15 Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto We Would Put a Day Against

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

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

See seven Kyoto highlights in nine hours with an English-speaking guide such as Den, At-Chan, Sakura, or Tommy. Ride between Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangen-do, Arashiyama, Tenryuji, Kinkakuji, and Fushimi Inari, with entry tickets, Wi-Fi, audio guidance, and an optional Japanese buffet lunch included.

“Den is an amazing guide, she truly made our day special. We really enjoyed the tour today, learning new historical information on Japanese history in Kyoto. Thank you so much for an amazing day.”

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2.Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,519 reviews · 45 min · from $49

Meet your English-speaking host at Sakaguchian in Kyoto’s Sannenzaka district. Watch a tea master prepare matcha, learn the meaning behind the 500-year-old ceremony, then whisk your own bowl and enjoy a Japanese sweet. The 45-minute session includes two cups of matcha, a garden view, and a group photo. Kimono rental is not included.

“Amazing experience in a tranquil atmosphere and such a beautiful surroundings. Our tea master was great in explaining how we should approach the way of life and learning in Japan as we were coached how to prepare the best green tea ever!”

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3.Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotokuji Temple

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

At Ju-An in Jotokuji Temple, Kate and the tea master guide you through purification, the meaning of Chanoyu, and the careful preparation of matcha. You will taste tea and sweets, watch the formal ritual, then make your own matcha. The 70-minute English-language session has no more than 10 people.

“it was a very special, respectful and informative experience”

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

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

This three-hour, small-group hike takes you from Tofukuji toward Fushimi Inari through forest paths, bamboo, and lesser-seen shrines before reaching the famous torii gates from above. Guides such as Naru, Hina, Yuko, and Josh explain local customs and help with photos. Expect about 7 kilometers, stairs, hills, bugs, and slippery ground.

“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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5.Osaka/Kyoto:Kinkakuji,Arashiyama,FushimiInariShrine,NaraPark

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

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Osaka or Kyoto to Nara Park, Todai-ji, Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari. You get a guide, Kinkaku-ji admission, and free time at several stops. Guides such as Harry, Gary, Mike, Tracy, and Panda have led recent departures. Choose a Kobe Beef Shabu-Shabu lunch or more time in Arashiyama.

“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!”

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

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

Walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station through the bamboo grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Okochi Sanso Garden, Tenryuji Temple, and Arashiyama’s shopping streets. You’ll see koi ponds, Kimono Forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, and macaques at Iwatayama. Depending on the option, finish with monkey-park views or a local lunch and sake tasting at Tanzan Brewery.

“Amazing tour!!! Francis was such an awesome guide. I loved the monkeys and the zen garden. 😊🦧”

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7.Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Monkeys, Matcha & Temple Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 759 reviews · from $53

Walk through Arashiyama with an English-speaking guide, visiting Tenryu-ji Temple, the bamboo forest, Nonomiya Shrine, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Monkey Park Iwatayama. You’ll also receive a Uji matcha drink. Guides have included Tim, Sofia, Nay, and Gabriele. Expect about four hours of walking, including a steep climb to the monkeys.

“Wonderful tour. Loved it. Sofia was very informative and attentive. We had a very good time. Definitely worth it.”

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8.Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 700 reviews · 11 hours · from $54

This 11-hour Kyoto bus tour links Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari. English and Spanish guides such as Cesar and Angeles lead the day, with free time at each stop. Choose the ticket option if you want admission to Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, and Kiyomizu-dera included.

“very good tour wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Driver and guide both great with Ceaser been very knowledgeable”

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

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

This 10-hour-45-minute Kyoto bus tour links Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari. You start at 7:00 a.m. near Kyoto Station, travel with an English and Spanish-speaking guide, and return to the same meeting point. Choose a basic package or add attraction tickets and lunch.

“Very organized tour. Cesar was an excellent guide. We were able to tour all the major highlights of Kyoto in one day. Highly recommended.”

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10.Ninnaji Temple Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 650 reviews · 1 day · from $5Best value

Spend a day at Kyoto’s Ninnaji Temple, founded in 888 AD and known for late-blooming Omuro sakura. Explore the Goten palace and gardens, see the five-story pagoda, walk the two-hour Omuro Pilgrimage course, and add the Reihokan Museum or seasonal flower festival when available. An unnamed special guide inside Kannon-do may also be available.

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

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

Walk through Tofukuji’s Zen temple area with a local guide such as Yutaka, learn the basics of Buddhism and zazen, sit in meditation with a monk, admire a dry garden, and eat a traditional Buddhist lunch. The group is limited to seven, making this a calm, personal introduction to Kyoto’s Zen culture.

“Highly recommended, especially if you are seeking a quiet and reflective experience in Kyoto. Perfect for solo travellers like myself. Yukata was my guide and he treated us like VIPs. We walked the streets of Tofukuji, visiting the famous shrine Read more”

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12.Zen Experience in a Hidden Temple

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 437 reviews · 2 hours · from $109

Meet at Myoshin-ji’s north gate and walk to Jusho-in Temple for two 20-minute zazen sessions with Eitetsu Nishida, the 16th-generation abbot. An English-speaking guide explains the practice and translates questions. After meditation, learn how to receive matcha and seasonal sweets while facing a historic garden. A photographer sends you keepsake images afterward.

“It was not touristy at all. One of my favorite activities in my 4 visits to Kyoto.”

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13.KYOTO Tea Ceremony with kimono near by Imamiya Jinjya Shrine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 343 reviews · from $99

Choose a Nishijin kimono, have your hair arranged, and join a 30-year tea master for a traditional ceremony near Daitoku-ji. You will learn the meaning of kimono patterns, taste matcha with a seasonal sweet, and prepare tea yourself. Staff help with photos, and interpreter Akira adds useful cultural context.

“Excellent. Learned a lot. Enjoyed the ceremony and the kimono. If you are interested in tea, this is a must do.”

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14.Kyoto Fushimi-Inari Night Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 320 reviews · from $43

Walk Fushimi Inari Shrine after dusk with a guide such as Hiro, Caleb, Tammy, Jem, or Masaki. In a group of up to 12, you’ll follow the torii-lined paths toward Mount Inari, learn about Shinto customs, fox statues, prayers, and the shrine’s role in Kyoto. Expect a 90-minute to 2-hour walk, some uphill paths, and a striking nighttime atmosphere.

“Masaki was very knowledgeable and patient showing us all around. He gave lots of insight into the traditions and prayers to make our tour much more interesting. Seeing the gates at night was a fun different way to see the sights. I recommend trying this tour!”

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15.3-Hour Fushimi Inari Shrine Hidden Hiking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 270 reviews · 3 hours · from $72

Join an English-speaking guide such as Hina, Naru, Shiori, or Yuto for a three-hour, small-group hike from Tofukuji Station to Fushimi Inari. You will walk forest trails, visit quiet altars and bamboo groves, climb Mount Inari, learn shrine customs, and get photos along the way.

“Wonderful hike up the back of Mt. Inari, avoiding the crowds. Our guide was wonderful and our small tour group was delightful. Highly recommend - but you should be in reasonable physical condition.”

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