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Nanzenji, Eikando, and Ginkakuji Autumn Private Tour in Kyoto

By OTOMO Travel Guide
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Overview

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Kyoto's autumn season with our exclusive private tour, guided by a local expert who will provide you with insider knowledge and personal insights. Begin your adventure with a visit to the tranquil and picturesque Nanzenji Temple, a place of peace and reflection amidst the changing leaves. Experience the subtle charm of Tenjuan Garden, a hidden gem offering a serene escape from the bustling city.

Continue to the captivating streets leading to the iconic Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), where historical elegance and autumnal colours create an unforgettable scene. Conclude your tour with a scenic walk along the approach to Ginkakuji, filled with traditional shops and tea houses, perfectly capturing Kyoto’s blend of culture and natural beauty.

This private tour is designed to provide a unique and immersive experience of Kyoto’s fall splendour, combining tranquility and inspiration with the convenience of public transport.

Activity location

  • Nanzenji Tenju-an
    • 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo-ku
    • 606-8435, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Keage Sta.
    • Higashikomonozacho
    • 605-0044, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

Check availability

Sorry this activity isn't available on Mon, Jul 14
Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedPrivate Tour
  • What's includedWhat's includedTour Guide
  • What's includedWhat's includedThe necessary expenses for the guide during the tour
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedEstimated Costs of the Tour: 4,060 JPY per Person
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedBreakdown: Transport: 460 JPY, Meal costs: 1,500 JPY per Person
  • What's excludedWhat's excludedAdmission Fees: 2,100 JPY

Know before you book

  • Public transport options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • All transport costs, entrance fees, food and drink costs, etc. incurred at the visited spots, will be borne by the customer.
  • Tour finishing spot is different from starting spot. Please let your tour guide know if you would like to change the finishing spot.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing as you will be walking a lot.
  • Please understand that tour spots might be changed to alternative spots in case of temporary closure.
  • Some of the spots we will visit on the day do not accept credit cards. Please remember to bring cash.
  • If the weather is bad on the day, there is a possibility that the means of transport, destinations, and routes may be changed.

Activity itinerary

Nanzenji Tenju-an
  • 40m
  • Admission ticket not included
Tenjuan Garden: Tenjuan, a sub-temple of Nanzen-ji, offers a serene retreat with its two exquisite gardens: a tranquil dry landscape garden (karesansui) and a lush pond garden. Originally built in 1337 and reconstructed in 1602, the temple buildings are closed to the public, but the gardens are open for visitors. Hidden within the temple complex, Tenjuan is renowned for its moss-covered pathways, koi-filled ponds, and vibrant bamboo grove. The garden's beauty is particularly striking in autumn, when the maple leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold. Despite its proximity to popular Nanzen-ji, Tenjuan remains a peaceful haven, perfect for quiet reflection year-round.
Nanzen-ji Temple
  • 50m
  • Admission ticket not included
Nanzen-ji Temple: The temple has a history and prestige that sets it apart from other Zen temples in Japan. There are numerous cultural heritage sites and attractions within the temple grounds. Among them, the view of the temple grounds from the Sanmon Gate and the Suijikaku (Waterway Pavilion), built in the Meiji era (1868-1912), are two of Nanzenji's most famous landmarks. There are many photo spots within the spacious precincts of the temple, which are popular among many young people.
Eikando Zenrinji Temple
  • 40m
  • Admission ticket not included
Eikando: Eikando, also known as Zenrin-ji Temple, is renowned for its stunning autumn foliage, with maple trees that turn vibrant shades of red and gold. Established in 863, it features a unique Amida Buddha statue with a sideways gaze, a serene pond, and winding paths through lush gardens. During the autumn season, the temple is illuminated at night, attracting many visitors while still offering moments of tranquility. Eikando remains a must-visit spot for those seeking to experience the beauty of Kyoto’s seasonal colours.
Approach to Ginkaku-ji Temple
  • 1h
The approach to Ginkakuji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is a charming and picturesque path that sets the tone for your visit. Starting from the foot of the hill, this serene route is lined with traditional shops, tea houses, and picturesque scenery, leading you gently towards the temple. The approach captures the essence of Kyoto’s blend of natural beauty and historic ambiance, making it a delightful prelude to the main temple experience.
Ginkakuji Temple
  • 50m
  • Admission ticket not included
Ginkaku-ji Temple: It is one of the most representative architectural structures of Japan's medieval culture. It was a palace built by the shogun who ruled Japan and converted into a temple after his death, and the buildings where the shogun lived at that time remain in the precincts. Experience the atmosphere of a time when the Japanese culture, which is connected to wabi and sabi, flourished.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESNanzenji Tenju-an
    • 86 Nanzenji Fukuchicho, Sakyo-ku
    • 606-8435, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLEKeage Sta.
    • Higashikomonozacho
    • 605-0044, Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan

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