Kyoto Culture & Gourmet Tour | Kiyomizu-dera & Rokuon-ji (Kinkaku-ji) & Uji Byodo-in & Matcha Feast | Departing from Osaka or Kyoto
- Unique itinerary connecting three locations in one day, allowing you to experience the ancient charm of Kyoto in a compact and reasonable way.
- Led by an experienced, enthusiastic, and friendly guide, you can better appreciate the charm of the ancient city of Kyoto.
- Visit both Kyoto and Uji to enjoy natural beauty and experience classical culture.
- Deeply experience Uji, the famous Japanese matcha city, and taste various matcha delicacies to satisfy your taste buds.
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Luggage limit | 1 piece |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Spring Cherry Blossom, Autumn Maple |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Japanese castles, Temples & shrines, Historic site tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
This trip offers an in-depth exploration of Kyoto's cultural and natural beauty. The itinerary will take you to two World Heritage sites—Daigo-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera Temple—where you can admire the magnificent landscapes of ancient temples and experience the historical charm of Kyoto. In addition, you will taste rich matcha and visit Uji, a city famous for its matcha and tea culture. Whether it is the long-standing temple architecture, the lush natural scenery, or the rich aroma of tea, you will feel the unique charm of Kyoto.
—Important Information—
- Each person is entitled to carry one piece of luggage for free, with no size limit (please inform us in advance when booking; if you fail to do so and the vehicle becomes overcrowded, the driver/guide has the right to refuse boarding, and no refund will be provided). For any additional luggage, a fee of 2,000 JPY per piece must be paid on-site.
- Children aged 0-3 who do not occupy a seat can travel for free; children aged 4 and above are charged as adults. If you fail to inform us about a child not occupying a seat, we reserve the right to refuse boarding, and no refund will be provided.
- The tour guide will not contact travelers in advance. On the day of the tour, travelers must go to the meeting point on their own and report to the guide or staff member wearing a 'yellow vest or holding a yellow GOGODAY flag'. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following the guide's arrangements.
- Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater: Toyota Alphard; 9-14 seater: Toyota Hiace or equivalent; 18-22 seater: minibus; 22+ seater: large bus. The vehicles listed above are for reference only and will be adjusted based on the actual number of participants on the day.
- Driver-guide service: 1-13 person small group; Driver + Guide service: 14-45 person bus tour. The service type will be adjusted based on the actual number of participants on the day.
More Kansai tour recommendations:
- Kansai Kyoto Day Tour | Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Optional Kimono Experience | Osaka/Kyoto Departure, Guaranteed Departure
- Kyoto Amanohashidate Day Tour | Amanohashidate Viewland, Ine Boat Houses | Osaka/Kyoto Departure
- Japan Kyoto & Nara Day Tour: Kiyomizu-dera, Hanamikoji, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Nara Park | Guaranteed Departure
Kiyomizu-dera Temple - National Treasure World Heritage World Cultural Heritage, a popular tourist attraction in Kyoto, and the oldest temple in Kyoto. The scenery of Kiyomizu-dera Temple is distinct in each season. In spring, the green leaves are accompanied by charming cherry blossoms; in summer, it is lush and green; in autumn, it is dotted with colorful autumn leaves; in winter, it is full of exquisite trees. Any time is an ideal season to visit. Kiyomizu-dera Temple also holds lighting events in spring and autumn to show the beauty of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Take photos and check in at Nijozaka - Yasaka Pagoda: Hokanji Temple is a Rinzai sect Kenninji temple located in Higashiyama District, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. The mountain is called "Reioyama". The main deity is Yakushi Nyorai, and the legend says that the founder was Prince Shotoku. The five-story pagoda is commonly known as "Yasaka Pagoda" and is the symbol of the Higashiyama area.
Kyoto is full of ancient style and has Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a popular check-in spot. The bright colors here make the photos look unique. Many tourists like to wear kimonos to take pictures again, which is very distinctive.
The only Starbucks in the world where you can drink coffee on tatami. Starbucks has launched specialty stores with the concept of conveying regional history, traditional skills and culture. There are currently 27 concept stores in Japan. The "Kyoto Ninenzaka YASAKA Tea House Store" opened in an old Japanese house on Ninenzaka is one of them. The quaint building is very integrated into the local streetscape. In addition to retaining the Machiya flavor, Starbucks also adds the literary and artistic atmosphere of a coffee shop, which is very unique. This Japanese-Western fusion is worth a special visit when you go to Kiyomizu Temple.
Yasaka Koshin-do: The bright colored balls here make the photos look unique, and many people like to wear kimonos to take photos. Although it is only a small temple, it is one of the three Koshin in Japan, and the main deity, the Blue-faced King Kong, is enshrined, so the full name is Daikokusan Kongoji Yasaka Koshin-do. Next to the Blue-faced King Kong are three monkeys, which are messengers of God, representing "do not see, do not hear, do not speak", "do not look at, do not listen to, do not speak what is inappropriate". Therefore, this place is also called the Monkey Shrine.
Kinkaku-ji Temple, officially known as Rokuon-ji Temple, is a famous temple in Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan.
Uji is a paradise for matcha. The streets are filled with first-rate matcha ice cream and cakes, and even the soba noodles are green matcha color.
Recommended attractions: [Bidao-in Temple] is a representative of the Heian period pond and boat-style temple gardens, and was listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1994. The most famous one is the "Phoenix Hall". The building extends in the direction of the two wings, and it looks like a phoenix is about to spread its wings and fly. Inside is a seated statue of "Amitabha Tathagata Buddha", which has been listed as a national treasure and its image is on the 10 yen coin.
