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Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour
Are you tired of the crowds at all the popular tourist sites in Kyoto? Join me on an excursion to my favorite region, Ohara, located in the northeastern part of the city, where you can experience the tranquil countryside ambiance. In Ohara, I will introduce you to three of the most charming temples, each offering a serene atmosphere and enchanting gardens in every season. Upon request, I can also take you to a local restaurant where you can savor traditional cuisine.
Meeting Point
At your hotel
- I will pick you up at your hotel if it is located in Kyoto city. Otherwise, please meet me in front of JR Yamashina station, the next station east of JR Kyoto station.
Rengeji Temple
Renge-ji Temple is a Tendai sect temple located at the foot of Mt. Seimyoji in Kamitakano, Sakyo Ward. The exact date of its founding is unclear, but it was originally a Ji sect temple in the central part of Kyoto. After being left in ruins following the Onin and Bunmei Wars (1467-1477), it was rebuilt at its current location by Imaeda Chikayoshi, a retainer of the Kaga Domain, to honor the memory of his grandfather, Shigenaga. He spent his remaining years as a cultured man of leisure who enjoyed the tea ceremony.
The temple was reconstructed at its current location in 1662. In 1666, a stone monument commemorating Imaeda Shigenaga's achievements was erected on the temple grounds, and records indicate that by 1681, this monument had been placed in the garden's pond. Therefore, it is believed that the garden was created around the same time as the temple's reconstruction.
Sanzen-In Temple
Sanzen-in Temple traces its origins back to the Enryaku period (782-806), when the Great Teacher Dengyo Daishi Saicho established a small temple under a large yew tree in the Minamidani area of the East Pagoda on Mount Hiei-in in Ohara, Kyoto. It is known as a ”monzeki“ temple where imperial princes and royalty have served as head priests for generations. You can experience the richness of the four seasons in the Shuhekien and Yuseien gardens, appreciate the high prestige of the Shinden and Kyakuden halls, and enjoy the beauty unique to Kyoto in the Ojo Gokuraku-in Hall, which houses a national treasure and other important cultural properties.
Housen-in Temple
Originally built between 1235 and 1238, it is considered the birthplace of 'Shomyo,' the origin of Japanese music. The garden features a five-needle pine over 500 years old, shaped like Mount Fuji, and recognized as a natural monument. The garden includes the Crane and Turtle Garden, with a pond shaped like a crane, a hill representing a turtle, and ancient sasanqua trees symbolizing Mount Horai. Additionally, the Pangyuan framed garden, where the pillars and spaces between the pillars of the guest hall are used to frame the garden's view, surrounds the study.
Ending Point
At your hotel or a place of your preference
Want to personalize this tour?
- Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
- Click below to tell us what you are looking for:
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, Transportation (Car service by Honda Vezel 4 seaters), Parking, Gas.
Meals (breakfast and lunch), admission fees for temples, insurance
*If you would like to have lunch there, please let me know in advance so that I can make a reservation. The price varies depending on the restaurant you choose, ranging from around 1500 yen (approximately 10 USD) to 5000 yen (approximately 35 USD).
Tour Important Information
* If you wish to have a party of more than four, please message me before booking the tour.
* If your hotel has insufficient parking space, I may ask you to wait in front of your hotel for pick-up.
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
Kyoto Tour Reviews
“Day trip around Kyoto”
We had a fantastic day with Kanae! She was exceptionally helpful and was happy to accommodate us. She drove us around Kyoto for the day, taking us to the temples and areas we wanted to visit. I wouldn’t hesitate to book with Kanae again when we come back to Kyoto.
June Z.
Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
“The only way to see Kyoto is with Kanae!”
Kanae was amazing, we had a great time! Due to Kyoto’s transportation system it is difficult to see all the main sights with limited time, but with Kanae’s help we saw all the major spots in one day and customized the places we wanted to visit too. We learned about the history behind them. We loved the early bird option as we wanted to avoid the crowds and got some amazing photos. She also showed us beautiful places off the beaten path and took us to an authentic Japanese lunch as well. The tour involves some walking which we enjoyed.
Farid A.
Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
“Excellent experience!”
Kanae is the best tour guide I have ever hired. She is very helpful, attentive to small details and reliable.
