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Kobe, How can Buddhist Architecture become a Work of Art
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Joined 2024
Kyoto and Nara still have ancient temples that showcase their beautiful forms. In the Carpentry Tools Museum in Kobe, we see how to produce lumber, assemble components, and joinery techniques of the master carpenters who built Horyu-ji Temple in the 7th century, as well as carpentry tools and the evolution of construction methods. Then we visit Toji Temple in Kyoto and see the meticulous techniques used in the five-story pagoda, which is the tallest in Japan.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Kobe City center.
Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
#The museum was opened in 1984 in Kobe, as the only museum of carpentry tools in Japan. We can see the beauty of the tools and the process by which buildings are created using carpentry tools. The museum building itself features traditional skills of carpenters, plasterers, and tilers.
*Closed/Monday, Open/9:30-16:30, Admissions/Adults 1000JPY
Toji Temple
#The original buildings were constructed in the 8th century to coincide with the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo; those were destroyed by fire, and the current buildings were rebuilt in the 14th-17th centuries.
#The large temple grounds (30 acres) are dotted with the South Gate, the Five-Storied Pagoda (the tallest in Japan at 55m), and the Main Hall, among other features. Some of the buildings and the 16 Buddhist statues enshrined there are designated as National Treasures.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kobe City center
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
>guide fee, hotel pick up in Kobe City center
>transportation fee (you and guide/per adult)/some1500JPY(Conventional Line)
>admission fee (you /per adult)/ 1000JPY (Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum) +1000JPY (Toji Temple)
*please bring some Japanese yen(JPY)
Tour Important Information
>There are two ways to travel from Kobe to Kyoto by train: the Shinkansen(bullet train) and local trains. If you take the
Shinkansen, you can reach the station within a 10-minute walk from the museum.
>Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
>The tour does not include insurance. I hope you purchase your own travel insurance.
Important message from the supplier
>If you would like to take a listed or customized tour, please send me a message in advance. I will check the availability of the spots listed on the itinerary (opening days, hours, reservation status, etc.).
>The tour uses trains, subways, trams, buses, walking, and taxis (for small groups) for easy access. Please wear comfortable walking shoes for transfers.
>Please note that we may change or add spots depending on the availability of public transportation and tourist attractions.
>The tour does not include insurance. I hope you purchase your own travel insurance.
>It is possible to pick you up at your hotel (Osaka, Nara, or Kyoto) and take you to the spots in the other city with no additional guide fee.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Yosshi S.
Thank you for visiting my page.
I will guide you to the 3 ancient capitals of Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto, which housed the Imperial Palace for 1200 years, starting in the 7th century.
I grew up in Osaka, studied urban and transportation planning in Kyoto, and worked for national and local governments as an urban planning expert for 20 years. My goal was to create cities where citizens can live safely and comfortably, and which captivate tourists to stimulate the local economy. I developed urban policies and construction projects. During this time, I visited and researched unique cities in Japan and abroad (90 cities in 30 countries), exchanging ideas with local experts on preserving historic assets.
I use my extensive urban development experience and knowledge of cities in Japan and abroad to uncover the hidden charms of the 3 ancient capitals and share them with international tourists, working as a guide.
In the 3 ancient capitals, the Imperial Palace was relocated 15 times, and each time a new capital was built, with court nobles and monks accompanying His Majesty the Emperor. Knowing the history of these cities' development, we will come to appreciate that the townscape before us is the result of the strong will of many people.
The 3 cities are within an hour's train ride of each other, and the transportation network is well-developed. I will create a Customized Tour that will remain in your photos and memories forever, within the limits of your time and energy. I look forward to hearing from you.
Reviews
James S.
“Great Guide!”
Yosshi was a great guide. He had vast knowledge of the sights we visited. Very friendly and payed attention to our needs as we explored. I would book with him again. Thank you Yosshi.
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Yosshi S.
Dear James San. Thank you for your review. I was happy to share my experience with you as you have an interest in Osaka's history. Hearing about your hometown has added to my bucket list. The day was sunny, the autumn leaves were beautiful, and there weren't many tourists, so I was able to show you ancient, medieval, and early modern sites. We were also able to go up the Osaka Castle Tower and the Tsutenkaku Tower for a bird's-eye view of Osaka's topography. Osaka's long history has been supported by its citizens. Next time, I'd like to guide you to markets and theaters where we can experience the vitality of its citizens. Thank you for yesterday. Yosshi
Drew B.
