08:40 Nipponbashi Exit 2 (Namba / Shinsaibashi area)
09:50 Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi – Kyoto Station Sightseeing Bus Parking Lot
The official name of Kinkaku-ji is Rokuon-ji. Its nickname, “Kinkaku-ji” (Golden Pavilion), comes from the main hall, Shariden, whose exterior walls are completely covered in gold leaf. The temple was originally built in 1397 as a mountain villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu — the historical figure who inspired the character “General Lee” in the beloved anime Ikkyū-san. Later, it was converted into a Zen temple known as “Bodai-sho.”
The most spectacular time to visit Kinkaku-ji is during the autumn foliage season, when the golden pavilion set against the mountains covered in crimson and orange leaves creates an extraordinarily magnificent scene.
You may freely explore the area according to your interests and physical condition. The following routes are recommended:
Recommendation 1: Classic Walking Route
Kiyomizu-dera – Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka – Ishibei-koji – Gion & Hanamikoji – Yasaka Shrine
Please note: You may choose to visit some or all of these sites based on your preferences and energy levels.
Recommendation 2: Kimono Experience
For those interested, you may change into a traditional kimono, stroll through the historic streets, and visit Kiyomizu-dera for prayers, capturing your most beautiful moments in this ancient capital.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is world-famous for its “Thousand Torii Gates” (Senbon Torii). It attracts countless visitors from both Japan and abroad every year. According to surveys conducted by one of the world's largest travel websites, Fushimi Inari Taisha was ranked No. 1 for three consecutive years as “Japan's Most Popular Tourist Site Among Foreign Visitors.”
Here, take a moment to offer prayers for yourself and your beloved family members.
Additionally, the shrine's ema (votive tablets) are uniquely shaped like white foxes — considered the sacred messengers of the Shinto deity Inari. Feel free to unleash your creativity and doodle various amusing expressions onto them.
16:50 Departure
Bringing a joyful conclusion to the day's tour, we begin our return journey.
17:10 Kyoto – Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi / Kyoto Station Sightseeing Bus Parking Lot (Guests who choose to end the tour in Kyoto may disembark here.)
18:30 The tour concludes with a disbandment in the Shinsaibashi area.
