Northwest Kyoto Guided Tour : Zen Temples and Arashiyama
Embark on a Northwest Kyoto Guided Tour. Explore Northwest Kyoto’s Zen temples, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, and Kinkakuji. Complete our travel plan form to compare tours and choose your ideal itinerary for your visit today.
Visit Tenryu-ji and Arashiyama
Explore Tenryu-ji, a Zen temple founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji in memory of Emperor Go-Daigo. Its Sogenchi Garden, designed by Zen master Musō Soseki, is admired for its carefully composed landscape and views of the surrounding mountains.
Continue through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a celebrated pathway lined with towering bamboo. Nearby, Togetsukyo Bridge spans the Katsura River and offers views of the surrounding scenery. The bridge in use today was completed in 1934; crossing it is a separate activity from walking through the bamboo grove.
Arashiyama is known for seasonal scenery. Cherry blossoms are associated with spring, while red and golden foliage brings a different atmosphere in autumn. These seasonal sights appear at different times of year, and peak colors vary by season.
Discover Ryoan-ji’s Famous Rock Garden
Visit Ryoan-ji, a Zen temple best known for its carefully arranged dry landscape garden. Take time to view the stones and raked gravel, then explore the temple grounds and pond. Ryoan-ji is one of the component properties in the UNESCO-listed Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
Admire Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion
End your temple visits at Kinkakuji, formally known as Rokuonji. The Golden Pavilion was originally built as the villa of shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397 and became a Zen temple after his death. Its top two floors are adorned with gold leaf. Rokuonji is included in Kyoto’s UNESCO World Heritage property
Compare Northwest Kyoto Tour Options
Tour itineraries may differ in temples visited, transportation, walking time, guide service, and time at each stop. Some tours focus on Arashiyama, while others combine it with Ryoan-ji and Kinkakuji. A full-day option may take around eight hours, but the actual duration and hotel pickup or drop-off depend on the package.
Consider which sights matter most to you and how much time you would like at each location. Comparing the route and included transportation can help you choose a tour that fits your schedule and travel style.
Plan Your Northwest Kyoto Experience
Tell us your travel dates, group size, hotel location, and preferred sights. Compare the available itineraries to find a Northwest Kyoto tour that matches your interests and schedule.
Complete our short travel plan form to compare guided tours and choose an experience that suits your Kyoto visit.
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