Ryoanji Gardens & the Golden Pavilion
Half day walking tour (4-5hrs). JPY34,000 (up to 5 people)
100’s of online bookings
Expert bilingual local guides
Custom tours available
Group pricing (not per person)
Private tours at your pace
Accomodation meet & greet available
Highlights
Learn to appreciate wabi sabi (the acceptance of imperfection and transience) at Ryoanji’s famous rock garden
Wander through the backstreets around Mt Kinugasa and explore one of the nicer residential areas of the city
Be mesmerized by Kinkakuji’s golden pavilion shimmering in the sunlight
Learn about Sen no Rikyu and the Daitokuji temple complex’ strong association with tea
Explore the subtemples of Daitokuji with their captivating historical narrative and charming dry landscape gardens
Discover Imamiya shrine and sample aburimochi (roasted rice cakes in a sweet miso sauce) from the oldest restaurant in Japan.
Tour description
We begin the tour with a visit to Ryoan-ji temple and gardens. At the heart of Ryoan-ji lies its celebrated rock garden, a composition of 15 carefully arranged rocks set amidst a sea of raked gravel. The arrangement’s deliberate design invites contemplation, with the absence of explicit symbolism allowing each visitor to interpret its meaning in their own way.
We then make out way on foot along the bottom of Mt. Kinugasa, through an affluent residential area with an upscale ambiance and interesting architecture.
At Kinkakuji we have the opportunity to witness one of the most spectacular examples of Muromachi period architecture and learn about Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and his impact on the arts.
At the sprawling Daitokuji temple complex we can embrace the occasion to learn about famous tea master Sen no Rikyu and drop in at one or two sub-temples with both fascinating history and incredible dry landscape gardens.
We finish the tour with a brief visit to the charming Imamiya shrine before partaking in some delicious aburimochi (roasted rice cakes) with tea. “Ichiwa” was established in the year 1000 and has been operated by the same family for 25 generations.
The tour offers the possibility of extension with either Nishiki Market Foodie’s Paradise or Gion Lanes & Lanterns Night Walk.
Important information
What's included in the tour?
A private expert bilingual guide with experience living in Japan. Meet & greet at your accomodation, flexible start time and option to customize.
What's not included?
Transportation, meals, drinks and snacks along the way, and entrance fees for temples and gardens are not included in this price though these costs are usually minimal.
Where do we meet?
Meeting place depends on the tour and where your accomodation is located. Hotel pickup is available.
How long is the tour?
The tour usually lasts approximately 5 hrs including travel time. If you have an appointment after the tour that you do not want to miss, please let us know.
Where does the tour end?
The tour usually ends with return to either your hotel or the downtown area.
Can I customize the tour?
We are happy to customize the tour
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