/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22675/8ae8d55e-c8dc-4556-ab38-a1d81f288b37.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22675/1390c779-394e-466e-8ea8-32e85cd04bdb.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22675/3c390786-a48d-4929-99b6-4326135ba829.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22675/300b2527-623d-4632-9bbf-db6dfb5709e6.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22675/1ae0956d-614d-409e-9ce4-910c615c23c7.jpeg)
A Zen Immersion at Daitoku-ji Temple: Gardens and Tea
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/5232/39784.jpg)
Joined 2017
Daitoku-ji is a renowned Zen temple founded in 1315. During this visit, we will explore three to four of its 24 sub-temples that are open to the public. You will gain insight into Zen philosophy while enjoying serene gardens and traditional ink paintings, as well as an introduction to the tea ceremony rooted in Zen practice. Optional add-ons include a zazen meditation experience (subject to availability) and a Zen vegetarian lunch. Refresh yourself in the tranquil grounds.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Daitoku-ji Temple
- Let's meet up at the Main Gate of Daitoku-ji Temple.
Strolling Through Daitoku-ji Temple
A guide will introduce the history and features of Daitoku-ji, a vast Zen temple with 24 sub temples, while strolling through its grounds.
Learn Basics of Zen garden at Daisen-in
Visit Daisen-in Temple (a sub temple of Daitoku-ji) to learn the fundamentals of zen gardens (dry landscape garden) and the connection between Zen Buddhism and the tea ceremony. The guide will also provide a brief lecture on the basic etiquette for enjoying matcha tea.
Visit Bonsai garden at Hoshun-in Temple
Bonsai, where Japan's aesthetic sensibility is condensed to express the grandeur of nature within a small pot. Hoshuin-in Temple (a sub temple of Daitoku-ji) features a garden displaying these bonsai, so let's visit here to learn how to appreciate them.
Visiting another Zen garden at Zuiho-in Temple
This temple was founded in 1535 by a Christian samurai. Their zen garden was restored in the 1960s by the renowned landscape architect Mirei Shigemori and features a modern design. Enveloped in tranquility, it's also recommended for a moment of meditation. Zen meditation techniques are also taught here.
Wrap up at Obai-in Temple
While gazing at the garden of Obai-in, surrounded by lush greenery, your guide will conclude the day with a summary and answer any remaining questions. You will also have the opportunity to view historic ink paintings deeply connected to Zen.
Guests may choose to skip the temple visit and instead enjoy tea shopping at a nearby Japanese tea shop.
For an additional fee, a Zen vegetarian lunch can be arranged at Daitoku-ji. Please let me know at the time of booking if you would like to add this option. Another optional experience is a zazen meditation session guided by a monk at Daisen-in.
Ending Point
South gate at Daitoku-ji Temple
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
・Temple entrance fees (approx. 3,500 yen total per person)
The guide will cover the expenses during the tour. Please reimburse the total amount in cash at the end of the tour.
For groups of 3 or more participants, tour fees are free for children 12 years old and under. Only temple admission fees are required.
Tour Important Information
* For groups of 3 or more participants, tour fees are free for children 12 years old and under. Only temple admission fees are required.
* Optional services include a Zen vegetarian lunch and a zazen meditation session guided by a Zen monk. Additional fees apply; please inquire for details. (Lunch: from ¥3,000; Zazen session: ¥3,000–¥8,000 depending on the program.)
Important message from the supplier
For customized tours, mostly my guide fee is from 40,000 yen to 55,000 yen per day for two persons. It doesn't include the traffic expense and the entrance fee of temples/shrines. These expenses takes from 5,000 yen to 10,000 yen per person for one day, depending on your visiting spots. So I would appreciate it if I could bring some cash.
For a half day tour, please ask.
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 2017
About Tour Guide Noriko Y.
National licensed English tour guide (born in 1977). Main job is freelance book editor and writer based on Kyoto. Utilizing various past works and articles from historic spots, off the beaten track, traditional crafts, contemporary arts to hip restaurants, I offer unique and interesting tour. Since I have the qualification of “International SAKE (rice wine) tasting master”, I can guide to the SAKE brewery and nice SAKE bars. Also I am interested in Ethnology, I will guide you to once a year festivals or rare religious rituals.
Reviews
Alev O.
“Wonderful day with Noriko ”
We had a lovely day with Noriko. She took us the places we requested and added another wonderful stop as well. She has been helpful to find my sunglasses I dropped at one of the temples. She also brought them to our hotel. We really appreciated her kindness.
Charlie K.
“Amazing shrine and temple tour of Kyoto ”
Our Kyoto tour experience was fantastic! Noriko took us to two temples and a shrine, with the highlight being the breathtaking thousand statues in Sanjusangendo. A mesmerizing journey through Kyoto's cultural treasures.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/45970/ee7c251d-c45b-4265-91c0-fa9ebcd547b8.png)
Megan S.
“Wonderful evening in Kurama with Noriko”
Noriko was an excellent guide for our trip to the Kurama Fire Festival. She was expertly prepared with history, photos, and stories of the area not to mention a secret stool to sit down, treats and extra warm clothes for the evening. Her English is excellent, she navigated the crowds well for my elderly parents and was so personable. We would highly recommend Noriko as a guide an invite her to come visit us in Canada!
$94/ per group
More tours by Noriko Y.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22673/c6905deb-4e72-4682-b438-9b120522b7ce.jpeg)
Sacred & Imperial Kyoto: A One-Day Tour of Iconic Shrines, Temples and Castle
A Kyoto-based writer and tour guide invites you on a special one-day tour covering Kyoto's most popular shrines, temples, Buddhist statues, castles, and imperial palaces. Enjoy in-depth commentary on Kyoto's history and traditional culture.
Sacred & Imperial Kyoto: A One-Day Tour of Iconic Shrines, Temples and Castle
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22423/bf42185b-ef72-4f94-a476-7aa8f53669b3.jpeg)
A Bespoke Kyoto Experience: Sacred Shrines, a Historic Castle & Artisan Boutiques
An experienced writer/editor and tour guide based in Kyoto (with a passion for history, traditional culture, crafts, and Japanese sake) will arrange custom one-day tours tailored to your preferences. Sample itineraries are provided here, and you can enjoy them as is, or customize them to your preferences. Feel free to share your wishes—whether it's visiting World Heritages, exploring off the beaten path, meeting traditional craftsmen, hunting antiques or see the traditional festivals!
A Bespoke Kyoto Experience: Sacred Shrines, a Historic Castle & Artisan Boutiques
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/18650/1d8babde-bdf3-4148-b796-8e922ef39f10.jpg)
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/69610/c49801c3-752f-4733-905c-f0c443200719.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/21290/b3a280d3-b5d5-4de8-8c25-beadaa72194a.jpg)
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/80466/d66e7dc5-1de8-450c-af34-0b31639b7a1e.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12587/a41a2c58-deb8-485a-8d44-7972c48293b3.jpg)
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/47276/806519d4-d314-43ca-93bc-a4fef8e6ce4e.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22269/31ed13fd-5ebe-4fdd-bdc8-064190c1f3de.jpg)
All inclusive - Cultural sites with Kyoto-born Art & Architecture oriented guide
For those who like to explore the deeper insight of the cultural city and value the quality of tour then visiting the listed sites. 100% tailor-made. We use taxies between sites when necessary. This tour is especially for the advaced travellers who like to feel the' true experience' and see the local beauty.
All inclusive - Cultural sites with Kyoto-born Art & Architecture oriented guide
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/92024/9b08b8ce-90d0-43b2-8172-589aece9a1bb.png)