The Golden Pavillion

History, Exploration

MIN ATTENDANCE (PER DAY):

MAX ATTENDANCE (PER DAY):

SEPTEMBER 29

DEPARTURE

TBA

RETURN

TBA

DURAtiON

4 HOURS

MEAL INCl.

✖

PRICE
(per person)

¥

15037

Available

Experience two of Kyoto's most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites on a journey through the beauty, spirituality, and artistry of Zen Japan.

Begin at Kinkakuji, the breathtaking Golden Pavilion. Covered in brilliant gold leaf and reflected in a tranquil pond, this iconic temple is one of Japan's most recognizable landmarks. Originally built as a retirement villa for a powerful shogun before becoming a Zen temple, Kinkakuji embodies the elegance and refinement of classical Japanese design.

As you stroll through the surrounding gardens and pathways, your guide will share the fascinating history of the pavilion and explain the cultural and spiritual values that continue to make it an enduring symbol of Kyoto.

Continue to nearby Ryoanji Temple, home to Japan's most famous Zen rock garden. Created more than five centuries ago, this deceptively simple arrangement of stones and carefully raked gravel has inspired contemplation, interpretation, and admiration from visitors around the world. While no one knows its exact meaning, the garden perfectly reflects the Zen principles of simplicity, balance, and mindfulness.

COST INCLUSIONS

Transportation by coach to and from the activity departure point
1 small bottle of mineral water per person
Ticket entry into Kinkakuji Temple and Ryo-an Ji Temple
1 English speaking guide
Audio guides: This tour uses an audio system that provides each guest with a headset. The headsets allow participants to clearly hear the guide’s narration and must be returned at the end of the tour.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Please take minimum personal belongings
Lunch is not included
Exact departure times will be confirmed closer to the date, subject to the final number of participants at each hotel.
The tour will be reconfirmed only if we reach the minimum number of participants required. In case the tour is not confirmed, you will be contacted by July 27th.
A fee of 11,000 JPY will be implemented for each unreturned headset.

BACK TO ACTIVITIES

GO TO BOOKING

1. General Booking Rules & Restrictions

Activity Limits: Guests may register for a maximum of one activity per person, per day. You are not required to book an activity for every day of the trip.
Age Restrictions (Minors): Guests under 18 must be accompanied by the primary Qualifier on all activities. Guests under the age of 4 are not permitted to participate in these activities (please select "No Activity" for them on the booking form).
Registration Deadlines: Registration officially closes at 9:00 PM on July 17, 2026 (CST). Activities may reach capacity prior to this deadline.

2. Payment & Reservation Confirmation

Required Deposit: Your activities are not officially reserved until the ¥1,000 down payment is successfully confirmed. This deposit must be completed by 11:59 PM on July 17, 2026 (CST) to secure your requested spots.
Reservation Authorization: Your credit card must be authorized to confirm your initial activity bookings.
Final Payment Processing: Activities that successfully meet their minimum participation requirements will be charged between July 17th and July 27th (JST). If your payment authorization fails, your reservation may be cancelled if the payment information is not updated within the required timeframe.
Consolidated Billing: The total cost for all selected activities across your entire party will be consolidated and billed directly to the primary Qualifier's reservation.

3. Cancellations & Date Adjustments

Free Cancellations (Until July 17th / 12:00AM): You may cancel your selected activities free of charge up until this date using our contact form.
Late Cancellations (After July 17th / 12:00AM): Any cancellations made after this deadline for activities that have already reached their minimum participation threshold will be subject to a 100% cancellation fee.
Activity Date Adjustments: Activity schedules and operating details remain subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

4. Minimum Participation & Replacements

Unmet Minimums: All activities require a minimum number of participants to operate. If an activity does not meet this requirement across a specific date, it will be cancelled and guests will have an oppurtunity to choose a replacement activity
Booking Replacements (Beginning July 27th JST): Guests will be notified if any of their selected activities did not meet the minimum participation requirements. If applicable, you will be given the opportunity to choose a replacement activity for your remaining open days, limited to remaining tour availability at that time. A second activity payment will be made in that case after August 7th.

5. Final Itineraries & Unforeseen Changes

Final Schedules: Finalized activity schedules and confirmations will be emailed to you prior to the tour. A personalized schedule containing all of your confirmed activities will also be provided upon arrival at your hotel.
Operational Changes: Please note that activities, schedules, guides, locations, and availability remain subject to change due to weather, operational requirements, supplier availability, transportation issues, or other unforeseen circumstances.

6. Privacy Consent

Data Collection & Use: By submitting your booking, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information (including name, email address, phone number, dietary restrictions, and activity details) solely for purposes directly related to activity registration, payment processing, tour operations, and event communication.
Third-Party Sharing: Your information will only be shared where operationally necessary with relevant service providers, guides, activity operators, and payment processors directly related to the management and operation of the tour program.