Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) Tours and Tickets

Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) is one of Kyoto's most recognizable landmarks and a must-see, but you will have a must richer experience by visiting it with a guide who can provided detailed historical context to the much-photographed temple.

Why don’t you make your own unique souvenir of Kyoto. For yourself, for your loved ones, you can make personalized cup or bowl. And you can choose the color you like. We’ll bake your work. It takes about 3weeks. But don’t worry, we’ll ship it to your doorstep.your work will pleasantly surprise you and remind you of your travel.

This is a virtual tour using Zoom, online conference system. This unique 1h tour brings you to one of the most beautiful and historical cities in Japan, Kyoto. The friendly host will make your experience more interactive. We use not only photos or videos but also handmade materials or actual goods from guides' living room, that makes you feel livelier. You can ask them anything about Japan, Kyoto and other popular tourists spots by chat or by talk session after the tour. This tour will provide helpful hints for your future trip to Japan. PLEASE NOTE the tour time is Japan standard time. Make adjustment to your time when booking. We'll send you Zoom URL invitation when you book the tour.

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most popular travel destinations and with over 50 million annual visitors, it can get busy. This tour makes an early start so you can avoid the crowds and cram much more into your day. Stroll around the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before the tour groups arrive, visit Kinkaku-ji temple (Golden Pavilion) right as it opens, and walk through the torii gates of Fushimi Inari (Shrine) before the midday heat.

Explore Kyoto by bicycle with this tour of the city. You'll visit Nijo Castle, the Seimei Shrine, the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple), and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, with an English-speaking guide available to tell you about the history and significance at each point of interest. You'll also make a stop at a traditional Japanese teahouse, where you'll sit down to an included lunch of Kyoto fare.

Marvel at the some of the top UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples and palaces of ancient Kyoto on this half-day tour. This quick introduction to the sights of Kyoto covers Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and the Japanese Emperor’s former Imperial Palace—a perfect way to see the city if you’re short on time. Your guided morning Kyoto excursion includes entrance fees and transport between sites by vehicle.

This personalized full-day Kyoto tour with a local is ideal for first-time visitors to the "City of Temples". You won’t waste a moment visiting places that don’t interest you as this tour is fully customizable based on your interests. Choose the neighborhoods you’d like to visit, and see many of Kyoto’s top sites. Exploring the city with a guide means you won’t get lost, and you'll learn lots of local tips that you wouldn’t discover otherwise.

Explore two of Kyoto’s most famous attractions, Nijo Castle and Kinkaku-ji, during this 4-hour excursion to these two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Relive the era of the Japanese ‘shoguns’ (military leaders) in the 17th century during an hour-long visit to Nijo Castle. Continue on to Kinkaku-ji Temple, the beautiful ‘Golden Pavillion’ constructed in the 14th century by the Ashikaga clan. Your guide, entrance fees and round-trip hotel transport are also covered.

Immerse yourself in the cultural and architectural splendor of Kyoto on this private tour, ideal for first-time visitors. Choose from two different routes, both of which cover major Kyoto attractions including Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu Temple, and explore the city with a personal guide. On the northwest-bound route, you’ll visit the Golden Pavilion, Nishiki Food Market, and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama Park. Alternatively, the southeast course covers the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, and the Gion area. Receive undivided attention from your guide on this private tour. 

Take control of your Kyoto sightseeing and visit only the sights you wish to see on this private walking tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour lets you customize a half-day or full-day itinerary. Opt to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or to stray from the beaten path to see an alternative side of Kyoto. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Immerse yourself in the captivating culture of Kyoto on a full-day sightseeing tour. See the tranquil Kiyomizu Temple amid its verdant surroundings; absorb the Imperial majesty of Kyoto Imperial Palace; and stroll amid the botanical beauty of Kinkaku-ji Temple. Behold the beguiling beauty of the Fushimiinari Taisha Shrine and enrich your knowledge of Kyoto’s rich historical heritage with commentary from an informative guide. Moderate levels of fitness are advisable for this tour, on which a lot of walking occurs.

Kyoto’s traditional neighborhoods and scenic parklands are ideal for exploring by bike. On this tour, save time by cycling around the city and visit five of Kyoto’s most popular attractions in one day. Enjoy stunning views of the Golden Pavilion and the Kiyomizu Temple; pose for photos by the red torri gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine; and hop off to stroll around the Bamboo Forest and explore the geisha district.

Discover the history and religions of ancient Japan during this full-day exploration of Kyoto and Nara. See Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle, along with its Imperial Palace. Then drive from Kyoto to Nara to explore its own World Heritage Site, Todai-ji Temple (including Great Buddha Hall), plus Kasuga Shrine. You also visit Nara’s deer park and sample a Japanese and Western-style meal for lunch. Your Nara and Kyoto visit also includes a guide, vehicle transport, and all entrance fees.

