Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets in Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets

Outty Ranking 595 hoursFrom $7000

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

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Age 12 and under

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From, per person$7000
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

Not yet rated

No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.

Quick answer

Is Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets worth booking?

Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets is a 5-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $7000 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
5 hours
From
$7000 per person

Discover hidden sub-temples and tranquil gardens along the Philosopher’s Path. Join us for a serene journey through Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, starting with the elegant Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) and winding down th

What you get

  • Temple Entry Fees

About this experience

Discover hidden sub-temples and tranquil gardens along the Philosopher’s Path. Join us for a serene journey through Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, starting with the elegant Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) and winding down the Philosopher’s Path. Along the way, we’ll explore lesser-known sub-temples, quietly tucked-away gardens, and centuries-old aqueducts—revealing the peaceful, “secret Zen” side of the city that many visitors miss. This tour highlights authentic Kyoto charm, combining iconic sights with hidden gems for a truly unforgettable cultural experience.

What's included

Included

  • Temple Entry Fees

Not included

  • Lunch
  • Tips (accepted)

What you'll see and do

  1. Nanzen-ji Temple

    Nanzen-ji Nanzen-ji is a major Zen temple complex at the foot of Kyoto’s Higashiyama mountains, originally built as an imperial villa in the 13th century. It is famous for its towering Sanmon Gate, tranquil rock gardens, and a striking Meiji-era brick aqueduct running through the grounds.

    45 minutes here · Admission included

  2. Tenjuan Garden

    Tenjuan Temple, a sub-temple of Nanzenji in Kyoto, is a tranquil retreat known for its picturesque gardens and serene atmosphere. Originally built in the 14th century to honor the monk Shōichi Kokushi, it features two distinct garden styles: a dry landscape (karesansui) garden with meticulously arranged stones and a lush pond garden surrounded by vibrant greenery and maple trees. In autumn, the temple becomes a popular spot for viewing colorful foliage illuminated in the evening. With its historical significance and breathtaking scenery, Tenjuan offers a peaceful escape and a deep connection to Zen aesthetics.

    30 minutes here · Admission included

  3. Eikando Zenrinji Temple

    Eikando, located near Nanzenji in Kyoto, is a beautiful temple famous for its autumn foliage and serene atmosphere. Known formally as Eikando Zenrinji, it features a stunning main hall, picturesque pagoda, and peaceful gardens. The temple is renowned for its statue of the Amida Buddha, which has an unusual, backward-facing gaze. Eikando is especially popular in the fall when the maple trees surrounding the temple turn vibrant shades of red and gold

    60 minutes here · Admission included

  4. Heian Jingu Shrine Otorii

    Heian-jingu Shrine Heian-jingu Shrine is a grand Shinto complex built in 1895 to commemorate Kyoto’s founding. It is known for its huge vermilion torii gate, wide ceremonial courtyard, and elegant palace-style halls inspired by ancient imperial architecture. Behind the shrine lie spacious strolling gardens filled with ponds, bridges, and seasonal flowers.

    60 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Kyoto

Meet at EXIT 1 top of the stairs of Keage station Please install Whatsapp for smooth communications

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

Ending the tour at the Higashiyama station.

Before you book

Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Languages
en
Ticket
Mobile Only
Runs on
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Group size
Up to 10 travelers per booking
Operated by
Japanify Tours

Know before you go

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos

Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets in Kyoto, photo 2Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets in Kyoto, photo 3Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets in Kyoto, photo 4Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets in Kyoto, photo 5Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets in Kyoto, photo 6Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets in Kyoto, photo 7

Good to know

Duration
5 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
7+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Price range
$7000 to $9000
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
0
Verdict
Worth a Look

Why this scores 59

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)90
Review evidence (18% weight)0
Booking momentum (14% weight)0
Value for money (12% weight)100
Listing quality (10% weight)77
Local standing (8% weight)50
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.

How much does Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets cost?

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Prices start at $7000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets take?

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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.

Is Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets?

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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

Is Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 7. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 5-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets?

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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

What should I bring or wear?

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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets start and how do I get there?

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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

What are the best things to do in Kyoto?

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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour, Ultimate Kyoto Arashiyama Tour: Bamboo, Monkeys & Hidden Gardens. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

When is the best time to visit Kyoto?

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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

How many days do you need in Kyoto?

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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

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