Temples & culture in Osaka & Kyoto

Rows of red torii gates at Fushimi InariPhoto: Luka Peternel / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Best time: Early morning

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Temples & culture Nature & scenery

Thousands of red torii gates line the paths up Mt Inari (233 m). Touring the whole mountain takes two to three hours.

What to eat
  • Inari sushiRice in pouches of sweet fried tofu (aburaage), which foxes are said to love in Japanese mythology
Tip Tea stalls on the approach sell inari sushi.

In these courses: Osaka & Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera's wooden stage above the treesPhoto: Martin Falbisoner / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Best time: 11 am – afternoon

Kiyomizu-dera & Sannenzaka

Temples & culture

A temple with a wooden stage jutting out over a cliff. The way down, Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, are stone-stepped lanes lined with old houses.

  • Hours (2026) Opens 6:00; closes 18:00 (18:30 in July–August) and 21:30 on special night-viewing dates Kiyomizu-dera (official) · checked 2026-10-26
What to eat
  • Matcha soft serveRich Kyoto matcha soft serve sold along the lanes
  • YatsuhashiChewy cinnamon rice sweets, Kyoto's classic souvenir
  • YudofuTofu simmered in kelp broth, a Kyoto speciality
Tip Lots of stone steps — wear comfortable shoes.

In these courses: Osaka & Kyoto

Hanamikoji street with wooden machiya housesPhoto: Yanajin33 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Best time: Around sunset

Gion Hanamikoji

Temples & culture

Kyoto's old geiko district of wooden teahouses — a residential neighbourhood, not a pedestrian-only street.

What to eat
  • Kyoto kaisekiA multi-course meal of small seasonal dishes; book ahead
Tip Don't stop, follow or photograph geiko and maiko without permission, and keep off private property (anything other than shops and roads).

In these courses: Osaka & Kyoto

Courses with temples & culture