Kyoto: Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines Guided Tour 3h
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kyoto: Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines Guided Tour 3h worth booking?
Kyoto: Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines Guided Tour 3h is a 3-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $13167 per person. It scores 48 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 48 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $13167 per person
Your tour offers a seamless 3-hour journey through Kyoto’s twin UNESCO-listed Kamo Shrines—Kamigamo and Shimogamo—guided by experts who reveal their deep historical, spiritual, and cultural significance along a route onc
What you get
- Symbolic meanings
- Traditional Japanese Sweets Tasting Experience
- Historical insights
- 3-hour guided tour
- Shinto beliefs
- Stories passed down through generations
About this experience
Your tour offers a seamless 3-hour journey through Kyoto’s twin UNESCO-listed Kamo Shrines—Kamigamo and Shimogamo—guided by experts who reveal their deep historical, spiritual, and cultural significance along a route once taken by the imperial court.
What's included
Included
- Symbolic meanings
- Traditional Japanese Sweets Tasting Experience
- Historical insights
- 3-hour guided tour
- Shinto beliefs
- Stories passed down through generations
What you'll see and do
Kamigamo Shrine
Kamigamo Shrine, officially known as Kamowakeikazuchi-jinja, is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, dating back to the 7th century. Located in the serene northern area of Kyoto, this shrine is dedicated to the god of thunder and purification, and has played a central role in protecting the city since ancient times. Its spacious grounds are home to beautifully preserved buildings, sacred sand mounds called tatesuna, and the gentle flow of the Kamo River. Every May, the shrine serves as one of the key sites of the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals. Visiting Kamigamo Shrine offers a glimpse into the refined, timeless spirit of ancient Kyoto.
40 minutes here
Shimogamo Jinja
Shimogamo Shrine, or Kamomioya-jinja, is Kamigamo’s sister shrine and a key part of Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites. It is often called the “spiritual origin of Kyoto,” with a history that predates the establishment of the city itself. The shrine was mentioned in ancient myths and was the site of official prayers when Kyoto was chosen as the new imperial capital. Its sacred atmosphere, elegant architecture, and connection to royal rituals make it a must-visit for anyone seeking to understand Kyoto’s foundations.
40 minutes here
Saruya is a small, charming teahouse located just outside the Shimogamo Shrine grounds. Traditionally tied to the shrine, it offers light refreshments and sweets inspired by the seasons and rituals of the area. Taking a short break here allows visitors to relax in a peaceful setting while reflecting on their spiritual journey through the shrines and forest. Saruya also connects modern-day hospitality with the centuries-old culture of shrine visits.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Tadasu No Mori Grove
Tadasu no Mori, the sacred forest surrounding Shimogamo Shrine, is one of the few remaining primeval woodlands in central Kyoto. The name “Tadasu” is believed to mean “to correct or purify falsehood,” symbolizing the forest’s spiritual role in bringing people closer to moral clarity and truth. With centuries-old trees, natural springs, and serene walking paths, this forest offers not just natural beauty but a meditative atmosphere that connects visitors with ancient spiritual practices.
30 minutes here
Kawai Shrine
Located within the grounds of Shimogamo Shrine, Kawai Shrine is dedicated to Tamayorihime no Mikoto, the mother of Japan’s first emperor. Known as a shrine for beauty, Kawai attracts visitors—especially women—who come to pray for inner and outer beauty. Its most unique feature is the kagami ema, mirror-shaped wooden plaques on which worshippers draw their own face and write their wishes. This interactive ritual makes Kawai Shrine both personal and spiritually meaningful.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Meeting point: In front of the large torii gate of Kamigamo Shrine. Your guide will be waiting for you, holding a yellow sign. Please refer to the map for details.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends near train stations and bus stops, allowing for smooth and easy travel to other parts of Kyoto after the tour.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- DeepExperience
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Traveler reviews
1 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto: Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines Guided Tour 3h. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Shrines Tour
We were interested about the shrines we saw since they were UNESCO sites, and they were beautifully designed and structured surrounded by a green refreshing forest. Our tour guide Teppei is very knowledgeable and kind to share a lot of detailed information and history of the shrines, about the families, Japanese culture, signs and emblems, mythology, festivals in Kyoto, customs and traditions. He is very friendly and polite, and my husband and son enjoyed talking with him. He is so kind and patient with us when we requested for photoshoots, and he even took several angles of the shots. Highly recommended.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $13167 to $34000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 48
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kyoto: Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines Guided Tour 3h: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kyoto: Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines Guided Tour 3h cost?
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Prices start at $13167 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Kyoto: Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines Guided Tour 3h take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Kyoto: Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines Guided Tour 3h worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 48 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Kyoto: Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines Guided Tour 3h?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Kyoto: Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines Guided Tour 3h suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kyoto: Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines Guided Tour 3h?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kyoto: Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines Guided Tour 3h start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto, Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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