10 Best Walking Tours in Higashiyama

No part of Kyoto rewards walking like Higashiyama, because the best bits are side lanes like Ishibe-koji that no bus gets near. Go early; by ten the main slopes up to Kiyomizu are shoulder to shoulder.

1.Kyoto: Historic Higashiyama Walking Tour

Discover the hidden gems of Kyoto's historic Higashiyama district on a captivating walking tour. Immerse yourself in Japan's rich cultural heritage and experience its ancient beauty firsthand.

Most Popular★ 5.0

“We really enjoyed the tour. Our guide, Lito was excellent. Not only did he tell us about the places that we have visited but also shared the links of places to eat and other useful information. This tour was a great overview of some mos…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

2.Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Kimono Rental (3-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, includes women’s hair set) Aiwafuku Rental Kiyomizu Chawanzaka Store

Rent a kimono three minutes from Kiyomizu-dera, with hundreds of styles, optional hair styling, free luggage storage, and Kyoto’s old lanes nearby.

★ 4.9

“Although I didn't have a hair styling appointment, I was able to borrow hair accessories, which was very kind.”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

4.Kyoto Kiyomizu-dera Temple | Kimono, Yukata, Furisode Rental Experience, Japanese Makeup, Photography Service | (2-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple)

Rent a kimono near Kiyomizu-dera, choose from hundreds of styles, and explore Kyoto’s temple lanes. Compare packages, add-ons, and practical details.

★ 4.9

“The shop is conveniently located near Kiyomizu-dera Temple, making it easy to visit and take photos at the temple and in the old town area. The staff are cheerful and enthusiastic. I will continue to support them in the future.”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

5.Kyoto Guided Walking Tour Highlight of Kiyomizu & Fushimi Inari

Explore Kyoto's top sights with this 4-hour guided walking tour featuring Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, and Fushimi Inari — ideal for culture lovers.

★ 5.0

“We had such a great time on this Kyoto walking tour! Our guide was full of energy (way more than us!) and kept us entertained with fun history tidbits and little jokes along the way. We loved the peaceful secret path in Fushimi Inari —…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

7.[2.3km/1.43mi] Kyoto Higashiyama Early Morning Walking Tour

Discover Kyoto's hidden morning charms on this intimate 2-hour walking tour through Higashiyama, led by knowledgeable local guides.

★ 5.0

“It was great to experience a walking tour with a local from Kyoto! She gave us great insights into cultural specta and also recommended us further spots to incorporate for our trip. It is also a good idea to start this early since that way…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

8.Kyoto Higashiyama Walking Private Tour

Discover Kyoto’s Higashiyama district on this private 3-hour walking tour featuring iconic temples, charming streets, and local insights for an authentic experience.

“A great introduction to Kyoto by guide Akari. Her local knowledge really shines through as she takes you through key sites. Some great tips for food and coffee along the way.”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

9.Kiyomizudera, Yasaka Shrine Discovery Walking Tour

Visit Kiyomizudera, Kodaiji, Yasaka Shrine, and Maruyama Park on a three-hour Kyoto walk, with an English-speaking guide and temple admission included.

★ 4.0

“Jasmine was our guide for this tour and she was great at explaining everything. The tour wasn't too fast and was at just the right walking speed. The tour was great because of the historically important sites as well as great sight seeing view points…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →

10.Higashiyama Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine Discovery Walking Tour

Keen to unravel the enigmatic legends of Higashiyama Kiyomizudera and Yasaka Shrine? Join us on a captivating walking tour where history and myth intertwine seamlessly.

★ 5.0

“It was the second day of my trip and I booked this tour to visit the famous kiyomizudera temple. The guide gives me a lot of information about the differents shrines and answers all my questions on various things. He is like a walking encyclopedia!…”

Check Availability →Read my full review →