Kyoto: Golden Pavilion, Ryoan-ji Temple & Bamboo Forest
Strenuous Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Board your motorcoach for the drive to the Arashiyama districts in Kyoto. One of the best preserved cities in Japan, the old imperial capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 2000 temples and shrines.
Your first destination is Ryoan-ji, arguably home to the greatest Zen rock garden ever created. Authorities argue over when the garden was created; none disagree on its elegance. The garden is 2600 square feet in area and features 15 rocks set in meticulously raked white gravel. The rocks rise from the gravel like small islands; they are so arranged that one is always hidden from view. It is said that all 15 are visible to the enlightened.
Continue to Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. The upper stories of this serene lakeside pavilion are covered with gold leaf. It is considered the premier example of Muromachi Era (13371336 - 1573) design. The current pavilion dates only to 1955; it was destroyed by arson in 1950. Ironically the arsonist was a deranged Buddhist monk. After your visit, enjoy lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Drive to Arashiyama area and disembark your motor coach for the walk to Nonomiya Shrine and the beginning of the bamboo forest path - which is mentioned in "The Tale of Genji," the 11th century novel by Lady Murasaki Shikibu. For seven centuries, maiden Imperial princesses visited the shrine to purify themselves before serving at the Great Shrine of Ise. Your walk through the tranquil bamboo forest takes you to the Okochi Sanso.
After your walk, board your motorcoach for the return to ship from the Arashiyama parking area.
Points of interest
Kinkakuji: Golden Pavilion
Ryoanji Temple
Schedule
Special Notes
The drive between Osaka and Kyoto is approximately 90 minutes long. Passengers should expect traffic and delays.
This tour involves a substantial number of steps and uphill walking at Ryoanji temple. Shoes must be removed to enter Ryoanji temple.
This tour is not considered suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. There is approximately 3km of walking at bamboo forest.
There are around 40 minutes walking at Kinkaku-ji Temple and 30 steps are required to negotiate to get through the path in the Kinkakuji Temple.
Japanese Yen is required for additional purchases Wear comfortable walking shoes.
A minimum of 20 passengers is required for this tour to operate. Tour order may vary.
Exceptional Value
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Strenuous Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
Board your motorcoach for the drive to the Arashiyama districts in Kyoto. One of the best preserved cities in Japan, the old imperial capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 2000 temples and shrines.
Your first destination is Ryoan-ji, arguably home to the greatest Zen rock garden ever created. Authorities argue over when the garden was created; none disagree on its elegance. The garden is 2600 square feet in area and features 15 rocks set in meticulously raked white gravel. The rocks rise from the gravel like small islands; they are so arranged that one is always hidden from view. It is said that all 15 are visible to the enlightened.
Continue to Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. The upper stories of this serene lakeside pavilion are covered with gold leaf. It is considered the premier example of Muromachi Era (13371336 - 1573) design. The current pavilion dates only to 1955; it was destroyed by arson in 1950. Ironically the arsonist was a deranged Buddhist monk. After your visit, enjoy lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Drive to Arashiyama area and disembark your motor coach for the walk to Nonomiya Shrine and the beginning of the bamboo forest path - which is mentioned in "The Tale of Genji," the 11th century novel by Lady Murasaki Shikibu. For seven centuries, maiden Imperial princesses visited the shrine to purify themselves before serving at the Great Shrine of Ise. Your walk through the tranquil bamboo forest takes you to the Okochi Sanso.
After your walk, board your motorcoach for the return to ship from the Arashiyama parking area.
Points of interest
Kinkakuji: Golden Pavilion
Ryoanji Temple
Schedule
Special Notes
The drive between Osaka and Kyoto is approximately 90 minutes long. Passengers should expect traffic and delays.
This tour involves a substantial number of steps and uphill walking at Ryoanji temple. Shoes must be removed to enter Ryoanji temple.
This tour is not considered suitable for passengers with walking difficulties. There is approximately 3km of walking at bamboo forest.
There are around 40 minutes walking at Kinkaku-ji Temple and 30 steps are required to negotiate to get through the path in the Kinkakuji Temple.
Japanese Yen is required for additional purchases Wear comfortable walking shoes.
A minimum of 20 passengers is required for this tour to operate. Tour order may vary.