Kyoto · KYOTO TEMPLE & SHRINE TOURS
38 reviewed
Kyoto counts around two thousand temples and shrines, and the right guide turns a blur of them into a story. Ranked here: the best temple and shrine tours, which sites each covers, how much walking is involved, and which set out early enough to reach the gates before the coaches.
A calm Kyoto tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple. Learn Chanoyu, whisk matcha, and enjoy the Grand Tearoom within 70 minutes.
“We had the most incredible experience and cannot recommend enough!”
Walk Kyoto’s Arashiyama highlights: bamboo grove, Tenryuji and Okochi Sanso, monkeys, top views, optional sake tasting. 5-hour guide.
“Fantastic activity and special shout out to our guide, Francis. Pleasure to have him taking us round today, personable and knowledgeable.”
A 4–4.5 hour Arashiyama walk with Tenryu-ji Zen gardens, bamboo forest, matcha, Nonomiya shrine, Togetsu-kyo bridge, Monkey Park.
“Wonderful tour. Loved it. Sofia was very informative and attentive. We had a very good time. Definitely worth it.”
Osaka or Kyoto day trip covering Arashiyama bamboo, Nara deer and Todai-ji, plus Fushimi Inari torii gates, with Kobe beef lunch included.
“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.”
A 3-hour Kyoto walking tour pairing Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace with a small-group guide and included entrance fees.
“Our tour of Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace was informative and interesting. Our guide Jasmine described the history and significance of these two places well. She also took amazing photos of us at several beautiful locations. We would recommend this tour to others!”
Small-group Kyoto Zen temple tour with guided zazen, a dry rock-and-rake garden walk, temple sights, and a traditional Buddhist lunch for $110.10.
“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 abbot Eitetsu Nishida at Jusho-in, then enjoy matcha and seasonal sweets in a 400-year garden.
“This was by far our favorite part of our Kyoto trip! Eitetsu was very thorough and informative. We felt very welcomed. We had a lost phone situation before our experience and Joondae as long with the rest of the team were very helpful and reassuring. Joondae went above and beyond to help us out. The experience itself helped us keep our mind off of it and we enjoyed every minute of it. The setting itself was serene and beautiful, tucked away from the busy city. The garden was especially peaceful and added to the calming atmosphere. This experience was a refreshing break from the crowds and gave us a chance…”
Kyoto tea ceremony in kimono near Imamiya Shrine: get dressed, learn matcha etiquette, and brew your own cup in 1.5 hours.
“Learned so much about Japanese tea ceremony. Very authentic presentation. We enjoyed the tea master and the translator and had fun meeting other travelers from around the world. At first I was hesitant to book a ceremony where we would wear kimonos, but this was such a beautiful part of the experience. Highly recommend.”
Arashiyama in 4 hours: Tenryu-ji Zen garden, bamboo grove photos, Uji matcha, Nonomiya Shrine, and Monkey Park macaques for $51.
“On our tour to the bamboo forest we had an amazing guide - Nay. He was so enthusiastic & very helpful & made the experience so enjoyable. Thank you- we will certainly recommend to friends & family.”
Small-group 3-hour hike from Tofukuji to Fushimi Inari via bamboo groves and hidden torii trails, with guide photos.
“Lafra was a great tour guide were knowledgeable and welcoming. We appreciate being taken on a less busy trail and being able to admire all the touri gates”
Small-group walk through Arashiyama bamboo, private gardens for warming matcha, Tenryu-ji koi, key photo stops, and a monkey-park hike.
“Karim was a great guide, providing historical and detailed information. Beautiful breathtaking scenery. Highly recommended”
Private Zazen meditation at a Kyoto temple with an English-speaking guide and monk. Tea, quiet gardens, photos, 90 minutes for $91.
“Wonderful opportunity to get insight into meditation and the experience of a Buddhist monk in a temple not open to the public. Great option regardless of your experience. Includes matcha tea and a stroll in the garden.”
Kyoto calligraphy class at Seigan-ji. Pick a kanji, practice brush strokes on tatami, write on shikishi, and take your piece home.
“Everything was perfect from start to finish. Amazing teachers and translators, kind, fun and patient along with great exercises to practice calligraphy. I had little knowledge and expectations, but this ended up being one of the activities I preferred during my trip to Japan. Very highly recommended !”
3 hours in Kyoto with a small group for Kiyomizu-dera, Otowa Waterfall, and a traditional matcha tea ceremony plus snacks.
“Got in a panic to start with as couldn't find tour guide place to meet needs more explanation. Once started tour was great guide very knowledgeable and helpful. He made it very relaxed and he told photos which was great. Wonderful experience thank you.”
3-hour Kyoto small-group walk to Nijo Castle and the Imperial Palace, with English guide and tickets included, plus time for photos.
“This is a spectacular tour! My guide Atsushi was terrific. He had all the knowledge and information. Special stories to tell about the history of these amazing sites. It was everything I hoped for and more. Atsushi gets my highest recommendation!”