Recommended attractions: The Tale of Genji Museum uses multimedia sound and light effects to introduce the charm and outline of the Tale of Genji with vivid and clear high-definition images, and exhibits a model of Rokujo-in, which symbolizes the prosperity and wealth of Genji. If you take a quick look, you can go around the whole place in about 2 minutes; but if you look carefully, you may spend 1 or 2 hours. At the same time, it also exhibits the games of the nobles such as "Gobe", "Go", "Shogoku" and the activities held regularly every year in the Heian period in accordance with the seasons, introducing the culture of the dynasty in an easy-to-understand way.
Purchase Notice
【Travel conditions】
Travel origin and destination: Osaka and Kyoto
Travel days: Round trip
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Reisei Tourism Industry Co., Ltd.
Meals: Breakfast 0 times Lunch 0 times Dinner 0 times
Accommodation facilities: None
Minimum number of people in a group: 4
Team Leader: 1
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Name of operating company: TuYi Group Japan Co., Ltd.
Address: 722 Shuzenji, Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
License Number: Shizuoka Prefectural Governor Registered Travel Agency, No. 2-633
Travel Agency Association: Regular Member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 4 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 4 day(s) before the departure date
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This is a fixed carpooling itinerary. Please be sure to abide by the stay time at each attraction and follow the arrangements of the driver and guide.
Please note that no refund will be given if you fail to participate or cancel the trip due to personal issues, lateness, etc.
If you leave the group on your own during the trip, the transaction will be deemed invalid and no fees will be refunded. If personal or property safety is affected as a result, the consequences will be borne by you.
The arrival time of each itinerary may change due to traffic conditions, weather, festivals, and crowds on the day. Please forgive us if the itinerary is delayed or cancelled due to the above or other force majeure factors. We cannot request a refund on this basis.
In case of a small number of people, the driver and tour leader will be used for operation. Please be aware that this product is a carpooling service, and there will be other guests riding together. Parking is not allowed outside the scenic spots.
Traffic jams and other force majeure factors may occur during weekends and national holidays. The driver will also adjust the itinerary based on the specific situation. Please be sure to prepare your psychological expectations before placing an order.
In the case of a small group where the driver also serves as the guide, the driver's main focus is driving, with explanations as a supplement. He will give a brief introduction on the bus and will not get off the bus to explain.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQs
1. What are the key attractions and unique features of Kiyomizu-dera Temple?
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is renowned for its iconic wooden stage, built without a single nail, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto, especially during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Visitors can also drink from the Otowa Waterfall for blessings in longevity, success, and love, and explore the Jishu Shrine for matchmaking.
2. Is the entrance fee for Kiyomizu-dera Temple included in the Kyoto Cultural Food Tour?
For many organized tours like the Kyoto Cultural Food Tour, the entrance fee for Kiyomizu-dera Temple is usually included in the overall tour package. This provides visitors with a seamless experience, as they don't need to worry about purchasing separate tickets on-site. When booking a tour through KKday, you benefit from clear inclusions outlined beforehand and reliable service, ensuring a well-planned itinerary.
3. How much time is typically recommended to fully explore Kiyomizu-dera Temple?
To fully appreciate Kiyomizu-dera Temple, including its main hall, the wooden stage, Otowa Waterfall, and surrounding areas, it is generally recommended to allocate about 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows ample time for sightseeing, taking photos, and soaking in the serene atmosphere without feeling rushed.
4. What makes visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple a valuable experience for travelers?
Visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple offers a profound cultural and spiritual experience. Its ancient architecture, particularly the cantilevered wooden stage, provides stunning panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple's historical significance, combined with its beautiful seasonal landscapes like cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, creates memorable moments and unique photo opportunities, reflecting Kyoto's rich heritage.
5. What are the main attractions and historical significance of Kinkaku-ji Temple?
Kinkaku-ji Temple, or the Golden Pavilion, is celebrated for its stunning three-story structure entirely covered in gold leaf, reflecting gloriously in the Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond). It originally served as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and later became a Zen temple. Its unique architecture blends palatial, samurai, and Zen styles, symbolizing the luxurious culture of the Kitayama period.
6. What unique aspects can visitors appreciate at Uji Byodo-in Temple?
Uji Byodo-in Temple is renowned for its exquisite Phoenix Hall, a masterpiece of Heian-period Buddhist architecture depicted on the Japanese 10-yen coin. Visitors can admire its symmetrical design and the surrounding Jodo-shiki garden, where the hall is beautifully reflected in the pond. The temple's museum also houses valuable artifacts, including the original temple bell and 26 Bodhisattva statues, showcasing the elegance of the Fujiwara era.
7. What types of Uji matcha delicacies can be expected during the Kyoto Cultural Food Tour?
During the Kyoto Cultural Food Tour, you can look forward to experiencing a variety of authentic Uji matcha delicacies. This often includes tasting rich matcha ice cream, traditional matcha mochi or dango, and refreshing matcha beverages. Uji is famous for its high-quality tea, so these treats offer a true taste of local tea culture.
8. How does having an experienced guide enhance the visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple?
An experienced guide significantly enriches your visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple by providing insightful historical context and cultural anecdotes that might otherwise be missed. They can navigate efficiently, share local perspectives, and highlight architectural details or spiritual meanings, transforming a simple visit into a deeper, more engaging educational experience.
