Kyoto is an ancient capital of Japan and is one of the top tourists' destinations. Historically priceless structures are still alive in this city. If you visit Japan for the first time, we highly recommend taking this highlights tour. This tour provides visiting 4 must-see spots including Kinkakuji temple, Ryoanji temple, Arashiyama bamboo grove and Fushimi Inari Shrine. Kinkakuji and Ryoanji are zen temples designated as UNESCO world heritage sites. You can enjoy different types of Japanese gardens as well as Japanese architectures. Then Arashiyama gives you a stunning bamboo grove view with fresh air. Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates which lead you a mystic world.
Tour code: Kyoto-001
Duration: 8 hours approx. 9:00-17:00
Meeting Point: Kyoto Station Central Gate
Transportation: City Bus, Tram and JR train
Itinerary: Meet at Kyoto Station - (City Bus) -Kinkakuji temple -(City Bus) - Ryoanji temple - (Tram) - Lunch at Arashiyama - Togetsukyo Bridge - Bamboo grove - (JR train) - Fushimi Inari Shrine - (JR train) - Kyoto Station
What's included: Guide fee
What's not included: Entrance fee, Transportation fee, Meal
The tour starts at Kyoto Station and visit Kinkakuji Temple which is famous for its bright golden pavilion. This pavilion was originally built as a private villa for the Shogun and later was converted to a part of a zen temple. Definitely one of the most popular historical buildings in Japan. The beauty of reflection of the pavilion in the pond is breathtaking! Not only the pavilion, but also the garden of the temple is magnificent. The garden is called "Borrowed landscape garden" which borrows the view of neighboring mountains as a part of the garden. A big pine tree which is about 600 years old and used to be the Shogun's bonsai tree is another charm of the garden. You also can see an authentic tea house built in the 17th century.
Next visit is Ryoanji temple which is famous for its dry garden (rock garden). You can feel a relaxing atmosphere and meditate in front of the garden. Your guide will explain what zen is there.
Travel by local tram to Arashiyama Area that lies in the western outskirt of Kyoto. This area is popular with beautiful river, mountains and bamboo grove. There are also lots of restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops on the main street of this area.
After lunch, take a walk through bamboo groves which are very attractive when the sun light comes in.
Final destination is Fushimi Inari Shrine which is a Shinto shrine originally built in 8th century. It worships deities of Agriculture and Business. The best attraction of this shrine is 1000 red gates donated by worshipers. This shrine became famous when the site was used as a shooting location of a movie called "Memoirs of a geisha". When you walk through these gate, it might make you feel wandering into a mystic world. The tour ends at Kyoto Station.