Kyoto Philosopher's Path Self-Guided Audio Walk: Ginkaku-ji, Honen-in, Eikan-do and Nanzen-ji

What to bring

• Phone and earphones: Bring a fully charged phone and your own earphones for the audio tour.
• Mobile data or Wi-Fi prep: Use mobile data, or load the tour on Wi-Fi before you start if you will be offline.

What's not allowed

• Nanzen-ji and Eikan-do rules: Do not eat, drink, smoke, or bring pets, tripods, monopods, or bicycles into Nanzen-ji or Eikan-do.
• Aqueduct access: Do not climb onto the top of the Suirokaku aqueduct; stay on the paths beneath it.

Accessibility

• Ginkaku-ji access: Ginkaku-ji's upper garden has steps; wheelchair users can detour before the Sengetsusen bridge.

Additional information

• Best start time: Start in the morning since temple and shrine gates close by late afternoon.
• Temple closing times: Honen-in and Eikan-do close around 16:00, Ginkaku-ji by 17:00 or 16:30 in winter.
• Sanmon hours: The Sanmon's upper floor reception closes at about 16:40.
• Ginkaku-ji opening time: Ginkaku-ji opens at 8:30, or 9:00 from December to February.
• Canal path hours: The Philosopher's Path canal walk is open at all hours.
• Public transport: You can reach the area by City Bus to Ginkakuji-michi or Ginkakuji-mae stops.
• Walking etiquette: Keep to the edge and walk in single file on narrow lanes along the route.
• Sacred sites etiquette: Treat temples and shrines as places of worship, keep your voice low, and follow photography signs.
• Route note: The audio route passes Ginkaku-ji, Honen-in, Eikan-do, Nanzen-ji, and the Suirokaku aqueduct.
• Tour flexibility: You have lifetime access to the tour, so you can start any day, at any hour, and replay it as you like.

• Please check your final voucher for the redemption details and specific instructions.
• Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.