. Our guides are amazing!”
Review of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour, with forest trails, bamboo, quiet torii gates, guide tips, fitness advice, and value.
“Naru what's the perfect tour guide! It was the perfect balance of information and enjoyment. He explained the history behind Japanese traditions, as well as providing insight to all of our questions.”
See Nara, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari in one packed day from Osaka or Kyoto, with an optional Kobe beef lunch.
“Some delays but that was not the guide´s fault. You always have those people who get lost or do not pay attention to the instructions. Maybe a smaller group is better if you dont want to deal with a bus full of passengers. The guide was great, answered to all our questions. Will definitely reccomment if you dont mind a bus full of tourist. Was great for us.”
Review of the Kyoto and Nara bus tour from Osaka, with deer at Nara Park, Fushimi Inari’s torii gates, and Arashiyama’s bamboo forest.
“This was a really great trip to see all the Main Tourist sights. Big shout-out and thankyou to our tour guide Willa, she was very informative, very punctual and also had a very bubbly personality sense of humor that made the trip that little bit more fun.”
Review of Kyoto’s Arashiyama walking tour, with bamboo, temples, gardens, monkeys, shopping, or a local sake brewery lunch.
“Tom was a fantastic guide and knew so much about Kyoto. My husband and I had a great time. We loved the gardens and the temple. Even though the tour is 5 hours, there are plenty of breaks for matcha and snacks. He even made a stop for us to try make a I said I wanted to buy some for a friend. Highly recommend this tour!”
Review of Kyoto’s Arashiyama tour with Tenryu-ji, bamboo forest, matcha, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Monkey Park Iwatayama.
“Honestly, I don’t understand how this tour has so many 5-star reviews. The tour started late because some guests arrived late, which was unfair for us who arrived on time. The guide’s explanations were messy, limited, and felt scripted. Read more”
See Arashiyama, Nara Park, and Fushimi Inari in one day, with Kobe beef shabu-shabu lunch and convenient transport from Osaka or Kyoto.
“Our tour guy Gary was Amazing. Definitely worth doing the this tour lots to see and so many historical sites! Very entertaining and fun trip - time just flies by. Highly recommend the tour!”
Review of Kyoto’s 11-hour bus tour to Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari for $54.
“The day was long! From 7-6:30. So, be prepared for that. You’re going to see a lot. Big crowds, and wonderful sights. Andrea was a fantastic guide. She was down to earth, and knowledgeable. She’d speak English, Spanish, and Japanese with a flip of a switch. It was quite impressive. If you want to see Kyoto’s historic spots, this tour is for you! If you’re not into crowds, go during the off season. Thank you Andrea, and the fantastic bus driver(Ikiro San?)”
See Kyoto’s top sights in one day, from Arashiyama to Fushimi Inari, with bilingual guidance, optional tickets, lunch, and bus transport.
“It was a full day, starting early and finishing late. The organisation was super, and commentary great. Plus time to explore by yourself. All sights visited were fantastic. Highly recommend this tour. Hats off to the guides and driver for keeping high energy all day.”
Explore Kyoto’s Ninnaji Temple, Omuro sakura, gardens, pagoda, pilgrimage path, and museum with a flexible one-day ticket.
Review of Kyoto’s small-group Zen temple tour, meditation with a monk, dry garden, Buddhist lunch, timing, value, and practical tips.
“Yutaka was a wonderfully knowledgeable guide and a great person. His enthusiasm for Zen Buddhism and for Kyoto comes through in every site we visited. We enjoyed thoroughly his company, and we very much appreciate his inner kindness. The Zen meditation experience with a monk was priceless. 🙏”
Practice zazen with a Zen abbot, learn the art of matcha, and admire a 400-year-old garden at Kyoto’s Jusho-in Temple.
“There was so much more than I thought included in this experience. We had a breakdown of the monk village and a food guide who ceremoniously served teas and treats that he selected and made just for us. The paddle was a neat addition and the photographer and guide were so nice.”
Review of Kyoto’s kimono tea ceremony near Daitoku-ji and Imamiya Shrine, with hair styling, photos, tea lessons, pricing, and practical tips.
“If you have never done a formal tea tasting or dressed in traditional Japanese clothing, this is a must do experience!! Great photo ops, delicious matcha tea, great explanations of everything, overall a great experience! My only complaint wRead more”
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