Kyoto: Rurikoin Temple/Nanzenji Temple & Sanzenin Temple & Kifune Shrine Secret Hiking Day Trip (From Osaka/Kyoto)
- Experience three major Kyoto summer retreats in one day, a fast-paced but soothing itinerary
- Limited opening of Rurikoin Temple, a rare experience of light and shadow aesthetics
- Traverse the ancient temples and forests of Sanzen-in Temple, a natural oxygen bar stroll with a perceived temperature drop of 5°C
- Kibune Kawadoko cuisine + water fortune telling, a refreshing experience for both your palate and metaphysics
Similar adventures in Kyoto
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What to expect
- Rurikoin Temple – Be immediately enveloped by vibrant greenery upon entering the temple gates. The emerald light and shadows reflected on the lacquered tables resemble a flowing oil painting. The “Moss Garden,” open only during the summer, offers a unique summer escape. (Entrance fees are the visitor’s responsibility.)
- Sanzen-in Temple – Be greeted by towering ancient trees and lush moss. Adorable Jizo Bodhisattva statues are nestled among the moss in the forest. Sit in the “Shuhekien Garden,” sip matcha, and listen to the murmuring stream, letting the coolness sink into your heart. In July, this place blooms with colorful hydrangeas. (Entrance and dining fees are the visitor’s responsibility.)
- Kifune Shrine – A natural air conditioner in the mountains behind Kyoto. Enjoy the flowing waters of the Kibune River while dining on the Kawadoko platform with the cool stream running beneath your feet. Obtain an “Omikuji Water Fortune” slip, immerse it in water to reveal the message, and decipher the summer oracle. (Entrance and dining fees are the visitor’s responsibility.)
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Reviews
Kyoto Sanzen-in and Rurikoin Temple are truly worth the trip. It's a complete ocean of green, adding a touch of coolness to the hot summer. Kifune Shrine is like "living in a fairyland, without the noise of carriages and horses"... with cool flowing water beneath your feet, enjoy the comfort. Every moment carries the coolness of the mountains, even the breeze is filled with the sweetness of the stream. Very good, I am very satisfied, thank you to the guide for the enthusiastic service~
If you want to see the limited-time summer Rurikoin Temple, now is the time! We went in early July and the reflections were stunning, and it wasn't too crowded. You can eat freely at Sanzen-in Temple, and there are quite a few options, but the prices are a bit high, so I recommend bringing some food with you. The itinerary design was also reasonable, but walking around several temples in the summer can be a bit tiring, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. The tour guide was also very nice, helped everyone take pictures, and recommended good angles for photos. Overall, it was a very pleasant group tour experience. The air conditioning on the tour bus was very cool, and I slept soundly on the way back until we reached the drop-off point.
This day trip was definitely a highlight of my Kyoto trip! Each attraction was unique, and I took tons of pictures, even though they aren't all that great, haha. The driver was considerate and professional, drove smoothly and safely, and the route was well-planned. I didn't have to worry about transportation at all. This Kyoto trip was perfect, I got to do everything I wanted! I'm so happy!
The flowing water dining experience at Kifune Shrine is truly special. Sitting by the river in the summer, listening to the murmuring water, you'll instantly feel refreshed. It was the most relaxing stop on the entire trip. Although it was a group tour, there was plenty of time at each stop to take photos or explore at your own pace, making it a great value for the price. Highly recommended for those who want to escape the heat and don't want to plan their own itinerary!
More amazing than expected. Perfect timing. The small car we rode in was comfortable. I really enjoyed this tour package. The driver was professional and drove smoothly, allowing us to rest comfortably.
Having visited Japan many times, I still find these places particularly worth the trip. Although it can be a bit hot in the summer, sitting in the temple on the moss-covered veranda of the garden is truly refreshing and gives you a sense of seclusion. Public transportation here isn't very convenient. Joining a tour saves you the trouble of researching bus schedules, and having a guaranteed seat is much better than squeezing onto a bus. I highly recommend this tour for friends who enjoy in-depth exploration of Kyoto.
During the hot summer days, these attractions are all comfortable and won't feel too hot. The itinerary's time arrangement is okay, with stops of one or two hours. However, unlike other activities I've participated in, there's no tour guide; only a driver is responsible for taking you to each attraction. You explore on your own and return on time for the driver to take you to the next spot. The driver doesn't provide any narration throughout the trip and is Chinese. If you're looking for a shared ride, this itinerary is suitable, as going on your own can be inconvenient.
The driver and guide drove smoothly, were friendly, and recommended various delicious snacks. It was a small group tour with great service and high cost performance. I must give it a thumbs up. Rurikoin Temple 🍃 Kyoto's summer is so beautiful, with green as far as the eye can see.
