Full Day Kyoto Tour

Discover Kyoto on this day tour, with an experienced guide by your side. Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, one of the country’s most visited sites. A far cry from Buddhist austerity, it is covered in real gold leaf, photogenically stunning at any time of year, no matter the weather. The story of the warlord who had this pavilion built will surely capture your mind, too. Next, stop by Ryoan-ji Temple, which was built on the grounds of a villa of the Fujiwara clan in the Heian period (794-1185). The temple is home to one of the most famous zen rock gardens in Japan. Finally, visit Kitano-Temanngu, a remarkable shrine to scholarship built to appease the spirit of an angry ghost, before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant (not included). After lunch, continue to explore Kyoto along the Philosopher’s Path, a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Approximately two kilometers long, the path begins around Ginkaku-ji Temple and ends in the neighborhood of Nanzen-ji. (Note: The walk is around 2-km and not suitable for those with reduced mobility)

Destinations

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Kinkaku-ji, which literally means the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion," is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. It became a Zen temple after his death in 1408, per his wishes. The building burned down several times in its history. The current structure dates back to 1955.

Ryoan-ji Temple

Ryoan-ji Temple was originally built as a villa in the late 11th century during the Heian period. It was later converted into a Zen temple by the Hosokawa clan in the late 15th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple is renowned for its iconic Zen rock garden, which is considered one of the most important and influential examples of Japanese dry landscape (karesansui) gardens. In addition to the Zen rock garden, Ryoan-ji has other beautiful gardens and a large pond with islets.

The Philosophers Path

The Philosopher's Path is a picturesque walking trail that follows the course of a small canal that runs through the Higashiyama district in eastern Kyoto. The Path derives its name from the influential Japanese philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who was known to walk this route daily while deep in thought. One of the most famous features of the Philosopher's Path is its cherry blossoms (sakura) during springtime, as the path is lined with hundreds of cherry trees.

Schedule

8:30 am PIck up from your hotel
9:00 am Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
10:30 am Visit Ryoan-ji Temple
11:30 am Visit Kitano-Temmangu Shrine
12:00 pm Lunch (not included)
1:00 pm Walk along the Philosopher's Path
4:00 pm Drop off at your hotel

Departure & Return Locations

Departure Locations

Pick up from major Kyoto hotels

Return Locations

Drop off at major Kyoto hotels

What’s Included

Transportation
Multi-lingual tour guide
Entrance fees

Lunch