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Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses in three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyma to feel the profundity of Kyoto.
If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Kyoto or Kyoto station
- TBD
Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha was founded in 708, before Kyoto became the capital as a shrine for agriculture, and it later added the role of commerce and attracted the devout faith of the common people. It is the main shrine of 30,000 Inari shrines nationwide, and is famous for the 1,000 torii gates that stand on the pilgrimage road leading to the Okuno-in, but 10,000 torii gates are lined up on the pilgrimage road leading to the summit.
Bamboo Forest and Arashiyama
This bamboo forest in Arashiyama is the most famous one in Japan and has been a tourist destination for a long time. The promenade that walks under the sun shine through the bamboo trees of a 20-meter-high represents the beauty of Japan. The observation spots of the Hozu Valley and the famous Togetsu Bridge are also nearby.
Lunch
If you want to try authentic Zen vegetarian lunch, please let me know beforehand
Ryoan-ji, the Rock Garden
Built in 1450 by a daimyo (war lord), this temple is very well known for its Rock Garden. This simple garden with only 15 rocks lined up in a rectangular garden with pebbles is itself the spirit of Wabi and Sabi that finds beauty in simplicity. Many artists say that they were inspired by this garden, which is also a place to practice Zen.
Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion
Built in 1397 as the residence and office of the 3rd Ashikaga shogun, this luxurious building was converted into a Zen temple after the shogun's death. At the top of the three-story building is a statue of the Golden Phoenix with Eternal Wishes, and the third and second floors are covered with gold leaf. There is a garden with a pond with the image of the Pure Land of Paradise (heaven) in front of the building which reflects the Golden Pavilion on its water.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kyoto or downtown Kyoto
Want to personalize this tour?
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Inclusions & Exclusions
guide fee
Insurance
Transportation fee
Entrance fee
Lunch for guests and guide
Tour Important Information
As we will walk a lot, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Tours are NOT covered by insurance. Make sure to be covered by your own insurance.
Transportation fare, entrance fees and lunch are NOT included in the guide fee.
Direct payment will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
As bus ride in Kyoto is sometimes hectic, I recommend to use a taxi to and from Kinkaku-ji to avoid this,.
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
Kyoto Tour Reviews
“Highlights of Osaka with Hiro”
Hiro was a fantastic tour guide, showing us all the sites of Osaka. He was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with all of our questions. We cannot say enough good things about our experience with him. Thank you!
Hiroyuki T.
(124 reviews)Thank you very much for your kind words. I hope you had a good time in Osaka yesterday. By the way, how is your knee? Are you okay? Have you heard that JR had made a cancellation announcement? I hope that everything will go well with you.
Natalie C.
One Day in Mount Koya. Feel the Sacredness and Holiness
“Koya San with Hiro”
Hiroyuki was a superb guide! We had already spent 2 weeks in the Kansai region, but our day with Hiro on Mt Koya was certainly one of the highlights, due to the detail of his plans and knowledge. Calm and easy to chat to, Hiro provided us with many insights into Japanese culture, beyond the fascinating insights into Kukai, esoteric Buddhism and Koya San. He patiently answered our many questions and gave us some very useful tips for our trip to Nachi the following day! We had an amazing lunch in a restaurant recommended by him and it was fascinating to learn so much about many varied topics. We will always remember this amazing experience and would highly recommend him as a guide! Thanks again, Hiro!
“Very friendly”
He was very attentive to what the kids might loke and he took them to all the right places!!! Thank you for a memorable day!
Hiroyuki T.
(124 reviews)Thank you very much for your kind message. I am glad kids liked the tour. See you later for Nara tour.
