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

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

Outty Ranking 575 hoursFrom $59
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Outty Ranking

57/100

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 $59 per person. It scores 57 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
57 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
5 hours
From
$59 per person

Discover hidden Zen gardens and peaceful corners of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Join us for a serene journey beginning at Nanzen-ji, followed by tucked-away Zen gardens that reveal a quieter side of the city. We’ll finish at Heian Jingu Shrine, combining Kyoto’s cultural heritage with moments of calm along the way.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover hidden Zen gardens and peaceful corners of Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. Join us for a serene journey beginning at Nanzen-ji, followed by tucked-away Zen gardens that reveal a quieter side of the city. We’ll finish at Heian Jingu Shrine, combining Kyoto’s cultural heritage with moments of calm along the way.

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

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Price range
    $59 to $9,000
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Japanify Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.8 and 2 in the 90+ Club.

    See everything Japanify Tours runs

    Why this scores 57

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)89
    Review evidence (18% weight)0
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)65
    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 $59 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 57 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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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    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 : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour (Private Option Available), Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture Tour. 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.

    What is included in Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets?

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    Included: Temple Entry Fees. Not included: Lunch; and Tips (accepted). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets?

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    Meet at EXIT 1 top of the stairs of Keage station Please install Whatsapp for smooth communications Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    What happens to Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kyoto. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Kyoto Must Do: Eikando, Nanzenji, Zen Temples & Secrets.

    Pick your date