(History of the temple)
According to what has been told by temple priests, the Reverend Kobo-daishi established a temple in this area and buried the remains of the deceased scattered around some 1,200 years ago. Afterwards, the temple was made the training hall for the Reverend Honen and now it belongs to the Jodo (Pure Land) - Shinsyu sect of Buddhism. In the middle of the Meiji period (1868 to 1911), the monuments of the dead, which had remained unattended for many hundred years, were collected and re-arranged by local volunteers in accordance with the Buddhist doctrine.
(Highlights)
Located in the edge of a local community and at the foot of a hill, this temple consisting of six structures and a large graveyard, looks like a mountain retreat. Serene, quiet atmosphere prevails and visitors voluntarily bow to the stone monuments to pay respect to the souls of those who passed away a long time ago. There are more than 8,000 stone monuments in the precincts which are the gravestones of those who were deserted in this area in olden times and there is the wooden statue of Amida-Nyorai Buddha sitting in silence in the "Hondo" main hall.
At the time of "Sento-kuyo" Buddhist ritual on August 23rd and 24th each year, the entite temple compound is literally lit by a thousand candles and the scene created by the light, darkness and stone structures makes us feel as if the Pure Land had suddenly appeared before us. In the meantime, variou kinds of colorful lanterns are displayed in the nearby streets and vacant lots and a concert is held by a band of a local high school. The palce attracts a huge crowd of people both from around Kyoto and from abroard on these days.
(How to enyoy)
Just walk around the temple precincts and feel the solemn atmosphere. The place is especially recommendable on the days of "Sento-kuyo" ritual, when you can have a good time being in the "blazing sea" of candlelights and also seeing the variou shapes of lanterns. You can get in touch with the long-lived local tradition which has a different taste from the conventionalized summer pleasures represented by fireworks shows and noisy festivals.
(Others)
The entrance fee is 500 yen (but 1,000 yen on the days of "Sento-kuyo" ritual). The bus fare is 230 yen. (If you take a JR train, the fare is 240 yen.)
At Kyoto station
At Kyoto station
guide fee, hotel pick-up in Kyoto area
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee, hotel pick up in areas beyond the Kyoto area
I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.
“Two cities in one day ”
Huri-sun was nice and friendly.We covered Nara and Arashimaya in one day.
Tatsuhiro N.
(46 reviews)Hi Alev-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am glad you people enjoyed the tour today under the fine spring weather. Your story as the World Bank official was interesting. I hope you will enjoy your life to the maximum extent after you reach the retirement age. And thank you very much for treating me to the coffee and lunch. Regards, Hiro
“Sakura Sakura sakura”
Tatsuhiro was a lovely senior guide trotting along tog with us showing us the beauty of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera temple - where he prepared a highlight for my grandson, Inari, and Arashiyama bamboo forest in the evening - where there was hardly anyone at the peak of Sakura. Thank you for extending our tour till 7 pm. We had a great time.
Tatsuhiro N.
(46 reviews)Hi Shereen-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I really enjoyed walking with you around some of the popular sights of Kyoto and your smiling faces were my greatest reward. And how cute your grandson was! He definitely is the star in the future. Your daughter`s talk about studying in Australia and in the UK was interesting. I wish you all a good health and a good luck. Regards, Hiro
Melanie S.
Enjoy the full-blown cherry blossoms in Kyoto
Customized
“Excellent day in Kyoto”
We enjoyed our full day tour with Hiro in the beautiful city Kyoto. He was very patient with our large group and excellent at getting us where we wanted to go. He provided great information and was very thoughtful. He speaks good English. Thank you Hiro!
Tatsuhiro N.
(46 reviews)Hi Melanie-san, Thank you very much for the favorable comment. I am glad you and your company enjoyed the tour under the balmy spring weather. I am proud of myself for being a bit of help in showing you around the city. I wish you the best of luck. I am fine. Regards, Hiro