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Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Serene Garden Guided Tour with Tickets
Product code 21490P183
From
From JPY 9,200
Dates
Aug 2, 2026 to Jul 30, 2027
Start times
9:30 AM, 2:00 PM, 10:00 AM
Travelers
Child ages 6-12, Adult ages 13-99
Options
Guided Tour, Monk Guided Tour
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
3 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From JPY 9,200
Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Serene Garden Guided Tour with Tickets





View all photos










Duration
3 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
Experience the contrast between two UNESCO World Heritage temples in Kyoto: the lavish Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), built by a samurai, and the peaceful Ninnaji Temple, steeped in imperial heritage. Delve into Japan's history and culture as your guide illuminates the significance of Buddhist temples, spanning themes of power, prestige, and devotion. Admire the gleaming golden façade of Kinkakuji and stroll through its picturesque gardens, learning about the historiy behind its creation. In Ninnaji Temple, step inside the rarely opened Main Hall for a sacred chanting session led by a monk. Engage with the monk during an enlightening Q&A and learn about Buddhism's spiritual traditions. Visit the Sutra Hall to see and interact with the rotating sutra shelf, a ritual imbued with profound meaning. Capture a memorable photo with the monk before visiting the elegant Imperial Residence. Conclude your journey in this tranquil space, soaking in the timeless beauty and imperial charm of Kyoto.
Overview
Experience the contrast between two UNESCO World Heritage temples in Kyoto: the lavish Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), built by a samurai, and the peaceful Ninnaji Temple, steeped in imperial heritage. Delve into Japan's history and culture as your guide illuminates the significance of Buddhist temples, spanning themes of power, prestige, and devotion. Admire the gleaming golden façade of Kinkakuji and stroll through its picturesque gardens, learning about the historiy behind its creation. In Ninnaji Temple, step inside the rarely opened Main Hall for a sacred chanting session led by a monk. Engage with the monk during an enlightening Q&A and learn about Buddhism's spiritual traditions. Visit the Sutra Hall to see and interact with the rotating sutra shelf, a ritual imbued with profound meaning. Capture a memorable photo with the monk before visiting the elegant Imperial Residence. Conclude your journey in this tranquil space, soaking in the timeless beauty and imperial charm of Kyoto.
What's Included
Included
Admission Fee (Kinkaku-ji and Ninna-ji)
Exclusive access to Golden Hall (National treasure) and Sutra Hall ※Monk Guided Tour only
Q&A session and photo with a monk ※Monk Guided Tour only
Transportation fee from Kinkaku-ji to Ninna-ji (taxi)
Local Guide
Chanting session by a monk ※Monk Guided Tour only
Not included
No exclusions listed.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
Meet at a shop located in front of the Kinkaku-ji Temple gate. The guide has a green board of "Japan Wonder Travel"
Itinerary
Stop 1
1 hourAdmission included
Stop 1
Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. Originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was later converted into a temple. The top floors are covered in gold leaf, creating a stunning reflection in the surrounding pond. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will visit Shariden, Karamon Gate, Rikushu-no-taki, Anmintaku, Hakujanotsuka, Yukatei Teahouse, and Fudo Hall.
Stop 2
1 hour 45 minutesAdmission included
Stop 2
Ninna-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, founded in 888 by Emperor Uda. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and known for its five-story pagoda, gardens, and Omuro cherry trees. The temple is the head of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism and has a long history as a spiritual center.
Additional Info
Stroller Accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Physical Easy
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Other
*The details of the itinerary at Ninna-ji Temple may be subject to change due to the temple's circumstances.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
Review Summary
5.0
20 reviews
Collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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