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Product #8576
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Kyoto's Kinkakuji Temple, the Golden Pavilion, gleams under the sun and is perfectly reflected in its tranquil pond, surrounded by lush greenery. A majestic sight on the day tour.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple's iconic wooden stage, with visitors enjoying panoramic views of Kyoto's lush green mountains and distant cityscape. A must-visit on your Kyoto day tour.
Serene garden view of Ginkakuji Temple in Kyoto, featuring the ancient temple reflected in the tranquil pond, surrounded by traditional Japanese rocks and pine trees.
Wide view of Kiyomizu-dera Temple complex in Kyoto, showcasing the iconic pagoda and main hall nestled amidst vibrant green spring foliage. A classic Kyoto sightseeing stop.
Ginkakuji Temple's unique dry landscape garden, featuring meticulously arranged rocks on raked gravel, embodying Japanese Zen aesthetics and tranquility. A peaceful stop on your Kyoto tour.

Japan Kyoto Bus Tour: Kinkaku-ji, Higashiyama Jisho-ji & Kiyomizudera Temple

Japan-Ginkaku-ji Temple , Kansai , Kyoto , Kyoto Station Area , Kinkaku-ji , Kiyomizu Temple
4.4Very good
Sold 300+
Duration:5 hour(s)
Guided language: English / Japanese / Korean / Mandarin
Free cancellation up to 9 day(s) in advance
Please present the e-voucher on-site

Journey around Kyoto's classic attractions on a half-day tour. Hop aboard a sightseeing bus and visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple, and Kiyomizudera Temple.

  • Witness Kiyomizudera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Gaze in awe at the opulent Golden Pavilion Temple, Kinkaku-ji
  • Stroll around lush gardens surrounding Ginkaku-ji Temple
  • Enjoy the multi-language audio guide ( English, Chinese, Korean) on the ride 
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK
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Sightseeing Tours

Tour TypeShared tour
Transportation methodTransfer from meeting point
Minimum participant requirement1 traveler
Tour typesAudio guide
Meal arrangementArrange yourself
SeasonalAutumn Maple
Sightseeing typeTemples & shrines, Bus tour
TransportBus tour

Product Info

－ Attraction Introduction －

  • Kinkaku-ji 
    Also known as Rokuon-ji, this Japanese Buddhist temple was completed in 1397 (the 4th year of Oei). Located in Kita-ku, Kyoto, it is a temple of the Shokoku-ji school of the Rinzai sect. Its name comes from the dharma name of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, who was famous in Japanese history. Because the outer walls of the temple's core building, the 'Shariden' (Reliquary Hall), are entirely decorated with gold leaf, it is affectionately nicknamed 'Kinkaku-ji'. In addition to being a famous tourist attraction, Rokuon-ji is designated as a National Treasure by the Japanese government and was inscribed as a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO in 1994 as part of the 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto'.

  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple (The main hall roof is currently undergoing restoration, but the temple remains open for visits)
    Located in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, this temple was founded around 778 (the 9th year of Hoki) by the monk Enchin. The temple's mountain name is Otowasan, and it is primarily dedicated to the Thousand-Armed Kannon. Originally belonging to the Hosso sect, it is now independent and serves as the head temple of the Kita-Hosso sect. It has frequently appeared in Japanese literature since the Heian period. In 1994, Kiyomizu-dera was inscribed as a World Heritage site as part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

  • Ginkaku-ji
    Also known as Jisho-ji, the temple was founded by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the 8th shogun of the Muromachi shogunate. He built the Kannon-den within the temple grounds, which is commonly referred to as the 'Ginkaku' (Silver Pavilion). Consequently, the entire temple is called 'Ginkaku-ji'. This name echoes that of 'Kinkaku-ji' (officially 'Rokuon-ji') also located in Kyoto, and it is one of Japan's National Treasures.





Purchase Notice

  • Please be aware that if there are few seats left for the selected date, traveling companions may be seated separately. We will inform you at the time of booking.
  • Children under 6 years old who do not require a seat or meals are free of charge.

