Kyoto: Higashi Honganji Temple & Garden Walk from Kyoto Station

Duration1h - 2h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesJapanese, English

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

This tour offers a rare chance to explore Higashi Honganji—an immense temple complex just a short walk from Kyoto Station. Discover its vast halls and corridors while learning the essentials of Jodo Shinshu and the craftsmanship behind one of Kyoto’s largest wooden buildings.

Choose to add Shosei-en Garden, a peaceful strolling garden with ponds and teahouses, or Kyoto Tower’s observation deck for panoramic city views and a new perspective on the temple area.

It’s an easy, culture-rich walk that fits perfectly before or after travel connections.

Options

Temple, Garden & Tower

Temple, Garden & Tower: Visit Higashi Honganji Temple, walk through Shosei-en Garden, and enjoy views from Kyoto Tower.

Temple & Shosei-en Garden

Temple & Shosei-en Garden: Visit Higashi Honganji Temple and continue to the nearby Shosei-en Garden.

Higashi Honganji Tour

Higashi Honganji Tour: Visit Higashi Honganji Temple and explore its vast halls and corridors with a guide.

What's included

Shosei-en option: Shosei-en Garden admission
Kyoto Tower option: Kyoto Tower observation deck admission
Guided walking tour
Higashi Honganji temple areas visited on the tour

Meals
Personal expenses
Transportation to the meeting point

What to expect

Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
40m

Higashi Honganji is one of the most important temples of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and serves as the head temple of the Otani branch. Founded in the early 17th century by the Tokugawa shogunate, the temple complex stands just a short walk from Kyoto Station and is known for its enormous wooden structures. The Goeido Hall, dedicated to the founder Shinran, is among the largest wooden buildings in the world and reflects the architectural scale and spiritual importance of the temple. Visitors can walk through its vast halls, observe traditional Buddhist spaces, and experience the quiet atmosphere of one of Kyoto’s major religious centers.
Shosei-en Garden
40m · Admission ticket included

Shosei-en Garden is a historic strolling garden located east of Higashi Honganji Temple. Originally created in the 17th century as a retreat garden for the temple, it features a large central pond, winding paths, and traditional tea pavilions. The garden’s design follows the style of a kaiyu-shiki strolling garden, allowing visitors to enjoy changing perspectives as they walk along the paths. Seasonal scenery—such as cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and autumn foliage—adds to the garden’s charm, making it a peaceful escape from the busy streets around Kyoto Station.
40m · Admission ticket included

Kyoto Tower is a modern landmark located directly across from Kyoto Station. Standing about 131 meters above ground, the tower’s observation deck offers wide views over the city of Kyoto. From the top, visitors can see the grid-like streets of the historic capital and identify nearby landmarks such as Higashi Honganji Temple. The view also highlights the contrast between Kyoto’s historic temples and its contemporary urban landscape, providing a unique perspective on how the city has developed while preserving its cultural heritage.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The meeting point is in front of the Seven-Eleven Heart-In located at the JR Kyoto Station Central Gate. Your guide will be waiting for you holding a yellow panel with the words “DeepExperience.” Please refer to the map for detailed directions.

End point

If you select the option that includes access to Kyoto Tower, the tour will end at Kyoto Tower. This location is just a short walk from Kyoto Station and offers convenient access to trains, shopping, and restaurants after the tour.

End point

If you select the option that includes Shosei-en Garden, the tour will end at the entrance of Shosei-en. The garden is located close to Kyoto Station, making it easy to continue exploring Kyoto or access public transportation.

End point

If you select the option that ends at Higashi Honganji Temple, the tour will conclude at the temple’s Goeido Gate. The area is within walking distance of Kyoto Station and provides easy access to nearby sightseeing spots and transportation.

Additional information

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

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (2)

From

7,500.00 JPY per person

Check availability & book

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
Instant confirmation
You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.

Operated by DeepExperience · Booked through Viator

More activities in Kyoto