Highlights in Kitayama area and Tea Ceremony Experience
Kyoto has many temples, shrines, artefacts, unique cultures, traditional architecture and beautiful gardens because it was the ancient capital of Japan. Kyoto city has two different areas called Kitayama area and Higashiyama area which were divided according to its period and culture. Today we will visit Kitayama area, which flourished in the 14th century. This tour will show you three temples which are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a tea ceremony experience.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or Kyoto station
- Hotel or other places
Your hotel
You can choose the meeting place. (EX a station or a building)
Ninnaji Temple
Ninnaji Temple was built by an emperor called Uda in 888. This temple is famous because the chief monk was also emperor. Although it was a high-ranking temple, it experienced a lot of fires because of battles in Kyoto. We can see the five-storey pagoda and the main gate which were built 400 years ago. The beautiful cherry trees in the temple are famous for their late blooming. They attract many visitors in the middle of April every year.
We can enjoy old architecture, Imperial structures and beautiful gardens that emperors in ancient times lived in or used, and the magnificent scenery behind.
Ryoanji Temple
Ryoannji Temple is famous for its beautiful rock garden, which is a Zen-style garden.
Originally, one of the top-ranking warlords under the Ashikaga Shogunate built this temple and invited a monk for Zen training. The simple and remarkable rock garden is completely different from the gorgeous gardens that court nobles constructed.
This simple garden gives us unlimited advice based on Zen teachings. We can also find the old stone wash basin. The four characters on it also gives us advice for our lives.
The temple also features a beautiful landscape garden.
We will enjoy sitting on the veranda quietly and then strolling around the beautiful garden.
Lunch in the Ryoanji Temple Ground or on the way to Kinkakuji Temple
A traditional Japanese restaurant is in the Ryoanji Temple Ground.
There are some local restaurants on the way to Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkakuji Temple
Kinkakuji Temple, or an official name Rokuonji Temple is located in the west part of Kyoto city. The temple is so famous for a golden colored pagoda that it is called ‘The Golden Pavilion.’ Originally, one of the powerful Shoguns called Yoshimitsu Ashikaga built this temple in 1397, when his Shogunate flourished. The most remarkable structure is a beautiful golden pavilion because of its gorgeous gilding. The reflection of the pagoda on the pond called ‘Mirror Pond’ enhances its attraction.
The temple also features a beautiful landscape garden which has a unique pine tree shaped into a sailing boat which faces the paradise in the west (according to Buddhist teachings), the magnificent view of the mountain behind, the spring water from the mountain, a traditional tea house, and other attractions.
We will enjoy seeing the gorgeous pagoda and strolling around the beautiful garden in the temple ground
Tea Ceremony Kyoto
The tea room is located near Kinkakuji Temple.
Tea ceremony is one of traditional Japanese culture. It is not only about serving and drinking tea but also about learning good manners. It is regarded as an elegant art and practiced in order to develop refined manners and mental composure.
Today we can enjoy this special Japanese culture as well as drinking 'Maccha', which is green tea.
According to this tour schedule, I will make a reservation for the tea ceremony from 3:30 to 4:15.
You will be able to experience a tea ceremony and learn how to make your own green tea.
At your hotel `or Kyoto station
Ending Point
At your hotel `or Kyoto station
Want to personalize this tour?
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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
transportation fee for you and your guide
Admission fee for you and your guide (Guides don't need admission fees for some temples.)
Lunch costs for you and your guide
Tour Important Information
• This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Several places we will visit do not accept credit cards, so please bring cash.
・The tea room is sometimes closed or fully booked. I will find another tea room or destination instead.
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
About Tour Guide Atsuko T.
Hello. My name is Atsuko.I'm a licensed tour guide in Japan.
I have lived in Osaka since I was born.
I have guided many tourists all over the world as a volunteer for 6 years. I like showing my tourists my favorite places in Japan and talking with them. Osaka, where I was born and raised, is famous for foods, modern and ancient cultures. Nara and Kyoto, which are neighboring places, were ancient capitals in Japan. I'm happy to visit those places with you.
Reviews
Ruma D.
“Visiting Nara Park”
It was a pleasure to have Atsuko as our guide! She made everything so easy for us as we were traveling with three old twins. She tailored our itinerary to accommodate our needs and took us to all the key areas and also found a restaurant that accommodated all 6 of us in our party for lunch. Atsuko was very knowledgeable and had a calm disposition which suited us very well. I give her two thumbs up and five stars!!
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Atsuko T.
Hello Ms. Ruma, Thank you for your kind review and words for me. I really enjoyed showing my favorite area, Nara, and talking with all of you. I am happy to hear you enjoyed this Nara tour. It was fun to join your family trip. It is getting colder in Nara and Osaka. Please say ‘thank you’ to your family. Thank you. Best regards, Atsuko
Amalia E.
“Excellent Experience ”
Believe and trust all the high reviews. I am glad I did. Atsuko made my first experience using Gowithguide an incredibly one. She is an amazing guide, very responsive from the start. Extremely organized, helpful and patient. She communicated often throughout the entire experience. Provided an itinerary based on individual interests. Presented a print of the itinerary with pictures the day of the trip. She was very good in explaining the history of each place during the tour. Even at the end she said goodbye by giving a souvenir. Because of this wonderful experience I look forward to using Gowithguide on my future travels. Thank you Atsuko. Arigatō Kindly from Amalia
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Atsuko T.
Hello Ms. Amalia, Thank you for your kind review and comment for me. I really appreciate your words. It was hot and humid yesterday but you were enthusiastic about visiting Kyoto and learning the history and culture there. I was very happy to show you my favorite areas and talk with you. Unfortunately, we could not take Shinkansen. I hope you can take it on your next trip in Japan. Please enjoy the rest of your journey. Thank you. Best regards, Atsuko
Benjamin S.
“Satisfying tour and a helpful guide!”
Atsuko is a wonderful tour guide from the very beginning all the way through. Before the tour, she produced an itinerary based on our wants and her experience. We ended up hitting all the major spots we wanted to visit. During the tour, she was accommodating and quick to resolve unplanned needs such as needs for water or bathroom. She explained things to us from cultural and historical perspectives. In the end she even helped us resolve a confusion on our dinner reservation made by the hotel. In summary, Atsuko is a great tour guide and she went beyond what’s expected of a tour guide.
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Atsuko T.
Hello Mr. Benjamin, Thank you for your kind review and comment for me. I also had a wonderful time with you in Kyoto. I am happy to hear you enjoyed the tour. Kyoto is busy but very attractive. It was great to visit places that you wanted to visit. Thank you for joining my tour. Please say hello to everyone. Best regards, Atsuko
$279/ per group
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