4 Temple Sunset Tours in Japan to Book

1.Samurai Entertainment Night Show in Kanda Shrine

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 417 reviews · 2 - 3 hours · from $41Our pick

Spend an evening at Kanda Myojin Shrine with a samurai theater performance based on Taira no Masakado. Arrive from 7 PM for drinks and optional Japanese food, watch the main show from 8:15 to 9:15 PM, then meet the performers and take photos until 10 PM.

“This show was amazing!! Beautiful stories and the performances were incredible. I highly recommend going. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly shame two French people that were recording videos the entire performance. Disgusting behavior during such an incredible experience.”

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2.Kyoto Fushimi-Inari Night Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 320 reviews · from $43Top rated

Meet your guide by the fox statue at Fushimi Inari Taisha and follow the torii-lined mountain paths for 90 minutes to two hours. Guides including Jem, Tammy, Caleb, Hiro, Masaki, and Yessi explain Shinto customs, fox symbolism, prayer rituals, and the shrine’s place in Kyoto.

“Wonderful tour! Our tour guide Jem was super friendly and fun! She was very informed about the area and clearly knew what she was doing. Also had a bunch of fun stories about the site which were very interesting and educational! Beautiful site and great tour overall. Worth the walking!”

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3.Kyoto Fushimi-Inari Night Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 171 reviews · 2 hours · from $41

Walk Fushimi Inari Shrine after sunset with an English-speaking Tomodachi Tours guide such as Hiro, Jem, or Vincent. In two hours, you’ll learn the meaning of the torii gates, visit quieter shrine areas, and climb partway up the mountain. Expect uphill walking, lantern light, and about 300 yen in transport costs.

“Amazing tour, mostly thanks to Hiro. He is extremely attentive and friendly, high mastery of English language and really passionate about Japanese culture. He made the tour so interactive and enjoyable that the 2 hours flew by without is noticing. Hiro’s exchange program really allows him to converse and bond with people from different cultures: he is a gem.”

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4.Kyoto Magical Night English Tour: Gion & Fushimi Inari Shrine

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 97 reviews · from $26Best value

Walk from Fushimi Inari’s red torii gates through Gion, Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, and Yasaka Shrine with an English-speaking local guide. Expect cultural explanations, shrine customs, photo stops, public transit, and a brisk 2.5-hour route. Guides such as Ikki, Yui, Yuki, and Mariko have led recent tours.

“Lovely tour and a great way to get the lay of the land without as many crowds. Joi was our guide and he did a sterling job!”

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