Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Kiyomizu-dera Walking Tour
Free Cancellation
4.9 (135)
from
EUR 86.00

3 hours


E-voucher


English

Overview

Kyoto is known for its abundance of temples, but choosing which ones to visit can be a challenge. With this tour, visit one of Kyoto’s most well-known temples—Kiyomizu-dera. Exploring the temple grounds with a guide allows you to ask plenty of questions about its history, and learn fun facts along the way. The trip also includes a visit to Otowa waterfall, a traditional tea ceremony, and delicious snacks.

Operated by

MagicalTrip Inc.

Ratings & Reviews

Average Rating

4.87

/ 5

124 traveller ratings

5

112

4

8

3

4

2

0

1

0

5

|

4

|

3

|

2

|

1

Fun Experience, Would Recommend

spencerk741, Aug 2025

Had a great time with Hide Nakanishi. Was very knowledgeable and the tour covered a lot of sites, so we really saw the area. Would recommend to a friend

Response from Host, Aug 2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you had a great time with Hide and enjoyed the tour. It’s wonderful that you got to explore so many sites and really experience the area. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you again in the future!

Great tour for families.

SaqibM1204, Jul 2025

Hide was a wonderful guide. Very knowledgeable and patient. Easy tour, despite the July heat! The tea ceremony at the end was a great way to finish the tour.

review-image
review-image
review-image

Response from Host, Jul 2025

Thank you very much for your kind words! We’re glad to hear that Hide provided a knowledgeable and patient guide experience, and that you enjoyed the tour despite the July heat. The tea ceremony is indeed a lovely way to wrap up the day, and we’re happy it was a highlight for you. We hope to see you again on another MagicalTrip tour! MagicalTrip

A morning in Gion

alisonwN2917MD, Jul 2025

Kana was super lovely and very knowledgeable. We got to try some amazing samples of food and see some beautiful sites. Great experience!

Excellent trip

Jetset T, Jul 2025

Kana was our guide, she was really interesting to listen to, taught us a lot about temples and gods but in a fun way. Small group just 5 of us and we got to try some local sweet food. Everything was very easy and smooth

review-image
review-image

Itinerary

  • Yasaka Shrine

    Meet up at Yasaka Shrine

  • Yasaka Koshin-Do

    Take some pictures at photogenic spot

    Discover Kyoto's special streets (Kiyomizu-zaka) with their quaint atmosphere, as if you had time-slipped into ancient times

    Kiyomizuzaka is the name of an area that is composed of several streets with a traditional feel of Kyoto. There are old teashops, Japanese sweets shops, and traditional Japanese sundried food shops lining the streets as the Maiko and Geisha walk the streets gracefully. Our tour guide will take you to this area and show you around to take in the traditional and unique Kyoto atmosphere. In the area of Kiyomizuzaka, we also take you to the most colorful temple in Kyoto called Yasakakoshindo. This temple has an unique way of worship. Worshippers write their wish on a colorful ball and hang them on the temple. This is what makes the temple so vibrant. Let's enjoy strolling down the picturesque streets!

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    Go to one of the most famous temples in Japan.

    It was made on the site of Otowa Waterfall about 1,200 years ago, and its name derives from the waterfall's pure water. There, we'll take you to the wooden stage (13 meters above the ground) of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which is one of the best spots to see an amazing view of numerous cherry and maple trees as well as the city of Kyoto in the distance. We'll also visit Otowa Waterfall, which brings you good luck. The water is divided into three separate streams and each stream has a different benefit. You can choose one of them by using a cup attached to a long pole and drink the water to bring good fortune. Let's experience the Japanese way of worshipping together!

  • Kiyomizu-Zaka Street

    Pass by Kiyomizu Zaka Street near Kiyomizu-dera Temple

    This 1-km pilgrimage route to Kiyomizu-dera Temple begins where Matsubara-dori, once the southern thoroughfare of Heian-kyo, crosses Higashioji-dori. The slope is quiet with few pedestrians, but souvenir stores line the street from where it joins Gojozaka and Sannenzaka, and further up the slope, there are many stores selling Kyoto souvenirs such as pickles and yatsuhashi, and many people are calling out to visitors. There is also a Kiyomizu doll store in front of the temple gate. The Niomon Gate and the three-story pagoda of Kiyomizu-dera Temple stand tall at the top of the hill.

  • Sannenzaka Ninenzaka

    Pass by Sannennzaka Ninenzaka nearby Kiyomizu dera Temple

    Sannenzaka is such a historic road that legend has it that the name “Sannenzaka” came from the fact that it was opened in the 3rd year of Daido (808) (various theories exist).

    The most famous legend of Sannenzaka is that if you fall down on Sannenzaka, you will “die within three years” or your life span will be shortened by three years. This urban legend, as we know it today, was widely believed in the mid-Edo period. The legend is said to have originated because this slope once led to the burial ground of Toribeno, and it is said to be a warning to “watch your step on the slope.

Meeting Point Map

Location

Address

625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0073, Japan

Open Google Map

Experience

Highlights

  • See a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto—Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • Eliminate the need to study a map by having a guide to accompany you
  • Enjoy a special Japanese cultural experience—a tea ceremony
  • No need to worry about large tour groups: This is a small-group activity
  • Inclusions

    • Photos during the tour
    • Drink Matcha (Green Tea)
    • 3 hours with a Kyoto local guide
    • Snacks
    • Kiyomizu-dera Temple entrance fee
    • Tea ceremony experience

    Exclusions

    • additional food/drinks

    Additional Information

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children under 6 years old are not allowed on this tour
    • The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
    • Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.
    • Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, so we recommend that you bring water and wear a hat to prevent heat stroke.
    • Please inform us at least one day before the tour if you have any dietary requests or allergies to mention. Requests made on the day of the tour cannot be accommodated.

    Guide Languages

    • English

    Cancellation Policy

    • A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.

    • No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.

    from
    EUR 86.00