(Highlights)
Originally built in 1482 by the eighth Shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate government, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who spent his retirement days here, the temple is a Zen Buddhist temple belonging to the Shokokuji faction of Rinzaisyu sect of Buddhism, and is formally called Higashiyama- Jisyoji, named after his posthumous title. It is the place where Higashiyama Culture started after Kyoto was burnt down by an 11-year-long war between the two rival clans. The temple consists of 10 buildings, a garden, a pond, two wells and a lookout station, all of which forming a perfect combination of splendid man-made structures and the beautiful nature.
(How to enjoy)
After getting off the bus, go back a little bit and walk on the uphill road leading to the "Somon" gate, go through it and walk on the "Sando" approach of sand, on both side of which are hedges made of stones and bamboo and camellia trees, toward "Nakamon" middle gate, the main entrance to the magnificent courtyard. Once inside the temple precincts, walk on the paths in accordance with the directions. You will see all sorts components making up the beauty of Japanese gardens and structures standing among them. The main building, Ginkaku-ji Temple itself is, needless to say, will be your main focus of attention. The place attracts visitors all the year round, but the snow-capped temple building in winter, in particular, will be a joy to your eyes.
(Transportation and entrance fee)
The temple is some 45-minute bus ride from JR Kyoto station for a fee of 230 yen and the entrance fee is 500 yen.
(Other pleasures)
After you get out of the temple compound, walk along the "Tetsugaku-no-michi" (Path of Philosophy) for about 30 minute and you will get to Nanzen-ji Temple, famous for its splendid gate.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At Kyoto station
Ginkakuj-ji Temple
Ending Point
At Kyoto station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, hotel pick-up in Kyoto area
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee, hotel pick-up in areas beyond Kyoto area.
I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.
It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.
Brandon W.
“Premium tour of Kyoto - Wodnerful!”
Tatsuhiro was a wonderful tour guide for our first time in Kyoto. Very accommodating and considerate. Tatsuhiro was very informative on the subjects and historical sites we visited. It was a wonderful experience, definitely recommend!
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Brandon-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. Nothing is more encouraging and inspiring than receiving a high mark from my customer for the job I have done. I wish you will have enjoyable days ahead. Above all, a good health. Regards, Hiro
Roxana P.
“very good, very nice guide”
everything was perfect, the communication beforehand was also very nice and friendly
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Roxana-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am really encouraged by it. Above all, I was really happy when I saw the smiling faces of your clients as we ended the day. Nothing is more inspiring to me than that. I wish you a greater success in your business. I will try even harder blushing up my English by whatever means possible. Regards, Hiro
Alfonso S.
“Good old man”
A very nice and educated old men not to fluent in English and hard to understand his ocasional explanations at the different sites visited. We had to walk very long distances in the heat to reach public transportation, when we could have save time and sweat by taking a cab. We are sure that probably in Japanese he would have been a better experience. Anyway he was very kind with us.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Alfonso-san, Thank you very much for your honest and straightforward feedback on the three-day tour. I humbly accept every bit of your opinion and sincerely apologize to you for having you walk a long and arduous distance under the intense heat. In hindsight, I thought we should have taken a taxi to move from one place to another, but I was afraid of the cost it could have entailed. I sincerely take your comment to heart so that I can offer my future customers an even better service than ever before. At the same time, I will polish my listening comprehension with the help of radio English conversation programs more attentively. I will also learn more about the history and the attractions of each of the sights in Kyoto and elsewhere. Finally, I wish you all a greater health and success in your business. And if ever a chance should offer itself, I would look forward to having more customers from your country. Let me add one most important point: Thank you very much for the tip. Enjoy the rest of your stay in our country. Regards, Hiro
$103/ per group