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Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour

The gate of Renge-ji Temple

The "framed" garden of Renge-ji Temple

Renge-ji Temple

The gate of Sanzen-in Temple

The garden of Sanzen-in Temple

The moss garden of Sanze-in Temple

The "framed" garden of Hosen-in Temple

The 700 years old pine tree in Hosen-in Temple

This is my favorite view from Hosen-in Temple

This is lunch offered in "Shomon" restaurant

Honda Vezel 4 seaters

Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour

Art, Culture, & Historical

Car Tour (driving guide)

Joined 2023

Kanae O.

5.00 / 5

(84 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English, Japanese (Native)

5 hours

Private tour (only you and Kanae O.)

Up to 4 people

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.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

09:00 AM

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.

09:30 AM

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.

10:30 AM

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.

12:00 PM

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?

This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What‘s included

Guide fee, Transportation (Car service by Honda Vezel 4 seaters), Parking, Gas.

What‘s not included

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

Joined 2023

Kanae O.

5.00 / 5

(84 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Kanae O.

Hello! I am Kanae, a nationally licensed guide. While working full-time as a lecturer at a local university in Kyoto, I have also been guiding for two years.

Born and raised in Kyoto, I am excited to share the beauty and culture of my hometown with my customers. Kyoto is an enchanting city, and even as a local, I am continually fascinated by its many charming spots. Whether it's the serene temples, vibrant markets, or hidden gems, there is always something new to explore and appreciate in this wonderful city.

Also, since my home is close to Shiga Prefecture, I am very familiar with the area. While Shiga may not be as popular as Kyoto, it offers a wealth of attractions for tourists. From historical sites such as temples and shrines to the stunning natural beauty of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, there is much to see and do. I am passionate about promoting Shiga and sharing its unique charm with visitors.

Reviews

Sue B.

5 / 5

May 27, 2026

Shiga Kusatsu Tour – Discover Your Roots

May 27, 2026

Shiga

7 hours 30 mins

Customized

“Highlight of our trip and most memorable experience ever!”

I can’t express how incredible my experience with our guide, Kanae, was during our private tour exploring my heritage in Japan. I am a sansei (third-generation Japanese American), and my family and I decided to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan. Kanae picked us up at our hotel in Kyoto and drove us to Shiga Prefecture, where we visited the castle ruins connected to my ancestors. She also helped interpret for me at the local historical museum and city hall. Kanae was so kind and generous with her time and knowledge, and she was incredibly easy to communicate with. She tailored our tour exactly to what I had dreamed of and went far beyond our expectations. Our full day with Kanae was the highlight of my trip. I will always be grateful to her for her kindness and for introducing me to the beauty and hospitality of Japan.

Lindsay D.