The World Heritage-listed Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore its serene beauty and rich cultural heritage. This private tour provides exclusive access and insights from shrine priests, allowing travelers to delve deeper into the shrine’s significance and traditions. With convenient transportation, accessibility features, and thoughtful amenities, the tour ensures a hassle-free and immersive experience for all. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points

- Explore the historic Shimogamo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with a private tour that includes an interpreter and explanation of shrine etiquette.
- Enjoy exclusive access to the Kamosha Museum Shuhosha, traditional sarumochi snacks, and tea as part of the tour package.
- Convenient transportation services with pick-up, drop-off, and parking fees included, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- Accessibility options such as wheelchair and stroller access cater to diverse traveler needs.
- Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing for last-minute changes.
Tour Overview

This private tour of Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, Japan, costs from $438.50 per person, with the price varying based on group size.
The tour includes admission to the Kamosha Museum Shuhosha, sarumochi and tea, and a photo download service.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
The tour features an explanation of shrine etiquette by priests, an interpreter, and transportation to the meeting place, pick-up and drop-off, and parking fees.
Accessibility accommodations are available, and the tour has a 5.0 rating based on one review.
Fascinated by the past? Here are other historical experiences we've covered in Kyoto
Meeting and Pickup

The meeting point for the private tour of Shimogamo Shrine is located at 606 Shimogamo Izumikawachō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-0807, Japan, in front of the Shimogamo Jinja Shrine "楼門".
Guests should look for guides carrying "GOATtrip" panels. The tour ends at Saruya, 〒606-0807 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Shimogamo Izumikawachō, 59 下鴨神社境内.
The tour features:
- Transportation to the meeting place, pick-up, and drop-off.
- Parking fees included.
- Baggage storage service available.
Tour Features
As part of the private tour, the guides provide an explanation of shrine etiquette by priests. Plus, an interpreter is provided to ensure smooth communication throughout the experience. The tour also includes the following features:
| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Transportation | To meeting place, pick-up and drop-off, and parking fees |
| Baggage Storage | Service available |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair, stroller, and near public transportation |
| Tour Type | Private, only your group participates |
| Availability | May not be available on holidays or when the shrine is full |
The tour has a 5.0 rating based on 1 review, with no negative ratings.
Accessibility

Visitors can easily access the Shimogamo Shrine during the private tour, as the site is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Located near public transportation, the shrine offers a convenient experience for all travelers.
The tour features:
- Wheelchair accessibility for those who require assistance.
- Stroller accessibility for families with young children.
- Accommodation for most travelers, ensuring an inclusive experience.
Plus, the private tour includes baggage storage service, providing hassle-free exploration of the shrine’s grounds and offerings.
Additional Information

This private tour of Shimogamo Shrine is exclusively for your group, providing a personalized experience.
The service may not be available on holidays or when the shrine is full, so it’s essential to plan accordingly. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour.
With a 5.0 rating based on positive reviews, you can expect a high-quality experience guided by knowledgeable professionals.
The tour includes transportation, admission fees, and a photo download service, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable visit to this historic Japanese shrine.
Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Kyoto
- Kyoto: Guided Walking Tour of Fushimi With Private Option
- Kyoto: Private Photoshoot Service
- Kyoto: Kinkakuji, Golden Pavilion Private Tour in 90 Minutes
- Kyoto:Private Temple ZEN Meditation & Morning Prayer
- Private Ramen Noodle Making Experience in Kyoto
- Private Tour to Monkey Park and Arashiyama Highlights
Pricing and Booking

The private tour of Shimogamo Shrine starts from $438.50 per person, with the exact price varying based on the size of the group.
The tour includes:
- Admission to the Kamosha Museum Shuhosha
- Sarumochi (a local snack) and tea
- Photo download service
Booking is confirmed at the time of reservation, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
The tour meeting point is in front of the Shimogamo Jinja Shrine "楼門", where guides with "GOATtrip" panels will be present.
What to Expect

Upon arrival at the meeting point, visitors can expect to be greeted by knowledgeable guides holding "GOATtrip" panels.
They’ll provide an explanation of shrine etiquette by priests and an interpreter to assist throughout the tour.
Transportation, including to the meeting place, pickup, and drop-off, as well as parking fees, are all included.
Visitors can also take advantage of the baggage storage service.
The tour features admission to the Kamosha Museum Shuhosha, where they’ll enjoy sarumochi and tea, and receive a photo download service.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and most travelers can participate.
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t specify a dress code, but visitors are expected to dress appropriately for a religious site. Comfortable walking shoes and clothing that covers the shoulders and knees are recommended to respect the shrine’s customs.
Can I Bring My Own Camera and Take Photos?
Yes, you can bring your own camera and take photos during the tour. The tour includes a photo download service, so you can capture memorable moments and have access to the digital files after the experience.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Guests can coordinate with the tour provider to customize the tour length and activities according to their preferences, subject to availability and any additional fees.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Items for the Shrine Visit?
You don’t need to bring any special items for the shrine visit. The tour provides all necessary items, like sarumochi and tea, as part of the experience. Just show up ready to explore and learn about the shrine’s customs.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Tour’s End Point?
The tour ends at Saruya, located within the Shimogamo Shrine grounds. Visitors can explore the shrine’s shops and purchase souvenirs and other items before departing the tour. The availability of souvenirs is subject to the shrine’s opening hours.
The Sum Up
The Shimogamo Shrine private tour offers an immersive experience to explore the serene beauty and rich history of this World Heritage site. With guided insights, exclusive access, and convenient amenities, this tour provides a unique glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage. Suitable for all travelers, it ensures a hassle-free exploration of the shrine’s significance and traditions.
More Tours in Kyoto
- Full Day Tour of Kyoto with Private Transportation
- Matcha Grinding Experience and Walking Tour in Uji Kyoto
- Kyoto Hidden Treasures: Special Temple & Garden Access Tour
- Kyoto Uji and Nara Tour with Sushi Making Experience
- Kyoto Private Customizable Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
- Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Walking Tour from Kyoto
More Tour Reviews in Kyoto
- Kyoto and Nara Private Trip
- Learn Japanese guitar “Shamisen”
- Kyoto Sushi & Takoyaki Cooking Class near Gion and Kiyomizu-dera!
- Kyoto and Nara Day Trip – Golden Pavilion and Todaiji from Osaka
- Full Day Tour of Kyoto with Private Transportation
- Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Forest with Authentic Zen Experience
Still browsing? Here are more Kyoto experiences we've covered recently
- Kyoto and Nara Private Trip
- Learn Japanese guitar “Shamisen”
- Kyoto Sushi & Takoyaki Cooking Class near Gion and Kiyomizu-dera!
- Kyoto and Nara Day Trip – Golden Pavilion and Todaiji from Osaka
- Full Day Tour of Kyoto with Private Transportation
- Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Forest with Authentic Zen Experience
- Matcha Grinding Experience and Walking Tour in Uji Kyoto
- Kyoto Hidden Treasures: Special Temple & Garden Access Tour
- Kyoto Uji and Nara Tour with Sushi Making Experience
- Kyoto Private Customizable Day Tour with Guide and Vehicle
- Himeji Castle and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge Walking Tour from Kyoto
- Full Day Kyoto Tour : Bamboo Forest, Golden Temple, Fushimi Inari
