(Highlights)
Registered as the World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994, the temple, formally named "Rokuon-ji Temple", was originally built in 1397 by the third Shogun of the Muromachi period but was burnt down by a fire caused by a young Zen Buddhist student in 1950 and was rebuilt in 1955. The garden and buildings centered on the Golden Pavilion was said to represent the Pure Land of Buddha in this world. The temple also functioned as the official guest house. In 1987, gold foils were re-plated completely after one year and eight months of work. The golden structure forms a striking contrast to the water of the pond in front of it and the greenery surrounding the temple. As you walk on the path after viewing the temple, you will come across The "Sekka-tei (Place of Evening Beauty)" Tea House, where you can see the Golden Pavilion shining beautifully in the evening glow, and "Fudo-do" Temple hosing the stone statue of the Buddhist deity, "Fudo-myo-o." Yow will also find small stalls selling good-luck charms and small trinkets as well as souvenirs.
(How to enjoy)
Just walk on the pass leading to the Golden Pavilion and other buildings according to the instructions of a brochure you will be given after paying the admission at the gate. You can gaze at the magnificent golden structure and take its photos or ask someone for help to have your picture taken with the temple in the background. You can also enjoy drinking tea in the open-air garden near the "Sekka-tei" Tea House, or you can bask in the delicate aroma of burning incense at "Fudo-do" Temple. If you read the brochure, you can learn the history of the entire garden and the buildings.
(Others)
The bus fare is 230 yen and the admission fee is 600 yen.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion
Fudo-do temple
Ending Point
At your hotel
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.
Amandeep S.
“Excellent experience with Hiro San”
It was a pleasure to tour the city through Hiro San’s eyes. He was very patient and adjusted the pace of the tour as per us. Quite knowledgeable and jovial Regards Amandeep
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Amandeep-san, Thank you very much for your compliment. I am much encouraged and given an energy to do a better job from tomorrow. Wish your entire family an excellent health. Regards, Hiro
James H.
“Great day with Hiro-San”
Absolutely one if the highlights of our trip to Japan. Our guide Hiro was fantastic. Can’t praise him enough. Hiro was patient and kind with our mixed group of 11. Hiro was so forthcoming with his knowledge. I can not say enough good things about this wonderful man. Jim H
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi James-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am glad you and your loved ones spent a wonderful day with the tame deer in Nara. That`s the best reward for me. Wish you all a better health and a happier life ahead. Regards, Hiro
Toya W.
“Awesome Tour Guide ”
Tatshurio was AWESOME! He is a just a nice person with a considerate heart. He is very knowledgeable and understood the assignment. He was very flexible and allow the entire group to enjoy the location, scene, and sights. I definitely recommend Mr. Tatsuhiro. He is awesome.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Toya-san, Thank you very much for giving me such a high grade. It inspires me to do a better job for my clients from now on. I am glad you had a first look at various articles and food while you made the tour. I am proud of myself for being able to help you come closer to our culture and society. Wish you all an even greater health. Regards, Hiro
$105/ per group