The 9 Best Kiyomizu-dera Tours in Kyoto

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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8.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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9.Private Walking Tour with Kiyomizu Temple & Gion

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 7 reviews · 3h 30m

Spend 210 minutes with a private English-speaking guide exploring Kiyomizu Temple, historic lanes, Yasaka Shrine, Gion, and Nishiki Market. Phillip is one guide named in past bookings. Expect more than 5km on foot, food stops, shrine customs, and extra transport and temple fees.

“Phillip was a great guide. He explained the history of all of the places we visited in much detail and made the whole tour very interesting. He is very knowledgeable, and I couldn’t recommend him enough”

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