Top Experiences in Nanzen-ji Temple

We are Kyoto ECO Trip, a rental bicycle company based in the heart of Kyoto and our aim is to raise awareness of the brilliance of riding a bicycle in the beautiful Kyoto. Bicycle rides help us find the hidden beauty of Kyoto that most tourists are likely to overlook and we hope this tour helps you see things you are not able to see when you take public transport like subways, buses, and taxis.

The type of bicycle we use on this tour is a 3-speed city cruiser with a basket in front. First, you get to exlpore the famous thousands of the torii gates in Fushimi Inari Shrine. Next, the beautiful Nanzen-ji Temple and the popular Heian Jungu Shrine is also our stop. There are a few of the popular spots you make a quick stop during our stop such as the Gion District and Sanjusangendo Temple.

On this Sakura tour, we have highlighted some of the very best Sakura spots in Kyoto we can visit in 1 day. Visit Nishiki Market and taste the local flavors that Kyoto has to offer. Walk around the historic Gion area surrounded by historic buildings of the old Kyoto. Visit Nanzenji temple with its large gates surrounded by Sakura. Join us on this amazing tour, and be transported to the old Japan with cherry blossoms that bloom once a year.

Please note, we do not have the exact timeline when the blossoms will be available. Please check the weather in Kyoto and cherry blossom information before making a reservation.

We at Explorer Tours provide luxury and comfortable small group tours with a max capacity of 12 passengers per vehicle. Our tour conductors take our passengers to each destination and attend to every passenger on board our tour. All entry tickets are included in our price. Unlike big bus tours, we offer a more personal touch with every tours we operate.

Step into an authentic Japanese rickshaw for the ride of a lifetime, through some of the most scenic and historic districts in Kyoto, Japan. You have the option of exploring the verdant Bamboo Grove and impressive shrines of west Kyoto’s Arashiyama district or the intriguing wooden buildings and stone alleys (maybe even spotting a geisha or two) in Kyoto’s famed Higashiyama area, all with a knowledgeable local guide and rickshaw driver. This authentic, customizable Kyoto adventure is a fun introduction to this beautiful city.

There are couple of must-checkout spots in Kyoto that we think to feel the vibe of the city.
①Fushimi Inari ②Nijo castle ③Ginkaku-ji ④Nanzen-ji
This tour ensures you to visit these above and stroll through nice traditional areas and some nice food stands, while we customizing your tour based on your preference.

【We are startup!!】
Here's the biggest things to set this tour apart.
All our tours are deliverd by local JAPANESE guide with English.
Regrettably, I've heard many travelers joined tours with the help of foreigners who speak good English. And it is right considring the fact that most of Japanese people have poor sense of English ability. However, we love that you would discover uniqueness of Japan powered by local team. Well-trained guide with excellent English background will be assigned to your tour!! We all are excited to entertain you the most.
In addition, this is an exclusive private tour. Talk to us and share ideas on what we will see together on the tour!

The Japanese garden defies quick and easy understanding. As we move in awe through one of these masterpieces we can feel that there is something deeper than just the physical beauty that surrounds us. This experience is designed to go to the heart of that "something deeper".

While occupying 3 temples of the Nanzen-ji Monastery, you will hear in-depth explanations and insights into the world of Japanese gardens that you would never learn about otherwise. The Japanese garden will be revealed to you as an expression of profound art.

As you will undoubtly visit at least several temples and gardens while you are here, this experience will equip you with all the tools you need to help make your experience in Kyoto one that will form a lasting impression on your heart.

Jump on a bike from our all new e-bike fleet for an early-bird tour of the highlights of south and east Kyoto.
We meet bright and early for a short orientation before heading straight south to enjoy the majestic Fushimi Inari Shrine before the crowds arrive. From here we will catch the splendour of Tofukuji Temple before stopping for a morning coffee at one of our favourite haunts. The next part of our journey takes us up the Kamo river and over to the UNESCO listed Ginkakuji Temple. After Ginkakuji, we will roll slowly south down the iconic Path of Philosophy and into the grounds of Nanzenji Temple (complete with traditional gardens, ornate religious buildings and even a red brick aquaduct). After a sit down lunch (provided), the last leg of our journey takes us south along the Shirakawa Canal and through the streets of Gion before arriving at the gates of Higashi Honganji Temple and finally home to base.

You can explore hidden parts of Kyoto and you can customize your joinery as your wish. specially we focus to cover following places. You can select 4 places below 6.
(This is tour has not include detailed historical information about sights but we will help you and assist throughout your journey )
Nanzenji
Fushimi Inari
Arashiyama bamboo forest
kinkakuji Temple
Ryon ji Temple

Kimono is the beautiful traditional dress of Japan. This 6 hour Kyoto walking tour includes wearing a Kimono experience! You will be dressed by a professional and have your hair done in a simple hairstyle.

