Kyoto: Nishi Honganji, Higashi Honganji, and Ginkakuji Tour

Begin your tour at Nishi Honganji, the head temple of the Honganji faction of the Jodo-Shin sect. Marvel at the Goeido Hall, dedicated to Shinran, the sect's founder, and the Amidado Hall, dedicated to the Amida Buddha. Admire the surviving masterpieces of architecture from the Azuchi-Momoyama Period and early Edo Period, including the celebrated Hiunkaku Pavilion.

Next, head to Higashi Honganji, built only eleven years after and a few street blocks east of Nishi Honganji. Visit the main hall, the Goeido, Kyoto's largest wooden structure, and the Amidado Hall, dedicated to the Amida Buddha.

Continue to Shoseien, a small Japanese garden located a few street blocks east of Higashi Honganji. Enjoy the garden with its pond and beautiful autumn colors.

Finally, visit Ginkakuji, a Zen temple along Kyoto's eastern mountains. Walk along a circular route around its grounds, from which the gardens and buildings can be viewed. Admire the Silver Pavilion, half a dozen other temple buildings, a beautiful moss garden, and a unique dry sand garden.