Kinkaku-ji Temple, often called the Golden Temple, is one of Japan’s most famous temples and Kyoto’s main attractions. Built at the end of the 14th century, this complex, with its three-story pavilion covered with gold leaf, captivated the minds of its contemporaries. The famous Japanese writer Yukio Mishima captured its fate and glory in the novel “The Golden Temple.” Today Kinkaku-ji Temple is a must-see on any traveler’s itinerary in Japan. In addition to the famous pavilion, the UNESCO World Heritage Site also features a traditional walking garden, small waterfalls, and a tea house, representing the culture of the samurai era.
- Tours
- Kyoto – One Day Tour
Kyoto One Day Tour “Kyoto sightseeing tour”
Welcome to Kyoto, a city rich in history and culture!
Our tour begins at Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, an incredibly photogenic place with a beautiful pond and garden.
Next, we’ll visit Ryoan-ji Temple, famous for its enigmatic rock garden – a serene spot for meditation amidst 15 rocks arranged in white gravel.
Then, we’ll be amazed by Kiyomizu-dera Temple’s wooden stage offering breathtaking views without any nails used in its construction.
Lastly, we’ll explore the traditional charm of the Geisha Gion quarter – cobbled streets, wooden houses, and the allure of Geisha and Maiko.
Get ready to be captivated by Kyoto’s beauty and grace, where ancient traditions and modernity harmoniously coexist for an unforgettable experience.
Kyoto sightseeing tour: Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion → Ryoanji Temple Rock Garden → Kiyomizu-dera Temple → Yasaka-no-to Pagoda → traditional streets of Kyoto and geisha districts
CUSTOMIZED ITINERARY FOR YOUR DATES
Dates
- One Day Tour
Duration
- 8 hours
Price
- Request
Daily itinerary
1
Old Capital Tour Sightseeing Spots
Detailed Itinerary [Read more...]
Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
Ryoan-ji Temple
Ryōan-ji Temple, located in northern Kyoto, was founded in the mid-15th century. The famous rock garden was also established at the same time. The garden is now considered one of the best in Japan and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For centuries, the Ryōan-ji Temple garden has attracted visitors trying to solve its mystery: why can you see only 14 of the 15 stones? And what does the composition of sand and rocks represent?
Kiyomizu-dera Temple (Pure Water Temple)
The Pure Water Temple, or Kiyomizu-dera, is one of Kyoto’s most famous and most visited temples and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded on a mountainside near a spring. Its clear water is said to bestow health, longevity, and wisdom. The temple’s main attraction is its main hall, with an open veranda built on stilts over a cliff. The structure, assembled without a single nail, towers over Kyoto, offering a beautiful view of the old capital. Cafes and stores lining the road to the temple sell Kyoto sweets, ceramics, and souvenirs for all tastes.
Gion (Geisha District)
Geisha district Gion is Kyoto’s largest and most vivid geisha district. Its history dated to the Middle Ages when restaurants and tea houses for pilgrims began to open around Yasaka Shrine. The picturesque streets of the district are filled with traditional houses with wooden facades, running rickshaws, geisha, and their apprentices (maiko), who still live in Gion and entertain guests every night with their dancing, talking, and table games.