It will take about one hour to change for one group (including a simple hair set for women). Afterward, you can walk around the old capitol, Kyoto.

The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city waring a Kimono can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries.

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 2 to 3 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests.

This tour will focus on the northern part of the prefecture. The Kitayama district, nestled in the northern part of Kyoto, is renowned for its rich heritage and distinct Kitayama culture. This traditional atmosphere is palpable in the serene temples, timeless tea houses, and meticulously maintained gardens that dot the landscape. One remarkable aspect of Kyoto’s cultural tapestry is the enduring bamboo tradition. Bamboo, a symbol of strength and flexibility, is intricately woven into Kyoto’s history. From tea utensils to craftwork and architecture, the city embraces bamboo in various forms, showcasing its versatility and aesthetic appeal.

Private photo shoot. Choose your favorite location and leave the photos to me, memories for life! Professional photos by a photographer with over 8 years of living in Kyoto, who knows all the secret spots, hidden streets and with techniques to avoid crowds.

Only photo shoot in Kyoto that includes:
All photo data!
All photo data edited!
3 professional retouched photos of choice!
Digitally sent by Google Drive.

1. Bicycle is by far the best way to get around Kyoto’s crowded streets.

Kyoto has a great geography for two wheels. Why wait for crowded buses or be stuck in traffic with an expensive taxi when you have the freedom to move around at will like the locals do.

2. We take you on scenic routes which are chosen with your safety in mind.

Riding a bike alone you might get lost or end up on very narrow streets. We know the best way to get around and give you tips on staying safe. We also know quiet side streets with lots of character and charm.

3.We tell you stories of the city’s past and give you background knowledge along the way.

​Learn about the world of the shogun and samurai, the geisha house and even get a background on the shinto and buddhist beliefs. Learning about the cultural legacy of old Kyoto is a great insight to Japanese customs and culture.

Discover Kyoto’s iconic landmarks as you see must-visit attractions including the Heian Jingu Shrine, Nanzenji Zen Temple, Philosopher’s Path, Kamogawa River, Biwako Canal, Kyoto University, and more!

Kyoto is renowned for its bicycle-friendly streets, and cycling is a quintessential part of everyday life for locals. Join the ranks of Kyoto’s cyclists as you navigate mostly flat paths with a few gentle slopes as you discover the city’s iconic landmarks and must-visit sights on a “Mama-chari” bike tour!

- Start this historical sights tour by learning about Gion & Geisha and Zen culture in Japan in UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple, Kennin-ji in Gion district. Get ready to feel the world of Zen in traditional Zen temple with Japanese Rock garden called Karesansui.
After seeing the Kennin-ji temple, get ready to cycle again for a nice ride to the Nanzen-ji temple where your guide will give you some insights about Zen and the old days of Kyoto!

- Breeze through beautiful local streets in historical city and enjoy a delicious lunch at a Japanese tea house!

- Enjoy the local Kyoto oasis that is Kamogawa river with a relaxing cycle along it’s riverbanks to finish the tour off!

Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

Learn more about the top 23 tourist attractions in Kyoto. Its history, culture, myths, architecture, and other important facts are in this audio commentary.

The top 10 advantages for those who prefer flexibility on their tour.
1. Safe - Not required to download, with just a click of secure access links it can be listened to online on any device.
2. Save - The lowest price in the city.
3. Stories - No imagination stories, only verified information.
4. Schedule - Listen at your own convenience of time, pace, and location,
5. Select - Preferred languages and attractions.
6. Self-control: No need to be behind someone's instructions in always.
7. Share - with co-travelers in just a click.
8. Soft - Selective crafted words that make you listen again.
9. Simple - Use our personally created itinerary which starts from the city's central station and then gradually moves one by one.
10. Smart - in all aspects

Visit Japanese gardens and make your own mini Japanese garden, together with Ayumi Ikushima, the guide and garden designer (and author of "Important People and Japanese Gardens”). Explore temple gardens created in the Muromachi and Edo periods. Learn about Japanese gardens philosophy, understand the art of garden designs and what they represent. Before joining the mini garden making experience, explore the Nanzen-ji Temple Gate and find out how Buddhism developed and influenced Japanese culture. After learning about Japanese gardens, create your own miniature garden decoration. Draw sand patterns and think about stone placement. Put your new knowledge of Japanese gardens to use by creating your own!