Kyoto · KIYOMIZU-DERA TEMPLE TOURS

The 15 Best Kiyomizu-dera Tours in Kyoto

32 tours  ·  from $19

The stage juts out over the hillside on wooden pillars and the approach lanes are half the visit. These 15 cover the early climbs, the evening illuminations and the routes that carry on down into Gion, with prices and start times.

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu - A 500-year tradition explained in plain English
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Tours, Kyoto Tea Ceremonies, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews

Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

1.Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 3,519 reviews · 45 min · from $49Our pick

In Sannenzaka near Kiyomizu-Dera, an English-speaking host introduces 500 years of tea tradition before a tea master demonstrates the ritual. You then whisk your own matcha, taste a Japanese sweet, and take a group photo overlooking Ogawa Jihei VII’s garden. The 45-minute visit costs $49 and does not include kimono rental.

“Very relaxing and educational. A wonderful glimpse into the history and meaning of the Tea Ceremony. A great way to unwind for an hour between other activities.”

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Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari Guided Tour - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before the crowds
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Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari Guided Tour

2.Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 700 reviews · 11 hours · from $54

Travel by coach from Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande to five Kyoto icons. You’ll get early access to Arashiyama, free time at Fushimi Inari, and bilingual English-Spanish guidance from tour leaders such as Cesar, Angeles, or Paula. Choose the ticket option to include Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, and Kiyomizu-dera.

“This tour was an easy way for us to see some of the most recommended sights in Kyoto and did not disappoint. Angeles was a great guide and provided alot of information on each place.”

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Kyoto: Nijo, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before the crowds
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Kyoto: Nijo, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari

3.Nijo, Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 699 reviews · from $51Top rated

This 10-hour-45-minute bus tour links Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari. An English and Spanish guide, such as Paula, Cesar, or Angeles, leads the day. Choose a basic package or add temple tickets and lunch.

“The tour was great as we got to visit and stroll around some of the most famous landmarks in this ancient city. This is a great value for someone who wants to get a glimpse of the amazing history and monuments and who is not staying long in the city. The guide and driver were very friendly and I felt I learned some interesting history along the way.”

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Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking Tour - Small Food Stops Along Kiyomizuzaka
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Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking Tour

4.Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 115 reviews · from $109

Meet your local guide at Yasaka Shrine at 9:00 am for a three-hour walk through Kiyomizu-zaka, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka. You’ll enter Kiyomizu-dera, try Otowa Waterfall, sample snacks, and join a traditional tea ceremony. Guides such as Hide add history, humor, and helpful photos.

“Lovely person to introduce and guide us through a traditional tea ceremony. Well done and thank you. A warm personality with an interest in the tourists. Very knowledgeable.”

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Kyoto Kiyomizu Tea Ceremony with Scenic Garden Views - Watching the tea master prepare the first cup
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Kyoto Kiyomizu Tea Ceremony with Scenic Garden Views

5.Kyoto Kiyomizu Tea Ceremony with Scenic Garden Views

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · from $50

At Tea Ceremony Sakaguchian near Kiyomizu, an English-speaking assistant explains the rituals as a tea master prepares matcha in a traditional room overlooking a Japanese garden. You receive two cups, wagashi sweets, a photo, and a chance to whisk your own tea. The small group is capped at 12 people.

“Excellent way to experience a tea ceremony. Provided a great overview of all the parts of the ceremony and how to prepare and drink the tea. A beautiful setting, with views of their meticulous gardens. Was hesitant to book originally, as we don’t usually like to do anything too touristy, but felt that it was actually a wonderful experience.”

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Kyoto: Kimono/Yukata Rental 5 Minute from Kiyomizu-dera - Choosing between a kimono and yukata
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Kyoto: Kimono/Yukata Rental 5 Minute from Kiyomizu-dera

6.Kimono/Yukata Rental 5 Minute from Kiyomizu-dera

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 89 reviews · 1 day · from $19Best value

Choose a kimono from October through May or a yukata from June through September, then receive help dressing in a shop near Kiyomizu-dera. The package includes an obi, Japanese bag, socks, and shoes. English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai support is available. Hair styling costs 1,500 yen extra.

“I loved my experience as a solo female traveler :) The staff was super friendly and the foreign staff spoke English and made sure I was happy with my choice of the kimono (sorry for taking so long to decide, it's just so hard to pick when everything is lovely! ^^'). If you book in advance, you get a fast service, a bag and shoes to complement the look. *Warning: the store is located on a slope, so walking up/down in the provided shoes and socks will be tricky :D You can switch to your usual footwear no problem!”

