Japan · TEMPLE & SHRINE TOURS IN KYOTO
Every itinerary has one free day too few. These 15 temple & shrine tours in Kyoto justify the slot — priced, timed, and sorted so you can decide in minutes.
Full-day Kyoto highlights by air-conditioned coach, from Fushimi Inari’s torii tunnel to Golden Pavilion, bamboo grove, and World Heritage temples.
“We had a great tour with Sakura. She is an amazing tour guide. The buffet was also amazing. The tour was really informative and perfectly paced. If you only have short time in Kyoto I can highly recommend this tour.”
Matcha, silence, and a real Chanoyu lesson at Jotokuji Temple. Small group, 70 minutes, guided by Ju-An in English.
“Excellent experience. Our host was very knowledgeable and welcoming. I would do it again.”
Osaka or Kyoto day trip packing Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, Nara, plus optional Kobe beef lunch, with a guide and bus.
“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.”
Arashiyama half-day walk with bamboo grove, Tenryuji temple, Okochi Sanso garden, monkey park views, plus optional sake lunch. Value at $87.
“It was a great tour. Beautiful nature, a very impressive garden and lots of monkeys. Don't worry about the walk to the top of the hill. Our guide Tom did a perfect job. We learned a lot from him. Thanks a lot!”
Kyoto Arashiyama half-day walk with Tenryu-ji Zen gardens, bamboo forest, monkeys at Monkey Park, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Uji matcha.
“Great tour. Lots of uphill walking to see monkeys. Depending on weather can be treacherous. Beautiful scenery, lots of historical information. Lovely to stop for matcha ice cream which was included.”
Day trip from Osaka or Kyoto to Arashiyama bamboo, Nara deer, and Fushimi Inari torii, with Kobe shabu lunch.
“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.”
Get Kyoto’s Ninna-ji Temple ticket for a peaceful, season-changing visit, with Omuro Sakura, the Omuro Pilgrimage, and optional museum entry.
Small-group Kyoto Zen temple walk, monk-led zazen meditation, dry-garden calm, and a traditional Buddhist lunch, all for $110.10.
“This was such a reflective and spiritual day. Our tour guide Yutaka was friendly and felt comfortable talking with him. We learned about his culture and the area. We saw a few Buddhist temples and were able to sit and reflect before going to tRead more”
Zazen with Abbot Eitetsu Nishida at Jusho-in, then matcha and seasonal sweets in a 400-year garden near Kyoto, English guided.
“We loved this activity! Super interesting & informative, & the meditation was great. I was worried about doing 20 minute sessions as a complete beginner but the time flew by. Highly recommend!”
Wear an authentic kimono and learn matcha tea etiquette in Kyoto, with a tea master demo and time for you to brew your own cup.
“We had a great time at the tea ceremony. Unique experience, beautiful selection of kimonos and so many great photo opportunities.”
Kyoto Arashiyama half day with Tenryu-ji, bamboo grove, matcha, shrine stops, Togetsu-kyo bridge, and Monkey Park macaques.
“Amazing!!! Tim was excellent! He guided us and explained things in the way! He was courteous, patient and bubbly! The activity itself was also amazing! What an experience”
Join a 3-hour small-group hike from Tofukuji into Fushimi Inari forest trails and bamboo groves, with photo stops and torii views for $72.
“Fantastic trip. 3 hours far from the crowd. Opportunity to visit Fushimi Inari in a very interesting and quiet way. Our guide Shiori was very sympathetic and professional”
Arashiyama tour beyond the bamboo grove: Tenryu-ji, Okochi Sanso matcha in a private garden, Togetsukyo Bridge, Monkey Park.
“Tomio was the best guide we have ever had. He was kind and so knowledgeable. We learned so much about Kyoto. He also went out of his way to make the trip fun for our kids- pointing out hidden wildlife and showing them interesting things. Would definitely recommend this trip”
Private Kyoto Zen meditation with a monk. Learn Zazen, practice seated breathing, then finish with tea, garden time, and Q&A in 90 minutes.
“It was an amazing experience. Satoru was the perfect guide and the monk was so kind and open to any questions. Even in the group it was easy to dive into this calm adventure of Zen Meditation.”
Kyoto temple calligraphy in the city center. Choose a kanji, practice brush strokes, and take home shikishi art plus an omiyage keychain.
“This was a very special experience inside the Buddhist temple doing traditional calligraphy with a master calligrapher and a translator. Both the calligraphy master and the translator, Jose, were generous, kind and made the experience fun. Just being inside the private area of the temple felt like a special experience and the calligraphy was very engaging. We left with beautiful signs we made for home and a special gift from the teacher. I recommend this experience highly.”
Pick the experience, read what travellers said, book the good one.
