Kyoto Kinkaku ji Temple Serene Garden Guided Tour with Tickets

5.0 (24 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation

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24 reviews

5.0

Kyoto Kinkaku ji Temple Serene Garden Guided Tour with Tickets — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Kyoto Kinkaku ji Temple Serene Garden Guided Tour with Tickets, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience the contrast between two UNESCO World Heritage temples in Kyoto: the lavish Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), built by a samurai, and the peaceful Ninnaji Temple, steeped in imperial heritage. Delve into Japan's history and culture as your guide illuminates the significance of Buddhist temples, spanning themes of power, prestige, and devotion.

Admire the gleaming golden façade of Kinkakuji and stroll through its picturesque gardens, learning about the historiy behind its creation.

In Ninnaji Temple, step inside the rarely opened Main Hall for a sacred chanting session led by a monk. Engage with the monk during an enlightening Q&A and learn about Buddhism's spiritual traditions. Visit the Sutra Hall to see and interact with the rotating sutra shelf, a ritual imbued with profound meaning.

Capture a memorable photo with the monk before visiting the elegant Imperial Residence. Conclude your journey in this tranquil space, soaking in the timeless beauty and imperial charm of Kyoto.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 7 people
People per booking: 1–7
Guide: English
Operated by: Japan Wonder Travel

Ages: Children (6–12 years) · Adults (13–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Admission Fee (Kinkaku-ji and Ninna-ji)
Included: Exclusive access to Golden Hall (National treasure) and Sutra Hall ※Monk Guided Tour only
Included: Q&A session and photo with a monk ※Monk Guided Tour only
Included: Transportation fee from Kinkaku-ji to Ninna-ji (taxi)
Included: Local Guide
Included: Chanting session by a monk ※Monk Guided Tour only

Itinerary

Kinkakuji Temple

one hour Admission included

Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was later converted into a temple. The top floors are covered in gold leaf, creating a stunning reflection in the surrounding pond. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You will visit Shariden, Karamon Gate, Rikushu-no-taki, Anmintaku, Hakujanotsuka, Yukatei Teahouse, and Fudo Hall.
Ninna-ji Temple

1 h 45 min Admission included

Ninna-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, founded in 888 by Emperor Uda. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and known for its five-story pagoda, gardens, and Omuro cherry trees. The temple is the head of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism and has a long history as a spiritual center.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet at a shop located in front of the Kinkaku-ji Temple gate.

The guide has a green board of "Japan Wonder Travel"

End point

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
*The details of the itinerary at Ninna-ji Temple may be subject to change due to the temple's circumstances.

Options

Guided Tour

World Heritage Tour with Guide: This option does not include the explanation by the monk or the exclusive access to private areas.
Monk Guided Tour

Includes a special visit guided by a Buddhist monk at a UNESCO World Heritage site. Listen to Buddhist chanting, Q&A w/ monk