【Travel Conditions】

  • Departure/Destination: Kyoto
  • Duration: Day trip
  • Transportation: Shared bus
  • Bus Operator: Keihan Bus Co., Ltd.
  • Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
  • Accommodation: None
  • Minimum Group Size: 1
  • Tour Leader: 1
  • Tour Guide: 0

【Travel Planning/Implementation】

  • Operator Name: Keihan Bus Co., Ltd.
  • Address: 5, Higashikujo Minami-ishida-cho, Minami-ku, Kyoto
  • License Number: Kyoto Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-192

Reminders

  • Please arrive at the designated location 20 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time

  • Please arrive promptly at meeting point, as the will depart on time, refunds will not be granted to late arrivals

  • You will be informed of your seat number on your departure date

  • In the event of cancellation due to traffic, weather, or any other unforeseen circumstances, notification and full refunds will be offered

  • Actual itinerary is dependent on weather/traffic conditions

  • Once the ticket is exchanged, refunds and cancellation will not be granted

  • The bus will not wait for travelers who are not able to make their way to the meeting point within the designated time frame, please consider before booking

  • The time you spend on the bus after getting off the bus includes the time you need to walk to the sightseeing spots.

  • Lunch is not included in the tour price. Please make your own arrangements for lunch near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Thank you for your understanding.

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellations 9 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
  • For cancellations made 2 to 8 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 5% will apply
  • Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
NOTE
  • Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.

FAQs

1. Is Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) made of real gold?

Yes, Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, is famously covered in real gold leaf. The top two floors of the pavilion are completely adorned with pure gold leaf, which creates a breathtaking reflection on the surrounding Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond). This opulent feature is a primary reason for its global recognition and visual splendor.

2. What is Kinkaku-ji Temple famous for?

Kinkaku-ji Temple is renowned for its iconic golden exterior, reflecting magnificently in Kyoko-chi (Mirror Pond). Originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was later converted into a Zen temple. Its unique architecture, meticulously landscaped gardens, and historical significance as a symbol of Kitayama culture make it a prominent cultural landmark in Kyoto.

3. Is visiting Kinkaku-ji a worthwhile experience for travelers in Kyoto?

Yes, Kinkaku-ji is widely considered a must-visit attraction in Kyoto due to its exceptional beauty and profound historical significance. The shimmering golden pavilion, harmoniously set against its serene gardens and pond, offers an iconic and highly photogenic sight. It provides a deep, immersive insight into Japan's opulent past and exquisite traditional garden design, ensuring a memorable experience.

4. Can visitors enter inside Kinkaku-ji Temple?

Visitors are generally not permitted to enter inside the Kinkaku-ji Temple building itself, as the structure is preserved as a sacred space and historical relic. However, visitors can fully enjoy walking around the beautiful pond garden, which offers numerous scenic viewpoints to admire the Golden Pavilion from various angles, and explore the surrounding temple grounds.

5. Why is Kiyomizudera Temple considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto?

Kiyomizudera Temple is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its immense historical, architectural, and cultural value. Its famous main hall features a vast wooden stage, constructed without using a single nail, offering panoramic views of Kyoto. The expansive temple complex includes several pagodas and the sacred Otowa Waterfall, embodying traditional Japanese craftsmanship and spiritual heritage.

6. What unique features can visitors explore at Ginkaku-ji Temple?

Ginkaku-ji, also known as the Silver Pavilion, is celebrated for its elegant Zen gardens. Key features include the 'Sea of Silver Sand' (Ginshadan) and the 'Moon-Viewing Platform' (Kogetsudai), which are distinctive, meticulously raked dry sand landscapes. Visitors can stroll through its tranquil moss garden and experience a serene atmosphere, offering a delightful contrast to Kinkaku-ji's grandeur.

7. How can a sightseeing bus tour enhance the experience of visiting multiple Kyoto temples?

A sightseeing bus tour provides convenient and efficient transportation, connecting multiple iconic temples like Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, and Kiyomizudera. This eliminates the complexities of navigating public transport or finding parking, allowing travelers more time to immerse themselves in each site. Many tours also offer multi-language audio guides, enriching the visit with valuable historical and cultural context.

8. Which iconic Kyoto temples are recommended for first-time visitors to experience the city's culture?

For first-time visitors seeking to immerse themselves in Kyoto's rich culture, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizudera Temple (renowned for its UNESCO status and wooden stage), and Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion with its unique Zen gardens) are highly recommended. These temples collectively showcase diverse architectural styles, beautiful landscapes, and significant historical backgrounds, offering a comprehensive cultural experience.

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