(1) Sanjusangen-do temple
Officially called "Rengeo-in", meaning "Temple of the Lotus King Kannon-bosatsu", and designated as the National Treasure, it was originally established by the order of the cloistered emperor in 1164. After the original temple building was burnt down in 1249, the building was reconstructed in 1266 and it has remained unchanged to this day for some 700 years with four major renovations in that period. There is a 335-centimeter-high seated statue of Buddhist deity, Senju-Kannon Sahasra-bhuja, the principal image, and 1,000 life-size standing statues of Senju-Kannon in the 118-meter-long main hall of the temple.
There are also two powerful and dynamic statues of "Fujin" Wind God and "Raijin" Thunder God at either end of the hall and 28 images of guardian deities protecting the 1,001 "Kannon" deities and pious Buddhists. The statues are made of Japanese cypress using the assembled-wood construction method called "yosegi-zukuri" and coated with gold foil. As there are thirty-three 2.5-meter-long spaces between the columns, the temple came to be called "Sanjusangen-do" (a hall with 33 spaces between columns).
They tend to be ignored, but you cannot miss the two structures in the temple precincts: South Gate and roofed earthen fence, both of which are said to be made based on the idea of one time ruler of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and reflect the aesthetics of the 16th century.
(2) Kiyomizu-dera temple
According to the Chronicle of Kiyomizu-dera temple, it originated in 778 when the noted monk, Enchin, enshrined an image of "Kannon" Goddess of Mercy on the mountain overlooking the Otowa-no-taki waterfall; later in 798, the distinguished general, Sakanoue-no-Tamuramaro, built a Buddha hall there, following which the temple came under the official patronage of Emperor Kammu. Repeatedly destroyed by fire over the centuries, it was rebuilt on each occasion.
Today, the principal temple buildings are the "Saimon" West Gate, the three-storied pagoda, the "Kyodo" Sutra Hall, the "Tamurado" Founder`s Hall, the "Todorokimon" Middle Gate, the "Asakurado" Hall, the "Hondo" Main Hall and the "Amidado" Amida Buddha Hall, all aligned on an east-west axis.
The "Hondo" Main Hall, built in 1633, is the central building of the temple compound and is an example of "Kake-zukuri", or "overhang" architecture. It is famous for its so-called "Kiyomozu-dera stage", an imposing veranda, supported by a forest of tall wooden columns with wooden braces running through them crosswise and lengthwise. The temple itself is a magnificent building utilizing every sophisticated construction technique available in the olden times of Japan.
Not only can you be in the solemn atmosphere accompanied by the delicate aroma of burning incense, but also get the breathtaking view below from the 12-meter-high platform, which is popularly known for the proverb "Jumping off the stage of Kiyomizu-dera temple", meaning making a bold attempt at doing something dangerous or impossible. The Buddhist temple is attractive throughout the year in the beautiful natural surroundings: cherry-blossoms in early April, fresh green leaves in early summer and trees with beautiful red and yellow leaves late in autumn. Meanwhile, you can drink cold, clean water from a waterfall below the platform. You can also find various kinds of souvenir shops on both sides of the approach to the temple and spend a happy time there wondering what to buy.
(3) Ryozen-Kannon Goddess & Kodaiji temple
This imposing, 24-meter-high "Kannon" statue built in 1955 to wish for the construction of peace-loving Japan and to console the souls of Japanese killed in World War Ⅱ stands with the rich greenery in the background. Her serene, mild, gentle face gives us relief from our daily worries and concerns.
Kodaiji temple near the Kannon image was built by the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one-time ruler of Japan, to console his soul in 1606. Later, with the huge financial assistance made by Tokugawa Ieyasu, his successor, the temple enjoyed prosperity. After 1789, however, it lost many of its buildings due to repeated fires except the main hall, the mausoleum of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his wife Nene called "Mitamaya", where the statues of the couple is seated, the two tea houses and a few other structures.
There is a small museum in the temple precincts called Kodaiji Sho (palm-of-the-hand) Museum, where many pieces of "makie" lacquerware and other artifacts are on display. The lacquerware was made by sprinkling gold powder on the lacquered products such as spice containers, pitchers and chests of drawers. They are associated with the life of the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
At your hotel
At your hotel
guide fee, hotel pick-up in Kyoto area.
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, dinner, entrance fee, hotel pick-up outside Kyoto area
I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.
“Two cities in one day ”
Huri-sun was nice and friendly.We covered Nara and Arashimaya in one day.
Tatsuhiro N.
(46 reviews)Hi Alev-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I am glad you people enjoyed the tour today under the fine spring weather. Your story as the World Bank official was interesting. I hope you will enjoy your life to the maximum extent after you reach the retirement age. And thank you very much for treating me to the coffee and lunch. Regards, Hiro
“Sakura Sakura sakura”
Tatsuhiro was a lovely senior guide trotting along tog with us showing us the beauty of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera temple - where he prepared a highlight for my grandson, Inari, and Arashiyama bamboo forest in the evening - where there was hardly anyone at the peak of Sakura. Thank you for extending our tour till 7 pm. We had a great time.
Tatsuhiro N.
(46 reviews)Hi Shereen-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I really enjoyed walking with you around some of the popular sights of Kyoto and your smiling faces were my greatest reward. And how cute your grandson was! He definitely is the star in the future. Your daughter`s talk about studying in Australia and in the UK was interesting. I wish you all a good health and a good luck. Regards, Hiro
Melanie S.
Enjoy the full-blown cherry blossoms in Kyoto
Customized
“Excellent day in Kyoto”
We enjoyed our full day tour with Hiro in the beautiful city Kyoto. He was very patient with our large group and excellent at getting us where we wanted to go. He provided great information and was very thoughtful. He speaks good English. Thank you Hiro!
Tatsuhiro N.
(46 reviews)Hi Melanie-san, Thank you very much for the favorable comment. I am glad you and your company enjoyed the tour under the balmy spring weather. I am proud of myself for being a bit of help in showing you around the city. I wish you the best of luck. I am fine. Regards, Hiro