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Kyoto Zen and Spritual tour, Kiyomizudera, Sanjusangendo, Byodoin and more
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Joined 2019
There are a lot of cultural properties like temples and shrines in Kyoto. In this tour, we will visit some temples and shrines in Higashiyama to meet Buddhas and Deities. We will visit Kiyomizu Temple, Sanjusangendo Temple, Yasaka Shrine and Byodoin Temple or Fushimi Inari Shrine. I will be able to finish the tour at Gion so that you can explore Gion and Nishiki Market.
*If you need a good guide in the Tokyo area, I have a friend on GoWithGuide that I can recommend you!
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
Byodoin Temple or Fushimi Inari Shrine
Byodoin Temple was built in the 11th century and its main buddha is Amitabha. This buddha lives in the West Pure Land and he comes to us with other buddhas when we die to take our soul to his pure land. This temple was built to express the West Pure Land to pray for it. You will be able to see how the buddhas come to us here.
Fushimi Inari is a Shinto Shrine which is older than the capital Kyoto. The main deities here are in charge of business and agriculture. A lot of people come here to pray for success. This shrine is famous for Torii gates and foxes. Torii is an entrance gate to the sacred site of Shinto, there are 10,000 of them here. Foxes are thought to be messengers from the deity. There are many statues of fox here.
JPY700 per person for Byodoin
Fushimi Inari is free
Sanjusangendo Temple
Sanjusangendo Temple was built in the 12th century to enshrine the Buddha of Mercy (Kannon). The Buddha of Mercy here has 11 faces on her head and 40 arms to save people.
There are 1,000 manifestations of her around her. It is said that you will be able to find a statue of buddha which looks like a dead person you are missing. In front of them are 28 guardian buddhas, and the God of Wind and a God of thunder. They are all former Hindu Gods. You can see how Buddhism and Hindu are related here.
JPY600 per person
Kiyomizu Temple, Sannen-zaka, the Pagoda of Yasaka and others
Kiyomizu Temple was established in the 8th century before Kyoto became the capital. It was expanded by the 1st Shogun in Japanese history. This temple is famous for its pure water, the Buddha of Mercy (Kannon) and stage.
Small water falls here are the origin of the faith of this temple. People pray for success, love and longevity at the waterfalls. The main Buddha is the Buddha of mercy which has 11 faces and 40 arms to save people. She is with the guardians and there are other buddhas in the other halls of this temple. The stage is a place to pray for Buddha. The stage here is 13m high. A lot of people jumped off the stage to show determination.
From this temple, we will walk on Sannenzaka to Yasaka Shrine. On our way, there are the Pagoda of Yasaka, Kodaiji Temple and other cultural properties.
JPY400 per person for Kiyomizudera
Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine is a Shinto shrine. It enshrines Susano who is one of the most famous Shinto Deities, and others. This is a big shrine compound so to speak, there are 22 shrines in the same compound. It is the headquarters of the 2,300 Yasaka shrines throughout of Japan.
Free.
Gion(Geiko and Maiko District)
Gion was developed as a place to serve the pilgrims to Yasaka Shrine. It is the home of Maiko and Geiko. Today they entertain business people in Gion which is called flower town. There are 5 flower town in Kyoto and Gion is the biggest and the most famous one.
This tour finishes at Gion if it is okay with you. You will be able to explore more in Gion and Nishiki Market nearby.
Free.
Ending Point
TBD (at Gion)
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,
Tickets,
Transportation cost after we meet for you and the guide(me),
Lunch for the guests and guide
Food and drinks,
Others
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.
* 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
Christian W.
“Interesting day trip to Mount Koya”
We had a great day with Mr. Hiroyuki, traveling from Osaka to Koyasan and spending the whole day there. We learnt a lot about the concepts of Buddhism and Shintoism, their history and how they developed and partially mixed. He knows a lot about it and explains it very well and understandably, writing down the main facts. Easy to follow. Of course their was plenty of time to ask questions and learn. Thanks for the very interesting day.
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Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice meeting you and your family, I am glad to know that you liked the tour. Did you go back to the Temple Complex after dark? Did you see a monk ringing the bell there? It is a quiet and beautiful place, isn’t it? You had a right choice. Koyasan is a place for people like you and your family. Hiro
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Tiffany B.
“2 Days and 2 Cities With Hiro”
Hiro is the perfect guide if you are looking to achieve balance between old and new. He met our request for temples, shrines, anime, and fun. He is very knowledgeable about the history and various cultures within Kyoto and Osaka, as well as the temples and shrines that adorn the streets. He took us to the best locations for family pictures and recommended an excellent restaurant for lunch in both Kyoto and Osaka. I have already recommended him to friends touring Japan in 2026. Thank you, Hiro, for making our time in Kyoto and Osaka so enjoyable.
