Kyoto Philosophical Tour (Silver Route)
Joined 2017
This tour takes you to the must-see places mainly on the northeastern side of central Kyoto. The tour covers a relatively peaceful, natural area, including a popular local walking trail or sacred place for Japanese "Pure Land" Buddhism. As the tour visits a shrine, Zen garden, Pure Land Buddhism's secret place, Buddhist gate, and modern architecture, you will be able to experience a wide range of fascinating aspects of Japanese culture.
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 at the Kyoto Station
Meeting Point
At your hotel or Kyoto Station
Shimogamo Jinja Shrine
This is a facility of Shintoism, an Japanese domestic belief since early age, with a long history more than 1,000 years. It was designated as a World Heritage site in 1994 and famous for its beautifully flowing streams and forests that have been protected for more than 1,000 years.
Silver Pavillion Temple
This is a Zen meditation Buddhist temple and one of the world cultural heritage sites in Kyoto. Built about 550 years ago, it is quite famous as the birthplace of the Japanese "simple is best" culture. So, despite its name, the temple building is dark, not silver, though you can enjoy the depth of shabbiness that is a foundation of Japanese culture's preference for simplicity.
After enjoying the Silver Pavillion Temple, let's take a meal at a restaurant along the approach to the temple.
Philosopher's Path
This is a famous walking path (about 1.5 km (a bit shorter than 1 mile)) loved by local people. In modern times, the place became famous because of a unique Japanese philosopher, Kitaro NISHIDA. The philosopher is known as the pioneer of modern Japanese philosophy, who worked to combine Western philosophy with Japanese Zen philosophy to create a unique philosophical system.
Nanzen-ji Temple (Sanmon Gate & Suirokaku Aqueduct)
Sanmon Gate means "a gate symbolizing three steps to liberation." This gate is two stories high, and once inside, you will have to climb up the steep steps, but from the second floor you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city, and perhaps, attain enlightenment (as it represents three "steps" one must go through to become enlightened!)
Suirokaku Aqueduct is a unique brick architecture in the traditional Buddhist temple. It was originally built about 130 years ago as a part of the equipment of the hydroelectric power plant. The brick architecture creates a unique charm with a blend of Japanese and Western atmosphere, which is why it is popular on SNS such as Instagram today.
End Point
At your hotel or central Kyoto
Ending Point
At your hotel or any other places in the central Kyoto
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, hotel pick-up (in the central Kyoto)
Entrance fee, transportation fee, and any other costs than guide fee and hotel pick-up
Tour Important Information
1) For your flexibility, lunch, transportation and entrance fees are NOT included in the tour fee. (Of course, you can consult with the guide about a restaurant, route and spots, and the guide will give the best advice according to your preferences and cost).
2) Please come with comfortable and easy-walking clothes.
3) We will use public transportations on this tour.
Important message from the supplier
Operation days vary depending on the time of year and the week.
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 Hiroki K.
I am a professional government-licensed tour guide. So far, I have provided private and small group tours for more than 800 guests from about 30 countries in Kyoto and Osaka, where I have spent most of my adult life in the two cities. As a result, I have also been appointed as an inbound hospitality instructor by Japan Tourism Agency. So I believe you will have a fantastic experience.
Furthermore, I am also a specialist of tourism in general. I have experienced guide coaching, co-author of several inbound guidebooks, and translator of inbound materials. Especially in Kyoto, I have been in charge of a guide coaching program since 2020. Based on these experiences, I am doing a doctoral research in tourism studies (tourism ethics) in a university. So, I can assure you that you will also be in touch with more profound knowledge and wisdom that you cannot get anywhere else.
$284/ per group
More tours by Hiroki K.
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