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Silver Pavilion the Zen Side of Kyoto
Product code 461758P45
From
From JPY 10,000
Dates
Apr 9, 2026 to Feb 28, 2027
Start times
9:00 AM
Travelers
Infant ages 1-12, Adult ages 13-99
Options
Italian Guide, English Guide
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
3 hours 30 minutes
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English, Italian
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From JPY 10,000
Silver Pavilion the Zen Side of Kyoto
View all photos
Duration
3 hours 30 minutes
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English, Italian
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
Journey into the heart of Kyoto's Zen philosophy. Begin your exploration at the iconic Silver Pavilion, a masterpiece of architectural simplicity and elegance. Discover the contemplative beauty of this temple, which was once a place of meditation for Japanese Zen masters. Wander through the meticulously manicured gardens, where every element reflects the harmony of nature. Follow the Philosopher's Path alongside the gentle flow of the canal, taking in the seasonal beauty that has inspired poets and philosophers for centuries. We will offer you insights into the world of Zen Buddhism and its profound influence on Japanese culture. Whether you seek tranquility, artistic inspiration, or a deeper understanding of Zen, this walking tour promises an enriching journey through Kyoto's Zen side. **Rain, shine, or a bit of both— our walking tours still go on!**
Overview
Journey into the heart of Kyoto's Zen philosophy. Begin your exploration at the iconic Silver Pavilion, a masterpiece of architectural simplicity and elegance. Discover the contemplative beauty of this temple, which was once a place of meditation for Japanese Zen masters. Wander through the meticulously manicured gardens, where every element reflects the harmony of nature. Follow the Philosopher's Path alongside the gentle flow of the canal, taking in the seasonal beauty that has inspired poets and philosophers for centuries. We will offer you insights into the world of Zen Buddhism and its profound influence on Japanese culture. Whether you seek tranquility, artistic inspiration, or a deeper understanding of Zen, this walking tour promises an enriching journey through Kyoto's Zen side. **Rain, shine, or a bit of both— our walking tours still go on!**
What's Included
Included
English or Italian speaking travel story teller
Not included
Public transportation (about 500 JPY)
Entrance fee (about 1,500 JPY)
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
In front of the 7-Eleven located outside the main entrance of JR Kyoto Station Travel Story Teller will wait for you showing a nameboard with the “IOJ Logo” on it.
End point
In front of the 7-Eleven located outside the main entrance of JR Kyoto Station Travel Story Teller will wait for you showing a nameboard with the “IOJ Logo” on it.
Itinerary
Stop 1
45 minutesAdmission not included
Stop 1
Once considered the center of contemporary art known as Higashiyama art, Ginkakuji consists of the Silver Pavilion and some gardens made up of unique dry sand. It is believed that when the moonlight hits the surface of the temple (lacquered black), it shows its silvery appearance. Entrance Fee (not included) : About 500JPY
Stop 2
30 minutes
Stop 2
Named this way because of a university professor of philosophy, who used to frequently take a walk on this path for reflective and meditative purposes. It is a long avenue located near Ginkakuji, surrounded by Sakura trees, which amplify the beauty of walking there in spring.
Stop 3
45 minutesAdmission not included
Stop 3
So called because it overlooks the southern part of the Hojo (abbot's great hall), considered a national treasure. The shape of the internal pond resembles the Japanese kanji "Kokoro", which means "mind" or "heart". Entrance Fee (not included) : About 600 JPY
Additional Info
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller Accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Transportation Wheelchair Accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
No Back Problems
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
No Pregnant
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No Heart Problems
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Physical Easy
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
4.5
2 reviews
Collected by Tripadvisor
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