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was very nice meeting you; it was very hot and humid when you were in Osaka and Kyoto. We had a record-breaking hot summer this year (it is still very hot and humid). But we had wonderful days, I am very glad to know that you liked the tours. There are a lot more to see in this area, I hope that you have a chance to coming back here. I am looking forward to hearing from your friend for the tour. Thank you very much again, take care of yourself. Hiro
Michael C.
“Great Experience!”
My family had great time in Osaka with Hiro! He made us understand history and tradition of Japan. He was especially patient and wonderful with my seven year-old, who can talk your ears off. I highly recommend Hiro as a guide to your Osaka vacation!
Hiroyuki T.
Michael san, Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice to spend time with you and your family. You have wonderful children, I envy you! When I was seven years old, I was too shy to talk to an adult and I only knew that Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Are you back home now? Say hello to your family. Hiro
$305/ per group
More tours by Hiroyuki T.
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Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
There are a lot of places to visit, a lot of things to do in Osaka. From historical sites to food venders hopping. CHOOSE 3-4 places you want to visit from the list below and let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
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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 on 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.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
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One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well.
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
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Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
In Nara, eight Buddhism temples and Shintoism Shrines are included in the World Heritage as “Historic Monuments in Ancient Capital of Nara” as those represent close cultural exchanges between Japan and China, and even Hellenism culture in the 8th century. On this tour we will visit three of them in a day from Osaka.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Kyoto
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One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
Tour will start from the Hotel in Kyoto. Frst visit is Kinkakuji temple (Golden Pavillion ),then, to Ryoanji tmple where is famous for rock garden. Tour will stop at Arasiyama area to take lunch and visit Togetsu bridge, Bamboo grove, Tentyuji temple and others. The last visit is NIjyo castle. As these places are normally crowded. using chartered taxi is highly recommended in order to effectively use your valuable time in Kyoto.
One day tour in Kyoto (Arashiyama area)
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Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
Why not enjoy your holidays in Kyoto? You can certainly get in touch with many things Japanese that we are proud of. They are old temples and shrines, cultural assets and the beautiful natural surroundings. You can also enjoy dropping in at souvenir stores and buy exquisitely made products, such as folding fans, porcelain and traditional Japanese cakes. I would like to take you to the following places, which are the three representative tourist destinations in this city: (1) Arashiyama It is the place where all the traditional natural beauties of Japan are combined together. They are Togetsukyo bridge, bamboo grove and the old temples. If you go up to the observation spot, you can enjoy the magnificent view of the gorge below. You can also see rickshaws of the olden times drawn by young people with smiling passengers on board. There are souvenir shops selling variety of goods and products. (2) Nijo-jo Castle (World Cultural Heritage Site) This castle was built in the early 17th century by the Tokugawa Shogunate government for the purpose of protecting the Kyoto Imperial Palace and as the accommodations when Tokugawa Shogun was in Kyoto. It was subsequently enlarged by successive Shogun. It is the castle as well as the palace, where you can see the powerful structures and beautiful gardens. You can learn, in addition, how great the power of Tokugawa Shogun was. (3) Kinkakuji temple (the Golden Pavilion) (World Cultural Heritage Site) The history of this temple began when the third Shogun of the Muromachi period acquired a tract of land in this area from a powerful statesman in 1397 and built a villa of his own to entertain the Emperor and members of the nobility. The upper two levels of the temple are covered with pieces of gold foil and are shining brilliantly against the background of the rich greenery. The pond in the foreground reflects the golden structure. It looks like the materialization of Pure Land of Buddha in this world. In addition, on the top of the golden structure is the shining phoenix.
Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
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Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
Perfect for those with limited time, this well-organized tour allows you to experience Kyoto’s most iconic sights efficiently. The itinerary includes the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and ends in the historic Gion district. While these popular spots can be crowded, we utilize taxis and public transport to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey through this culturally rich city.
Kyoto's must-see attractions and World Heritage sites in one day.
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Hilights in Kyoto & Nara
We will visit three highlights in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Bamboo Grove & Tenryuji Temple in Arashiyama and Kinkakuji Temple and visit two highlights in Nara, Todaiji Temple and Nara Deer Park. You will fully enjoy these places and get in touch with feelings of Kyoto and Nara cultures.
Hilights in Kyoto & Nara
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