Free cancellation

Kiyomizu Temple and Backstreets of Gion, Half Day Group Tour

★★★★★ 5.0 (65 reviews)
4 hours
EN

About This Experience

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

Tour Itinerary

1

10 min

Meet in front of Kyoto Ceramic Center

2

1 hour

visit Kiyomizu-dera and learn about culture, history from professional guide. Kiyomizu-dera is not only a significant religious site but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto's most visited and culturally significant landmarks.

3

30 min

The Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka are historic, steep streets leading up to Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto. Sannen-zaka (Three-Year Slope) is the longer and steeper of the two, while Ninen-zaka (Two-Year Slope) is slightly shorter. Both are lined with traditional shops, teahouses, and old-style architecture, creating a charming, nostalgic atmosphere. These paths are popular with visitors, offering a glimpse into Kyoto's past while leading to the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple.

4

A Japanese garden located near Kiyomizu-dera. It is known for its beautiful landscape design, featuring ponds, traditional wooden bridges, and carefully arranged plants, offering a peaceful retreat. This garden provides visitors with a serene space to enjoy nature while overlooking the surrounding area.

5

The Yasaka Pagoda is a historic five-story pagoda which is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. The pagoda is known for its elegant design and significant cultural value. It is often associated with the surrounding historic streets, including Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, and offers a beautiful view of Kyoto’s traditional landscape.

6

10 min

Yasaka Koshindo is a small traditional temple near Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto, dedicated to Koshin, a guardian deity believed to protect people from illness and misfortune. The temple is famous for its colorful kukurizaru charms—bright cloth monkeys. Many visitors stop by during their walk to pray for health, protection, and good fortune.

7

10 min

A Shinto shrine in the Higashiyama district, famous as a place to cut negative relationships and form positive ones. The shrine is especially popular for its unique ritual, often attracting long lines of visitors eager to try this unusual tradition.

8

50 min

Kennin-ji is Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, founded in 1202. Despite its central location, the temple grounds are calm and spacious, offering a peaceful escape from the city. The impressive Dharma Hall stands out with its grand scale, and the temple’s three Japanese gardens each offer a distinct and beautiful atmosphere.

9

Walk through Gion, Japan’s largest geisha district, and explore its main street, Hanamikoji. Lined with traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, shops, and restaurants, the street exudes timeless Kyoto elegance. It is especially known for its well-preserved architecture and deep ties to geisha culture, where you may even catch a glimpse of a geisha walking gracefully by.

What's Included

Included

  • Admission fee for temple
  • English Guide

Meeting Point & Logistics

Start Point

Please meet up at Kyoto Ceramic Center, in front of the entrance.

Traveler Reviews

5.0
★★★★★
65 reviews
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Important Information

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
As this is a walking tour, we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
There could be a delay at when the tour ends, if you have an appointment or plan right after this tour, please let us know in advance
The tour will take place rain or shine.
Book Now
Free cancellation available
Duration: 4 hours
Up to 8 travelers
Mobile ticket accepted
Guide: EN
5.0/5
★★★★★
65 verified reviews

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