For those short on time and high on energy, join us for a one day all-you-can-Kyoto bike tour! Experience the tranquility of one of world's largest wooden buildings, learn about the history of Kyoto at the Imperial Palace Park, reflect on life at the stunning Golden Pavilion, enjoy a traditional sit-down lunch, capture the essence of Kyoto in the Gion geisha district and discover the majesty of the mighty Fushimi Shrine. Our shop is a 2 minute walk from Kyoto central station, our groups are small, our bikes are top quality 'Giant' hybrids, and our guides are relaxed, bilingual, experienced and safe! Sit back and let Cycle Kyoto show you around town!

Explore Kyoto, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, accompanied by one of our government-licensed, experienced multilingual guides, who will help you efficiently enjoy a four-hour tour, introducing both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient city. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel, or anywhere else at your convenience, and will take you to a number of Kyoto's famous spots. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will arrange a tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Cycle past a mix of Kyoto’s most-famous sights and its lesser-known secrets during this half-day ‘Hidden Kyoto’ bike tour. Take a 4.9-mile (8-kilometer) ride that starts by winding past iconic Kyoto temples and shrines like Kinkakuji, Koto-in, and Kitano Tenmagu. You’ll continue ‘off the beaten path,’ discovering intimate Zen gardens and charming backstreets known only to locals.

Enrich yourself with the fascinating history of Kyoto’s numerous UNESCO-listed temples and shrines during this day trip from Osaka. Explore the seemingly endless ‘torii’ gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, visit Kiyomizu-dera temple, and explore Kinkaku-ji temple. Customize your trip by adding on a deluxe or standard Japanese style lunch, and select from four pickup points.

Private VIP Tour in KYOTO & NARA allows you to “Customize Your Itinerary” to fit your specific travel expectations. You have your own private Minivan Toyota HIACE 2019 and English speaking driver for approximately 8 hours. Our team assists you to manage the tour, give recommendations, make reservations and check information. <<< You customize your own Day Trip in KYOTO & NARA >>> STEP1: We propose list of famous destinations while you share with us your travel desires and special requests. STEP2: With careful communication and planning, we share and exchange our draft detailed itinerary. STEP3: We revise/finalize the itinerary. ***You can always change the itinerary even on the day while traveling on the van. Please feel free to reach our team and driver for recommendation at any time. ***Extra 1 ~ 2 hours will be given for free only in case of heavy traffic jam and unexpected delay(s). ***Extra charges will be applied for over time service.

Active travelers will love the opportunity to explore the northern parts of Kyoto by bike. Your local guide will make sure you don’t get lost, and will show you to back alleys and hidden corners that you might miss otherwise, as well as some of the famous attractions that shouldn’t be missed. Cycle on comfortable bike, and enjoy an authentic Japanese lunch to refuel.

We are a small group of people who specializes in private and personalized tours in Kyoto. Our aim is to help our customers to utilize best their precious time in Kyoto by offering specially crafted tours covering Kyoto's top attractions. When it comes to a trip, we know that you have your goals and preferences. We would love to hear about them and help you have a unique an unforgettable Kyoto experience. Postgraduate students with Ph.D. or MA- level scholar graduated from Japanese universities, our guides have vast knowledge about Japanese history and culture because they have been living here for several years and are experts in their fields. Their high academic level makes them proficient not only on everything Kyoto but also on the way of life in Japan and its rich history.

Bypass crowded tour buses and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of exploring Kyoto with a private English-speaking driver. The trip showcases a variety of temples and shrines in a day—including Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, and the bamboo forest in Arashiyama. As it’s a private trip, the itinerary can be customized based on your requests.

Enjoy the convenience of a guided tour without having to squeeze onto a bus with strangers on this private, customizable tour in a modern Land Rover vehicle. After being picked up from your hotel you’ll have a full day to explore beautiful Kyoto. Choose your sights and activities to suit your needs, but the itinerary could include Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkakuji, and other historic and cultural highlights.

Many Kyoto day tours start early in the morning, which can be a challenge for travelers with jet lag. Avoid the early start, and opt for a lazy bird afternoon tour instead. Save time researching which sights to visit, and go on a predetermined itinerary of three top attractions—Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Fushimi Inari Shrine.

In this tour, you will enjoy Japanese nature including animals and landscape at the foot of Mt. Arashiyama which is located on the west side of Kyoto and famous for its scenic beauty. Once this district was open only to the nobles. Located not so far from central Kyoto, this natural environment has been very well maintained up to the present day. That’s why you can interact with wild monkeys very closely. In the afternoon, you will visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji Temple), one of the most famous Zen temples in Japan that you won’t forget for the rest of your life.