Kyoto Temple Tours

OTHER LANGUAGES (FRENCH / GERMAN / SPANISH) Some guides from our team can speak more than English and Japanese, but we cannot guarantee a specific language other than English on a shared tour. To confirm the availability of your preferred language on the date you wish to book our tour, don't hesitate to get in touch with us before your booking. Thank you. This is a walking Tour. Like other famous places, most travelers don't know the real potential of Arashiyama, unless someone shows it to them. We are here to make your trip to Arashiyama memorable and help you the best way we can to make every second you spend in that area count.

During the Kyoto Bike Tour, explore some of the best sights in Kyoto on comfortable E-bikes. This unique cycle tour of Kyoto takes you to must-see locations, avoiding the typical tourist traps and crowded areas. Experience Kyoto like a local, visiting hidden gems and peaceful spots that showcase the city's authentic charm. Whether you're seeking a relaxed ride or an adventurous way to explore, this E-bike tour of Kyoto offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and local insights.

Explore Kyoto at your own pace with our self-guided tour app, immersing yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant culture. Begin at the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, then venture to the Fushimi Inari Shrine to walk through thousands of vibrant orange torii gates. Admire the serene beauty of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before strolling through the charming Gion district, where you might spot a geisha or maiko. Experience local flavors at the bustling Nishiki Market, Kyoto's "kitchen," then marvel at masterpieces of Japanese art and architecture in the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Visit the Nijo Castle in the city center to see the power that the Shoguns wielded over the emperors. Continue to the picturesque Philosopher's Path for a peaceful retreat, lined with hundreds of cherry trees.

Enjoy a culture-rich introductory walking tour of Kyoto with a local guide. Travelers interested in history and culture will enjoy strolling through Gion and the Higashiyama area, admiring the views from Kiyomizudera Temple, and learning more about Zen Buddhism at Kenninji Temple. A local expert guide provides deep cultural context and history, ensuring you efficiently visit these top sights. ・Get an intimate view of Kyoto on a walking tour ・Learn more than you would touring independently ・Capture the truly iconic views of Kyoto, from Kiyomizu’s grand stage to Gion’s backstreets. ・Enjoy unhurried time at Kiyomizu-dera Temple to appreciate the view and the architecture. ・Check off several of Kyoto’s must-see sights in half a day

Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is located on the outskirts of Arashiyama. There are 1200 unique and whimsical Buddhist statues there, so it is becoming a popular spot recently. Also, since the nearby Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the most famous tourist locations in Kyoto/Japan, we decided to make a Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple & Bamboo Forest tour from Kyoto Station. It's very difficult to visit by yourself on public transport, but our tour provides a nice car for you & your family/friends to use on the way to the temple. You can also enjoy sightseeing by car on the way to the Arashiyama area! We will walk for about 45 minutes - 1 hour through the Oku Saga Area after Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, so you can feel a distinctive Japanese atmosphere there with various hidden gems before reaching the Bamboo forest. After enjoying the forest, we will finish the tour on the main street of Arashiyama. *We recommend that you bring the following in the summer: Hats & Parasols / Sunscreen / Drinks

- Hands-on Origami classes in English (no experience needed!) - Learn to fold classic designs like cranes, frogs, warrior helmets, and seasonal themes. - Small class sizes — perfect for beginners and travelers. - Recommended for families with children. - Take home your beautiful creations and new skills!

Ran by @guidemejapan on Instagram. Please check our Instagram for visual examples of our wonderful guides! Escape the crowds and discover Kyoto’s spiritual heart on our Kyoto Hidden Gems Tour. This curated small-group experience takes you to hidden cultural gems like Daitokuji Temple, Imamiya Shrine, and Kamigamo Shrine — places rich in history, yet often overlooked by typical tourists. With insights from a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Zen Buddhism, Shinto traditions, and Kyoto’s ancient heritage. It’s a peaceful, authentic journey through the quieter side of the city — perfect for travelers seeking depth, beauty, and calm beyond the beaten path.

Experience Zen meditation at a hidden temple in Kyoto. While Zen is globally renowned and recognised, there are few places in Japan where you can have the best Zen experience with English tour guide support. This temple is not open to the general public, and you can enjoy hidden atmosphere of the temple and authentic zen experience, Enjoy a private Zen experience, fostering a connection with the monk. Meet at the temple, where you'll learn briefly about Japanese culture and Zen. Following that, a monk will personally lecture on the principles and techniques of Zazen (seated meditation), and you'll have the opportunity to practice. Unify your mind, confront yourself, and detach from ego and worldly concerns. After zen experience, you will get the opportunity to enjoy watching beautiful traditional garden, which will make you forget hustle and bustle of the daily life. Capture photographs with the monk and within the temple, creating lasting memories for a lifetime.

