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Premium tour of Kyoto (2):Nishi-Honganji temple, Higashi-Honganji temple & Shoseien garden
Joined 2014
I will take you to the tour of two well-known temples and a quiet garden in Kyoto, all of which located within the radius of one kilometer from JR Kyoto station and provided with the city bus services.
(1) Nishi-Honganji temple
Designated as the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994, Nishi-Honganji Temple is the mother temple and headquarters of the Honganji faction of Jodo (Pure Land) Shinshu sect of Buddhism. The Jodo-Shinshu teaching was established by the Venerable "Shinran-shonin" (1173-1263) in the Kamakura period (1185 to 1333). He underwent austere training and hardships in various parts of the country before returning to Kyoto to complete his work, "Kyogyoshinsho", or The True teaching, Practice and Realization of the Pure Land Way on Buddhism. After his demise, his daughter erected a mausoleum at Higashiyama, Kyoto, which became the foundation of Nishi-Honganji Temple today. In the 16th century, it was moved to and re-established at the present location.
Followers of this sect, according to its doctrine, will be reborn in the Pure Land and attain Enlightenment. They will be able to live lives to the fullest, become aware of both potentials and limitations in this world, overcome difficulties and realize happiness within their lifetime.
There are many structures in the precincts, many of which have the status of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Japan. They are: " Amidado" (Hall of "Amida" Buddha, built in 1760), "Goeido" (Founder`s Hall, completed in 1636), "Karamon" Gate, Shoin Hall, "Hiunkaku" House (believed to be part of Jurakudai Palace built by a ruler of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi) and others. There is also a 400-year-old huge ginkgo tree called the "upside-down ginkgo tree", because it looks as if its roots were spread into the sky.
(2) Higashi-Honganji temple
Originally built in 1604 but most recently rebuilt in 1895, this temple is officially called "Shinshu-Honbyo", or The Principal Mausoleum of the True Pure Land Teaching, consisting of the two gigantic halls of "Goeido", or the Founder`s Hall and "Amidado", or Amida Buddha Hall. This temple belongs to the same faction as its counterpart, Nishi-Honganji temple, so the doctrine is basically the same. However, what makes this temple distinguishable are the historical relics preserved there: "kezuna" hair rope consisting of women`s hair and hemp tissues, a sample of a sledge used to transport huge pieces of timber and the diorama reproducing the scene of the avalanche. There are a total of 156 huge pillars whose diameter is some 60 centimeters made of zelkova tree in the two halls. Important Buddhist ceremonies are occasionally held here, attracting a large number of followers.
(3) Shoseien Garden
Located some 500 meters east of and belonging to Higashi-Honganji temple, Shoseien Garden has been the place for the retired head priests of the temple to spend their latter days since the middle of the 17th century. There are many gardens, tea houses, along with the two ponds, but the present buildings were rebuilt after the civil war of 1864. After the Meiji Restoration of Japan took place in 1868, many dignitaries, including the consuls of Qing dynasty, Italy and Russia, as well as
the Japanese nobles visited there. Even Japanese Emperor Meiji and Russian Crown Prince Nicholas Ⅱ spent some time there.
You can enjoy strolling along the paths in the perfectly landscaped garden while watching the trees and hearing birds sing. You can immerse yourself in the quiet and serene atmosphere somewhat different from that of temples.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
Nishi-Honganji temple, famous for its two gigantic ginkgo trees, together with the two magnificent structures.
Higashi-Honganji temple, famous for its two magnificent structures and the sample of hair rope.
Beautifully landscaped gardens in Shoseien garden.
Ending Point
At your hotel
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 area
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee, hotel pick-up in areas outside Kyoto city
Tour Important Information
Important message from the supplier
I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.
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 2014
About Tour Guide Tatsuhiro N.
It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.
Reviews
Wilson W.
Premium tour of Kyoto (1) : Arashiyama, Nijo-jo Castle & Kinkakuji temple
“Great tour”
Hiro was a great guide and gentleman.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Bill-san & LeAnn-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment, which encouraged and inspired me to do a better job as an entertainer for tourists from abroad. Your pleasure is mine. I am sure you are now settled in your home in the state of Arizona consisting largely of deserts. I wish you two an even greater happiness and better health. Regards, Hiro
“Fun Day in Nara”
Hiro-san (Tatsuhiro) was a thoughtful and interesting guide. He brought along home-made props to help us dress up and take pictures for this location. We are slow paced seniors so this 1/2 day travel by subway and walking tour to see the Great Buddha and the deers in Nara was an exhilarating day trip.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Nina-san, Thank you very much for your favorable review. I am much encouraged reading it. Above all, I am glad the two-day tour was completed safely and that I saw your smiling faces all the way. I wish you all a good luck and happy days ahead. See you again sometime somewhere. Regards, Hiro
“Kind and knowledgeable guide for our day in Kyoto”
Hiro-san expertly guided my son and I on a day tour of Kyoto. Hiro met us promptly as promised and kindly provided a sun umbrella for the hot day. He expertly guided us around Kyoto using walking and public transportation, making us feel like locals. Hiro has a very kind manner and was very patient with us, allowing to make changes during the day as needed. He also brought along fun photo props for our day, and promptly sent us photos of us that he had taken. Kyoto is a beautiful city and we look forward to returning!
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Keith-san & Josh-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am glad you enjoyed a tour in Kyoto and I was much encouraged by your words. I wish you could have another opportunity to visit the city in the near future. I wish you an even greater success in your business and a good luck for Josh-san in his study. Regards, Hiro
$195/ per group
More tours by Tatsuhiro N.
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