• Kinkakuji Temple - Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple situated in northern Kyoto, with its top two floors entirely adorned in gold leaf. Officially named Rokuonji, it served as the retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Following his death in 1408, it was transformed into a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect, as per his will. Kinkakuji inspired the creation of Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), constructed by Yoshimitsu’s grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the opposite side of the city a few decades later.

Kinkakuji is a remarkable edifice overlooking a large pond and is the sole surviving structure of Yoshimitsu’s former retirement complex. It has been rebuilt several times due to fires, including twice during the Onin War, a civil conflict that devastated much of Kyoto, and once more in 1950 when it was set ablaze by a zealous monk. The current building was reconstructed in 1955.

• Ginkakuji Temple - Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple located along Kyoto’s eastern mountains (Higashiyama). In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa established his retirement villa on the grounds of today’s temple, inspired by Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), his grandfather’s retirement villa at the base of Kyoto’s northern mountains (Kitayama). The villa was converted into a Zen temple after Yoshimasa’s passing in 1490.

As the retirement villa of an art-loving shogun, Ginkakuji became a hub of contemporary culture, known as the Higashiyama Culture, contrasting with the Kitayama Culture of his grandfather’s era. Unlike the Kitayama Culture, which was confined to Kyoto’s aristocratic circles, the Higashiyama Culture had a widespread influence across the country. The arts that flourished and evolved during this period include the tea ceremony, flower arrangement, noh theater, poetry, garden design, and architecture.

• Honen-in - With a breathtakingly scenic approach culminating in a moss-covered gate, Honen-in captivates visitors from the outset. Inside, guests pass between two sand mounds believed to purify them. A charming stone bridge over a pond leads to a moss-covered garden, culminating in a hidden grotto behind the main hall.
• Nanzenji Suirokaku - Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺), located at the base of Kyoto’s forested Higashiyama mountains, is one of Japan’s most significant Zen temples. It serves as the head temple of one of the schools within the Rinzai sect of Japanese Zen Buddhism and includes several subtemples, expanding the already extensive complex of temple buildings.

Nanzenji’s history dates back to the mid-13th century when Emperor Kameyama constructed his retirement villa at the temple’s current site, later converting it into a Zen temple. After its establishment, Nanzenji grew steadily, but its buildings were destroyed during the civil wars of the late Muromachi Period (1333-1573). The oldest existing buildings were constructed after this period.

• Tofuku-ji Temple - Tofukuji (東福寺, Tōfukuji) is a large Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto, renowned for its stunning autumn colors. Founded in 1236 at the request of the influential Fujiwara clan, its name combines the names of two great temples in Nara, Todaiji Temple and Kofukuji Temple, also associated with the Fujiwara. Historically, Tofukuji has been one of Kyoto’s principal Zen temples and is a head temple of one of the Rinzai sect’s schools of Zen Buddhism.

In autumn, visitors from across Japan flock to Tofukuji to witness its vibrant autumn colors. The most popular view is from the Tsutenkyo Bridge, which spans a valley of lush maple trees. The view from the bridge is equally breathtaking, and the 100-meter-long covered walkway becomes extremely crowded when the colors peak, typically around mid to late November.

• Kyoto Imperial Palace - The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) was the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is situated in the expansive Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), a beautiful park in the city’s center that also includes the Sento Imperial Palace and several other attractions.
• Shugakuin Imperial Villa - Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyū) was constructed in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno and is now managed by the Imperial Household Agency. It comprises the Upper, Middle, and Lower Villa areas, each featuring gardens and buildings in the traditional imperial style.

Shugakuin’s name originates from a former temple built on the same site in the tenth century. The Imperial Villa was built between 1655 and 1659, with a palace for Gomizuno’s daughter added ten years later. In 1964, the surrounding farmlands were acquired by the Imperial Household Agency and are leased to local farmers who continue to cultivate the fields.

• Ryoanji Temple - Ryoanji Temple (龍安寺, Ryōanji) is home to Japan’s most renowned rock garden, attracting hundreds of visitors daily. Originally an aristocrat’s villa during the Heian Period, the site was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 and belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, whose head temple is just a kilometer to the south.

