- 1
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
Discover a side of Japan usually off-limits to tourists after the tour concludes. This brief excursion offers a fantastic and valuable way to experience the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine!
We are dedicated to helping you uncover new insights. The Fushimi Inari Shrine is far more than its iconic tunnels of vermillion torii gates. While many are content with the scenic views, this site holds numerous stories connecting you to Japan's history and culture, which your guide will illuminate.
You'll learn about the fascinating origins of the shrine, dedicated to the god of grains – the meaning of 'Inari'. This is also why fox statues are prevalent around the shrine. 'Kitsune,' or the fox, is a servant to the god Inari, known for their cunning and sharp minds, making them perfect symbols for navigating the business world. You might find yourself wishing for the foxes' favor after this tour.
· 15 min
- 2
Nijo Castle
Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was constructed in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the inaugural shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 3
Gion
Navigating the narrow alleyways of Gion, Kyoto's Geisha District, can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Eliminate the stress of getting lost by joining a guided tour. It's an excellent opportunity to discover hidden gems cherished by locals and delve into Kyoto's ancient past.
Highlights include gaining insights into Geisha culture and rituals, and exploring Gion, Pontocho, and Miyagawacho.
· 15 min
- 4
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow, five-block long shopping street featuring over one hundred shops and restaurants. Affectionately known as 'Kyoto's Kitchen,' this vibrant market specializes in all things culinary, offering fresh seafood, produce, knives, cookware, and a wide array of Kyoto specialties like Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.
Nishiki Market boasts a lively yet bustling atmosphere, inviting exploration of the diverse culinary delights for which Kyoto is renowned. The shops range from small, narrow stalls to larger, two-story establishments, most specializing in a particular type of food. Nearly everything sold here is locally sourced and produced.
· 15 min
- 5
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Discover one of Kyoto's most cherished temples, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, through a comprehensive guided tour.
Exploring the temple grounds with a guide allows you to absorb Japan's history and culture while admiring the magnificent architecture. Your English-speaking guide will provide insightful commentary, ensuring you don't miss any significant features.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 6
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) served as the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and the capital were relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo.
It is situated within the expansive Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), a beautiful city-center park that also includes the Sento Imperial Palace and several other attractions.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 7
Pontocho
Pontocho (先斗町, Pontochō) is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas, a narrow alley running parallel to the Kamogawa River, connecting Shijo-dori and Sanjo-dori.
This vibrant alley is lined with restaurants offering a diverse range of dining experiences, from affordable yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, international dishes, and exclusive establishments requiring special connections and a significant budget.
Operating hours and closing days vary among the restaurants, bars, and shops along Pontocho, but most are typically open from around 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Some also offer lunch service, and an increasing number provide English menus.
· 15 min
- 8
Higashiyama District
The Higashiyama District (東山), nestled along the lower slopes of Kyoto's eastern mountains, is one of the city's most remarkably preserved historic areas.
It offers a wonderful opportunity to experience traditional old Kyoto, particularly the stretch between Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine, where narrow lanes, wooden buildings, and traditional merchant shops evoke the ambiance of the former capital.
Recent renovations, including the removal of telephone poles and repaving of streets, have further enhanced the district's historic charm.
· 15 min
- 9
Ginkakuji Temple
Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple located in Kyoto's eastern Higashiyama mountains. In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa established his retirement villa on the grounds of what is now the temple, modeling it after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather's retirement villa in the northern Kitayama mountains.
Following Yoshimasa's death in 1490, the villa was converted into a Zen temple. As the retirement villa of an art-loving shogun, Ginkakuji became a hub of contemporary culture, known as Higashiyama Culture, in contrast to the Kitayama Culture of his grandfather's era.
Unlike Kitayama Culture, which was confined to Kyoto's aristocratic circles, Higashiyama Culture had a broad influence across the nation. The arts that flourished during this period include the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, Noh theater, poetry, garden design, and architecture.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 10
Nanzenji Suirokaku
Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺), situated at the base of Kyoto's forested Higashiyama mountains, is one of Japan's most significant Zen temples.
It serves as the head temple for one of the Rinzai sect's schools of Japanese Zen Buddhism and comprises numerous sub-temples, expanding its already vast complex of temple buildings.
