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North Kyoto, Incomplete Window Hopping at Artist Village
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Joined 2024
Trace the source of unique Japanese Painting and Zen Enlightenment amid the three peaks of Mt.Takagamine. A multi-talented artist built an artist village with his clan and artisans 400 years ago. He formed a painting technique with a gold foil and bold composition. The school was named Rinpa later. The tour goes around the former artist’s residence, and neighboring temples with different-shaped windows for becoming enlightenment: perfect round, incomplete round, and square.
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 any convenient place in Kyoto City center.
Takagamine-Koetu Area
>Takagamine Genkoan-mae bus stop
Koetsuji Temple
>Koetsuji Temple/former annex of artist’s residence was converted into the temple and named after the artist's namesake.
#4 tea houses, fence(Koetsu-gaki) made of crisscrossed bamboo, panoramic view overlooking the three peaks
Genkoan Temple & Josyoji Temple
>Genkoan Temple/Zen sect temple with round window (window of enlightenment) and square window (window of confusion) in the main hall
>Josyoji Temple/The temple was in connection with Yoshino Tayu who embraced the founder of the temple
#Yoshino-mon gate donated by Yoshino Tayu, tea house with incomplete round-shaped window
*Yoshino Tayu: high-ranking entertainer with incomparable beauty and intelligence in Shimabara leisure district in the 17th century
Ending Point
At your hotel or any convenient place in Kyoto City center
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 Kyoto City center
>transportation fee (you and guide)/bus and/or train (some 2000 JPY/person, undecided), taxi( undecided)
>admission fee (you and guide)/
Koetsuji Temple (400/500 JPY, varies by season),
Genkoan Temple (400/500 JPY, varies by season),
Josyoji Temple (400 JPY)
>short break/lunch /dinner
Tour Important Information
>Please wear comfortable shoes for walking
>The above extra fees are often asked with CASH on the spots, so please bring some JPY
>This tour is not covered by insurance
Important message from the supplier
>If you would like to take a listed or customized tour, please send me a message in advance. I will check the availability of the spots listed on the itinerary (opening days, hours, reservation status, etc.).
>The tour uses trains, subways, trams, buses, walking, and taxis (for small groups) for easy access. Please wear comfortable walking shoes for transfers.
>Please note that we may change or add spots depending on the availability of public transportation and tourist attractions.
>The tour does not include insurance. I hope you purchase your own travel insurance.
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 2024
About Tour Guide Yosshi S.
Thank you for visiting my page. Discover 1,300 years of history as I guide you through Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto.
These 3 cities were the sites of the Imperial Palace from the 7th to the 19th centuries, and were the political, economic, and cultural centers of Japan. Due to political upheavals and natural disasters, the Imperial Palace was moved 15 times in the vicinity, leaving numerous historical sites, from famous tourist attractions to hidden gems.
I grew up in Osaka, studied in Kyoto, and obtained a Master's in Urban and Transportation Planning. With 20 years of urban planning as a public official in Tokyo and Osaka, I have visited 90 cities in 30 countries, gathering insights and photographs that enrich my Listed Tours on this page. I have always been passionate about creating cities where residents can live comfortably and with pride. Furthermore, I am striving to share the charm of the 3 cities with many people and pass it on to future generations. To this end, I have obtained 2 national qualifications (General Travel Service Manager and Licensed Guide Interpreter) that enable me to create new tours, recruit participants, and guide tours.
All 3 cities, as well as international airports and ports, are within a one-hour train ride of each other. Each city offers excellent transportation: subways, trams, buses, and taxis. I will create a Customized Plan that efficiently visits the places you want to see within your limited time, fulfilling your purpose and interests to the fullest.
Let's explore these charming ancient cities, where nature and cityscapes blend seamlessly through each season: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and snowy winter landscapes. I look forward to hearing from you.
Reviews
James S.
“Great Guide!”
Yosshi was a great guide. He had vast knowledge of the sights we visited. Very friendly and payed attention to our needs as we explored. I would book with him again. Thank you Yosshi.
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Yosshi S.
Dear James San. Thank you for your review. I was happy to share my experience with you as you have an interest in Osaka's history. Hearing about your hometown has added to my bucket list. The day was sunny, the autumn leaves were beautiful, and there weren't many tourists, so I was able to show you ancient, medieval, and early modern sites. We were also able to go up the Osaka Castle Tower and the Tsutenkaku Tower for a bird's-eye view of Osaka's topography. Osaka's long history has been supported by its citizens. Next time, I'd like to guide you to markets and theaters where we can experience the vitality of its citizens. Thank you for yesterday. Yosshi
Drew B.
