15 Best Higashiyama Tours

Higashiyama is the slope below Kiyomizu-dera, all stone steps and wooden shopfronts, with the five-storey Yasaka Pagoda poking above the roofs. Plenty of visitors do it in rented kimono, which is why so many tours here start at a rental shop.

1.Kyoto Kimono Rental – Traditional Kimono Experience & Japanese Makeup & Photography Service (Provided by Okimono-ya Kiyomizu Store)

Rent a kimono near Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, with multilingual dressing help, hairstyling, optional makeup and guided photo sessions.

Most Popular★ 4.7

“This was my first time experiencing a kimono in Kyoto, and the entire process exceeded my expectations 🥹🤍. From selecting the kimono and getting dressed to the styling, everyone was so attentive. Once I put it on, I really felt like I instantly blended right…”

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2.Kyoto: Tea Ceremony in a Traditional Tea House in Kiyomizu

Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto's historic Kiyomizu area, learn from expert masters, and enjoy serene garden views for $44.

★ 4.9

“This is an amazing experience! Definitely would recommend. Even though its locate on a busy street, the building itself is very peaceful and the vibe is sooo serene.”

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3.Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Temple: Popular Kimono Rental Experience | Kimono, Yukata, Furisode, Makeup, and Outdoor Photography Services | MOCOMOCO Kimono Kiyomizu-dera Store

Rent a kimono near Kiyomizu-dera, choose from 800 styles, add hair styling or a photographer, and return your outfit at another Kyoto branch.

★ 4.8

“Although we arrived late due to a train delay, the staff at the shop were extremely polite and didn't blame us at all. Experience: Fantastic! The hair styling was exquisite and done with great care. Location: Super easy to find!”

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5.Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera, Kinkaku-ji Day Tour

See Kyoto’s torii gates, Golden Pavilion, Arashiyama and Kiyomizu-dera in one day from Osaka, with a guide, transport and optional lunch.

★ 4.6

“jewel, our guide was very informative and gave us history and details of key areas we passed by. though parking area for the bus was a bit far from the spots, advantage is you dont need to transfer trains or buses and end up waiting…”

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6.Kyoto Kimono Rental Experience (Optional Exquisite Hair Styling/Japanese Makeup/Photography) (Ookini Kiyomizu-dera Main Store)

Rent a kimono near Kiyomizu-dera, choose from hundreds of styles, add hairstyling if you wish, then return it at another Kyoto shop.

★ 4.7

“It was amazing! They were extremely kind and even picked matching yukatas for us since we are twins, haha. There were so many gorgeous and elegant colors to choose from, which was wonderful!”

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7.Kyoto: Nijo Castle, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari

Discover Kyoto’s top sights in one day with this guided tour including Nijo Castle, Bamboo Forest, Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari. Great value, expert guides, and authentic experiences.

★ 4.7

“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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8.Kyoto Highlights: With Nijo Castle Ticket & Bamboo Forest

Yet, Kyoto's timeless allure beckons travelers to uncover its iconic landmarks, from the majestic Nijo Castle to the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where the enchanting wonders await.

★ 5.0

“Not too well organized Extremely hot day and this should have been taken into consideration by tour operators Have ready access to water, pre select restaurants, have frequent breaks, avoid strenuous hikes If this continues, I am sure people will get sick at some point.…”

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9.Kyoto Kimono Rental Experience (Kyoto Kimono Rei Kiyomizu Store)

Rent a kimono near Kiyomizu-dera, choose from hundreds of styles, and explore Kyoto’s old lanes with dressing, accessories, and optional photography.

★ 4.8

“Excellent, we loved it! Girls day walking around in Kyoto in our Kimonos was the best! The staff were fast and efficient doing our hair and preparing us in our Kimonos, it took around 40min.”

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11.Kyoto Ninenzaka: Tea Ceremony in Old Townhouse with Chairs

Discover the authentic Japanese tea ceremony in Kyoto's historic Ninenzaka, with expert guidance, handcrafted sweets, and a serene setting.

★ 4.8

“We really enjoyed this ceremony. The host was nice, took the time to explain everything and answer all our questions. The tea master created a great experience for us. We appreciated that there was only 4 of us attending so it felt more intimate and…”

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12.Kyoto: Private Rickshaw Tour of Gion and Higashiyama Area

Join us on a captivating private rickshaw tour of Kyoto's enchanting Gion and Higashiyama area. Discover hidden gems, immerse in history, and embrace the beauty of traditional Japan.

★ 5.0

“The rickshaw tour was so fun! We went as a family of four (two rickshaws) and our kids (14 and 11) had a great time! The guides were informative and friendly. Such a neat experience!”

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14.Kyoto Kiyomizu Tea Ceremony With Scenic Garden Views

Behold the exquisite Kyoto Kiyomizu Tea Ceremony, where the art of matcha and the serenity of a Japanese garden converge to create an unforgettable cultural experience.

★ 5.0

“Awesome overview of the tea ceremony history, culture, and experience! This gives great background of what it takes to be a tea master and the symbolism of the art and gardens.”

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4.9Kyoto Higashiyama Rickshaw Tour$63.15 4.8Kyoto Higashiyama Gion Kimono & Photography Tour (Okimono-ya)8 hours$19.45 4.8Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari One-Day Tour$44.85 4.7Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Matcha Making TIA KiyomizuYasakado-ri Shop$22.10 4.9Table-Style Tea Ceremony Experience in Ninenzaka Kyoto$41.69 5.0Kyoto Ninenzaka : Japanese Calligraphy Class in Townhouse50 min$49 4.9Kyoto: Gion Kiyomizudera Kimono Yukata Hairstyle& Photoshoot20 minutes - 1 day$21 5.0Kiyomizu Temple and Backstreets of Gion, Half Day Private Tour$59.45 4.8Kimono rental near Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto | Choose from additional options such as tea ceremony & matcha making, makeup, and photo shoots | Aiwafuku Kiyomizu Main Store$15.79 4.8Kyoto’s Treasures: Fushimi Inari’s red gates & sacred sites3 hours$58 4.7Kyoto Tea Ceremony & Matcha Making TIA KiyomizuChawanzakaShop$22.10 5.0Kyoto: Historic Higashiyama Walking Tour4 hours$106 4.9Japanese Calligraphy Class in Ninenzaka (Kyoto)50 mins$48.69 4.8Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple : Maiko and Samurai Couple Photoshoot3 hours$114 5.0Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari & Gion Geisha District4 hours$90 5.0Geisha & Yasaka Pagoda Cultural Tour in Kyoto$30.05 5.0Kyoto Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha One-Day Tour$44.89 5.0The Original Early Bird Tour of Kyoto.$98.53 5.07 Must-See Spots Afternoon Private Tour ; Including 1000-Torii-Gate Shrine$236.48 4.9Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Kimono Rental (3-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, includes women’s hair set) Aiwafuku Rental Kiyomizu Chawanzaka Store$15.80 4.8Kyoto: Kiyomizudera, Higashiyama and Yasaka Discovery Tour3 hours$54 4.7KYOTO: Tempio Kiyomizu Pagode Gion Geisya (Guida Italiana)5 hours$117 5.0Private Walking Tour in Gion and Higashiyama$144.88 4.9Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Temple | Kimono, Yukata, Furisode Rental Experience, Japanese Makeup, Photography Service | (2-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple)$17.35