Kiyomizu Temple and Backstreets of Gion, Half Day Group Tour
Overview
Available languages
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
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.
What‘s Included
Admission fee for temple
English Guide
Options
Kiyomizu Temple and Backstreets of Gion, Half Day Group Tour
Reviews
56 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful tour and guide.
Navigate11825792177,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Miki was wonderful. She gave us a full explanation of each site visited. We were not rushed through but given the time to fully appreciate and take in the beauty and history and significance of the site. I wish all tour guides would take the time to share their stories with us like she did. We connected on a personal level and were able to share our feelings about the way travel enhances the human experience and connection between cultures. What a lovely experience she provided and what a great lady. Thank you Miki for creating such a beautiful memory.
We were very satisfied as...
Celal S,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were very satisfied as a family with Miki. She was a great person and a guide. She was very friendly and brought us many places and most importantly she explained us the culture. We really enjoyed
Peaceful
Guide588097,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an easy-going stroll learning about some of kyoto’s rich history & visiting some sites with Hide. Very lucky that the heavy rain held out until after the tour!
Worth it
Pioneer07486728941,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommend tour - our tour guide Takuma provided great information and knew all the best photo spots.
First trip to Kyoto
annet180,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful 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
5.00Kenji 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
5.00We 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
5.00The 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
5.00Hidei 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
5.00Our tour with Mitsuhiko was fantastic. Good information, well organised and a good pace. Would recommend and see him again, lovely guide!
From ¥9,000
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