The 15 Best Temple & Shrine Visits in Japan

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 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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Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

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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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

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

4.Meiji Shrine, Asakusa, Skytree Bus Tour and Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,986 reviews · 10 hours · from $122

Spend one long day seeing Tokyo’s major sights by air-conditioned coach, from Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace to Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree. You’ll try Uji matcha, shop Nakamise Avenue, and may finish with a Tokyo Bay cruise. English guides such as Aya, Yui, Sora, and Tsubasa lead the day, with audio guides in six other languages.

“Really great tour - Our guide Hiro was awesome (and so was Bell-san our driver).”

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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

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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Osaka/Kyoto:Kinkakuji,Arashiyama,FushimiInariShrine,NaraPark

6.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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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

Spend two hours walking through Asakusa with an English-speaking guide such as Aya, Keiko, Hiroko, or Glenda. You’ll see the Thunder Gate, Sensoji Temple, Asakusa Shrine, Nakamise Street, Hoppy Street, and Shin-Nakamise, with time for photos, incense rituals, questions, and food tips.

“Really good, very informative. Aya was a lovely guide. Was great learning about the Japanese cultures and also good tips for the rest of our stay.”

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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

Leave Tokyo by air-conditioned coach for Nikko’s cedar forests, ornate Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and a panoramic view of Shinkyo Bridge. English and Spanish guides such as Melody, Jorge, Beru, and Eric lead the day, with shrine admission and lunch depending on your selected package. Expect a long but well-planned day with several hours on the road.

“beautiful place to visit the guide was very good, helpful and friendly the whole tour was very good”

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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

Spend nine hours exploring Kamakura and Enoshima from Tokyo by air-conditioned vehicle. You’ll visit Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Komachi Street, Hasedera, the Great Buddha, and Enoshima’s shrine, caves, shopping street, and Sea Candle area. Guides such as Eric, Yuki, Mitsuko, Omar, and Koji are praised for clear history and practical tips, though Enoshima time can feel short.

“we had great time at this tour. we visited beautiful places ! our guide Yumi was so good and sweet. also the driver was professional! thank you for the lovely moments!!”

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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

This 9 to 10-hour bus tour links Nara Park, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Arashiyama from Osaka or Kyoto. English and Chinese-speaking guides such as Amy, Willa, Fiona, and Christine lead the day, with free time for deer crackers, shrine walks, bamboo, temples, food, and photos. Expect an efficient schedule, long sightseeing day, and plenty of walking.

“It was a comfortable way of going around Kyoto and Nara. It saves you from the hassle of navigating by yourself.”

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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

Spend about 10.5 hours traveling from Tokyo to Nikko by comfortable coach. Visit Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and, from October 1, 2025, Shinkyo Bridge. English and Chinese guides such as Tina, Zoe, Jeff, and Vicki lead the day, with shrine admission included. Bring cash for food and the waterfall elevator.

“Tina our guide was truly the best -- fluent in English and the rich history of Japan, both past and present. Tour bus was large and smooth with our excellent driver. We got a great overview of the Nikko and surrounding area with reasonable fare. Highly recommended!! (trip was 7/17/25).”

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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 $85

Spend about nine hours seeing Tokyo by air-conditioned bus, from forested Meiji Shrine and the Imperial Palace to Odaiba, Senso-ji, and TOKYO SKYTREE®’s 350-meter Tembo Deck. An English-speaking guide such as Keiko, Mina, or Yu Me leads the day. A late Western buffet lunch is included, but vegetarian choices are limited.

“Asushi was very professional and knowledgeable give us description about historical significance and details”

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

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,020 reviews · from $151

Spend about eight hours with an English-speaking guide at Zenko-ji Temple, a Nagano sake brewery, and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Guides such as Tom, Kieran, Nadine, and Endo have helped make the day informative and easy to follow. Lunch, transport, sake tasting, and park admission are included. Expect a forest walk and icy footing in winter.

“This excursion surpassed our expectations and added cultural experiences to our day. We were leaving Japan the next day so it really enhanced our trip.”

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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

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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Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

15.Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 833 reviews · 8 - 12 hours · from $135

Spend a full day exploring Nagano with guides such as Dylan, Brent, Tom, or Hiroshi, depending on your departure. Visit Zenkoji Temple, sample several sakes, enjoy a generous local lunch, then walk 1.6 km through a forest trail to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Transport, entry, lunch, and sake tasting are included.