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Kyoto Gion Kiyomizudera Kimono Yukata Hairstyle | Photoshoot - Choosing between Gion and Kiyomizudera
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Kyoto Gion Kiyomizudera Kimono Yukata Hairstyle | Photoshoot

7.Kyoto Gion Kiyomizudera Kimono Yukata Hairstyle | Photoshoot

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 55 reviews · 20 minutes - 1 day · from $21

Choose from more than 700 kimonos at an OKIMONO branch near Kiyomizudera or Gion. Staff dress you, lend sandals and a handbag, and store your luggage. Add makeup at Kiyomizudera, hairstyling, or a booked photoshoot with up to 180 raw photos and 18 edited images.

“Great service and choice of Kimonos. The dressing experience was quick and a great way to see the intricate details involved in dressing in a Kimino. Our photographer Leila (sorry wrong spelling) was lovely and fun to work with, she took some beautiful photos and knew some great spots in Gion. Definitely recommend!”

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Kiyomizu Temple and Backstreets of Gion, Half Day Group Tour - Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto’s big opening scene
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Kiyomizu Temple and Backstreets of Gion, Half Day Group Tour

8.Kiyomizu Temple and Backstreets of Gion, Half Day Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · from $59

This four-hour Kyoto walk links Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, Yasaka Koshindo, Yasui-Konpiragu, Kennin-ji, and Gion. A guide such as Mika, Takuma, Mitsuhiko, or Kiyoto leads a group of up to eight, explains Buddhist and Shinto customs, and can adjust the pace and focus.

“our tour guide was friendly and enthusiastic about sharing the history and culture! we were with our two children and he was very accommodating to their pace and interests.”

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Best of Kyoto: Red Gates of Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu Temple - Kiyomizu-dera and the views over Kyoto
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Best of Kyoto: Red Gates of Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu Temple

9.Best of Kyoto: Red Gates of Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu Temple

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 36 reviews · 3 hours · from $58

Meet near JR Inari Station for an early three-hour tour of Fushimi Inari’s red torii gates and Kiyomizu-dera. Your English or French guide, sometimes guides such as Shanda or Diana, handles entry fees and taxi fare, then finishes near ARABICA Kyoto Higashiyama with local food tips.

“We were lucky and had our lovely guide Shanda all to ourselves. She was very polite, positive, enthusiastic, engaging, friendly, knowledgeable and nice. It is a great value for the money. We wouldn’t have appreciated the beautiful sights and stops without our guide. The meeting spot was easy to find and the guide helped us get back to our hotel. Class A service. Would recommend anyone to go to these sites as early as possible!”

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Kyoto kiyomizu Temple : Maiko and Samurai Couple Photoshoot - Choosing a kimono from 100 options
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Kyoto kiyomizu Temple : Maiko and Samurai Couple Photoshoot

10.Kyoto kiyomizu Temple : Maiko and Samurai Couple Photoshoot

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 25 reviews · 3 hours · from $114

At Maiko Transformation Studio Shiki near Kiyomizu Temple, you and a partner dress as maiko and samurai for a three-hour photo session. Choose from 100 kimonos, receive professional hair and makeup, pose in a Japanese room or tea room, and take home three prints plus digital copies of every picture.

“This photo shoot couldn’t have been better. We chose the couples package and it was awesome. The staff was kind, professional, and timely. The costumes were absolutely top notch. The makeup artist was very good. Best of all we only waited 20 minutes after our shoot & our phots were processed, printed, and emailed. I highly recommend this activity, book it.”

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Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari & Gion Geisha District - Kiyomizu-dera and Kyoto’s power spots
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Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari & Gion Geisha District

11.Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari & Gion Geisha District

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 4 hours · from $90

Join Kyoto City Certified Guide Roberto for a private four-hour tour of Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, the old streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, and Gion. Expect public transport, clear explanations in English or Spanish, photo help, and a useful introduction to Shinto, Buddhism, maiko, and geisha culture.

“It was amazing! Roberto was there on time, he explained the culture well - he was very polite and took amazing photos for us. Very enjoyable from start to end! Highly recommed!”

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TREASURES of Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu Temple, and more! - Kiyomizu-dera and Kyoto’s wide city views
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TREASURES of Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu Temple, and more!