“Cultural tour of Kawachi/Osaka ”
Yosshi san created a unique tour to introduce us to the history of Kofun burial mounds and Haniwa clay pottery. We had an amazing day despite the weather visiting Shin-ike Haniwa Factory Park and the Imashirozuka Museum. Yosshi san has amazing knowledge & excellent English and was a pleasure to spend the day with. Also Yosshi san is a master of navigating Osaka transport, very impressed!! Thank you again Yosshi san for looking after us so well, Drew & Annie.
Yosshi S.
Dear Drew & Annie san Thank you so much for sending me your generous review. You read the explanations, took photos, and asked questions to the museum guide during the tour. I was impressed by your deep interest and knowledge, and it was a great honor to guide you. However, it's unfortunate that today's tour didn't go as planned due to the heavy rain all day. Here is the only imperial mausoleum in Japan that we can enter, so if we have another opportunity, I'd like to stroll around the 350-meter burial mound on a sunny day and discuss the Kofun age with you. Thank you so much for today. Regard Yosshi
James K.
“Nara park and Todai-Temple Tour”
Wonderful tour with Yosshi. Really enjoyed both Nara Park and the Todai-ji Temple. Yosshi customized the tour for our needs, and made the travel to and from Kyoto seamless.
Yosshi S.
Hello James san Thank you for your heartwarming review. I was so happy to see you and your mother enjoying the deer in Nara Park. I was also touched by how much you always cherish your mother, and I learned a lot from you. I'm glad I was able to show you around Nara Park and the Great Buddha Hall. On the train ride there and back, you and your mother told me stories about your town and asked me many questions, which broadened my horizons. I hope you and your mother are in good health. I look forward to seeing you again. Thank you. Yosshi
$228/ per group
More tours by Yosshi S.
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Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hill
Osaka dates back to the 6th century, when a national temple was constructed on a hill jutting out into the sea. In the Middle Ages, court nobles believed the “Pure Land of Buddha” was beyond the setting sun. They would watch the sunset from temples with great views while on pilgrimage from Kyoto to Kumano. In the early 20th century, locals constructed a so-called “Paradise on Earth” beneath the hill, which was called “New World” centered on the symbol tower, “Lead to Heaven Tower”
Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hill
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Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer
In the 8th century, Nara became the nation's capital with grid-like streets and a new Imperial Palace. The emperor erected the Great Buddha to pray for peace and stability in the country. Powerful aristocrats invited deities from afar to enshrine them at newly built shrines and pray for prosperity. In the 19th century, this area was opened to the public as Nara(Deer) Park, a unique place where residents and tourists could engage in ritual ceremonies and interact with deer on the grassy plazas.
Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer
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Nara, Original Landscape of Old Town with Temples and Mountains
An 8th-century waka poem states, "Nara is a land of supreme beauty, surrounded by mountains." Ikaruga town began as a temple town for Horyuji, the world's oldest temple, and its pagoda towers amid a rural landscape surrounded by mountains. Naramachi town, a post town established within the grounds of Gangoji Temple in the 18th century, still retains its retro-flavored streetscape. This tour explores these areas and appreciates the tranquil, beautiful, and pristine landscape in the old town.
Nara, Original Landscape of Old Town with Temples and Mountains
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Kyoto, Hike in Peaceful Forest & Temple
Experience the charm of tranquility in a mountain temple. Take a 3km walk around the foothills of the Higashiyama Mountain Range, visiting shrines and temples along the path. Starting at Seikanji Temple on Mt. Kiyomizu (242m height), follow the Uta-no-Nakayama Road to Kiyomizu-dera. Then, go through Sanneizaka and Nene-no-michi, and reach Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, we can feel old stories of tragic love while enjoying panoramic views of the Kyoto cityscape.
Kyoto, Hike in Peaceful Forest & Temple
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
Authentic cultural insights into Kyoto’s geisha world, Shinto & Buddhist traditions Scenic historical streets without rushing Ideal photo opportunities A relaxed, educational walk through Kyoto’s most charming districts
Kyoto Heritage Walking Tour
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Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
Step into the beauty of Arashiyama, Kyoto’s scenic district, with this 4-hour walking tour. Starting from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, you’ll visit the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the historic Tenryū‑ji Temple, the enchanting Sagano Bamboo Grove, and the peaceful Adashino Nenbutsu‑ji Temple. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and serene strolls away from the main crowds.
Arashiyama Morning Highlights: Bamboo, Temples & Scenic Views
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A Zen Immersion at Daitoku-ji Temple: Gardens and Tea
Daitoku-ji is a renowned Zen temple founded in 1315. During this visit, we will explore three to four of its 24 sub-temples that are open to the public. You will gain insight into Zen philosophy while enjoying serene gardens and traditional ink paintings, as well as an introduction to the tea ceremony rooted in Zen practice. Optional add-ons include a zazen meditation experience (subject to availability) and a Zen vegetarian lunch. Refresh yourself in the tranquil grounds.
A Zen Immersion at Daitoku-ji Temple: Gardens and Tea
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Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
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