Kyoto Hidden North: Beautiful Shrines, Yokai & Cursed History
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Explore Kyoto's enchanting twilight and delve into the city's supernatural past on this adult-only walking tour. Immerse yourself in yokai folklore, ancient rituals, and the intricate beliefs that shaped Kyoto's history. Traverse through haunting sites connected to spirit control, uncover the legends of Abe no Seimei, and learn about shrines built for protection against curses. The journey concludes in a serene ritual garden, allowing for reflection in a space once used to appease powerful forces.
- Adult-only tour focused on Kyoto’s supernatural folklore and history
- Discover yokai legends, spirit control, and ancient rituals
- Visit significant sites related to Japan's dark history and beliefs
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not allowed for kids under 16 and adults over 60 years old
Recording & live streaming are NOT allowed during the whole tour!
Be able to climb stairs
What To Expect
Daishogun Hachi Shrine
Daishogun Hachi Shrine 大将軍八神社 A shrine built to protect Kyoto from supernatural invasion through directional deities and ancient curse-blocking rituals.
Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
Kitano Tenmangū A thousand-year-old shrine where ambition meets prayer. Dedicated to the spirit of scholarship, it draws students seeking luck before exams and visitors who come for the early-blooming plum blossoms that paint the grounds in soft pink. Historic, elegant, and quietly powerful, this is Kyoto’s sanctuary for focus, hope, and fresh beginnings.
Options
Cursed Yokai Walking Tour
What‘s Included
The True Dark History of Kyoto
Professional Guide
1 drink (alcoholic or non-acoholic)
Public transportation
Pick-up Service
Tips (WELCOMED & ACCEPTED)
Dinner
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Terrific historic ghost tour
polecat8,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eric (Calle?) was an amazing tour guide. He was very knowledgeable about the local area and its history and his English was excellent. He was very personable and made us both feel at ease during the tour. He was excellent at answering our questions. We wish all tour guides were like Eric.
Hidden gems and great view!
M7650DUjenb,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eric (Kalle) was so knowledgeable! Such an interesting tour. It is A LOT of walking, great exercise, got to see the neighborhoods of Kyoto and all the hidden gems. Very cool! And ended with a fantastic view of Kyoto!
*sa eye
ryanmA3655XN,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eric was awesome and knee lots about a** eye , great guide and off the beaten path
A wonderful historical tour
sylviamariaw,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an informative and interesting tour away from the crowds. The tour guide was knowledgeable and very friendly. This somewhat unusual tour is definitely worth recommending.
Hidden Shirt in Kyoto
Vacation67860402165,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting. Nice Guide. Nice spots
Fantastic
U6020EOanthonyc,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was a great way to see Kyoto and learn about the beliefs the people held
Something really out of the box!
ValentinaV936,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour with Aron was really great, Discovering hidden part of Kyoto and its misteries. Very unusual tour for who wants to see a very different perspective!
highly informative and fun tour
Culture42482926697,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00we already went to the ghost tour and were excited about this one as well. VERY informative and cool locations we'd probably not would have seen otherwise. our guide Kalle was again very nice and patient with us. thanks for the nice tour!
Walk through the streets
Juicy M,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We walked through the streets of Kyoto and stopped by at the shrines and temples which would normally go under the radar for most travelers. Our guide Z knew how to balance between comedy and drama despite most of the topics being dark and serious. Would do this again if given the chance.
Unique and interesting
emmasM9117VQ,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative and insightful. It was a relatively small group so we also got more of a private tour on a budget. Thanks Zoey. It was superb!
Related Experiences
Operated by Japanify Tours