“Cultural tour of Kawachi/Osaka ”
Yosshi san created a unique tour to introduce us to the history of Kofun burial mounds and Haniwa clay pottery. We had an amazing day despite the weather visiting Shin-ike Haniwa Factory Park and the Imashirozuka Museum. Yosshi san has amazing knowledge & excellent English and was a pleasure to spend the day with. Also Yosshi san is a master of navigating Osaka transport, very impressed!! Thank you again Yosshi san for looking after us so well, Drew & Annie.
Yosshi S.
Dear Drew & Annie san Thank you so much for sending me your generous review. You read the explanations, took photos, and asked questions to the museum guide during the tour. I was impressed by your deep interest and knowledge, and it was a great honor to guide you. However, it's unfortunate that today's tour didn't go as planned due to the heavy rain all day. Here is the only imperial mausoleum in Japan that we can enter, so if we have another opportunity, I'd like to stroll around the 350-meter burial mound on a sunny day and discuss the Kofun age with you. Thank you so much for today. Regard Yosshi
James K.
“Nara park and Todai-Temple Tour”
Wonderful tour with Yosshi. Really enjoyed both Nara Park and the Todai-ji Temple. Yosshi customized the tour for our needs, and made the travel to and from Kyoto seamless.
Yosshi S.
Hello James san Thank you for your heartwarming review. I was so happy to see you and your mother enjoying the deer in Nara Park. I was also touched by how much you always cherish your mother, and I learned a lot from you. I'm glad I was able to show you around Nara Park and the Great Buddha Hall. On the train ride there and back, you and your mother told me stories about your town and asked me many questions, which broadened my horizons. I hope you and your mother are in good health. I look forward to seeing you again. Thank you. Yosshi
$149/ per group
More tours by Yosshi S.
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Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hill
Osaka dates back to the 6th century, when a national temple was constructed on a hill jutting out into the sea. In the Middle Ages, court nobles believed the “Pure Land of Buddha” was beyond the setting sun. They would watch the sunset from temples with great views while on pilgrimage from Kyoto to Kumano. In the early 20th century, locals constructed a so-called “Paradise on Earth” beneath the hill, which was called “New World” centered on the symbol tower, “Lead to Heaven Tower”
Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hill
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Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer
In the 8th century, Nara became the nation's capital with grid-like streets and a new Imperial Palace. The emperor erected the Great Buddha to pray for peace and stability in the country. Powerful aristocrats invited deities from afar to enshrine them at newly built shrines and pray for prosperity. In the 19th century, this area was opened to the public as Nara(Deer) Park, a unique place where residents and tourists could engage in ritual ceremonies and interact with deer on the grassy plazas.
Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer
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Nara, Original Landscape of Old Town with Temples and Mountains
An 8th-century waka poem states, "Nara is a land of supreme beauty, surrounded by mountains." Ikaruga town began as a temple town for Horyuji, the world's oldest temple, and its pagoda towers amid a rural landscape surrounded by mountains. Naramachi town, a post town established within the grounds of Gangoji Temple in the 18th century, still retains its retro-flavored streetscape. This tour explores these areas and appreciates the tranquil, beautiful, and pristine landscape in the old town.
Nara, Original Landscape of Old Town with Temples and Mountains
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Millennial City Kyoto, Power & Charm Transition
In the 8th century, Kyoto became the capital of a nation centered on the Emperor. The Emperor ruled from Kyoto for over 1,000 years, maintaining a delicate balance between the religious power of monks and the military might of Samurai. In the 19th century, the Emperor relocated the capital to Tokyo, and Kyoto transformed into a modern city. However, the Imperial Palace remains in Kyoto to this day. This tour visits fascinating historical spots built by the rulers and visionary citizens.
Millennial City Kyoto, Power & Charm Transition
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kobe
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Kobe Experience Tour: Sake Brewery, Onsen, Dining & Night Sakura
Experience the best of Kobe in one day. This tour starts with a visit to Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum, where you can learn about traditional sake culture and history. Next, relax at a Onsen and refresh your body in a peaceful atmosphere. After that, enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant. Finally, we will walk through Meriken Park and enjoy beautiful night cherry blossoms by the sea. This tour is perfect for experiencing Japanese culture, food, and seasonal beauty in a relaxing way.
Kobe Experience Tour: Sake Brewery, Onsen, Dining & Night Sakura
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Explore Himeji: Japan’s White Heron Castle and Old Town
Step into Japan’s samurai past with a guided tour of Himeji, home to the country’s most spectacular original castle. Explore the breathtaking Himeji Castle, known as the “White Heron,” with expert commentary on its history, design, and legends. Then stroll through charming local streets, visit traditional gardens, and discover the culture and daily life of this historic city. A perfect half-day journey for lovers of history, architecture, and authentic Japan.
Explore Himeji: Japan’s White Heron Castle and Old Town
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