Kyoto Stunning Japanese Gardens Tour

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Tenryuji Temple, 68 Saga Tenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8385 Kyoto Prefecture

Tenryu-ji Temple which is designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site was founded in the 14th century by the then shogun, Ashikaga Takauji, in memory of the late emperor, Godaigo. The garden, arranged so that you can stroll around the pond, was designed by renowned zen priest Muso Soseki. Throughout the year you can enjoy this beautiful garden which cleverly incorporates the landscape behind it.


Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo, Kyoto 616-8385 Kyoto Prefecture

The renowned bamboo forest with its subtle hues of green and the sun slanting through has an exceptional beauty. The rustling of the leaves and the creaking of the trunks softly swaying in the breeze have a very relaxing effect. It’s an experience that you shouldn't miss while being in Kyoto.


Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Ryoanji Temple, 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo, Kyoto 616-8001 Kyoto Prefecture

Ryoanji Temple is so famous that even Queen Elizabeth Ⅱ praised its beauty during her visit to Kyoto. It’s a typical dry garden. Though it’s made quite simply with only rocks, sand and green moss, it still inspires our imagination.

This garden is also famous for its ingenious stone arrangement: whatever angle you are looking at it from, there will always be one stone that is hidden from view


Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Gionmachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0001 Kyoto Prefecture

In Kyoto, there are five Kagai (geisha districts), and Gion is the biggest one. Geisha are an important part of traditional Japanese culture. Let’s stroll around Gion district where beautiful, old-style houses are preserved. If you are lucky enough, you may encounter Geiko or Maiko (apprentices) dressed in gorgeous kimono.

Duration: 40 minutes

Stop At: Kennin-ji Temple, 584 Yamatooji Yojo-sagaru Komatsucho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0933 Kyoto Prefecture

Situated in the Gion area, this temple was founded by Eisai as the first zen temple in Kyoto. It dates back to 1202. There are two things here not to be missed:

One is its dry garden designed by Kumakichi Kato in 1940 which expresses the wabi-sabi aesthetic sense in Japanese art centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection.

The other is a picture of powerful twin dragons painted on the ceiling of the main hall as can be seen in other head temples too. They are believed to protect Buddhism. As the painting was so large, it took the painter Junpei Koizumi almost two years to complete it.


Duration: 50 minutes