Temple, shrine & monastery tours
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 temple tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Review of Kyoto’s Ju-An tea ceremony at Jotokuji Temple, with matcha preparation, temple rituals, practical tips, price, and access details.
“Great Authentic experience. Loved both or host and tea master, everything was great.”
See Nara deer, Arashiyama, Kinkakuji, and Fushimi Inari in one bus day from Osaka or Kyoto, with an optional Kobe beef lunch.
“Nice trip and we had a funny guide Harry. We had beautiful day. Thank you”
Review of Kyoto’s Arashiyama walking tour, covering bamboo, temples, gardens, Togetsukyo Bridge, and the Monkey Park hike.
“The glory of nature in the green bamboo forest and in the almost- autumn leaves of trees in the gardens! Our guide, Aron, had surprise stops for us, to sake tasting and the kimono park. We walked through alternative, less crowded routes and covered more sites without feeling rushed. A great guide, a great tour!”
A five-hour Arashiyama walking tour covering bamboo, temples, gardens, monkeys, Kyoto views, and optional local sake tasting.
“Fantastic activity and special shout out to our guide, Francis. Pleasure to have him taking us round today, personable and knowledgeable.”
Review of Kyoto’s Arashiyama tour with Tenryu-ji, bamboo forest, matcha, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Monkey Park.
“That authentic matcha tea break was such a lovely cultural touch. The traditional preparation and pure flavor really enhanced our understanding of Japanese tea ceremony. Perfect refreshing moment before the monkey park hike adventure.”
See Arashiyama, Nara Park, and Fushimi Inari in one day, with Kobe beef shabu-shabu lunch and transport from Osaka or Kyoto.
“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.”
Review of Kyoto’s 9-hour highlights tour, covering six major temples and shrines by comfortable coach, with guide, transport, and lunch options.
“Finding our guide tucked in the basement of a department store. We srarted out 1 hour early and needed every minute to figure out the location.”
A peaceful Kyoto half-day tour with Zen meditation, temple gardens, monk-led instruction, a Buddhist lunch, and a small group.
“It was a excellent zen experience with japanese garden and temple. I learned about zen and Buddha and Buddhism. Also vegetarian lunch was a excellent choice”
Practice zazen with a Zen abbot, sip matcha, and admire a 400-year-old garden at Kyoto’s Jusho-in Temple.
“I really enjoyed this experience. A fantastic opportunity to spend time with the chief monk and learn the basics of Zazen meditation. Our guides were so nice too, and the setting was stunning. highly recommend!”
Dress in a Kyoto kimono, learn tea ceremony etiquette, and prepare matcha with a tea master near Daitoku-ji for a memorable 90-minute experience.
“Excellent and authentic experience! We were very glad we built this into our trip. Also very informative for the history of the tea ceremony.”
Escape Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari crowds on a 3-hour forest hike with bamboo groves, quiet shrines, torii gates, local insight, and photos.
“Very informative and I am pleased with our experience.”
Explore Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove, gardens, Tenryu-ji, bridge, shopping street, matcha, and monkey park in five hours.
“Karim was a great guide, providing historical and detailed information. Beautiful breathtaking scenery. Highly recommended”
Review of Kyoto’s private Zen meditation with a monk, including Zazen practice, matcha tea, garden access, pricing, and practical tips.
“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.”
Learn Japanese calligraphy in Kyoto at a Buddhist temple, with patient instruction, a handmade souvenir, and a quiet tatami-room setting.
“Great activity for our family, with an original print to take home. Both Jose and the Japanese instructor were very knowledgeable, patient and helpful. They complemented each other well. Highly recommended!!!”
Review of Kyoto’s small-group Kiyomizu-dera walk and tea ceremony, with temple views, local snacks, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“Great cerimonial and great views and sightseeing experience … history and also scenery all together …”
