Japan · TEMPLE & SHRINE TOURS

The 15 Best Temple & Shrine Tours in Japan

97 tours  ·  from $5 a head

Sensoji at seven is a different building than Sensoji at eleven. The 15 below cover Kyoto’s torii corridors, the Tokyo temples and the mountain shrines, with prices, start times and which ones include the entry fees.

Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour - Kiyomizu-dera and the view from its wooden terrace
1-Day Tours, Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove Tours, Bus Tours in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Sightseeing Bus Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour

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

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

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!”

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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu - The garden changes the mood
Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremonies in Kyoto, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple - A purification ritual before the matcha
Kyoto Tours, Tea Ceremonies in Kyoto, Tea Ceremony Experiences, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

3.Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,207 reviews · 1h 10m · from $29

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!”

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Tokyo: Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, Skytree Bus Tour and Cruise - Meiji Shrine: quiet woods beside Harajuku
Boat Tours in Tokyo, Bus Tours in Tokyo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Sightseeing Bus Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tokyo: Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, Skytree Bus Tour and Cruise

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available) - Meeting the Inari foxes and the torii gates
Hiking & Trekking, Kyoto Tours, Private, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours

Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available)

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

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

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.”

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Osaka/Kyoto:Kinkakuji,Arashiyama,FushimiInariShrine,NaraPark - Nara Park and Todai-ji: deer first, Buddha second
Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove Tours, Kyoto Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Osaka/Kyoto:Kinkakuji,Arashiyama,FushimiInariShrine,NaraPark

6.Osaka/Kyoto:Kinkakuji,Arashiyama,FushimiInariShrine,NaraPark

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 1,596 reviews · from $66

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.”

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Tokyo: Asakusa Walking Tour with Sensoji Temple Visit - Meeting at Kaminarimon, the Thunder Gate
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Tokyo: Asakusa Walking Tour with Sensoji Temple Visit

7.Asakusa Walking Tour with Sensoji Temple Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,583 reviews · 2 hours · from $22

Review of Tokyo’s Asakusa walking tour, including Sensōji Temple, Nakamise Street, guide quality, value, meeting point, and practical tips.

“Keiko was an energetic, informative and fun guide! This was a perfect introduction to the Asakusa region (finishing at lunchtime as there are many dozens of eateries). Highly recommend!”

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Nikko: Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji & Toshogu Temple - Shinkyo Bridge, Nikko’s symbolic gateway
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Nikko: Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji & Toshogu Temple

8.Nikko: Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji & Toshogu Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,577 reviews · 11 hours · from $89

Review of Nikko’s 11-hour day trip from Tokyo, covering Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, lunch, transport, value, and practical tips.

“The trip was really enjoyable and Melody was a knowledgeable and friendly host! In particular, her explanation of the different symbols and stories depicted in Toshogu temple elevated the experience.”

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Tokyo: Kamakura & Enoshima Day Trip including Temple Tickets - Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura’s samurai-era shrine
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Tokyo: Kamakura & Enoshima Day Trip including Temple Tickets

9.Kamakura & Enoshima Day Trip including Temple Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,375 reviews · 9 hours - 570 minutes · from $58

Explore Kamakura temples, the Great Buddha, Komachi Street, and Enoshima on a practical 9-hour Tokyo day trip for $58.

“We had an amazing experience on this Kamakura tour! Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the history and culture of the area. We visited beautiful temples, the iconic Great Buddha, and hidden spots I never would have found on my own.”

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Kyoto/Osaka: Nara, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bus Tour - Meeting Nara’s sacred deer
Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove Tours, Bus Tours in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Sightseeing Bus Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours

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

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

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

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.”

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Tokyo: Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Waterfall Tour - Starting in Tokyo and settling into the coach
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Tokyo: Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Waterfall Tour

11.Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Waterfall Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,266 reviews · 10h 30m · from $84

Review of Tokyo’s Nikko day tour to Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, and Lake Chuzenji, with practical tips on timing, costs, weather, and value.

“right next to the Shinto temple was a Buddhist temple which was not included in the tour but should be. it could be an opportunity to showcase the similarities and differences between the religions.”

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Tokyo Panoramic 1 Day: Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, Odaiba and SKYTREE® - Meiji Shrine: Tokyo’s quiet opening act
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Tokyo Panoramic 1 Day: Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, Odaiba and SKYTREE®

12.Tokyo Panoramic 1 Day: Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, Odaiba and SKYTREE®

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,222 reviews · from $86

Review of Tokyo’s 9-hour guided tour to Meiji Shrine, Imperial Palace, Odaiba, Senso-ji and SKYTREE®, with lunch and bus transport.

“Yumii did an outstanding job. She was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. She checked on us multiple times. She explained everything with detail and did her best to confirm that everyone heard her directions. She did her best to keep Read more”

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1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano - Sake tasting at Nishimon Yoshinoya
1-Day Tours, Drinking Tours, Food & Drink, Food Tours in Nagano, Nagano Tours, Sake Tasting, Sake Tastings in Nagano, Snow Monkey Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Nagano, Tour Reviews

1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkeys, or Secret Sake Brewery - Starting at Saga-Arashiyama Station
Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove Tours, Breweries, Drinking Tours, Food & Drink, Food Tours in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Sake Tasting, Sake Tastings in Kyoto, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Tour Reviews

Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkeys, or Secret Sake Brewery

14.Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkeys, or Secret Sake Brewery

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 886 reviews · 5 hours - 330 minutes · from $87

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!”

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Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip - Meeting in Nagano or starting from Hakuba
1-Day Tours, Drinking Tours, Food & Drink, Food Tours in Nagano, Nagano Tours, Sake Tasting, Sake Tastings in Nagano, Snow Monkey Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Nagano, Tour Reviews

Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

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