12.TREASURES of Kyoto: Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu Temple, and more!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · from $98

Start at 7:00 am with guide and owner Niall, then visit Fushimi Inari-taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, and a preserved Kyoto district. This four-hour small-group tour includes taxi fares between stops, a temple admission ticket, and time for questions, with a maximum of 12 people.

“This experience is not a good value at all! Waste of my time and money personally. I could have done it for free on my own. You can Just wake up early morning and visit the 2 landmark temples in Kyoto. Also, my guide was not very helpful Read more”

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Kyoto 6h Private Tour Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu, Gion & Hidden Gems - Chishaku-in offers a quieter temple pause
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Kyoto 6h Private Tour Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu, Gion & Hidden Gems

13.Kyoto 6h Private Tour Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu, Gion & Hidden Gems

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 19 reviews

Spend about 5.5 hours with a private Kyoto guide visiting Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, Gion, and quieter temple grounds. Guides such as Yoshi, Kaori, and Mutsumi have led this route. Taxis and public transport save time, but fares and temple admissions are extra.

“Yoshi was such a great guide! Such a nice guy and very informative! The tour was great and we got to see a lot of Kyoto on our first day, especially in regards to the shrines and temples. Great!”

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Kyoto: Kiyomizudera, Higashiyama and Yasaka Discovery Tour - Starting near Kiyomizudera
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Kyoto: Kiyomizudera, Higashiyama and Yasaka Discovery Tour

14.Kiyomizudera, Higashiyama and Yasaka Discovery Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 17 reviews · 3 hours · from $54

Spend three hours walking Kyoto’s eastern temple district with a guide such as Miyake, Yuko, or CC. Visit Kiyomizudera, Kodaiji, Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, and the old lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. Entrance fees and snacks are included.

“Yuko was our excellent guide; very knowledgeable about the sights we saw. Our tour started promptly and we were able to see the temples, shrines and beautiful gardens. Yuko was also vey helpful in providing us with other information about where to see plum blossoms in bloom, etc. Thank you Yuko!!”

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KYOTO: Tempio Kiyomizu Pagode Gion “Geisya” (Guida Italiana) - Meeting at Kyoto Station without confusion
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KYOTO: Tempio Kiyomizu Pagode Gion “Geisya” (Guida Italiana)

15.Tempio Kiyomizu Pagode Gion “Geisya” (Guida Italiana)

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 17 reviews · 5 hours · from $117

Spend five hours with Kyoto guide Omae, walking from Kiyomizu-dera through Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Gion, and Pontocho. Your Italian-speaking guide explains the city’s religious customs, history, and everyday culture, while transport and scheduled entrance fees are included.

“Omae è la guida perfetta per scoprire tutti i segreti di Kyoto e per approcciarsi alla cultura giapponese. Simpatico e spigliato ma anche accurato nelle spiegazioni: consigliatissimo!”

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New in Kiyomizu-dera Temple Tours

★ 3.5Sacred Treasure Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu Dera TourFrom $307 reviews
★ 4.5Carefree Private Exploration of Fushimi Inari, Gion, Kiyomizudera, and MoreFrom $1295 reviews
★ 5.0Origami Workshop Near Kiyomizu Dera Temple in KyotoFrom $194 reviews
★ 5.0Private Custom Tour of Kiyomizu & Yasaka—by Young Local GuidesFrom $193 reviews
★ 5.0Kyoto Kiyomizudera Kimono Dressing with Hairstyle | PhotoshootFrom $1277 reviews
★ 4.8Kiyomizu-dera Temple Rent a kimono and ride a rickshawFrom $837 reviews
★ 5.0Walking tour Kiyomizu, Geisha District with a LocalFrom $404 reviews
★ 5.0Kyoto Morning Highlights Tour: Fushimi, Kiyomizu-dera & GionFrom $816 reviews
★ 5.0Kiyomizudera, Sanjusangendo, Kodaiji, and Gion.From $865 reviews
★ 4.6Kiyomizu-dera Temple : kimono and Indoor photo shootFrom $485 reviews
★ 4.5Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Kiyomizu-dera Temple Walking TourFrom $634 reviews

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Explore Kyoto

Pick a lane, a temple or a tea room.

The lanes

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Fushimi InariKiyomizu-deraKinkaku-jiNijo CastleZen Sitting

Tea and food

Tea CeremoniesMatchaNishiki MarketCooking ClassesSake Tastings

Out of town

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