Kiyomizu Temple and Backstreets of Gion Half Day Group Tour

5.0 (81 reviews) Kyoto, Japan
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Duration4h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 8 travelers

Overview

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

Options

Guided Tour

Duration: 4 hours

Guided Tour + Tea Ceremony

Tea Ceremony: An hour tea ceremony experience at "Tea Ceremony Kyoto Gion by Japan Wonder Travel" starting at 2 pm.
Duration: 6 hours
Tour Timeline: 9:00 - 13:00 Walking Tour,
13:00 - 13:55 Free time for lunch,
14:00 - 15:00 Tea Ceremony *Please arrive 5 mins early
Important Information: Lunch is not included.
The tea ceremony starts strictly at 14:00. If you are late, you cannot participate, and no refunds.

What's included

  • Admission fee for temple
  • English Guide

What to expect

  1. Kyoto Cermaic Center
    10m
    Meet in front of Kyoto Ceramic Center
  2. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
    1h · Admission ticket included
    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. Sannenzaka Ninenzaka
    30m
    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. Kiyomizu Sannei-Zaka Seiryu-en
    Pass by
    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. Pass by
    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. 10m
    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. Yasui-Konpiragu
    10m
    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. Kennin-ji Temple
    50m · Admission ticket included
    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. Gion
    Pass by
    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.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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

End point

Additional information

  • 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.

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

5.0 (81)
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