• Traditional and historical Japanese gardens are best sites to see Japanese aesthetics. Both artistic landscape gardens with seasonal plants and dry landscape gardens at Zen temples help you get relaxed for meditation. Visiting various styled gardens and experiencing traditional Japanese spirits which are represented in plants, rocks, and total design.
• Our government-licensed and experienced multilingual guides will help you efficiently enjoy a one-day private tour of the best Japanese gardens in Kyoto.
• Select gardens from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. In addition to gardens, you may also choose any famous site in Kyoto for a truly memorable experience!
• Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
• Note*2: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408. Kinkakuji was the inspiration for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion), built by Yoshimitsu's grandson, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, on the other side of the city a few decades later. Kinkakuji is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond, and is the only building left of Yoshimitsu's former retirement complex. It has burned down numerous times throughout its history including twice during the Onin War, a civil war that destroyed much of Kyoto; and once again more recently in 1950 when it was set on fire by a fanatic monk. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.