Kiyomizu Temple and Backstreets of Gion, Half Day Group Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

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

Additional Info

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.

What To Expect

Kyoto Cermaic Center

Meet in front of Kyoto Ceramic Center

10 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

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.

1 hour • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Admission fee for temple

English Guide

Options

Kiyomizu Temple and Backstreets of Gion, Half Day Group Tour

Reviews

5.00

52 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

First trip to Kyoto
annet180,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Wonderful experience with Chika. She was very knowledgeable of the history of the temples we visited and took us to various location We enjoyed the time learning about the culture and had great food tasting along the way. Definitely recommend. Thank you for the wonderful time
Kenji was an amazing and...
Ayan M,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Kenji was an amazing and knowledgeable guide. He was also very friendly and accommodating to requests to stop. Overall it was great!
Amazing private tour around Kyoto
T7698BQaarons,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an amazing tour with Higashimori who took us around Kyoto for the day. It was great to customize our itinerary and he was very flexible especially since we were with our 4 month old baby
A stroll through an historical area of Kyoto, bookended by temple visits.
Seaside65622317691,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The guide was most friendly and informative.Noteable points about both temples were explained and enough time made to enjoy them. The walk through that part of Kyoto was interesting and I think greatly enhanced by the guide.The history of the area is fascinating. A short stop mid afternoon at a delightful cafe and chocolate shop for juice and a matcha latte was much appreciated. All in all a" must do" experience for a visitor in Kyoto.
Insightful, educational and fun
Dream43538218850,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Hidei is an outstanding guide. He offered us guidance, context, anecdotes and humor as we toured several treasured sites and the town of Gion. Without a guide, many of the important aspects of the temples, pagodas, etc , we would have missed. His English was excellent. I recommend this tour, but know that it is a lot of walking!
Walking Tour
Rebecca C,Oct 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our tour with Mitsuhiko was fantastic. Good information, well organised and a good pace. Would recommend and see him again, lovely guide!
Amazing Kyoto Temple Tour!
m0lleighg,Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was such a blast! It turned out to just be my husband and I and it was truly such a fun experience. Takuma was an amazing guide! He taught us so much of the history, culture and significance of every spot along the tour and he took pictures for us too! Highly recommend this experience and loved every moment!
Unforgettable Tour of Gion!
Lilli S,Jul 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Can’t recommend this tour enough! Mika was such a knowledgeable guide and calmly led us through the heavily trafficked sites we toured. We learned so much about the temples & shrines we toured, the Buddhist and Shinto religions, and Kyoto history/culture. Thank you so much, Mika!
A great tour!
chloeaR8549KR,Jun 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an excellent tour, a really great way to see Kyoto! And Mika was the best tour guide! We had many great tour guides during our visit to Japan - but she really stood out! Very knowledgable, able to answer all of our questions and very attentive to my elderly auntie who struggled with steps. Would highly recommend a tour with Mika!
The Best Walking Tour!
Kristine M,May 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
I cannot recommend this walking tour highly enough! Our guide, Takuma, was not only incredibly knowledgeable about Kyoto’s rich temple history and cultural significance, but also brought a warm, enthusiastic and engaging energy that made the experience unforgettable. This was one of our all time favorite walking tours!