In the Wake of Tokugawa Shoguns -Kyoto
Joined 2019
Kyoto is the place where the first Tokugawa Shogun was inaugurated and where the last 15th Tokugawa Shogun gave up his power to the emperor.
On the tour, we will visit the places that are related to the Tokugawa Shoguns.
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 Kyoto or Kyoto station
- TBD
Nijo Castle
Nijo castle was built by the 1st Tokugawa shogun in 1603. He was appointed to a shogun by the emperor in this castle in the same year. It had been used as a Tokugawa Kyoto Palace until 1634 when the 3rd Tokugawa shogun visited this castle from Edo.
The 15th and the last Tokugawa shogun declared to give up his Sovern to the emperor in this castle just before the Boshin War (1868-1869).
This is where Tokugawa shogunate began and ended.
JPY1300
Chio-in temple
Chio-in was build by the high priest Honen in 1175 and is the headquarters of the Jodo (Pure land) sect of Buddhism.
As the Tokugawa family belonged to this sect, this temple became the Tokugawa’s family temple after the 17th century.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Shogun rebuilt many halls of this temple. It was said that they rebuilt this big temple to watch the Imperial Court along with Nijo castle.
Free, JPY400 for garden
Konchi-in
Konchi-in was built by the Ashikaga shogun as a Zen temple between 1394 and 1427. It has a beautiful Zen garden designed by the famous garden designer in the 17th century.
One of the three Toshogu (shrine which enshrines the spirit of the 1st Tokugawa shogun as a deity) is here.
JPY500
Gokonomiya shrine
It is not known when this Shinto shrine was established. It is said that water with nice scent is the origin of the faith of this shrine. The main deity is a legendary empress and three of the sons of the 1st Tokugawa shogun took birth bath at this shrine. During the Boshin war, this shrine became one of the fierce battle field.
Free, JPY200 for garden
Ending Point
TBD
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
Guiding fee
Insurance
Transportation guide and guests
Lunch for guide and guests
Tour Important Information
*This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
* This tour is not recommended for those with severe back/knee problems.
* This tour is not covered by insurance.
* Please let me know in advance if you have any food allergies or other dietary restrictions.
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 2019
About Tour Guide Hiroyuki T.
Hi!
I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations.
I am very good at cultural heritages.
And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area.
I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government.
I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka and other places as I was a cultural heritage management and international relations professional.
I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
If you need a good guide in the Tokyo area, I have a friend on GoWithGuide I can recommend you!
Reviews
Joel G.
“Excellent Guide”
Hiroyuki-san was a patient and thoughtful guide to Kyoto.
Arlene N.
“Osaka Hidden Gem”
This was another memorable day tour with Hiroyuki, and my sister and I had a great time exploring different parts of Osaka. In keeping with his story-telling style, Mr Hiro shared his knowledge of the city, its architecture and its history, adding to the richness of the tour experience. My sister walks with a cane and Mr Hiro took extra care with her while we were navigating through subways and train stations, and along garden paths and old city streets. Thank you for your kindness and patience. We can’t wait to return for more tours with Hiroyuki.
Hiroyuki T.
Yes, same here! I cannot wait to see you again. See you again next year! Hiro
Chris R.
“If you're looking for a deeper, more meaningful way to experience Kyoto, this tour is it.”
To start, Hiroyuki helped us navigate the complexities of Kyoto’s public transit system and translated at ticket counters and restaurants, allowing us to use our time more efficiently and focus less on logistics and more on appreciating Kyoto’s rich culture and beauty. That alone would have made the tour worth it. But what Hiroyuki offered went far beyond that. In just one day, we learned almost as much about Japanese spirituality, culture, and religious history as we would in an introductory college course. He gave us an engaging, accessible introduction to the core philosophies of Shinto, as well as Zen Buddhism, Pureland Buddhism, and their influences from Hinduism. His explanations struck the perfect balance: clear and compelling, full of insight without ever feeling overwhelming or academic. (He even wove in humor and pop culture references that resonated with our teenagers!) Thanks to that, each Shinto shrine, Buddhist temple, and Zen garden we visited carried deeper meaning---we weren’t just seeing beautiful places; we were beginning to understand what they represent. Hiroyuki also went the extra mile, helping us choose restaurants based on our preferences and even adjusting the tour route to end near our evening shopping and dining plans. We left Kyoto with a deeper appreciation of it, thanks to Hiroyuki’s incredible gift for bringing Japan’s history, spirituality, and culture vividly to life.
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for spending time with me in Kyoto. Kyoto is the place! It is always nice to see people from Utah. I have a lot of beautiful memories there. It is good to know that you liked the tour and I like people like you who pay a lot of respect to our cultural and religions. Thank you very much once again, hope to see you again in the future, if I live long.
$310/ per group
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