The history of Ryoanji’s famous rock garden is somewhat uncertain. The garden’s construction date is unknown, and there are various theories about its designer. The garden features a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks arranged in small groups on patches of moss. An intriguing aspect of the garden’s design is that from any viewpoint, at least one of the rocks is always hidden from sight.

• Taizo-in - The garden at Taizo-in, one of the subtemples of Myoshin-ji Temple in northwest Kyoto, is among the city’s most renowned. It is highly recommended in any season.
• Daitoku-ji Temple - Exploring the Zen temple complex of Daitoku-ji in northern Kyoto reveals temples within temples. Michael Lambe guides visitors through its rich history and the profound significance of its many meditative gardens.
• Katsura Imperial Villa - Katsura Imperial Villa (桂離宮, Katsura Rikyū) is a prime example of Japanese architecture and garden design. The villa and garden, in their current form, were completed in 1645 as the residence for the Katsura Family, members of Japan’s Imperial Family.

Visiting Katsura Imperial Villa requires joining a tour. The tour follows the garden’s circular walking trail around the central pond. Palace buildings can only be viewed from the outside, and photography is permitted only from designated spots. Tours in English are available.

• Togetsukyo Bridge - The Togetsukyo Bridge (lit. “Moon Crossing Bridge”) is Arashiyama’s most iconic landmark. Originally constructed during the Heian Period (794-1185), it was most recently rebuilt in the 1930s. The bridge is particularly picturesque against the backdrop of the forested mountainside. A riverside park with numerous cherry trees is located adjacent to the bridge.
• Bamboo Forest Street - The walking paths through the bamboo groves offer a pleasant stroll or bicycle ride. The groves are especially enchanting when a gentle breeze causes the tall bamboo stalks to sway gracefully. For centuries, the bamboo has been used to craft various products, such as baskets, cups, boxes, and mats at local workshops.
• Okochi Sanso Garden - This is the former villa of the popular actor Okochi Denjiro (1896-1962), nestled in the back of Arashiyama’s bamboo groves. Okochi Sanso comprises several distinct gardens and buildings, including living quarters, tea houses, and gates. The buildings can only be viewed from the outside.
• Gio-ji Temple - Gioji is even more secluded in the forest than Jojakkoji and Nisonin. It is renowned for its moss garden, interspersed with tall maple trees. The temple’s entrance gate and small main hall feature thatched roofs, with the latter boasting an attractive round window overlooking the gardens.
• Kyoto Botanical Garden - One of Kyoto’s most underrated and affordable hidden gems, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is a must-visit for both tourists and locals alike.
• Kennin-ji Temple - Kenninji Temple (建仁寺) is located very close to the bustling Hanamikoji and Shijo streets. The grounds of Kenninji Temple are expansive and pleasant to explore, and the two karesansui (dry landscape gardens) here provide visitors with an oasis of tranquility. It is considered the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.
• Byodoin Temple - Byodoin Temple (平等院) is renowned for its Phoenix Hall, a National Treasure of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additional travel time is required as it is situated in Uji city in Kyoto prefecture.

• Customizable Walking Tour of 3-4 sites
• Meet up with guide on foot in Kyoto
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

• Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• Private Vehicle
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

Authentic and historic Japanese gardens are perfect to witness Japanese artistic elegance. Beautifully manicured landscape gardens with plants changing through the seasons and the dry landscape gardens at Zen monasteries are conducive to a calming and meditative state. Explore diverse garden designs and experience the traditional Japanese essence manifested in vegetation, stones, and overall layout.

Our certified government guides, proficient in multiple languages, will assist you to make the most of a one-day private tour of Kyoto’s finest Japanese gardens.

Choose your favorite gardens from our tour catalogue to customize your itinerary. Besides gardens, you can also choose any renowned location in Kyoto to add to your unforgettable journey!

Note1: Please make your selection from a list in the tour information to customize your travel route.
Note2: The Japanese government awards the National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certificate to those demonstrating deep knowledge and comprehension of Japanese culture and history.

• This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.

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