Nanzenji's history dates back to the mid-13th century when Emperor Kameyama built his retirement villa on the current temple site before converting it into a Zen temple. Although Nanzenji experienced steady growth, its structures were destroyed during the civil wars of the late Muromachi Period (1333-1573). The oldest surviving buildings date from after this period.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 11
Tofuku-ji Temple
Tofukuji (東福寺, Tōfukuji) is a large Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto, particularly celebrated for its stunning autumn foliage. The temple was founded in 1236 at the request of the influential Fujiwara clan.
Its name is derived from two prominent Nara temples associated with the Fujiwara: Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple. Historically, Tofukuji has been a leading Zen temple in Kyoto and is the head temple for one of the Rinzai sect schools.
In autumn, visitors flock from across Japan to admire Tofukuji's vibrant fall colors. The Tsutenkyo Bridge, spanning a valley filled with lush maple trees, offers the most popular view. The vista from the bridge is equally breathtaking, and the 100-meter-long covered walkway becomes exceptionally crowded during peak color season, typically in mid to late November.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 12
To-ji Temple
Toji Temple (東寺, Tōji), meaning 'East Temple,' was established shortly after the capital's relocation to Kyoto in the late 700s, at the beginning of the Heian Period.
This grand temple, along with its now-defunct counterpart Saiji ('West Temple'), flanked the southern entrance to the city and served as its guardian temples. Toji Temple is recognized as one of Kyoto's many UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Approximately thirty years after its founding, Kobo Daishi, the originator of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism, was appointed head priest of Toji, transforming it into a major Shingon temple alongside the sect's headquarters on Mount Koya. Kobo Daishi also contributed to the construction of many of the large wooden structures that stand on the grounds today.
· 15 min
- 13
Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto, distinguished by its top two floors entirely covered in gold leaf. Officially named Rokuonji, the temple was originally the retirement villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and as per his will, it became a Rinzai sect Zen temple after his death in 1408.
Kinkakuji served as the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the opposite side of the city several decades later.
Kinkakuji is a striking edifice overlooking a large pond and is the sole remaining structure from Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. It has been destroyed by fire numerous times throughout its history, including twice during the Onin War, a civil conflict that devastated much of Kyoto, and again in 1950 when it was set ablaze by a disturbed monk. The current structure was reconstructed in 1955.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 14
Ninna-ji Temple
Ninnaji (仁和寺) is among Kyoto's many significant temples designated as World Heritage Sites. It functions as the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect of Buddhism and was established in 888 by the reigning emperor.
For many centuries, a member of the Imperial Family traditionally served as Ninnaji's head priest, leading to the temple also being known as Omuro Imperial Palace.
Due to the numerous wars and fires that have impacted Kyoto throughout its history, no original buildings from the temple's 9th-century foundation remain. The oldest existing structures date back to the early Edo Period, around the 1600s, including the main hall (Kondo), the Kannon Hall, the Niomon front gate, the Chumon inner gate, and the five-story pagoda.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 15
Shugakuin Imperial Villa
Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyū), constructed in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno, is currently managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It comprises the Upper, Middle, and Lower Villa sections, each featuring gardens and buildings in the traditional imperial style.
The name Shugakuin originates from a former temple that stood on the same site in the tenth century. The Imperial Villa was built between 1655 and 1659, with a palace for Gomizuno's daughter added ten years later. More recently, in 1964, the surrounding farmlands were acquired by the Imperial Household Agency and are leased to local farmers who continue to cultivate them.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 16
Kibune River
Kibune (貴船) is a small village situated in a wooded valley within Kyoto City's northern mountains, developed around Kifune Shrine.
According to legend, a goddess journeyed by boat from Osaka up the river into the mountains north of Kyoto, and Kifune Shrine was erected at the location where her voyage concluded.
Kifune Shrine is dedicated to the deities of water and rain and is believed to protect seafarers. Here, you can obtain a unique type of fortune (omikuji) written on paper slips that reveal their messages when immersed in water. Okunomiya, the inner sanctuary and original site of Kifune Shrine, is located about one kilometer further up the valley. It features a large rock, known as the boat stone, said to be the burial place of the goddess's yellow boat.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 17
Kurama-dera
Kurama (鞍馬) is a rural village in the northern mountains of Kyoto City, less than an hour's journey from the city center. Kurama is primarily known for its temple, Kurama-dera, and its hot springs, which are among the most accessible from Kyoto.
Both outdoor and indoor baths are available at Kurama Onsen, a traditional Japanese inn located at the upper end of Kurama town. It can be reached by a 10-minute walk from the train station along the town's main road or via a nature trail following the river.
