(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.
At your hotel
At your hotel
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.
“Two cities in one day ”
Huri-sun was nice and friendly.We covered Nara and Arashimaya in one day.
Tatsuhiro N.
(46 reviews)Hi Alev-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am glad you people enjoyed the tour today under the fine spring weather. Your story as the World Bank official was interesting. I hope you will enjoy your life to the maximum extent after you reach the retirement age. And thank you very much for treating me to the coffee and lunch. Regards, Hiro
“Sakura Sakura sakura”
Tatsuhiro was a lovely senior guide trotting along tog with us showing us the beauty of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera temple - where he prepared a highlight for my grandson, Inari, and Arashiyama bamboo forest in the evening - where there was hardly anyone at the peak of Sakura. Thank you for extending our tour till 7 pm. We had a great time.
Tatsuhiro N.
(46 reviews)Hi Shereen-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I really enjoyed walking with you around some of the popular sights of Kyoto and your smiling faces were my greatest reward. And how cute your grandson was! He definitely is the star in the future. Your daughter`s talk about studying in Australia and in the UK was interesting. I wish you all a good health and a good luck. Regards, Hiro
Melanie S.
Enjoy the full-blown cherry blossoms in Kyoto
Customized
“Excellent day in Kyoto”
We enjoyed our full day tour with Hiro in the beautiful city Kyoto. He was very patient with our large group and excellent at getting us where we wanted to go. He provided great information and was very thoughtful. He speaks good English. Thank you Hiro!
Tatsuhiro N.
(46 reviews)Hi Melanie-san, Thank you very much for the favorable comment. I am glad you and your company enjoyed the tour under the balmy spring weather. I am proud of myself for being a bit of help in showing you around the city. I wish you the best of luck. I am fine. Regards, Hiro