Let's get to know Kinkakuji, a shining temple and a landmark of Kyoto. Kinkakuji Temple has become a landmark of Kyoto because of its appearance. Get to know the history behind this impact, the atmosphere of the place, and everything about it through the guide's commentary. And if you have chosen the optional visit to Ryoan-ji Temple, we will head to Ryoan-ji Temple after our visit to Kinkaku-ji Temple. In 1975, the Queen of England visited Ryoan-ji Temple, which was highly acclaimed. Admire the typical karesansui, or dry landscape garden, and let your mind and soul be enchanted by its quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

Meeting point at Kyoto Station, easy to find and accessible to everyone. We board the train all together and travel for less than 20 minutes. Explore the highlights of Saga-Arashiyama, Western part of Kyoto. Wander through the towering stalks of Bamboo Forest, experience the serene garden and pond of Tenryuji Temple, trek the hill gardens of Okochi Sanso and enjoy the free unlimited drinks of green teas. Visit the historical Nonomiya Shrine, stroll across the colorful pillars of Kimono Forest. Take a break for lunch, indulge your cravings with local Japanese foods and sweets. Walk through the iconic Togetsukyo bridge and hike up the Iwatayama Monkey Park, where you can observe and feed the snow monkeys. Take in and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic mountain views of Kyoto.

Experience the essential beauty of Arashiyama on this perfectly condensed walking tour. In just a few hours, your expert local guide will lead you to the district's three absolute must-see sights. Begin with the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, capturing its stunning views against the backdrop of mountains. Then, find tranquility as you explore the magnificent World Heritage garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. Finally, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the world-famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Throughout the tour, your guide will share fascinating stories and historical context, bringing Kyoto's rich culture and natural wonders to life. This engaging itinerary is the perfect way to efficiently discover the unique charm and unforgettable scenery of Arashiyama.

Highlights: 
 • Beat the Crowds at Kiyomizu Temple – Enjoy a peaceful morning visit to Kyoto’s iconic temple before the tourist rush begins.

 • Guided Cultural Walk Through Historic Streets – Stroll through the atmospheric lanes of old Kyoto with a knowledgeable guide.

 • Traditional Japanese Breakfast Experience – Savor an authentic morning meal featuring a variety of local flavors, from grilled salmon to fermented soybeans.

 • Try Unusual Japanese Foods – Taste dishes like raw egg on rice and salted plum – try as much as you like, no pressure!

 • Start Your Day Like a Local – Immerse yourself in Japanese culture by beginning your morning the way many locals do: with quiet reflection and balanced food.

 • ️ English-Speaking Guide Included – Learn about temple history, food culture, and morning rituals in a relaxed and friendly setting.

Temples and shrines exude a sacred atmosphere, allowing you to feel as though time has stopped. In such a serene setting, take the opportunity to reset your mind and bring both your body and spirit back to the present moment. and also you can interact with locals chatting about Japanese culture:) I will be sharing Japanese principles during a session!

Explore Three of Kyoto's Most Iconic World Heritage Sites in a Day! Kyoto is a beautiful city, but it can be crowded and navigating the logistics can be hectic. Join this comprehensive bus tour to visit three must-see temples in Kyoto: Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Enjoy a complimentary multilingual audio guide available in English, Chinese, and Korean. Operated by one of the most reputable companies in the area, this bus tour is perfect for groups, families, and individuals looking to make the most of their limited time in Kyoto.

Discover the beauty and elegance of Japanese culture through an unforgettable kimono rental experience in the heart of Kyoto. We offer travelers the chance to immerse themselves in Japan's rich heritage by transforming into a samurai, a traditional Japanese beauty, or a stylish Kyoto couple. Choose from a wide range of packages: Samurai Plan: Become a warrior of ancient Japan with an authentic samurai look, complete with traditional haori hakama and a Japanese sword. Kimono Plans for Men and Women: Whether you prefer the elegant and luxurious look of Japanese aristocracy or a simple, chic style, you'll find a kimono that suits your taste. Furisode Plan: Experience the height of elegance with the furisode kimono, a lavish garment traditionally worn on rare occasions. This is the perfect choice for those wanting a once-in-a-lifetime memory in Japan. *Please make bookings separately for different plans