Aside from the incorrect meeting location, which caused us to spend over an hour searching the day before, there were no flaws in the itinerary. The driver and tour guide did their best to explain everything. Regarding the sights, the Rurikoin Temple entrance fee was too expensive, but Sanzen-in Temple and Kifune Shrine were well worth visiting.
The only downside to this tour is the heat. Huge thanks to our driver for taking us around all day and being so thoughtful. Kyoto's attractions are definitely the most beautiful; we lingered at each spot, not wanting to leave. The itinerary was perfectly planned, making it a very worthwhile trip.
Good to know
Liuli Guangyuan Temple Visiting Period: July 1, 2025 – August 17, 2025
When traveling to Kifune Shrine, you can choose to walk or take a shuttle bus (one way JPY 440, at your own expense). A round trip on foot takes about 1 hour. We recommend choosing the method according to your physical condition.
Traffic jams are common during peak travel periods in Japan on weekends and holidays (especially around the Bon Festival from August 13th to 16th). Some attractions may close early. The itinerary may be adjusted or shortened depending on the actual situation. It is recommended not to book dinner, flights, or Shinkansen, and to bring snacks and portable chargers. We apologize for any inconvenience.
- As this is a shared tour, guests from other countries and speaking other languages may be traveling with you.
- Regarding seating arrangements, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests who are prone to motion sickness should arrive at the meeting point early.
- Regarding guide arrangements: We provide driver-guide services (driver-guide for small groups of 1-13 people, the driver will not get out of the car to accompany the group; independent guide for bus tours of 14-49 people, the actual arrangement will be adjusted according to the number of people on the tour that day).
- Regarding luggage arrangements: If you want to bring luggage, please note it in the special requirements. The luggage fee is JPY 2000 per piece, payable in cash to the driver or guide on the day.
- Regarding meal arrangements: The drive is long, so we recommend bringing your own snacks and water.
- There will be walking during the tour, so please wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
- Please ensure that the messaging app you have reserved can be used to contact you during your trip to Japan. We will contact you one day in advance.
- We will send the vehicle information and guide information for the next day's departure to your email before 20:00 the day before departure. Please check it carefully (it may be in the spam folder).
- To ensure a smooth trip, please be sure to contact your guide or driver in a timely manner. Thank you.
- Reference vehicles: 5-8 seater car: Toyota Alphard; 9-14 seater car: Toyota HAICE or similar; 18-22 seater car: small bus; 22+ seater car: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only, and the actual vehicle will be adjusted according to the number of people on the tour that day.
- Minimum group size is 4 people. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum group size, the tour will be canceled, and a cancellation email will be sent 4 days before departure.
- In the event of bad weather such as typhoons or blizzards, a decision will be made on whether to cancel the tour by 18:00 (local time) 1 day before departure, and you will be notified by email at any time thereafter.
- Please wear light clothing and shoes and bring warm clothing (if needed).
- The above itinerary is for reference only. Traffic conditions are beyond our control. Please avoid scheduling activities for the evening. We apologize for any delays.
- Our company is not responsible for and cannot provide refunds or reschedule due to force majeure factors such as transportation or weather that prevent participation in the tour or result in poor-quality photos of the scenery. Thank you for your understanding.
- If the itinerary or length of stay at each attraction is adjusted due to traffic congestion, facility maintenance, etc., please be aware.
- The company will not provide refunds to passengers who abandon the tour midway due to personal reasons.
- Please be sure to arrive at the designated meeting point at the specified time and do not be late. Since this itinerary cannot be transferred to other departures or joined midway, if you are unable to participate in the day trip due to your own reasons, you will be responsible for the corresponding losses. Thank you for your understanding.
- Children under 3 years old who require a seat must purchase a ticket, which is the same price as an adult, and it must be noted.
- Vehicle type: Vehicles are dispatched according to the number of people. When a small group departs, the driver and accompanying staff will provide full tour service, and no separate tour leader will be assigned. Please be aware.
- Day trip itineraries do not include personal travel and personal accident insurance. If needed, please purchase your own. Outdoor activities and high-risk sports have specific risks and dangers. You must assess your health or ability. The company is not liable for any physical damage or injury caused by accidents or unforeseen factors. Thank you
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Top attractions in Kyoto
- 1 Arashiyama
- 2 Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 3 Kiyomizudera Temple
- 4 Sanzen-in Temple
- 5 Kinkakuji Temple
- 6 Gion
- 7 Nishiki Market
- 8 Nijō Castle
- 9 Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
- 10 Fushimi Jikkokubune
- 11 Kyoto Station
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- 13 Pontocho
- 14 Kamo River
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