Guests staying at the ryokan can use the baths free of charge, while day visitors pay 2500 yen (weekdays) or 2700 yen (weekends) for access to all baths, or 1400 yen (weekdays) or 1600 yen (weekends) for the outdoor bath (rotemburo) only.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 18
Ryoan-ji Temple
Ryoanji Temple (龍安寺, Ryōanji) is home to Japan's most famous rock garden, attracting hundreds of visitors daily. Originally an aristocrat's villa during the Heian Period, the site was transformed into a Zen temple in 1450 and belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, with its head temple located about a kilometer to the south.
The precise history of Ryoanji's renowned rock garden remains somewhat uncertain, with its construction date unknown and various theories surrounding its designer.
The garden comprises a rectangular area of gravel surrounded by low earthen walls, featuring 15 rocks arranged in small clusters on patches of moss. An intriguing aspect of the garden's design is that from any viewing point, at least one rock is always hidden from sight.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 19
Arashiyama
Arashiyama (嵐山) is a charming, popular district located in the western outskirts of Kyoto. This area has been a favored destination since the Heian Period (794-1185), when nobles appreciated its natural beauty.
Arashiyama is especially picturesque during the cherry blossom and autumn color seasons.
The Togetsukyo Bridge serves as Arashiyama's well-known central landmark. Numerous small shops, restaurants, and attractions are found nearby, including Tenryuji Temple, the famous bamboo groves of Arashiyama, and pleasure boats available for rent on the river.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 20
Katsura Imperial Villa
Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮, Katsura Rikyū) stands as a prime example of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and its gardens, in their current form, were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan's Imperial Family.
Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires joining a guided tour that follows the garden's circular path around the central pond.
Palace buildings can only be viewed from the exterior, and photography is permitted only from designated spots. English-language tours are available.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 21
Daikaku-ji Temple
Daikakuji (大覚寺) is a significant temple located in the northern part of Kyoto's Sagano district. It was initially built in the early 800s as the detached palace of Emperor Saga, who greatly enjoyed spending time in this tranquil area on the outskirts of Kyoto.
Thirty years after the emperor's passing, the palace was converted into a temple and has since been recognized as one of the highest-ranking temples of Shingon Buddhism.
Daikakuji has played a role in several important historical events. A succession of retired emperors resided here, and in the 12th century, the temple hosted peace negotiations that reconciled the Northern and Southern Imperial Courts after a 50-year civil war. Daikakuji is also featured in 'The Tale of Genji,' Japan's first novel. Today, the temple remains one of the best places to experience the ancient courtly atmosphere described in the novel and is frequently used for filming historical dramas.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 22
Tenryu-ji Temple
Tenryuji (天龍寺, Tenryūji) is the most important temple in Kyoto's Arashiyama district. It was ranked first among the city's five great Zen temples and is now a designated World Heritage site.
Tenryuji serves as the head temple for its own school within the Rinzai Zen sect of Japanese Buddhism.
Tenryuji was constructed in 1339 by the ruling shogun Ashikaga Takauji. Takauji dedicated the temple to Emperor Go-Daigo, who had recently passed away. These two significant historical figures were once allies until Takauji turned against the emperor in a power struggle for supremacy over Japan. By building the temple, Takauji aimed to appease the late emperor's spirit.
· 15 min· Admission not included
- 23
Yoshimine-dera
Yoshiminedera (吉峰寺) is a temple of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism situated in Kyoto's western mountains. Similar to Kiyomizudera on the opposite side of the city, Yoshiminedera is built on the mountainside, offering views overlooking Kyoto. The temple grounds are extensive, with numerous buildings spread across the mountainside.
A priest from Enryakuji named Gesan established Yoshiminedera as his personal retreat in 1029. The temple was destroyed in the Onin War in 1467 but was rebuilt in 1621.
The primary objects of worship at the temple are a Kannon statue carved by Gesan and another Kannon statue gifted to the temple by Emperor Gosuzaku in 1042.
· 5 min· Admission not included
- 24
Kennin-ji Temple
Kennin-ji Temple (建仁寺) is located very close to the bustling Hanamikoji and Shijo streets. The temple grounds are spacious and pleasant for walking, and its two karesansui (dry landscape gardens) offer visitors an oasis of tranquility.
It is believed to be the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.
· 5 min· Admission not included
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick
-5%
Top pick
-10%
Top pick
Top pick
Deal
Top pick
-5%
Top pick
-20%
-6%
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick
Free cancellation
Free cancellation
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick
Top pick