SHRINE & TEMPLE VISITS IN KYOTO · Japan
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 shrine & temple visits in Kyoto that earn their slot, each with a price, a traveller verdict and the one thing to know before committing.
Full-day Kyoto coach tour linking Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and the bamboo grove, plus World Heritage stops, with an English guide and Wi-Fi.
“Ciel was great, we enjoyed every second of it, and we were wakuwaku of being taught a lot of new things of history and japan things”
A 70-minute Chanoyu tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple in Kyoto. Learn matcha, watch the ritual, and try making your own.
“Really enjoyed this, we learnt a lot and the hosts were very kind and very knowledgeable, would absolutely recommend this experience!”
Skip crowded trails at Kyoto's Fushimi Inari on a guided hike through bamboo forest, quiet shrines, and castle views.
“This was a great way to see Fushimi Inari! We were there on a super busy day at peak foliage season and National Holiday weekend, and we still felt like we had many of the areas on the upper part of the mountain to ourselves. Shin is a Read more”
A fast, scenic Osaka to Kyoto highlights day: Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama bamboo, Fushimi Inari torii, Nara deer and Todai-ji, plus Kobe lunch.
“Harry went out of his way to accommodate us over and over. He was so enthusiastic and kind! It was a long day, but so wonderful. Thank you!”
A smooth day trip from Osaka or Kyoto to Nara deer, Fushimi Inari gates, and Arashiyama bamboo, with an English guide and timed stops.
“This was a great way relocate from Osaka to Kyoto and visit destinations along the way. Fiona our guide and driver Mr A were great. Plenty of time to chose what interested you at Arashiyama, we did the bamboo forest and monkey park”
A 5-hour Kyoto walking tour of Arashiyama bamboo, Tenryuji temple, Okochi Sanso garden, monkeys at Iwatayama, plus lunch or sake tasting.
“Kevin was my guide and he was absolutely fantastic! Really friendly and took the time to chat to everyone - he was also happy to suggest other things to do in Kyoto and how to avoid the crowds. This is really a full morning with lots of things to see but also opportunities to sit and relax. Would really recommend!! Thanks Kevin”
Osaka to Kyoto and Nara in one day, with Arashiyama bamboo, Nara deer, Fushimi Inari torii gates, plus Kobe shabu-shabu lunch for $61.
“Gary's kindness and attentiveness were highly appreciated. The itinerary was consistently adhered to, and the destinations were exceptional, with Gary's recommendations proving valuable.”
One-day Kyoto bus tour with a bilingual guide, Arashiyama early access, Fushimi Inari torii gates, and optional tickets.
“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”
Visit historic Ninna-ji in Kyoto with a low-cost entry ticket, seasonal gardens, Omuro sakura, and optional museum access.
Small-group zazen meditation at a Zen temple in Kyoto, plus a guided garden walk and Buddhist lunch, with temple entry included.
“It was a excellent zen experience with japanese garden and temple. I learned about zen and Buddha and Buddhism. Also vegetarian lunch was a excellent choice”
Practice zazen at Jusho-in with Abbot Eitetsu Nishida, then slow down with matcha, sweets, and a centuries-old garden in Kyoto.
“It was the most incredible experience we had during that trip in Japan. unforgettable !”
Kyoto kimono tea ceremony near Imamiya Jinja, with hair styling, a tea master with 30 years experience, and hands-on matcha brewing.
“Highly recommend. I did this with my family because my grandmother has always wanted to do a traditional tea ceremony. We were all able to dress in beautiful Kimono's, they styled our hair, helped us take pictures, and then led a grRead more”
A 3-hour small-group hike from Tofukuji into shaded forest trails, bamboo groves, and torii gates, with guided photo stops.
“It was fun hiking tour that you wouldn't experience on your own! Highly recommended!”
Arashiyama small-group walk: bamboo, private Okochi Sanso matcha, Tenryu-ji, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Monkey Park from $89.
“Karim was fantastic. We all agreed that the tour was a wonderful way to explore and learn about the area in a structured way.”
Kyoto’s Seigan-ji Temple calligraphy class teaches brush technique, lets you pick your Kanji, and takes home a framed shodo souvenir.
“Great guide and teacher. Very friendly and fun experience in a stunning location. Great to take home what we made.”
Pick the kind of day first. The tour comes second.
