Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets
- 5–6 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Discover hidden Zen gardens and peaceful corners of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Join us for a serene journey beginning at Nanzen-ji, followed by tucked-away Zen gardens that reveal a quieter side of the city. We’ll finish at Heian Jingu Shrine, combining Kyoto’s cultural heritage with moments of calm along the way.
Inclusions
What's included
- Temple Entry Fees
What's not
- Lunch
- Tips (accepted)
Itinerary
Nanzen-ji Nanzen-ji is a major Zen temple complex at the foot of Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountains, originally built as an imperial villa in the 13th century. It is famous for its towering Sanmon Gate, tranquil rock gardens, and a striking Meiji-era brick aqueduct running through the grounds.
Tenjuan Temple, a sub-temple of Nanzenji in Kyoto, is a tranquil retreat known for its picturesque gardens and serene atmosphere. Originally built in the 14th century to honor the monk Shōichi Kokushi, it features two distinct garden styles: a dry landscape (karesansui) garden with meticulously arranged stones and a lush pond garden surrounded by vibrant greenery and maple trees. In autumn, the temple becomes a popular spot for viewing colorful foliage illuminated in the evening. With its historical significance and breathtaking scenery, Tenjuan offers a peaceful escape and a deep connection to Zen aesthetics.
Eikando, located near Nanzenji in Kyoto, is a beautiful temple famous for its autumn foliage and serene atmosphere. Known formally as Eikando Zenrinji, it features a stunning main hall, picturesque pagoda, and peaceful gardens. The temple is renowned for its statue of the Amida Buddha, which has an unusual, backward-facing gaze. Eikando is especially popular in the fall when the maple trees surrounding the temple turn vibrant shades of red and gold
Heian-jingu Shrine Heian-jingu Shrine is a grand Shinto complex built in 1895 to commemorate Kyoto’s founding. It is known for its huge vermilion torii gate, wide ceremonial courtyard, and elegant palace-style halls inspired by ancient imperial architecture. Behind the shrine lie spacious strolling gardens filled with ponds, bridges, and seasonal flowers.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Meet at EXIT 1 top of the stairs of Keage station Please install Whatsapp for smooth communications
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 12 travellers
- Operated by
- Japanify Tours
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Kyoto
- Its from-price is 47% below the median of the 1713 experiences we list in Kyoto.
- It is longer than most of them.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan's imperial capital for over a thousand years, is a city of temples, gardens, wooden townhouses and refined traditions.
The city holds many of Japan's most treasured sites. Fushimi Inari Taisha's thousands of vermilion torii gates climb a wooded mountain, Kinkaku-ji's Golden Pavilion shimmers over its pond, and Kiyomizu-dera's wooden stage juts from the hillside above the city. The rock garden of Ryoan-ji and the mossy grounds of Ginkaku-ji invite quiet contemplation.
Top-ranked sights in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha), Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Special offers in Kyoto
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
